Murphy's Lore is a Bournemouth/Dorset based 'Celtic' band, performing a mix of traditional Irish, English and Scots music. For ceilidhs, barn dances, pub gigs and general good craic. Perfect in many ways for weddings, parties, an anniversary or any excuse to have a Hooley. Have a look around and get a feel for what we do.
We perform tunes to dance to and songs as well. Noeleen our caller will guide you through the dances.
We will cover Dorset, Hampshire and South Wiltshire in general.
We're currently a 4 piece outfit inc caller.
For most Ceilidhs / Barn Dance we keep the dances mixed to allow dancers of all experience levels to enjoy themselves but can cater for more flavoured evenings such as Burns Night or St.Paddy's night.
Our aim is to 'entertain, not educate', it should be fun after all!
To hear the ceilidh band, use the player to the right on this and other pages. Most clips are live, so what you hear is what you'll get! For other information about the band use the links at the top of this page,and check out the videos for what we see you enjoying.
We also have an offshoot called Murphys Lore Trio ideal for pub gigs, festivals or any reason to have some lively folk music for an event where dancing may not be your thing! 2023 was a great year for this version of the band, supporting Mad Dog McRae in Bridport and opening the Main Stage at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
To read about our most recent gigs and for a more interactive experience with us, see our facebook pages Murphy's Lore Ceilidh and Murphy's Lore Trio
Richard after many years with us, will be bowing out soon as a permanent member of the band . He's been a great fixture to have around and he will be missed but retirement beckons. We will see him for the odd gig as a depper. In his place we are pleased to have recruited the services of 'Box' player and vocalist Andrew Helson. He'll be a perfect fit for us, stepping into Richards shoes and we look forward to working with him from the end of March onwards.
Friday 18th April, Murphy's Lore Trio will be at The Dolphin, Peacemarsh, Gillngham for an evening of classic pub folk tunes and songs, we'll also be taking Andrew with us to beef things up a bit! Join us, Julie and Andy for a great evening.From 8.30 pm
Friday 2nd May, from 8.30 pm, Murphy's Lore Trio will be at The King Charles, Poole Quay. For a night of celtic vibes.
Drop the Anchor Brewery Barn Dance Sunday 11th May -Public Ceilidh/ Barn Dance in a barn. Hosted by us and Drop the Anchor Brewery, East Close, Hinton. Christchurch (Off the A35)Tickets £5 frpm the brewery. Loads of parking at the rear. Dance starts 4 9pm, but the brewery wil be open for food and drnks from 1pm - This is the first of two there this year and will be our 5th visit ( next one planned Sunday 14th September)
Murphy's Lore Trio at Stuminster Newton Beerex, The Exchange on Sunday 1st June. 3-4.30 pm.
Wimborne Folk Festival Weekend, 6th-8th June
The Trio and Ceilidh band will be appearing here. Friday 6th- Allendale centre. The Trio will open the weekends concerts supporting Eleanor Dunsden and Gregor Black and top of the bill Eabhal. 7.30 pm The Trio will then be found at The White Hart, Saturday 4.55 -5.55pm and again at The Green Man, Sunday 5-7 pm
Murphy's Lore Ceilidh will be performing for the Sunday Street Ceilidh 1-2.15 pm
Murphy's Lore Trio 21st June, will be opening the entertainment at The Lord Nelson for the return of Poole's 'Folk on the Quay'. 1-3pm.
Saturday June 28th Public Ceilidh at Pavillion Dance South West, (rear of the Pavillion overlooking the Gardens) in the Ocean Theatre. 7-10pm Tickets Adults - £17 All others £14We can now also be found at Murphy's Lore YouTube
Some live videos
Wedding Ceilidhs
Birthday Ceilidh Video