Inisheer
About the Tune
'Inisheer' is a 3/4 slow air, not a waltz. It is best played slowly and with a lyrical feel. It sounds good on instruments like the fiddle, whistle, and harp.
The composer is Thomas Walsh, who is alive and living near Dublin, Ireland. He is happy to know people are playing his music.
Patrick Flanagan, a whistle player from Michigan, popularized the tune. He recorded it on his CD "The Morning After the Night Before." Catriona Mackay played it on the Fiddlers Bid CD “Hamnataing”. Some sources initially credited Pat McNulty with the composition, but this is incorrect.
The tune's name, "Inis Oírr" or "Inisheer," refers to one of the Aran Islands.
The tune is often suggested to beginners due to its beauty and relative ease of learning.
Note: There is debate about the best way to notate the tune regarding the rhythm and time signature.
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Feadóg Original Irish Tin whistle
This is the Tin Whistle I have and it has never done me wrong. I even got one for my Son and he absolutely loves it. It comes with a book to really help any beginner along in their journey of playing Trad. But it's also a great Tin Whistle for any musician, whatever your experience.
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Disclaimer: Much of this tune background is hard to trace, and some details remain speculative. These summaries draw on trad community discussion and other available sources, and will be updated as better verified information emerges. If you spot an error or have confirmed information to add, please get in touch and I'll update the site.