Music lovers, history enthusiasts and fans of Irish folklore are in for a memorable evening as acclaimed ballad collector, singer, musician, writer, amateur historian and performer Bill O’Brien brings his unique event, Lost Songs of Tipperary, to No. 23 Café & Bistro on Thursday, 17th July at 8.00 pm.
Hailing from County Tipperary, Bill is the host of The Lost Songs of Ireland Podcast and has dedicated years to uncovering Ireland’s forgotten musical heritage. With a deep passion for Irish folklore, mythology, music and literature, he has painstakingly rediscovered more than 1,000 historic ballads from old newspapers and folklore archives, giving long-forgotten voices the opportunity to be heard once again. From this work, Bill has collected a large number of songs from around County Tipperary which he has arranged into a songbook. The songs contained are almost entirely unknown and largely lost to time, and Bill has worked to match their lyrics to airs popular around the region at the time.
Drawing on almost two decades of experience as both a performer and event organiser, Bill has entertained audiences across Ireland through concerts, festivals, workshops and cultural events. Performing under the name Bill the Bard, he has hosted workshops at the Munster Fleadh 2024, National Heritage Week, the Bealtaine Festival in Tipperary and numerous festivals and venues throughout the country.
During the evening, audiences can expect a captivating blend of music and storytelling as Bill performs beloved Irish ballads associated with artists such as The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, The Pogues, Dominic Behan and Percy French, alongside rare songs from his book. For Bill, every song tells a story, and every story offers a window into Ireland’s rich cultural past.
Following Bill’s performance, guests will enjoy a lively traditional Irish music session from a local band, making it a wonderful celebration of Tipperary’s musical heritage and community spirit.
The event takes place at No. 23 Café & Bistro on Thursday, 17th July, beginning at 8.00 pm. Admission is €10, which includes a tasting menu and a glass of wine. The event is open to all ages.
Advance booking is recommended. To reserve your place, email creativeplaces@youthworktipperary.ie or send a direct message via Instagram or Facebook. Guests are invited to book now and pay at the door (cash only).
Whether you are passionate about Irish history, traditional music or simply enjoy a great night of entertainment, Lost Songs of Tipperary promises an unforgettable journey through the songs, stories and voices that have shaped our past.