Institute of Art Design + Technology
Dún Laoghaire
On Show 2020
Cathal Hughes
 

This project studies the traditional Irish music tourism sector. The piece answers 3 questions. Is traditional Irish music a fundamental factor for travelling to Ireland? Can traditional Irish music be exploited to develop revenue in the traditional Irish music tourism sector? And is there potential to improve the funding, supports and platform for the delivery of high quality, live and authentic traditional Irish music to tourists?

These questions were answered via online and in-person surveys, online research and an interview with a traditional Irish musician. The traditional Irish musician interviewed is also an owner of a pub called The Marine Bar in An Rinn Co. Waterford. The pub is also an official stop for CIE coach tours, and online research. This interview along with online research answers the question. Is there potential to improve the funding, supports and platform for the delivery of high quality, live and authentic traditional Irish music to tourists more

Results of the online and unperson surveys are shown via charts. The question these answers are. Is traditional Irish music a fundamental factor for travelling to Ireland? Can traditional Irish music be exploited to develop revenue in the traditional Irish music tourism sector?

The results show that traditional Irish music is not the number 1 reason why people come to Ireland. There is potential for traditional Irish music to be exploited for revenue. And that the traditional musician was not aware of grants/ awards. Through online research, it was discovered that the government does invest in traditional Irish music. Further research built on this project can improve the traditional Irish music tourism sector, while also supporting Irish culture. These questions would include. Why do musicians not know about grants? Is demographics an influence of people influence of traditional Irish music?