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Murphy's Lore is a Bournemouth/Dorset based 'Celtic' band, performing a mix of traditional Irish, English and Scots music plus a few tunes of our own, composed by our 'box' player Richard and arranged as we went along! 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
News and upcoming events
October 5th- Public Ceilidh- Free, at The Old Thatch, Stapehill, near Wimborne. 7-10pm
October 12th Barn Dance at St.Mark's Hall, Talbot Village.
October 18th, Martin, near Fordingbridge. Alex and Noeleen as Murphy's Lore Too, will be appearing at Blandford Hall, Martin SP6 3LD. A folk night organised by Fordingbride Folk. Also featuring John Meriton and Jay Parrack. Tickets £8 from Martin Community Shop, John Butler 07943 880454. BYO drinks
Murphy's Lore Trio Saturday 19th October,will be opening the second Branksome Folk Club Festival. St.Marks' Church Centre,Poole Road, Branksome. the day starts at 12 noon, with a song session and then two concerts.
Murphy's Lore Trio, Sunday October 27th, at Chaplins (upstairs) Boscombe. 9-11pm, the best live music venue in the area.
Murphy's Lore Trio November 1st - making our debut appearance at the revitalised White Hart, Longham (near Ferndown) from approx 8.30pm
We can now also be found at Murphy's Lore YouTube
Some live videos
Wedding Ceilidhs
Birthday Barn Dance
Birthday Ceilidh Video
Ceol agus craic!
5 Oct 2024
Stapehill - The Old Thatch, Harvest Hoe Down - Public ceilidh.
10 Oct 2024
Murphy's Lore Trio back at Milford Folk Club, The Bridge, Milford on Sea
12 Oct 2024
Bournemouth - Private- Parish Social
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
I have had such lovely comments from everyone that came to by birthday and to my surprise you got them all dancing. Lovely time had by all thank you.
Ann ,Jamie and family.
"
Ann after her Birthday barn dance, August 2024
"Thank you once again for great music ,we all had a fantastic evening and thanks to all who have once again helped to support another worthwhile charity x
Jimmy, July 2024
"Thank you Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for a fabulous evening, helping me celebrate my birthday. You certainly made it go with a swing, getting so many up on the floor dancing and having fun. Lots of feedback from family and friends on how much they enjoyed the music. It was truly a night to remember.
Joyce after her birthday ceilidh, June 2024
""We had Murphy's Lore for our wedding. From communication, punctuality and entertainment, we really enjoyed them for our wedding day!".
Jenny after her wedding ceilidh, May 2024
"Hard to express just how very special last night's celebration of our joint 70th was because of Murphy's Lore. We all had an amazing time. Looking back and looking at the photos, everyone was smiling constantly. Noeleen gave really clear and good humoured instructions that everyone could follow, including all the grandchildren. The band's playing was skilful and entertaining and the choice of dances was perfect.
Thank you so much for ' Tell Me Ma' featuring the singing of Derek's daughters. Amazing of you to be so accommodating. We had no idea that had been planned and made the evening that much more special.
I can honestly say last night was the best birthday celebration ever and as you know, we have had birthday ceilidhs before! We have had so many messages from our guests praising the band. An absolutely perfect evening. We can't thank you enough..
Jackie after a joint birthday ceilidh April 2024
"Thank you for such a superb evening the other week at Poole Masonic Hall..for such wonderful music and for a very fun evening all round. The dancing was brilliant fun and I've had very positive and glowing feedback from everyone who attended.
Ben after a Masonic ceilidh April 2024
" I wanted to have a Ceilidh for my 60th birthday and amongst my search for the right band I discovered Murphy's Lore. I can honestly say that it has been a fantastic all round experience from start to finish.
Not only has Alex been very efficient, accommodating and helpful arranging it but the performance on the night was simply brilliant. The caller, Noeleen, was just the right mix of funny, patient and clear as she explained and led us through the dances....The whole evening was filled with so much fun and laughter.I have had such great feedback from the guests too.
Thank you for making this birthday landmark special!
Renate after her Birthday ceilidh March 2024
"Thank you for a fun night of great music & dancing!
Rob after the Pavillion Dance South West Ceilidh. February 2024
"Thank you, you were brilliant and everyone loved it.
Lisa after a surprise birthday ceilidh for husband Andrew. February 2024
"A very Merry Christmas to the best Ceilidh band ever, with singer who blew us away. You are are incredible. What talents. A very well loved band, with compliments throughout the night. I will definitely be booking you again.
Alanna after her Dancin'Fit groups Christmas ceilidh.December 2024
"Thank you so much for coming - everyone had a fabulous night! Happy 🎄 Christmas to you all x.
ReDiscover Life Church ,Salisbury. December 2024
""The first Fordingbridge Ceilidh last night was a great success! Murphy's Lore gave us a feast of dance tunes, and their caller was brilliant, walking us though all the dances and then calling as we danced them. Even those who had never been to a Ceilidh before found they could dance, and everyone left smiling!"
And..
"Totally agree!!! We went as a group of 8 friends and had a really good time, the caller was amazing we couldn’t have done it without her help as we had never been to a ceilidh before"
Fordingbridge Ceilidh Club.November 2024
"A and L were telling me how it was one of the best nights ever, as they fell asleep! ... Thank you ! What a wonderful evening, MUCH appreciated by everyone !
Helen and Paula after Paula's retiremnt ceiidh.September,2023
"A big thank you for an excellent evening.
We really enjoyed ourselves!
Sandra, after a barn dance for Ferndown RBL.September,2023
"We had a fabulous evening, thank you!...Thank you - it was brilliant....Thank you so much, we absolutely loved it
x
Kay, Lizzie and Laura after Laura and Tom's wedding. September,2023