In the annals of Irish history, the bards stand as towering figures, revered for their role as guardians of culture, heritage, and identity. Through their poetry, music, and storytelling, they forged a bond between past and present, uniting generations in a shared appreciation of Ireland’s rich tapestry of myth and legend.
John Buckley McQuaid, a modern-day bard, was born in Dublin and is based in Denmark. He is a storyteller, a poet, and songwriter in the great bardic tradition.
He is about to set off for London, where he will perform with his latest multi-media show, “This Is Where I Keep My Dreams – Ireland Through Exiled Eyes,” at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith on Saturday, July 26.
His audience can look forward to hearing his powerful voice, terrific rhythmic guitar playing, soul-searching lyrics, and stunning visuals on the big screen, as well as being charmed by his sometimes dark, always entertaining Celtic humor.
McQuaid first came to my attention when I saw the video for "Land Of The Magdalenes." His lyrics will resonate with many in the Irish diaspora, especially those who left Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s – many of whom may still bear “wounds that may never be healed” and who are still living in the UK today. The lyrics will also resonate with many others, even if they didn’t live through those difficult times themselves; we are all familiar with the stories of parents, aunts, and uncles who did.
McQuaid’s show provides a critical and compassionate alternative view of the Emerald Isle, addressing issues such as the Magdalene Laundries, the Vulture Funds, and the Diaspora, to name a few.
The songs, which are drawn from his most recent albums, “This Is Where I Keep My Dreams” and “Be Yourself," are based on his Irish roots, steeped in tradition with a generous portion of black humor.
20 days after the release of his album “Be Yourself," containing the song “Dear Mister Taoíseach," the then Taoíseach, Leo Varadkar, surprisingly resigned from office and retired from politics!
McQuaid’s most recent single, "46A In Memoriam," was written in memory of the iconic 46A Dublin bus, which was retired from service in February 2025.
For people in London on July 26, be sure to check out McQuaid's show. The doors will be flung open at 7:30 pm, with the show starting at 8 pm – tickets cost £10.
The Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith
Alternatively, don’t forget to check out The Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, at any time of the year. It opened its doors in 1995 as the premier centre in the UK dedicated to promoting and advancing the welfare of Irish art and culture abroad.
The ICC welcomes and invites people of all backgrounds and cultures to participate in its three core activities: culture, community, and education programmes.
Culture Programme: Every year, they host a diverse and engaging cultural programme that features high-profile Irish music, theatre, film screenings, storytelling, Irish literature, comedy, art exhibitions, and a themed lecture series, fostering a stronger bond between the UK and Ireland.
Community Programme: Alongside their culture programme, they also run a low cost and free community programme of Irish music sessions, singer songwriter nights, classical musical recitals, ceili’s, tea dances for elders, poetry groups, afternoon film screenings, knitting groups, and exercise classes battling the effects of isolation, loneliness, and inactivity.
Education Programme: Their education programme is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, offering varied classes ranging from literature and film to Irish Music and Dancing, which cater to an extensive age range, focusing on friendship with the individual, rather than the age group. In 2008, they were awarded the Mayor's Award for their services to the London community.
Apart from his show in the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, it seems it’s all happening for McQuaid this July.
On Monday, July 14 - "Bastille Day," which marks the start of the 1789 French Revolution - McQuaid will lead his own revolution, transitioning from his more political and dramatic themes to high romance, with the release of his new single, "PARADISE (Baby, I Love You)." He feels now, more than ever, people need a simple and upbeat love song to lift their spirits in these troubled times.
He’ll be launching "PARADISE (Baby, I Love You)" on the night at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith. After all, it was often Irish cultural events and London ballrooms of romance, such as the iconic Galtymore, that literally gave birth to the second, third, and fourth generations of Irish in England!
Pat Greene, an Irish storyteller currently residing in Brooklyn, who formerly worked in London as a bouncer at the Galtymore and as a bartender at The Crown in Cricklewood, vividly remembers that Irish men often preferred slower, romantic songs, but not necessarily to get closer to the women.
He said, “The lads who weren’t great dancers relaxed” when the slow sets were played. “The steps were easier and you could see the lads who weren’t great dancers became less self-conscious."
Some other works by John Buckley McQuaid: Prodigal Kiss may be found at UCD’s Poetry As Remembrance’s Virtual Poetry Wall; John Buckley McQuaid is interviewed for Life Stories by Marty O’Connor; A video for "PARADISE (Baby, I Love You)" will be published on his YouTube channel on July 14; Selection of John Buckley McQuaid’s albums and singles on Bandcamp.
This article was submitted to the IrishCentral contributors network by a member of the global Irish community. To become an IrishCentral contributor click here.
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