Ceilidh
Dancing Feet picture courtesy of Ben Stoney Photography
A barn dance or ceilidh is an event at which musicians perform live, mostly traditional music, with a caller giving clear, simple instructions just before and during the actual dance.
The idea is partly to mix people up a bit (dancing with 'strangers'?), to get the blood circulating and for those present to enjoy themselves a lot!
If organisers, bride/groom join in from the very start (even if they themselves have never danced before), they will encourage many other extra dancers on to the floor. Also, encourage well-known 'ring-leaders' and 'characters' (the best man, maid of honour, the mad Irish uncle, etc) to join in as early as possible.
The earliest dances are the easiest while the caller is sussing everyone out. However this is also the time when people are at their most inhibited and those watching need to see others enjoying it. These early dances can set the atmosphere for the rest of the event.
Video
Even with the best callers, not everyone gets it right first time. However, don't worry about making mistakes during dances!! Just laugh it off and keep going, it's all part of the fun and your laughter will rub off on others. Any others watching will be keener to join in, if those already dancing look like they are having a good time. Above all else, enjoy yourselves and don't be afraid to let your hair down.
We aim to entertain not educate! Our motto is "Ceol agus Craic" which
is Gaelic for "Music and Fun", which is exactly what a ceilidh is all about!
28 Feb 2026
Afternoon- Murphy's Lore Too, Noeleen and Alex perform a set for WaterAid, Also on the bill, Robbie McIntosh! see poster on home page.
Evening - Murphy's Lore Trio our debut performance at the Ship Inn,Christchurch. From 9pm
6 Mar 2026
Private- Highcliffe, St.Patrick's ceilidh.
13 Mar 2026
Private - Parkstone - St.Patrick's ceilidh.
We felt so pleased to be able to book you for our event! Guaranteed to please! Everyone had a brilliant time!
"
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 🤩
"
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,
"
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 😀
"
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