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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. Covering Dorset, Hampshire and South Wiltshire in general and are 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!
Importantly our line up is consistent. We do use a small pool of 'deps' but only when absolutely necessary and we never multiple book the band out on different gigs for the same date. If we can't do your date, we will recommend someone else, not act as an 'agent' or pass the work on pretending it's us.
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
News and upcoming events
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 are also at The Green Man, Sunday 5-7 pm
Murphy's Lore Ceilidh will be performing for the Sunday Street Ceilidh 2-3.15 pm
Murphy's Lore Trio are back at The White Hart, Longham on Friday 13th June. 7- 9-pm. Hopefully in the garden!
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 £14Murphy's Lore Trio make their debut at New Forest Folk Festival on Thursday 3rd July at 6.15 pm
and on July 20th the Trio will be at Syd's Slaps, 12 The Grove, Southbourne 3- 5pm and in the evening Noeleen and Alex will be at Chaplin's (upstairs) as Murphy's Lore Too with a surprise guest on Cajon. From approx 9pm
Drop the Anchor Brewery Barn Dance Sunday 14th September -Public Ceilidh/ Barn Dance in a barn. Hosted by us and Drop the Anchor Brewery, East Close, Hinton. Christchurch (Off the A35)Tickets £5 from the brewery. Loads of parking at the rear. Dance starts 4pm, but the brewery wil be open for food and drnks from 1pm
We can now also be found at Murphy's Lore YouTube
Some live videos
Wedding Ceilidhs
Birthday Ceilidh Video
Public Ceilidh - Festival / Fundraisers
Ceol agus craic!
24 May 2025
Alton- Private -Wedding Ceilidh
26 May 2025
Murphy's Lore Trio are at Brunny Folk, Cafe Allendale, Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Doors 6.30 for 7 pm start. Free entry
31 May 2025
Private- Brockenhurst - Wedding Ceilidh
Thank you all for such a fab evening last night, we absolutely loved it. It was so much fun, so inclusive and really infectious fun. You are all very talented and amazing at what you do.
We’d definitely love to go to one of your events again!
Enjoy the holidays,
"
Catherine, after her birtday ceilidh, April 2025
It was a fabulous evening! Thank you so much for the wonderful joyful music. Noeleen’s excellent calling skills resulted in lots of people keen to get up and dance! It was such a fun night. Looking forward to doing it again!
It was such a great night and we were both touched that you remembered our wedding reception!
Thank you to all the band and especially managing us all in such a tight space. We hadn't anticipated so many dancers up on the floor! Look forward to seeing you again sometime 😀
"
Jane and Anna, after St.Jame's PFA Ceilidh fundraiser evening barn dance for the school, March 2025
Thank you so much for a great evening. Thoroughly enjoyed a good fun night. Hope to see you at 'The Soldier' and of course Wimborne Folk Fest. You were amazing 👏 ❤️ xx
"
Michelle, after her celebration, March 2025
"Thank you so much, what a fabulous evening! Well done everyone!!! ❤️ x Until next time!!!!!……. 🤗 "
"
Friends of St
.Andrew's after a fundraising barn dance for the school,February 2025
What a great evening, we all enjoyed ourselves.. Big shout to everyone
Involved for putting on a lovely evening👏👏🤩
"
Leon Devereux after Burns Night celidh in Woodgreen. January 2025
"I can’t thank you all enough! What a wonderful evening."
"
Aileen after her birthday ceilidh. January 2025
"Thankyou so much for last night. You guys were literally incredible and my husband Will was over the moon.
Beautiful playing and the instruction of the dances was perfect and so clear too. Will definitely be booking you guys for my 40th in 1.5 years! "
"
Gina after her husband Will's Birthday celebration,December 2024
Thank you so much for making my 60th birthday absolutely wonderful for me and all my family and friends. I'm quite glad loads didn't turn up as we would have had to go out of the fire doors into the carpark!! It was just great to see almost everyone getting up and dancing and as you've undoubtedly heard a thousand times - even those who never dance, got up and enjoyed themselves.
I have had messages this morning from people saying what a wonderful evening it was and that I should hold an annual event!!! ....Once again, thank you so much you were fantastic.
"
Sarah after her Birthday celebration,November 2024
Another great fun night with Murphy's Lore Ceilidh , very busy dance floor!
....Thankyou so much for an incredible night! Such fun as always, it was great dancing with my Niece too as she had so much fun! .
Great cause, amazing night. well done all that organised Murphy's Lore Ceilidh you are fabulous, second time I've been to an event with you guys, each time I have laughed and danced so much, also great excuse to get the cowboy hats out .. see you again soon !
..A fabulous evening as always thankyou! Nearly as amazing as my wedding you did in 2004! The highlight was seeing my youngest daughter have so much fun dancing nearly every dance! Always a pleasure and so many laughs! Until next time!"
Alison, Louisa, Dawn and Rachel after a fundraising barn dance for Ukraine Relief, November 2024
A Brilliant evening,Thank you ..A great evening "
Sally and Christine after a barn dance at Boscombe Salvation Army, October 2024
Murphy's Lore Ceilidh you are amazing and I had the best party ever
Thank you so much for making my retirement party so much fun
Everyone who was there said it was fantastic..Thank you so much "
June after her retirement party, October 2024
It was fantastic!! Loved every minute x
....Brilliant as usual and such great fun. Smiles and laughter all around. Thanks again! "
Gjald and Renate after Drop the Anchor Barn Dance, September 2024
You gave us a brilliant night! My Mum & Dad (Jennifer and Peter) loved every minute, as did all our little ones! Thank you for being so great at including everyone! Your band are fantastic too, Joanna x"
Joanne after her Mum and Dad's Anniversary ceilidh,September 2024
Hi Alex - thank you and the band and Noeleen SO much for the most fabulous evening on Saturday. Everyone really enjoyed it and thought you were all great! We saw the great piece you put in FB and insta - please feel free to tag me :-) Til the next time! Cx "
Catherine after her Birthday ceilidh, August 2024