Meet Niamh: The Baritone Fiddle Maven of Cork
Ah, the life of a musician in Cork! And not just any musician—Niamh, one-third of the trio Ana Palindrome, is here to liven up your Friday night. First off, let’s talk about her instrument: the baritone fiddle. It’s like the baritone singer of the violin family that decided to replace a few strings, had a wild night out, and then reported back with a slightly wonky sound, which Niamh lovingly embraces. It’s a bit rebellious, isn’t it? Makes you wonder if her fiddle has a wild side of its own!
Niamh’s ideal Friday night varies with the seasons—how very practical! If it’s warm, she’d rather be lounging on a beach with friends, food, and perhaps a few too many pints. Winter, however, means cozying up beside the fire, pints in hand. And can we just pause for a second to appreciate her sanity in opting to go out early and then return home early? This woman has the nightlife down to a fine art—perhaps she’s been working in pubs long enough to realise that waking up on a Saturday morning without a hangover is, in fact, a gift from the heavens!
Rise and Shine, Or Not
Niamh claims to be a night owl because of her work, which I’m pretty sure is code for “I enjoy late-night pints and ridiculous conversations.” She’s got that laid-back vibe of someone who relishes in her “lie-ins.” But frankly, who doesn’t love snuggling deeper into bed whilst the rest of the world’s buzzing about their day? Just try not informing your boss you’re ‘working from home’…from your duvet!
Weekend Work: A Blessing or a Curse?
Now, here’s the kicker: her weekends are actually Mondays and Tuesdays. Talk about redefining the traditional workweek, eh? One look at her schedule and some of us might consider a career change to music. Imagine the joy of sauntering through life while others are stuck in rush hour traffic, and you’re just being fabulous with your baritone fiddle!
City Break Fantasies
If money were no object, Niamh dreams of a trip to Guinea Bissau to visit her friend Sofia. She’s clearly not just a musician; she’s a cultured globetrotter at heart. A bit of a wild card, much like her fiddle, and I can already picture her in transit: “Excuse me, madam, that’s not a suitcase—it’s a baritone fiddle!”
Home-Is-Where-The-Pints-Are
Home is where her folks live in Tramore, a scenic paradise. She finds solace walking the Backstrand there—an idyllic way to recharge the batteries. Nothing like the sound of waves to remind you that life exists outside your pub working hours. And those gatherings with friends and family? Priceless. It’s like adding a few extra toppings to the one-pot wonders that bring everyone together. She thrives on the “classness” of her squad—a strong indication that she’s got quite the charming circle.
Cooking: A Musical Metaphor
Cooking has become her hobby, and a fine one at that! Niamh’s approach to cooking sounds like a deep reflection of her carefree spirit: “Why follow a recipe when I can throw a hodgepodge of ingredients into a cauldron and see what necromancy occurs?” You can almost imagine her summoning culinary spirits instead of music ones. And she’s got a signature dish—chilli or dhal. Just throw it in a pot and hope for the best! If I could, I’d allocate a standing ovation after every meal.
Cork: A Feast for the Senses
And talk about Cork’s culinary scene! Niamh knows where the gems are hidden. She’s sipping coffee at Some Dose and enjoying lunch at My Goodness, while simultaneously preparing to serenade the city with tunes from the Corner House on Sunday nights. This woman literally has it all planned out. And here I am still trying to get my Saturday brunch routing down. Cork’s culinary hotspots might as well be a musical tour for her—a symphony of flavors!
The Whispering Autumn
Lastly: her involvement in the upcoming Quiet Lights festival. It’s charming to think about how this festival shines a light on talent; kind of like how Niamh shines bright in the world of folk and traditional music. There is something beautifully poetic about a music festival in winter, filled with twinkling lights and warm hearts. She’s truly dancing among folk’s finest whilst chanting to a sympathetic baritone rhythm that would warm any cold winter’s night.
Finale: More Than A Musician
So, let’s raise our pints to Niamh! She’s not just a musician; she’s a talented, whimsical, and interconnected spirit—creating harmony, feeding souls, all whilst living her best life in Cork. With all her adventures, let’s just hope her baritone fiddle doesn’t get jealous of all the attention she’s after!
With the sharp tones and cheeky observations of the likes of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans, this commentary paints Niamh as the vivacious force she is. Clever musings and lively descriptions bring her world to life, and the reader is left feeling not just informed but invigorated!
I’m Niamh, one of the three vibrant members of Ana Palindrome, where I collaborate with the incredibly talented Ruairi de Burca and Sara Leslie, forming an absolute dream team in the music scene! I proudly play the baritone fiddle, an innovative instrument that puts a unique twist on the conventional baritone violin by replacing some of the fiddle strings with viola strings, allowing me to achieve those deeper, resonant notes. This instrument is perfect for accompanying my vocals, though its quirky and somewhat unruly sound adds a delightful challenge to my performances, making every session an exhilarating experience.
