All the way from Derry, Caolán is a multi instrumentalist with over 20 years experience as a professional musician. Focusing mainly on the piano, keys, hammond & guitar, Caolán is a session member, band member, solo entertainer, music workshop facilitator, tutor, & music technology enthusiast. He has played at the Deventer Irish festival solo and also as part of The Shannons.

Shane Koppers

Mulligans Irish Music Bar

Caolán

Set dancing is probably Ireland’s most popular form of traditional dance, and can be enjoyed all around the world.

Traditional Irish dancing is well known around the world thanks to the success of Riverdance and other shows featuring amazing displays of solo step dancing.

Quite different from step dancing is set dancing, which is the type of traditional social dancing done strictly for pleasure in rural communities in Ireland for a couple hundred years or more.

‘Sets’ came from quadrilles, the eighteenth and nineteenth century court dances of France which spread across Europe. The Irish learned the quadrilles from British landlords and soldiers and took them home to their cottages where they became the uniquely Irish sets when traditional music and steps were applied to them.

Four couples arrange themselves in a square to dance—the term ‘set’ refers both to the eight people in formation and to the dance itself. When the music begins they dance a variety of intricate moves and steps. One set can last from ten minutes to half an hour. The dancing is divided into separate sections called figures—when a figure is finished the music stops and the dancers remain in place waiting for it to resume. A set usually has from three to six figures, each one different but always danced in the same sequence. After the last figure the dancers thank one another and leave the floor.

For more information, please see the link below:

https://sets.ie

Set Dancing

Zach Steiner is an American-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music cuts deep. His songs oscillate between vicious and biting to painfully honest and vulnerable, delivered with a raw, authentic voice forged by a life lived recklessly and boldly. A finger-picking fire breather, Zach blends the soul of Roots Americana with a rugged, unpolished edge he calls Gutter Folk—a sound that’s as gritty as it is captivating.

Born into a musical family, Zach’s childhood was steeped in melodies, with weekly band rehearsals unfolding in the family living room. Immersed in this environment, he began playing piano, violin, trumpet, bass, and guitar at a young age. After high school, he chose to bypass college, dedicating seven transformative years to playing in bands with musicians 10 to 15 years his senior. This experience pushed him to grow as an artist, exposed him to diverse genres, and eventually led him to pursue music full-time.

As a session musician and performer in the U.S., Zach honed his craft, performing with renowned artists like John Popper of Blues Traveler and Lightnin’ Luke of The Bridge City Sinners. One of his career highlights came during a session in Nashville, Tennessee, where he worked with Ed Stasium, the legendary producer behind The Ramones.

After years of performing across the U.S. and abroad, Zach discovered that his life experiences were shaping him into a writer, giving him a voice beyond his instruments. Now based in the Netherlands, he performs his original material, channeling his introspective nature into music that serves as both therapy and meditation. A relentless over-thinker and self-reflector, Zach uses his lyrics to explore the darker corners of his soul, transforming them into something meaningful—a process he describes as Musical Alchemy.

Zach Steiner

Freddy and the Scabies Sisters is a crossdressing bluegrass band from Amsterdam. They are known for their energetic performances and unique style, often performing in flower dresses and incorporating themes of gender confusion into their shows. The band blends elements of American and Dutch culture, creating a distinctive and lively musical experience.

Freddy & the Scabies Sisters

Fiachra Meek is a talented multi-instrumentalist from Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. He is best known for his mastery of the uilleann pipes and his ability to blend traditional Irish music with modern influences.

Fiachra is also a member of the folk trio Alfi, which combines traditional tunes with contemporary elements.

Recently, Fiachra joined The Pogues as a piper for their 2025 tour.

Fiachra Meek

Úna is an All-Ireland champion and prize-winner of the Riada Gold Medal for Harp in 2017. Known for her subtle phrasing and imaginative harp arrangements, she has collaborated with Celtic icon Alan Stivell, and Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin. Her music weaves between ‘drivin’ and delicate, turbo-charged tunes and sensitive slow airs.

