Treasures in the Attic as live music back on bill in Doolin

INTIMATE gigs and live entertainment are back on the bill at the hottest North Clare music venue, The Attic at Hotel Doolin. 

Already hugely popular with fans of traditional music, Doolin now boasts another venue for music, spoken word, theatre, comedy and more. While The Attic opened last summer, it is now coming into its own with the easing of public health restrictions.

Daily live music will be on offer this summer and organisers have promised to keep the tune coming throughout the winter with intimate gigs of all genres.

Patrons will get the chance to check out some visual art. The artwork in the Attic was specially commissioned by local artist Marcus aka Surfek West who drew his inspiration from the mesmerising colours of the skies off Doolin pier.

Also gracing the walls are some of the original Lisdoonvarna Festival posters alongside past posters from the Doolin Folk Festival. Organisers even promise that some of the same talent will be invited to grace the stage of The Attic at some stage.

Dónal Minihane, General Manager of Hotel Doolin said The Attic fills a gap in the music market in the area. “Doolin being the capital for trad and folk in Ireland deserves a venue like this,” he said.

“Even North Clare is not that well served for venues in the mid-range like this one. We have two aims. One is to bring in Irish and international talent. The other is to encourage up and coming bands. We are are throwing open the door to them. We’re not just about music; we’re open to plays, readings, recitals, movie nights and anything that the community would like to see.”

The exciting programme of upcoming gigs includes The Russell Weekend from February 25 to 27.

For those who also enjoy the less traditional side of entertainment, there’s KGB Plus John McCartin on Friday, February 25 from 9 to 11pm. The legendary Altan are in The Attic on Saturday, February 26 from 9pm, in an eagerly anticipated gig that is likely to draw fans young and old from across the western region.

Corofin’s own Sharon Shannon takes to the stage on Sunday, February 27. The gig promises to be an opportunity to see the trad superstar play in one of her favourite locations and go back to her musical roots.

After what is set to be a blistering weekend in North Clare, the craic will be back in The Attic on March 11. Eoin O’Neill will take to the stage with the hugely popular Fiddle Case for a gig that is guaranteed to be memorable.