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.

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

RNLI Christchurch fundraiser Barn Dance at Mudeford Wood Community Centre, Pipers Drive, Christchurch BH23 4TR
Saturday 6th June, 7-10 pm - Tickets £27.50 inc fish and chip supper and booking fee - BYO drinks
Tickets and more info at Event Brite Tickets

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival weekend 14th June, Ceilidh in the Square . Free to all. our regular Wimborne spot, with Andrew calling for this one as Noeleen steps into the band. A great afternoon from 2.15 to 3.30 pm. Murphy's Lore Trio will also be back The Green Man, on Sunday 14th from 5.30pm.

Murphy's Lore Trio back at the Posrtmouth Hoy, Friday 19th June from 9pm then we'll be hot footin' upto South Petherton for Saturday 20th for our first apprarannce at Petherton Folk Festival. A fantastic one day event in the same village as The well known Live music venue The David Hall. In the Square 3.30-4.30 pm

Murphy's Lore Trio Saturday 20th June - make their debut at Petherton Folk day, South Petherton,Somerset. A one day festival based around the market square and David Hall. We're on from 3pm but loads of great acts all day. Part of the set will be short ceilidh.

27 Jun Folk On The Quay - Poole Quay- Ceilidh on the Quay - 4 - 6pm. By the roundabout at 'The Shambles'. Free, open to all.
Then 28 Jun Alex, Noeleen and Andrew will be performing at Folk on the Quay , Poole Quay. Outisde the Poole Arms. 1 - 2 pm TBC

We can now also be found at Murphy's Lore YouTube

Some live videos

Ceol agus craic!