Idir Dhá Thrá is an explorative series of music/talks/performances/lectures which responds to the cultural, social and geographical area of North Clare. The events shall take place in the unique setting of the al fresco (outdoors) courtyard garden behind the Salmon Bookshop in Ennistymon. The series will bring together an interesting and collaborative collection of artists, storytellers, lecturers, musicians and poets who will each share from their field of expertise and experience on topics which will resonate with the local communities in North Clare. These series of events are supported by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Clare Arts.

For our second event, Martina McCarthy will present her research and insights into the area of Moher and Hag's Head, and explore the folklore associated with the mystical island of Cill Stuifín which is rumoured to lie off the Clare coastline. The majestic promontory of Hag’s Head at the southern edge of the Cliffs of Moher has served as a strategic outpost for people down through the ages. The area is very rich in archaeology and human history. The townlands around Hag’s Head tell their own story of people who survived against the odds. Moreover, Hag’s Head is steeped in folklore with its own ‘Atlantis’ or submerged land called Cill Stuifín. This illustrated talk will feature incisive commentaries on Hag’s Head - its geology, archaeology, history and folklore. Martina McCarthy spent over 20 years working as an archaeological geophysicist identifying evidence of subsurface archaeological sites. This work took her to some of the best known sites in Ireland including Newgrange, Knowth, The Hill of Tara and Rathcroghan. Martina has latterly worked as an adult education co-ordinator.

Our second event will also feature a performance from Miltown Malbay concertina player Liam O'Brien. A winner of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana -Young Musician of the Year Award in February 2017, Liam's style of concertina playing is influenced by some of the great traditional Irish musicians from Clare including Willie Clancy, Bobby Casey, Joe Ryan, Junior Crehan, Paddy Canny and J.C. Talty.

All Idir Dhá Thrá events will be held outdoors and everyone in attendance is reminded to abide by the Covid restrictions currently in place.