Ensemble Ériu’s April’s Fool Tour continues to this famous Limerick music institution. Tickets €12/€10conc.

The music

Drawing on the hypnotic repetitions of minimalism and the organic improvisatory spirit of jazz, Ensemble Ériu weave a rich musical tapestry around Irish traditional melodies.

Founded by concertina player Jack Talty and double bassist and flute player Neil O’ Loghlen, Ensemble Ériu brings together a chamber ensemble of some of Ireland’s most exciting young musicians from a range of backgrounds – Matthew Berrill (clarinet), Matthew Jacobson (drums), Maeve O’Hara (marimba), Jeremy Spencer(fiddle), Paddy Groenland (guitar).

The result is a unique combination of the fresh and familiar, creatively progressive yet deeply rooted in tradition. 

Nice things people have been saying about the music

“Very developed, soulful and meditative music from an impressive musical intelligence.” – Tony MacMahon

“The more I listen the more I’m impressed. Each track says something different yet there’s absolute cohesion throughout… it’s brilliant.” – Kevin Crawford of Lúnasa

“Absolutely captivating and enchanting stuff … very refreshing and original.” – Ellen Cranitch of Lyric FM

“A very fine album… There’s some interesting stuff on here I’ll tell you. A good mixture of musicians and all sorts of mad sounds appearing on it… It features some very, very fine musicians … A great mix of sounds. I’m all for it me.” – John Kelly of Lyric FM

“Heart-swelling, surprising, fresh and beautiful, it’s exactly what I look for in music.” – Nialler9

“I think the album is great.” – Donal Dineen of RTÉ 2FM

“They’re a fantastic group who bring Irish music in a fascinating new direction quite different to the CMO. Their album is one of the most original Trad based albums since, well, The Bothy Band! Unlike most Trad style bands since then, Ensemble Ériu do not owe a lot to The Bothy Band. They’re a different kind of band altogether and more power to them for that.”
– Dave Flynn, Clare Memory Orchestra Artistic Director

“I love what Ensemble Eriu is doing (and am a huge Bill Evans fan): to me, it feels like they are approaching trad and jazz with equal respect.” – Brendan Taaffe, singer and musician

“Fascinating … a gorgeous album.” – Carl Corcoran, The Blue of the Night, Lyric FM