My Weekend: I've lived in Cork for 10 years now - it does very much feel like home at this stage.

Tell us a little bit about yourself; 

I'm Niamh, one of the three members of Ana Palindrome. Ruairi de Burca and Sara Leslie are my bandmates and are an absolute dream team! I play the baritone fiddle - a hodgepodge take on the baritone violin that replaces some of the fiddle strings with viola strings to reach lower registers. I like it as an instrument to accompany my singing. The fiddle is pretty wonky sounding and fairly unruly to play - but that's part of the fun. 

We're all based in Cork City. Myself and Sara are from Waterford originally, Ruairi is a Mayfield man. I've lived in Cork for 10 years now - it does very much feel like home at this stage.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

My ideal way to spend a Friday night would kind of depend on the time of year I think. If it was warm enough to sit outside - on a beach or something with pals, food and beers - that'd be dreamy. Over the winter, I love sitting by the fire drinking pints with the girlies. It's nicest to go out early and go home early of a Friday.

Lie ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

I'm a night owl on account of working in pubs & playing music. Lie ins a go go.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

My work is generally weekend type work, yes. My weekends tend to be on Mondays or Tuesdays.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I would love to go to visit my friend Sofia - she's living in Guinea Bissau at the moment but grew up in Tanzania. I would love love love to hang out with her in Dar es Salaam and get a slice of her world.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries? 

I love to walk down the Backstrand in Tramore, Waterford. My folks live in Tramore and I visit often enough.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

I do! As I mentioned, my weekends have been a bit consumed by music but I'm quietening down now after the summer. My friends and family are the best. I wrap myself up in their classness whenever I can really!

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I would consider cooking a hobby. I find it relaxing just chopping things and making big pots of food with whatever I have at hand. I'm not great for following a recipe. I love bish boshing bits together in the one pot and seeing what happens - like a big witches cauldron.

Entertain or be entertained? If it's the latter do you have a signature dish?

I love to feed people. I would usually make a chilli or a dhal. Again, a one-pot wonder but with nice toppings to make it feel indulgent.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork - where are your go to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

I usually go to Some Dose by Turners Cross for a coffee and an oatie - it's my 'local' you might say. Izz Cafe is probably my favourite place to eat out. My Goodness is great for lunch on the run and funky pickles.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

I play old-time tunes every Sunday night at the Corner House with a gorgeous bunch of musicians. I love it so much. I really feel like I'm always learning at that session. Just really good craic too.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

Probably around 10. I'm a slow mover in the mornings.

UPCOMING EVENT

As the hush of autumn falls, Islander return with the fifth iteration of their winter festival, Quiet Lights, taking place in venues across Cork City, from  November 21 to 24. Quiet Lights is an exciting and well-loved winter festival with a big heart, which aims to shine a light on the new wave of Irish and International folk, traditional, and experimental talent that are quietly forging new paths, recollecting old tales, and creating new stories. For full programme details, visit quietlights.net.