Its roots go back to when the biggest acts skipped Ireland when the locals opted to give Irish Country a twirl.
There were outliers, of course, and the unique Johnny Cash embraced Ireland, and why wouldn’t you?
To the point that he scribed Forty Shades of Green after looking down on Ireland’s patchwork fields from a plane.
The Irish are coming
But when Country’s grandees stayed away an Irish cottage industry of soundalikes flourished.
Tyrone’s Philomena Begley, Dublin’s own Dickie Rock and the Miami Showband.
And Big Tom and the Mainliners from Ireland’s Nashville in Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan.
And, of course, the Donegal O’Donnell siblings Daniel, or Wee Daniel as he’s known, and Margo.
Irish Country was the soundtrack of my youth visiting my grandparents with my Dear Old Mum in Brockagh, Co. Donegal.
Where we would rent the holiday home next to Harkin’s Bar where Country acts would belt out the acts nightly.
Through the wall and into my bedroom.
Harvey’s cream
The tradition of Irish Country continues to this day.
And drop in anywhere in the country, even on the wrong weekend, as we did in Monaghan, and you’ll learn why.
Ulster, the nine counties which includes the six of Northern Ireland, and Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan in the Republic, is a hotbed of Country music.
And 4* Harvey’s Point, near Donegal town by Lough Eske, Mecca with Irish Country great Tommy Fleming the stand-out draw in a stellar Cabaret season.
Friend to the stars
Sligo’s own has shared stages with Kenny Rogers, Phil Coulter and Elaine Page and you could get up and personal to Tommy.
In a Cabaret setting, and having experienced the strains of Van Morrison at the Europa Hotel with my tatties, I’d recommend it.
So why not give Irish Country a twirl?
Harvey’s swanky noise-insulated bedrooms will ensure that the music won’t come through the walls.
But then you’ll probably be up partying all night anyway.
Deal us in
Tommy is part of the Cabaret season, performing on Saturday, January 23.
Doors open at 6.45 pm with dinner at 7.30pm sharp.
5 Course Dinner & Entertainment €70.
Two-night stay in a Palatial Suite with brekkie by the Lakeside each morning.
Executive suites from €329pps.