Music in an Irish Pub

In Ireland, music is an important part of everyday life. In many towns and villages, people meet in a pub in the evening to play traditional music together. This kind of meeting is called a 'session'. At a session, there is no stage and no ticket. The musicians simply sit around a table with their instruments. Some play the fiddle, which is like a violin. Others play the flute, the guitar, or a small drum called a bodhrán. Anyone who knows the tunes can join in. The music is old. Many of the songs and tunes are hundreds of years old, and they are passed from one player to the next. Nobody reads music from paper. Instead, young players learn by listening and watching the older ones. People come to a session not only to play but also to talk and relax. They share stories and enjoy the warm atmosphere. For the Irish, this music keeps their history and culture alive, and it brings the whole community together.