Description

Wild Atlantic Tunes is a carefully curated anthology of traditional Irish music that captures the richness and diversity of musical heritage along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Compiled by young Ballina musician Ronan Doyle, the book reflects years of engagement with Irish traditional music and a passion for sharing its cultural depth with a wider audience.

The collection brings together tunes from counties stretching from Donegal to Cork, highlighting the distinct regional styles that define Ireland’s musical landscape. Each section of the book reflects the character of its locality—whether the rhythmic energy of Sligo fiddling, the lyrical flow of Clare melodies, or the lively dance tunes of Kerry and Mayo.

More than just a tune book, Wild Atlantic Tunes serves as a cultural journey. It connects historical traditions with contemporary practice, showing how Irish music continues to evolve while remaining rooted in community and place. The selection includes well-known session standards alongside lesser-known pieces, offering both learners and experienced musicians material that is accessible and inspiring.

Compiled as a passion project while still in school, the work reflects a deep appreciation for the communal nature of traditional music—sessions in local pubs, festivals, and gatherings where music is shared freely and passed from one generation to the next. It also emphasizes how Irish traditional music acts as a social bridge, bringing people together across regions and backgrounds.

Wild Atlantic Tunes stands as both a tribute to Ireland’s musical heritage and an invitation to explore it. It will appeal to musicians, educators, cultural historians, and anyone interested in the living traditions of Irish folk music along the Atlantic coast.