Beginners Guide

So you have stumbled accross this website, are obviously keenly interested in magic and want to learn more tricks, meet other magicians and take it to the next level.  This webpage is intended to give you an overview of what to do and where to go from here.

Where do I find books on magic?
Your local library is a good place to start.  Usually titles can be found in the hobbies section.  Unfortunately there isn't a massive selection in most libraries.  In recent years there have been some very good books written as an introduction to magic by some of the biggest names within the magic community.  IrishMagicNews recommends 

The Art of Magic : and Sleight of Hand  - by Nicholas Einhorn Lorenz books - ISBN-10: 0754810925  ISBN-13: 978-0754810926 Available from Amazon here
MAGIC The Complete Course (with accompanying DVD) - By Joshua Jay Workman Publishing Company ISBN-10: 0761149872  ISBN-13: 978-0761149873 Available from Amazon here

What about online magic forums and YouTube?
While there are very valuable resources online it does require a little bit of experience & knowledge to separate the good from bad.  The problem with YouTube and similar sites is that, for the most part, you are being thought by people who are not qualified to teach you.  Similarly, many message boards are filled with opinion from people who have absolutely no idea what they are talking about.  Caveat emptor.

Can I get DVD's to teach me magic?

Yes, there are hundreds of DVD's available through the many online magic shops.  Again without experience you may find yourself purchasing material too advanced, thereby discouraging your interest.  If you are determined we recommend Michael Ammar's Easy to Master series.  Search magic shops for these titles if you are interested.  DVD's usually cost around €35 per disc

Can I just show up to a society?
If you have a genuine interest in magic you will be welcome at a society meeting.  Most societies will allow you to come along to a meeting to see what it's all about.  After that you will need to audition to become a member. (This is a general observation, individual societies may have certain entry requirements).

What do I need to do in my audition?
Don't worry.  The audition process for magic societies is really to show you have a genuine interest in the art.  Most people in the audience will know how your tricks work so concentrate on the presentation.  As a general guideline you should aim to perform 3 tricks and aim to perform for 5 - 8 minutes.  90% of people who audition get accepted to become members on their first audition.

What goes on at societies and how much do they cost?
Most societies meet once a month.  Meeting range from in house members nights where members perform tricks for each other and help each other out with their magic to lectures from professional magicians.  Lectures are like school in a way, only you learn magic instead of maths.  Usually societies host an auction night once a year where you can buy and sell tricks, books and DVD's.  Subscription rates vary from society to society but as a general rule fall between €50 and €70 per year.  Astonishing value.

Are their big gatherings of all the magicians in Ireland?
The main Irish Magic Convention happens once a year.  It is hosted on a tri-annual basis by The SIM in Dublin, The USM in Belfast and the MSM in Limerick.  Sometimes other conventions happen from time to time in varying parts of the country.  Conventions usually take place over a weekend and consist of lectures, workshops, competitions, stage & close up shows & feature a dealers room.  Dealers are how magicians refer to magic shops who take trade booths at our conventions.  A convention registration usually costs around €100

Hopefully the above will give you some sort of perspective on magic in Ireland, where to go and what to do as a beginner.