Rodrigo y Gabriela in Belfast courtesy of my iPhone

I am still in a cloud of awe as I think back at last night’s concert in Mandela Hall, Belfast.  Rodrigo y Gabriela were superb.  So much mind-blowing talent on the guitar.  Originally from Mexico City, the duo specialize in playing fast, rhythmic acoustic guitar. Gabriela has a very unique way of playing and drumming a guitar that will leave you pretty dumbfounded, and Rodrigo’s melodious and extremely precise playing just provides such a beautiful balance.

They were  discovered in Ireland by playing in the pubs and bars of Dublin, and have a huge cult following in the country. They certainly love performing and are great at engaging the audience while on a stage in a very genuine and friendly manner.

If you have never heard of them, you have to check out some of their performances on YouTube.  I have embedded below their best know piece called ‘Tamacun’ as performed live on Later with Jools Holland.  Should they ever come in concert to your town or within a 100 mile radius of your town, go see them!!! They are so worth it.

I am staying in a gorgeous little converted attic of an old house out in the Co. Antrim countryside outside a town called Cullybackey (the corner of the river bend).  A good friend of mine is in the process of building and opening up a retreat center here.  It is a beautiful house with surrounding outhouses which, for the most part, have now been converted into cottages and event spaces.  Don’t let me start on the garden and lake! oh and wood stove ovens! I am obsessed with those now.  I will be setting up a site for this place, but in the meantime, you can check out some pictures below and at the Facebook Fan Page: The Dreen