In London, one person out of five has an Irish grandparent. One in ten has an Irish parent. London is full of Irish pubs and cultural references indeed, and every once in a while dipping into this rich culture can be a real treat.
On the first Sunday of every month, the
London Irish Centre in the leafy Camden Square puts on The Sunday Session, a day of music, dance and great food. There is something for the whole family, and on a good night the cráic can go on until the early hours.
Starting out at 12.30pm, there is Set dancing in the impressive 1950s McNamara Hall. Experienced ballerina or Bambi on ice, put your dancing shoes on and get some good exercise to traditional Set dancing music.
After a few spins in the dance hall, get the authentic Irish experience of spuds and a roast dinner. Needless to say, a selection of hot and cold drinks, including
pints of Guinness and good cups of tea are also available.
The afternoon continues with a traditional music session, to which you can bring your own fiddle and learn a few tunes. In charge of the live music is fiddle player and traditional music teacher Karen Ryan. At 8pm, this monthly event concludes with the big Sunday Night Céilí.
The Sunday Session is absolutely free, and it is the ultimate way of experiencing Irish cráic in a warm, welcoming environment.
