A unique live music series at Willowbrook Glamping in Ballaghaderreen is continuing to bring high-quality Irish artists to an intimate rural setting, with further shows planned for May and June.
Willowbrook Whispers, now in its third year, was launched by Wes and his wife Tuesday after they took over the running of Willowbrook Glamping in 2019, having returned to Ireland following almost a decade in Australia.
Speaking to the Roscommon People, Wes said the idea for the series came from their own love of music – and from noticing how far they often had to travel to attend the type of gigs they wanted to see.
“We found ourselves going to Galway a lot to go to a gig, or the odd time you might get something in Sligo, but there was nothing really more local than that,” he said.
The couple wanted to bring “really good quality Irish artists” to the area, while also creating opportunities for support acts who may not yet be as widely known.
Each Willowbrook Whispers event features a headline act and a support act, with the shows focused mainly on folk-based music and original songwriting. The concerts are sit-down events, designed to create a quiet, attentive atmosphere where audiences can properly engage with the performers.
Wes said the aim is to offer artists the kind of listening room experience they do not always get in busier pub or venue settings.
“The audience is very, very close. The lighting is gorgeous. It’s like total focus on the performers,” he said.
“The performers love it because they are getting people there who are really listening, which is what you need for that sort of music”.
The shows take place in Willowbrook’s events hall, which was originally built as a dojo for martial arts and tai chi. While it is not a purpose-built music venue, Wes said the space is transformed for each concert, with a stage, backdrop, sound system and lighting set up from scratch.
“It’s a full day’s work for us pretty much every time,” he said.
The most recent show took place last Friday, with further Willowbrook Whispers dates now planned for the coming weeks.
Clare Sands, from Cork, will perform on Saturday, May 16th, with support from Anne Marie Hynes. The next show will take place on Friday, June 19th, featuring Áine Tyrell, with support from The Lion Colhoun.
Wes said the artists are chosen largely through the couple’s own interest in folk and high-quality original music, as well as through recommendations and contact from artists themselves. He said the series is building a reputation among performers, with some acts getting in touch after hearing about the experience from others who have already played at Willowbrook.
The concerts are relatively small, with the venue seating fewer than 100 people. Wes said this creates a welcoming atmosphere for people attending alone as well as for couples, friends and music lovers.
“You don’t need to bring a friend,” he said. “You’ll find friends there.”
Audience members can also stay overnight at Willowbrook, with accommodation and camping options available. Wes said people have travelled from across Ireland for previous shows, including from Belfast, Cork and Waterford.
The events are also BYO, as there is no bar on site. Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks, and the concerts take place indoors in a heated space.
Wes said local support is essential to keeping the series going. He added that there is a loyal group of people already supporting the shows, and the aim now is to spread the word further among people who love live and original music.
The upcoming concerts begin at 8 pm. The support act usually plays for around 30 to 40 minutes, followed by a short break, before the headline act performs until approximately 10.15 pm or 10.30 pm.
Tickets and further information are available through the events section of the Willowbrook Glamping website at www.willowbrookglamping.ie.
