Stoney is the tour guide for this Inishfree Irish Music Tour. Originally from Dublin, Stoney now lives in Shannon, Ireland. He says he guides just three or four tours a year. He and David Francey are fast friends. Stoney brings a life of stories, a detailed knowledge of the Irish language, and an inherited gift of storytelling to the tour. He’s also an accomplished Blues harp player and singer who surprised us twice with his chops.
Steven is the owner of Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and Traditional Farm, the homestead of his great great great grandmother. He and his wife bought the property to preserve it and his family’s history on the land. He leads a humorous tour of the farm, telling tales of Molly’s resourcefulness and the human influence on the landscape. The gift shop is a great source of all things wool. Today the site is staffed by his extended family.
Carmen, originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, lives in Portugal. She joined her mother in Ireland for this Inishfree Irish Music Tour. Carmen and her New Zealand husband own a house north of Lisbon, Portugal, near the coast, where they are able to surf and cycle almost year round. They were early adopters of Portugal’s invitation to gain citizenship, long before the post-COVID popularity of digital nomads. They both work remotely for companies outside of Portugal. Carmen is seen here with a Killarney view behind her.
Niamh was one of three musicians to play for the Inishfree Irish Music Tour tonight. It is always a treat to watch and listen to musicians who don’t often play with each other sit in a session and lead, follow, and improvise. Decisions are made mid song, eye contact is made, whoops are vocalized, and the songs go on. Niamh plays fiddle and sings. Her experimental five string fiddle from Norway, called a Hardanger D’amore, peaked my interest. It actually has 10 strings, five passing under the bridge and fingerboard that resonate sympathetically. The sound is full and broad. She was happy to show us her instrument, only the 41st of its kind in existence. Very cool. You can search her on instagram @niamhvbmusic.