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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 to sing along with. If you don't know the dances, our caller will teach you. If you don't know the songs, just tap your feet and clap your hands!
We will cover Dorset, Hampshire and South Wiltshire in general.
Available as 5 piece with a separate caller or, as a 4 piece with Noeleen calling. Either way it will be a great night with charismatic calling and mellifluous music and you will have been 'Murphed'.
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 us, 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.
To read about our most recent gigs and for a more interactive experience with us, see our Facebook page
News and upcoming events
We have a date that has come up free again due to a cancellation. 23rd June, give us a shout if you need a ceilidh band !
A Half of Murphys will be at Milford Folk Club, Milford on Sea on Thursday July 12th performing on their own and with Caroline Ellis. Caroline will also do a solo set and a set with 'Straight Banana'.Bridport Folk Festival is July 27-29th. A Half of Murphy's will be appearing on Saturday 28th on the Dagger Stage, Bucky Doo at 14.05 pm and will also be running a session in The Ropemakers Arms on Sunday 29th starting 12 noon. It's billed as an Irish session, which in our books can and will include songs as well as tunes. Bring your voices and instruments and make merry over a few beers and ciders.
Alex and Noeleen are also delighted to have been asked to run an afternoon song / tune session For FATEA's 30th Birthday Bash, which is actually a mini festival at The Shelley Theatre. Friday and Saturday 2nd and 3rd November. There is a magnificent line up - More info on the entertainment FATEA Birthday Bash
Some live videos
Birthday Barn Dance
Burns Night Charity Ceilidh
Birthday Ceilidh Video
Ceol agus craic!
29 Jun 2018
South Gorley. Private - Birthday/Anniversary Ceilidh
7 Jul 2018
Corfe. Private-Wedding Ceilidh
10 Jul 2018
Private. Burley - Wedding Ceilidh
"We would like to thank Murphy’s Lore for another wonderful evening! Our 30th wedding anniversary celebration was made very special by the band's contribution. We were pleased particularly by how the music and dancing drew everybody in and the feedback since has been universally positive. Murphy’s Lore certainly knows a thing or two about party spirit! Thanks again.
Irene and Karl after their anniversary ceilidh June 2018
"A great way to celebrate my 60th. What a fun night it was. Thank you so much Murphy's Lore....had a brilliant time. Thank you all.
Steve after his birthday Barn Dance. April 2018
"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the dancing! We have some converts too,thank you for providing great entertainment!
Emma after her Wedding ceilidh. April 2018
"You were absolutely amazing, thank you so much. Loads of people have said how great you were. Thanks for making my 40th party for me! x
Caroline after her birthday Barn Dance. March 2018
"Thanks for an amazing evening guys! We had a blast! And consider that willow fully stripped!!
Thank you for an awesome night!!
What a great night it was! Thank you everyone..
Jon,Fiona and Karen after Jon and Jay's wedding ceilidh. November 2017
" I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of people you guys got up dancing!! It was a brilliant night. I have had many good comments. So a big THANK YOU to you guys.
Kate, after The Captain's Barn Dance at Dudsbury Golf Club. September 2017
" It was a fabulous night! I so enjoyed Murphy's Lore! A brilliant variety of music with Noeleen and Alex proficient on so many different instruments..and also accordion and violin. Great Ceilidh Calling too. Great Fun!
Polly after Cyril and Ruth's anniversary ceilidh. September 2017
"Thanks again for your amazing music- sensational!
Rosie after her anniversary barn dance. September 2017
"Me and Michelle would like to say a big thank you to you and the band..Despite the sweltering heat you managed to get people up and dancing even those that were more than reluctant.
It really did make a fitting end to the night and will of course recommend you to family and friends in the future.
Lewis and Michelle after their wedding ceilidh. August 2017
"I can't believe it's already over a week ago. Thank you so much, the band was absolutely fantastic and lots of people have said how much they enjoyed the band and the dancing! I'm so glad we had you, it really made the evening special. !
Chloe and Patrick after their wedding ceilidh. August 2017
"A terrific effort from the band. Great, enthusiastic calling; speedy set up without fuss; and excellent playing. I know we had to pack it in given the time, but everyone I talked to loved it. Bravo!
Andy, after his and Chloe's wedding ceilidh. July 2017
"I must say the most enormous thank you, we had the most amazing time dancing to your band - you absolutely made our wedding the most special day ever. xx
Lois and Angus after their wedding ceilidh. June 2017
"We had another fabulous evening with Murphy's Lore. Such a brilliant band. Enthusiastic and constantly helpful, patient, and FUN!
Jan after Church Parish Social evening. May 2017