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STETSONS AND STILETTOS

STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One Image Name: STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One Description: STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One
STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One Image Name: STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One Description: STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One
STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One Image Name: STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One Description: STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One
STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One Image Name: STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One Description: STETSONS AND STILETTOS, RTÉ One

Episode five of six – Hotel Country

In Ireland, the further North you go, the hotter the passion for the new country music scene especially amongst young people who specialise in the fast jive. Ulster is the place to be  for all Irish country music lovers.

One town is ‘the Nashville of the North’  – Bundoran. The once beleaguered resort has been revitalised by country music – it is everywhere and the epi-centre of all things country is the Allingham Arms Hotel.

In this episode we spend the busiest weekend of the summer behind the scenes at the hotel – meet the staff, the artists and the guests for a crazy weekend away – country style!

In 1991, when Peter and Elizabeth Mc Intyre took on the then 68 roomed Allingham Arms, Bundoran no longer had the sparkle of the 1940s and the tradition of ball rooms had been lost. Peter had a vision to make his new hotel unique – he chose not to do weddings, not to do functions – he chose only Country.

In those days, country music was only popular amongst the older generation and often The  Allingham was referred to as Jurassic Park! But in re-inventing Bundoran as the country music capital of Ireland, Peter did carve out a particular niche and when the new craze started to bubble – all of the new stars got their breaks at The Allingham. Now the hotel is busy all year round with country music weekends and the summer is the busiest time for the country music fans.

A great many residents have been coming to The Allingham for years and consider it a home from home. For the artists there is a unique atmosphere and energy about the place that makes them want to play there still despite the lure of the bigger venues.

We meet Peter and his staff as they welcome their guests over this busy weekend. We catch up with Chef Brian who is poised to feed 1200 hungry country fans with traditional fare, we try to keep up with chambermaid Janet as she speeds to prepare the 132 rooms for Saturday check in and Barmen Camel and Dave keep the thirsty dancers happy – a double act with a difference!

Amongst the guests, dance enthusiast Pat Fairon is making the journey from Armagh to test out the Allingham floor – one of the only dance floors in Ireland he hasn’t danced on. While Mayo girls Sandra and Aoife are on a road trip to The Allingham in search of new friends and a fast jive.

Welcome to the surprising world of Irish country music.