The Trad Tourist

The Trad Tourist Connecting musicians and enthusiasts with authentic Irish Traditional Music experiences all over the world

I started The Trad Tourist because I wanted every Irish musician — new or seasoned — to feel brave enough to walk into a...
07/03/2025

I started The Trad Tourist because I wanted every Irish musician — new or seasoned — to feel brave enough to walk into a session anywhere and know they belong.

I’ve carried my whistle and notebook from Cookstown to Chicago, Cork to Columbus, listening for the stories behind the tunes that tie us together across oceans and generations.

Keeping these stories alive takes time, travel, and heart. If you’ve felt part of the journey, I’d love your support. Every paid subscription helps me keep playing, writing, and sharing the music that might otherwise be forgotten.

Become a paid subscriber or make a donation here:
https://the-trad-tourist.ghost.io/a-seat-at-the-session-a-story-worth-keeping/

Let’s keep the tunes alive, together.

Discover the heart of Irish Traditional Music with detailed session reviews, personal musician stories, and cultural insights, all celebrating the vibrant sounds and traditions worldwide.

On a chilly Sunday night in Chicago, I slipped through the door of Chief O’Neill’s, my whistle tucked away, my heart thu...
06/28/2025

On a chilly Sunday night in Chicago, I slipped through the door of Chief O’Neill’s, my whistle tucked away, my heart thumping like a bodhrán. This wasn’t my first time joining this legendary session, but tonight, something felt different. I’ve spent weeks reading Chief O’Neill’s dusty archives, yet here, history hums alive beside the pints and reels.

I tucked myself into the session nook, surrounded by fierce, generous women shaping Chicago’s Irish music scene in a pub owned by one of their own. For a moment, I wondered if the portrait of the Chief should step aside tonight—just for a heartbeat—to make room for the women holding the tunes together now.

If you ever find yourself in Chicago on a Sunday night, bring your whistle, your fiddle, your stories. Chief O’Neill’s will give you a seat, and the tunes will carry you home.

Step into a powerful all women led Irish session at Chief O’Neill’s Pub in Chicago. Whistles, fiddles, laughter, and legacy fill the room as history and tradition come alive through music, memory, and connection.

On a chilly Sunday evening in Chicago, I stepped through the door of Chief O'Neill's Pub, my whistle hidden in my purse ...
06/25/2025

On a chilly Sunday evening in Chicago, I stepped through the door of Chief O'Neill's Pub, my whistle hidden in my purse and my adrenaline pumping. This wasn't my first time at this legendary Irish session, but something was different tonight. I've spent the past few months studying Chief O'Neill himself and tonight the weight of history pressed gently against the present. As I settled myself into the session nook, surrounded by female musicians, at a woman owned bar, I felt like perhaps the giant portrait of Chief O'Neill should be replaced, at least for this evening - because tonight's about the formidable women shaping Irish music in Chicago….

https://the-trad-tourist.ghost.io/chief-oneills-sunday-session/

Chief O’Neill’s Pub Restaurant Garden Event Space

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Step into a powerful all women led Irish session at Chief O’Neill’s Pub in Chicago. Whistles, fiddles, laughter, and legacy fill the room as history and tradition come alive through music, memory, and connection.

New Post Today! Step into a powerful all women led Irish session at Cheif O'Chief O’Neill’s Pub Restaurant Garden Event...
06/12/2025

New Post Today!

Step into a powerful all women led Irish session at Cheif O'Chief O’Neill’s Pub Restaurant Garden Event Space in Chicago. Whistle, fiddles, laughter, and legacy fill the room as history and tradition come alive through music, memory, and connection.

Featuring Pauline Conneely, Kathleen Conneely, Liz Carroll, Jack Kinsella, and Pat Broaders. With special mentions and insights from Kevin Crawford, Eileen O'Brien and Mary Bergin.

Have a read and share it with your friends ☘️

Step into a powerful all women led Irish session at Chief O’Neill’s Pub in Chicago. Whistles, fiddles, laughter, and legacy fill the room as history and tradition come alive through music, memory, and connection.

I’m home sick today - but a cup of tea, my instrument and binge watching Liz Carroll is its own kind of tourism! ☕️ 🎻 📺
02/17/2025

I’m home sick today - but a cup of tea, my instrument and binge watching Liz Carroll is its own kind of tourism! ☕️ 🎻 📺

Between August of '21 and October of '24, Liz shared ideas about creativity in learning, playing, and composing Irish music with a marvelous group of interes...

🎶 Haven’t Read the Blog Yet? 🎶Don’t miss out on the wild adventure of a Wednesday night session at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Ir...
02/09/2025

🎶 Haven’t Read the Blog Yet? 🎶

Don’t miss out on the wild adventure of a Wednesday night session at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro! From the legendary tunes of Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn to the cozy charm of one of Chicago’s most beloved pubs, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

✨ Dive into the music, the memories, and the magic that make these sessions so unforgettable.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://the-trad-tourist.ghost.io/p/6864c61a-ade9-4298-8fb2-021ea0150604/

📖 Whether you’re a seasoned session player or just love the sound of Irish Trad, this blog is your backstage pass to one of Chicago’s finest traditions.

"It's a smaller, comfortable session... welcoming to all." Dive into the intimate world of Chicago's Irish music scene at Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro. Hosted by the legends Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn, each Wednesday night is a journey through playful improvisations, timeless tunes, and heart...

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