There's no better place to enjoy traditional Irish music than in one of the most traditional parts of Dublin - Smithfield. And, with the recent opening of the Ceol Centre, the regeneration of this neglected area is well underway.
On Monday night guests assembled at Chief O'Neill's to hear concertina player Niall Vallely's new album Beyond Words. Vallely, who's from Armagh, recorded the album in Cork and is preparing for a tour this month.
After a warm speech by Micheal O Suilleabhan in praise of both the man and his music, skilful pipe players entertained the crowd with traditional Irish music. The Vallely family were well-represented with Niall's cousin, Fintan Vallely, who has just published the Ency- clopedia of Irish Music, and John B. Vallely, Niall's father.
Also tapping their feet were percussionist Mel Mercier, lecturer of EthnoMusicology at UCC, music publicist Amy Garvey and singer Karan Casey.