Connolly’s is an iconic West Cork venue in the town of Leap that in the past hosted the likes of The Frames, Donal Lunny, Something Happens, A House, Engine Alley and many more. It is known for the stage backdrop which was “borrowed” from Pink Floyd and the fact that Paddy McNicholl used to record every set live on cassette until he passed.
Now, his son Sam, is ready to reopen the venue, after doing some necessary work on the venue and reacquiring a licence.
Nine years on, Connolly’s is to reopen next Friday December 18th with 8 events featuring Donal Dineen, Talos, The Altered Hours, The Vespertine Quartet, Daithí, Stevie G, Jofridur, a New Year’s Eve party and more.
Myself and Feel Good Lost did a party there a couple of years ago and it was one of the best nights at a gig I’ve ever had. High praise indeed for this special venue.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
Among the “many more” who played in Connolly’s I’m proud to add The Mary Stokes Band to the list of musical luminaries who performed there. We had a great gig and a memorable night, much of which was spent outside jamming when the gig was long finished…
Hope they’ll be building a light rail service out the place..when this venue you was last open, you could have a few and drive home afterwards. Now, it might as well be on the dark side of the moon.
Designated drivers ? Taxis ? Minibuses? Drunk cycles? I don’t see a problem here