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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.
We're currently a 4 piece outfit inc caller, Noeleen.
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
10th Jan. Are things picking up? We've picked up a few new bookings for this year but Covid is still clearly making Ceilidh's less attractive. We've reworked the majority of of our popular dances to make them a bit more covid friendly.
We can now also be found at Murphy's Lore YouTube
Some live videos
Wedding Ceilidhs
Birthday Barn Dance
Burns Night Charity Ceilidh
Birthday Ceilidh Video
Ceol agus craic!
28 Jan 2022
Bournemouth - Cliff House Hotel, Burns Night Ceilidh TBC .
29 Jan 2022
Woodgreen. Private- Village Burn's Supper night TBC.
12 Feb 2022
The Dolphin Peacemarch, Gillingham. A return to our favourite North Dorset pub. An alertnative early Valentine's hooley...
" Hi all... You guys were more than fantastic on the night and really were one the highlights of the day. Thank you so so much from us both for your wonderful music, humour and patience teaching us all the steps
Matt after his and Alex's wedding . November 2021
"A great evening- thanks so much Murphy's Lore. Such a fab atmosphere.... thanks for a brilliant evening last Thursday. Really loved your performance
Sue and Shirley,after the Autumn Ceilidh in Milford on Sea. Oct,2021
"Ray and I just wanted to say a massive thank you for coming to our wedding and controlling the crowds! It was a funny old time to try and make the decision
but I think going ahead and seeing everyone doing the dancing definitely made us feel it was the right thing to be doing! So thank you for being understanding!!
Lucy and Ray,after their Wedding ceilidh. July,2021
"We all had a great night, many thanks for making it such good fun!
Heather, after her Birthday ceilidh. Feb,2020
"Thank you so much, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening which was made by you guys!
Katherine, after her brother's Birthday ceilidh.November,2019
"Brilliant evening, again!
Shelagh, after Milford on Sea Community Autumn ceilidh.October,2019
"Thank you for such a wonderful evening last Saturday, everyone had a fabulous time dancing, some who have NEVER danced with their partners before so that was a great achievement. We loved the atmosphere, the music and especially the dancing, everyone should experience a ceilidh it’s magical, a great way to celebrate 25 years of marriage with family and friends.
Linda and Lester after their anniversary ceilidh.September,2019
" You were all incredible. I think it is the best Ceilidh we have done, so thank you.
Louise after the Pavillion Dance South West ceilidh. August,2019
"Just want to say a massive thank you to you all for your amazing set at our wedding! It really made the night perfect and everyone loved it! We will definitely be using you again for other family events!!! Love from the new Mr & Mrs Trent
Leanne and Chris after their wedding ceilidh.June,2019
"Fabulous evening, as always. Murphy's Lore you are a joy. Thank you. xx
Jan after the annual St.Anthonys Social.May,2019
"just wanted to say a big thank you for Saturday night, everyone really enjoyed, you were excellent!
Julie, Landlady - The Dolphin Inn, Gillingham after their re-opening night.April, 2019
"Another great evening at Milford with Murphy's Lore - thank you!!
Sue, Milford Community Centre St.Patricks Ceilidh.March, 2019
"Great evening!! haha! was lots of fun!
Thanks so much for a brilliant night guys, you were fantastic!
Helena and Emma, after Emma's birthday do.Feb, 2019
"I can highly recommend this band. Beautiful singing from Noeleen, great music from the band and Julian calling the dances was absolutely brilliant. We all had a fantastic time. Thank you Murphy's Lore!
Jenny, after her birthday do.Jan, 2019
"Brilliant night, Thank You. Could take me a while to recover !
Gail, after Leannes's birthday ceilidh. Dec 2018