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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.
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
Drop the Anchor Brewery Barn Dance in a Barn, Sunday May 10th from 4pm Brewery opens 1pm. Tickets £5 in advance from the brewery or on the door. Great afternoon out. Our first of 2 there this year.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 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
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!
16 May 2026
Afternoon- Alex and Noeleen as 'Murphy's Lore Too' will be appearing at Southbourne Food and Fun Fest in Fishermans Walk. A free small event, We'll be performing from 3pm
Evening - Private - Corfe Mullen -Birthday Ceilidh
22 May 2026
Private- Wimborne - Church Annivesary Social
23 May 2026
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I was very lucky to attend your Ceilidh at the Allendale in Wimborne recently. I’ve attended quite a few, but this one was really special - both in the dance selection, music and the great caller..
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Kate, after the Poole Africa Link fundraiser,Feb 2026
We felt so pleased to be able to book you for our event! Guaranteed to please! Everyone had a brilliant time!
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Cindy, after a Burns celebration with 'Dorset Hash House Harriers', Jan 2026
Thank you so much for a brilliant afternoon/eve!! Xxx
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Mandy, after a joint Birthday celebration for herself and daughter Malaika, Jan 2026
Great night! Never disappointed when Murphy’s Lore bring the party vibes!❤️😘
Thanks Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for such a great night, everyone had the best time at our Dorset SUP Charity Christmas Party 2025 with Murphy's Lore Ceilidh Band
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Cindy and Matt, after Dorset SUP fundraiser for Colourworks, December 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 "
David, Fordingbridge Folk Ceildhs. November, 2025
Thank you for a great night everyone had a wonderful time you entertained all the generations 😁 "
Gillian, after Friends of St.Andrews (Salisbury)barn dance. October, 2025
We had a great time, tho our arms are a bit tired from dancing with our little man! Thank you to everyone for making him so welcome x x "
Mandy, after The Drop The Anchor barn dance, September 2025
It was an amazing night! You were absolutely brilliant 🤩 definitely recommend you to play as it got everyone up to dance the night away x "
Tracey after another joint birthday barn dance, August 2025
Thankyou we had an awesome time "
Lara after her and Mike's joint birthday, June 2025
Thank you Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for a fabulous evening celebrating Lucy’s 18th birthday. She loved the Ceilidh and had a brilliant time ❤️ You guys are amazing 🤩
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Jenny after Lucy's 18th Celebrations, June 2025
A fantastic night, thank you all!!!🥳🥳 "
Katherine after her Mum Helen's Birthday do ( we've done several for the same family) May,2025
Great night, great band, great people. Thank you for making it so much fun
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Steve, after a fundraiser for Elsie's Rose. May, 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 birthday 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