The Comeraghs were alive with the sound of music, when I recently attended this year's Rambling House Session with Joe Power, which took place at The Getaway Eco Camp - part of The Comeraghs Wild Festival.
The Getaway is a beautiful Eco Camp in the Comeragh Mountains. They offer a range of accommodation options, and complete relaxation in a stunning setting.
The Rambling House Session has been a mainstay of the mountains and rural areas around County Waterford for hundreds of years. According to Joe Power, they would consist of tunes and dancing, followed by a storytelling session. People would sing accompanied and unaccompanied, then the tunes and dancing would start up again. Joe's sessions are based around this model, offering an experience that is as close as you will find to the original.
As in the past two years, the session took place in the cosy environs of The Nook at The Getaway Eco Camp, and was led by Joe Power himself. Around 50 people attended, despite torrential rain at the start of the session. The Nook was packed and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
There was a huge variety of music, song, and spoken word on offer from the people in attendance. The session went on well into the late evening.
In addition to Joe Power himself, offering a selection from his vast repertoire of performance pieces, there were performances from local musicians, singer songwriters, singers and poets Alan Murphy, David Ryan, Lesley Bell, Richie Power, Carole Redmond, Dave O'Sullivan, and more. There were also performances from visitors to The Getaway, and other holiday makers who were visiting for the Comeraghs Wild Festival.
I really enjoyed the afternoon. The music was wonderful, the company was fantastic, and the venue was delightful. I'd definitely recommend it for next year if you can get there!
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