I’ve lived in Cork City for a decade now, making it feel like home. While Sara and I hail from the picturesque Waterford, Ruairi brings the spirit of Mayfield to our group, contributing to our eclectic musical blend.
My ideal way to spend a Friday night can vary with the seasons. When the weather is warm enough, I dream of gathering with friends at a beautiful beach, enjoying delicious food, and sipping on refreshing beers under the stars. However, during the winter months, I cherish cozy evenings spent by the fireside, sharing pints and laughter with the girls. I find that heading out early and returning home while it’s still relatively early on a Friday feels just right.
As a dedicated night owl, thanks to my work in pubs and performing music late into the evening, I definitely favor leisurely lie-ins during the mornings.
Indeed, my work typically falls on the weekends, which means I usually celebrate my weekends on Mondays or Tuesdays, giving me a unique rhythm to my week.
If money was no object, I would eagerly embark on a weekend city break to visit my dear friend Sofia, who is currently living in the vibrant country of Guinea Bissau after growing up in the beautiful landscape of Tanzania. I would absolutely relish the chance to spend time with her in Dar es Salaam and immerse myself in her world.
To recharge my energy, I adore taking peaceful walks down the charming Backstrand in Tramore, Waterford. My family resides in Tramore, and I make it a point to visit often to enjoy the serene surroundings.
Absolutely! Although my weekends have recently been filled with musical commitments, I’m finally winding down after a busy summer. I truly cherish moments spent with my friends and family, who bring so much joy to my life. I love wrapping myself up in their incredible energy and presence whenever I get the chance.
I consider cooking a cherished hobby, as I find immense relaxation in chopping fresh ingredients and creating hearty, flavorful dishes with whatever I have at hand. I’m not one to adhere strictly to recipes; instead, I prefer to experiment, merging various ingredients and seeing what delightful concoctions emerge, much like a whimsical witch brewing potions in a cauldron.
I genuinely delight in feeding people, and my usual go-to dishes are hearty chili or flavorful dhal. Once again, they’re one-pot wonders, but I always make sure to elevate the meal with enticing toppings that add a sense of indulgence.
For my daily coffee fix and a delightful oatie, I typically head to Some Dose by Turners Cross, which I affectionately consider my ‘local.’ When I’m in the mood for a delightful dining experience, Izz Cafe tops my list as my favorite place to eat out. For a quick and satisfying lunch, My Goodness is perfect with its funky pickles and delicious offerings.
Every Sunday evening, I immerse myself in the enchanting world of old-time tunes at the Corner House alongside a fantastic group of musicians. This experience brings me immense joy, and I find that I am continuously learning and growing through each session. The camaraderie and fun we share make it a highlight of my week.
I typically rise around 10 a.m. on Mondays, as I am quite the slow mover in the mornings, relishing the chance to ease into my week.
As the quiet aura of autumn envelops us, Islander is all set to return with the fifth edition of their captivating winter festival, Quiet Lights, scheduled to take place in various venues across Cork City from November 21 to 24. This beloved winter festival, known for its heartfelt approach, aims to illuminate the remarkable new wave of Irish and international folk, traditional, and experimental talent that is tirelessly forging new paths, recounting timeless tales, and crafting fresh stories. For further details on the exciting program, visit quietlights.net.
Second home. Their coffee is top-notch, and the cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to recharge. For lunch, My Goodness is my go-to place; their fresh, healthy offerings never fail to satisfy. And when it’s time for a special meal, there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere and culinary delights at The Greenhouse—every dish feels like a work of art! Living in Cork allows me to explore diverse flavors and share my culinary discoveries with friends and family, making each outing memorable.
Music is undoubtedly my lifeline. It fills my days with joy and connects me to the loves of my life—my friends, family, and my art through Ana Palindrome. Whether I’m practicing with Ruairi and Sara or performing solo, each note resonates within me, pushing me to explore new realms of creativity and expression. It’s more than just a passion; it’s an essential part of who I am.
Well, aside from my ability to whip up a hearty meal with whatever’s in the fridge, I also have a knack for storytelling. I love weaving tales that captivate the listener, almost as much as I enjoy singing. Whether it’s sharing stories about my love for music or recounting fun adventures with friends, I find immense joy in bringing moments to life through words. It’s like spinning a little musical narrative with a whimsical twist!
The best advice I can offer is to stay true to your authentic self. Embrace your unique sound and perspective, and don’t be afraid to break the mold. Collaborate with those who inspire you, and remember that every performance is an opportunity to connect with your audience. Most importantly, have fun! Music is a joyous expression of life—let that shine through in everything you do.