What began as Orlando’s first boutique Irish music festival in 2012 is now a local institution at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs. The Great Irish Hooley kicks off for the 14th time just as the long Labor Day weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 4 and continues through midnight, Monday Sept. 7. This annual fiesta significantly adds to Raglan Road’s rep for the best of Irish song, dance, food, and drink, so check out all the details from their latest press release:
Six outstanding Irish bands, hailing from Glasgow to Galway and beyond, will rock the indoor and outdoor stages with traditional jigs and ballads, Neo-Folk, Celt grass, and pop tunes. Hooley guests can kick up their heels Sunday and Monday when the pub’s troupe of Irish dancers will lead Ceili step dances on the house floor. Entertainment kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday and runs all day the rest of the weekend from 11 a.m., to feature:
The Consequences
Driven by a passion for exploring the colors and complexities of Irish music, The Consequences are a new Irish traditional band eager to showcase their talents for Raglan Road guests. Hailing from around the United States, Lexie Boatright (Maryland), Jake James (New York), Cara Wildman (Texas), and Ryan Ward (New Jersey), come together at the Great Irish Hooley to create an original, dynamic sound.
Folk Division
Galway, in the heart of western Ireland, brings us this vibrant band of young singers and multi-instrumentalists. The group features Aaron Killilea (guitar, vocals), Chloe Reilly (vocals), and Mary Duggan (fiddle/keys/vocals), bringing a blend of timeless Irish music with fresh, contemporary arrangements.
Plain Sailin
This dynamic four-piece Irish trad/folk band from Clare and Offaly features Ronan O’Connell (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Seamus Kinsella (Fiddle), Darragh Cuddihy (Percussion, Vocals, Whistle), and Graham Lynch (Banjo). Blending traditional tunes with contemporary genres and a signature Irish twist, the group creates a vibrant experience rooted in the spirit of Ireland
Men of Aran
These two legends of the Irish traditional music world, Colin Farrell (fiddle & whistles) and Dave Curley (banjo & vocals) have toured, performed, and recorded with numerous traditional Irish music luminaries. They’re known for charming Raglan Road audiences with a potent mix of sublime musicianship and electric energy.
Adam Sheahan
This gifted Irish folk and trad singer-guitarist is a storyteller at heart who captures the true spirit of Ireland. Having appeared on stages around the world, Sheahan brings his authentic voice and timeless songs to the Hooley for guests of all ages.
Northern Crossing
This traditional Irish music ensemble from Glasgow and Belfast features Hannah McNeill (fiddle, vocals, banjo & mandolin) and Niall McIlroy (guitar, whistles, flute & vocals). Both are accomplished musicians who offer an exciting live show.
Raglan Road Irish Dancers – The pub’s award-winning Irish dancers kick up their heels and defy gravity before your eyes.
The Irish vibes and Hooley spirit wouldn’t be complete without new bites and sips, and Raglan Road will debut these fall and Halloween specials during the long weekend:
- Samhain Sangria: The Whistler Irish Whiskey and Pinot Grigio shaken with apple cider juice and house-made cinnamon syrup, topped with a bubbly Magners Irish Cider float.
- Irish Pumpkin Shake: Our signature Baileys shake ice cream chilled to thrill with pumpkin spice, topped with a creamy cinnamon cold foam.
- Boooo! Pumpkin Cream Ale crafted for Raglan Road by 81 Brewing Tampa, Fla.
- Bandaged Bangers: Mini sausages bandaged in golden pastry, served with bright, tangy cherry buffalo sauce.
- Raglan’s Ghostly Guinness Pie A hauntingly good puff pastry pie, its spooky face tucking into braised beef, wild mushrooms, and a slow-cooked Guinness gravy, garnished with a sweet onion puree.
- Black Barrel Whiskey Ribs Half rack of slow-cooked pork ribs, coated in a Jameson Black Barrel whiskey glaze, served with a side of Guinness glaze.
- Proper Little Pumpkin Raglan Road’s signature cheesecake with a pumpkin spice twist.
In addition to its All-Day Menu, the restaurant will serve its weekend Rollicking Raglan Brunch at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, Labor Day, the pub will open at 10 a.m. with its All-Day Menu and brunch specials to include The Full Irish, Hipsters Lament and Bread Pudding French Toast, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. At the restaurant’s Shop for Ireland boutique, a selection of new Halloween T-shirts and hoodies will be available through October.
Reservations are recommended but not required; call 407-938-0300. Check out raglanroad.com, and plan to join us for the Great Irish Hooley!
Veness Travel Media 