Her performances have been likened to 'viewing ancient Irish bog oak through a contemporary prism'. As a composer, she's been commissioned by the World Harp Congress and RTÉ, and had pieces published by Cairde na Cruite. Collaborations include legendary free jazz musician and composer Anthony Braxton, Celtic icon Alan Stivell, Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin, and Emmy-winner Fionnuala Flanagan. Her current obsessions are Excel spreadsheets, piping marches, and crosswords!

Úna is rooted in Irish traditional music, but also branches out into jazz, pop, and original composition. Collaborations include Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin, Emmy winner Fionnuala Flanagan, and the free jazz legend, Anthony Braxton.

Check out her website here: https://una.ie/

Úna ní Fhlannagáin

Our Beginner Session, hosted by Fiachra Meek (uilleann piper, singer, bodhran player).

A little bit about the session:

•This is a slow session
•It is for people to play together
•The starting repertoire (20 sets of different tune types and different keys)
•If it goes well with numbers we will continue the session once a month

A little bit about Fiachra:

Bio: Fiachra Meek, Uilleann piper, singer and Multi instrumentalist is a versatile music graduate from Co. Louth Dundalk. He's a fixture in Irish Dance and Music tours like The Great Irish Hooley and The Irish Folk Festival, having also collaborated with acts like Junior Brother & The Armagh Rhymers. Based in Amsterdam, Fiachra hosts folk sessions, teaches and performs with various group. His favourite and longest project is Alfi with his two friends Alannah Thornburgh and Ryan McCauley where they explore Irish, Appalachian, and folk traditions. Fiachra most notable performance to date was with The Pogues for a 40th-anniversary "Red Roses For Me” concert at Hackney Empire London, earning acclaim from the Guardian Newspaper.

This will be Fiachra's personal time that he usually uses to teach privately. Please respect one another and use this time wisely to give your full attention to whatever will be presented.

Most importantly let’s have fun and wind down from the Monday Blues!

Any more questions feel free to ask a question via our website or a member of staff.

Mulligans & Fiachra :)

Beginner Session with Fiachra Meek

John Flanagan

Úna ní Fhlannagáin is an All-Ireland champion and prize-winner of the Riada Gold Medal for Harp in 2017. Known for her subtle phrasing and imaginative harp arrangements, she has collaborated with Celtic icon Alan Stivell, and Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin. Her music weaves between ‘drivin’ and delicate, turbo-charged tunes and sensitive slow airs.

Her performances have been likened to 'viewing ancient Irish bog oak through a contemporary prism'. As a composer, she's been commissioned by the World Harp Congress and RTÉ, and had pieces published by Cairde na Cruite. Collaborations include legendary free jazz musician and composer Anthony Braxton, Celtic icon Alan Stivell, Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin, and Emmy-winner Fionnuala Flanagan. Her current obsessions are Excel spreadsheets, piping marches, and crosswords!

Úna is rooted in Irish traditional music, but also branches out into jazz, pop, and original composition. Collaborations include Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin, Emmy winner Fionnuala Flanagan, and the free jazz legend, Anthony Braxton.

Jimmy Ellis

The musical trio comprising Victor Lacken, Jimmy Ellis, and Úna Parkinson is a vibrant ensemble known for their performances in Amsterdam’s folk and traditional music scene.

Victor Lacken brings the soulful strumming of the guitar paired with heartfelt vocals. His guitar work provides the harmonic foundation for the trio’s music, while his voice carries the narrative of their songs, often filled with the stories and emotions of Irish folklore.
Jimmy Ellis on the fiddle adds a layer of rich, melodic lines that weave through the music. The fiddle’s expressive range, from lively jigs to mournful airs, complements the guitar’s rhythm and expands the trio’s sonic palette.
Úna Parkinson completes the trio with the lilting tones of the flute. Her playing captures the essence of Celtic music, with its quicksilver runs and haunting melodies that echo the landscapes of Ireland.

