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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
9th July - Murphy's Lore Trio and Cantelina Voices - Upton. Picnic Concert at The Yarrels School BH16 5EU.
An evening of song and tunes, Hosted by Cantelina Voices, a female choir led by Sheila.
We will be joining them and providing some tunes and songs. All money raised for Meredith's Mission.
Tickets £12. Event info / Tickets here
Murphy's Lore Trio 12th July at Syds Slaps, Southburne Grove, Southbourne. 7 till 9pm
25th July - Murphy's Lore Trio Bridport Folk festival weekend - Gale stage, Millenium Green. 12.15 pm TBC and Mixed session at The Ropemakers, 4pm.
and then Sunday 26th July - Bridport Folk Festival weekend- Murphy's Lore Trio will be joining forces with No Strings Attached for a ceilidh on Milleniun Green. 4.30 pm TBC
many events are free, the main concerts are ticketed
31st July, Murphy's Lore Trio return to Poole Quays best pub, the Portsmouth Hoy!. 9pm start
We can now also be found at Murphy's Lore YouTube
Some live videos
Ceol agus craic!
4 Jul 2026
Private - Poole - Anniversary ceilidh
9 Jul 2026
Murphy's Lore Trio and Cantelina Voices - Upton. Picnic Concert at The Yarrels School BH16 5EU.
An evening of song and tunes, Hosted by Cantelina Voices, a female choir led by Sheila.
We will be joining them and providing some tunes and songs. All money raised for Meredith's Mission.
Tickets £12. Event info here
10 Jul 2026
Private- Lyndhurst- Annivesary Ceilidh
Thank you for another excellent evening of music and dancing.....A great evening and amazing band!
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Anna and Ann after St.John's anniversary barn dance, May 2026
Always enjoy your barn dances, fantastic group of musicians and Noeleen is a great caller. See you in September!!
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Moira, after May's Drop the Anchor Brewery Barn dance. May 2026
Thank you so much for Saturday, you guys were brilliant and we had the most amazing evening!!
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Rebecca, after her husband's Birthday Barn Dance, May 2026
Many thanks to Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for a fabulously entertaining evening of song and dance… plenty of galloping and skipping and a good time had by all
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Geraldine, after Highclere Village Social, April 2026
Thank you so much for making Emma and Sam's wedding evening such a fantastically fun evening. We had a really great time.
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Anne, after Emma and Sam's wedding ceilidh, April 2026
Thank you so much for the barndance for the youth orchestra on Monday. It was fantastic. The dances were great for our range of students and got them mixing superbly. To see our youngest Y5 student dancing with one of our tallest 6th formers was a sight to behold!
The whole evening was simply brilliant - I don’t think I recall one before when everyone joined in every single dance.
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Gill, after a barn dance for Hampshire Youth Orchestra, March 2026
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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Kay, afert the poole Africa Link Ceilidh, 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