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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, back at the Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay on Friday 12th December from 9pm. Come and join us, Kevin and team for an evening of songs and tunes from the Great British folk scene. Better still book a table before and enjoy some great grub!
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!
12 Dec 2025
Murphy's Lore Trio Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay. 8.30 -11pm
13 Dec 2025
unavailable
20 Dec 2025
Unavailable
Great night! Never disappointed when Murphy’s Lore bring the party vibes!❤️😘
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Cindy after Dorset Stand Up Paddle Board Ceilidh, November 2025
Dear Alex, Thank you, Noeleen Gill and Andrew for providing such rich entertainment last night. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all the guests who have been effusive in their praise for the richness variety and quality of the music and the excellent instruction and calling. We look forward to our next encounter! "
Nick, Bournemouth and Poole Medical Society's St.Andrew's Evening, November 2025
It was a fabulous evening. Energetic playing, superb calling as always and so responsive to the abilities of the dancers. Everyone went home buzzing. Thanks again Murphy's Lore for such great entertainment and an all round wonderful time! You guys are such a pleasure to work with!
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David, Fordingbridge Folk Ceilidh, November 2025
Thank you for a great night, everyone had a wonderful time - you entertained all the generations 😁
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Gillian after Friends of St.Andrew's Junior School Barn Dance, October 2025
From the very first note, the Murphy's Lore Ceilidh had us all tapping our toes, clapping our hands, and moving our legs with joy – the music filled the barn and the atmosphere was electric. Thank you to the fantastic musicians who gave us not just songs, but memories to treasure.
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Ukraine Relief, Bournemouth, after a fundraiser, September 2025
Was an amazing night! You were absolutely brilliant 🤩 definitely recommend you to play as it got everyone up to dance the night away X
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Tracey,after a birthday do for her husband and daughter, August 2025
Hi Murphy's Lore.
We just wanted to say many thanks to you for providing the music and dance at our 40th wedding anniversary barn dance last Saturday, 19th July. The whole evening was excellent and we keep having friends say how they enjoyed the music and dancing
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Richard and Carolyn after their anniversary ceilidh. July 2025
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone at Murphy's Lore for Saturday night - you were fantastic and absolutely made the day. We had lots of first time ceilidh-ers who were sceptical before it began and they kept telling me how much fun they were having!
"This really was the most fun evening. Great energy and enthusiasm . What happy memories we will all have of all that laughter"
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Heidi and Anna, after Heidi and Alex's wedding ceilidh, June,2025
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,
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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 😀
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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
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Michelle, after her celebration, March 2025
"Thank you so much, what a fabulous evening! Well done everyone!!! ❤️ x Until next time!!!!!……. 🤗 "
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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👏👏🤩
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Leon Devereux after Burns Night celidh in Woodgreen. January 2025
"I can’t thank you all enough! What a wonderful evening."
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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! "
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Gina after her husband Will's Birthday celebration,December 2024