Together, they create a tapestry of sound that is both traditional and contemporary, reflecting their individual musical backgrounds and their collective passion for folk music. Their music invites listeners into a world of storytelling and cultural heritage, all while showcasing their instrumental virtuosity and vocal harmonies.

Victor, Jimmy & Úna

Alannah Thornburgh

Fiachra and Alannah are members of the folk trio Alfi, alongside Ryan McAuley. Alfi's music is a unique blend of traditional Irish and Appalachian folk music, featuring an unusual lineup of harp, five-string banjo, and uilleann pipes. The trio has received acclaim for their innovative approach to traditional music and their captivating performances.

Fiachra Meek is a versatile and accomplished musician from Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. He is best known for his expertise in playing the uilleann pipes, but he is also proficient with the whistles, guitar and singing. His musical journey is deeply rooted in traditional Irish music, yet he continually explores and integrates modern influences. Fiachra's passion for music began at a young age. Growing up in a musically rich environment, he was exposed to traditional Irish tunes and instruments early on. His dedication to mastering the uilleann pipes set him apart, and he quickly became a prominent figure in the Irish music scene.  

Fiachra has been involved in numerous prestigious music tours and festivals, such as "The Great Irish Hooley" and "The Irish Folk Festival". He has collaborated with various acts, including Junior Brother and The Armagh Rhymers, showcasing his versatility and ability to blend different musical styles.

In 2025, Fiachra joined The Pogues as a piper for their 40th anniversary tour, marking a significant milestone in his career. This opportunity allows him to perform alongside original members and other guest musicians, further solidifying his reputation in the traditional Irish music community.  

In addition to his performance career, Fiachra is dedicated to teaching and sharing his knowledge of traditional Irish music. He offers masterclasses and workshops, focusing on building repertoire and developing technique on the uilleann pipes. He also hosts a monthly Beginner Session at Mulligans. Check out our website for futher details.  

Fiachra Meek's dedication to his craft and his ability to blend traditional and modern influences make him a standout figure in the world of Irish music. His contributions as a performer, teacher, and collaborator continue to inspire and influence musicians and audiences alike.

Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer from the wild west of Ireland with a focus on traditional Irish harp. Alannah’s music explores her family heritage, reimagining melodies from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique is interwoven throughout her music, described as being ‘unforced, fluid and utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). Alannah will release her debut solo album ‘Shapeshifter’ on February 12th 2025 - a collection of compositions inspired by fairy folklore & mythology in rural Ireland, specifically her native Co. Mayo.

Alannah was nominated for two awards at both the 2022 and 2021 RTÉ Folk Awards - Best Emerging Artist and Best Folk Instrumentalist. She featured on an RTÉ 1 Documentary ‘A Note for Nature’ in collaboration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, performing her interpretation of a Conor Walsh composition ‘One Swallow’. Her compositions have featured on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta podcast series ‘Scéalta’. Alannah is also a recipient of the Arts Council’s Next Generation Award 21/22.

Alannah is a founding member of Alfi, a trio who combine traditional Irish and Appalachian music and song, winners of the 2020 US Embassy Creative Minds Award. Alfi released their debut album ‘Say Old Man’ in July 2023 to great critical acclaim - ‘the album captures the organic, full-bodied spirit of their live shows, as well as the distinctive personalities of the players – and marks Alfi as a vital force in Ireland’s ever-diversifying folk scene’ (Hot Press). Alannah has performed, recorded & collaborated with many artists in the folk & traditional music scene including Anna Mieke, Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds), Lemoncello, Loah, Niamh Bury, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Brigid Mae Power, Jiggy, David Keenan, Tristan Scroggins, Paddy McKeown, Conor Caldwell, Gareth Quinn Redmond and Varo.

Mulligans Irish Music Bar

100+

100+

Caolán

Set Dancing

Caolán

Zach Steiner

Freddy & the Scabies Sisters

Fiachra Meek

Úna ní Fhlannagáin

Beginner Session with Fiachra Meek

Úna ní Fhlannagáin

Victor, Jimmy & Úna

April