In Ireland, there’s a term for street musicians and bands: “Busking”! Indeed, street performances are very much a part of Irish culture: they’re everywhere, in every major city, and they usually cause a sensation! Whatever the style, the number of participants, and the instruments, this 100% Irish tradition is something you have to experience at least once: attending a “wild performance” gives cities like Dublin, Belfast or Cork all the Irish soul!
A group of Buskers on Grafton Street in Dublin – Diego Sideburns – cc
Before talking about this great Irish tradition, let’s explain a little about the meaning of the word“Busking“.
Quite simply, it’s a free public performance in the street, usually to music. The musicians who take part are generally called“Buskers” in the jargon of the regulars.
They don’t usually have official permission to play, but this is generally tolerated by the Irish authorities as long as the noise level remains acceptable (it’s possible to play with amps: it’s all a question of volume). It has to be said that in Irish society, this kind of “show” is rather appreciated!
Buskers often compete with inventiveness to stand out from the crowd: atypical musical instruments, artistic shows, dance, make-up… It’s all about attracting attention and showing off their talent to passers-by!
Also, busking usually attracts a lot of people: the crowd gathers around the musician(s), sometimes creating real traffic jams for pedestrians! A good time is usually had, and the musicians may be rewarded with a small coin for spectators wishing to thank them.
In Ireland, music is such an important part of everyday life that it’s very common for a busker to have a street success that propels him to the top!
Bono started out Busking, as did Damien Rice: they were so popular in their performances that they attracted the attention of major record companies!
Better still, it’s not unusual to see Bono taking to the streets of Dublin to start a little improv! Is he nostalgic for those early days on the public stage?
In Ireland, the working-class districts of the big cities are generally the preferred locations for street bands.
Dublin, Galway, Cork, Belfast…there’s something for everyone, in every city and in every style, from traditional Irish to rock, pop and rap!
If you’re passing through Dublin, you’re more likely to find them in the following areas:
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