Irish traditional music is the heartbeat of Irish culture and history. Played by thousands of musicians across Ireland and around the world, it is a modern tradition too that is very much alive and well and is an instantly recognisable cultural symbol for the people of Ireland. Traditional instruments and melodies have evolved and fused with modern musical forms to create a contemporary music scene that Ireland is proud to export throughout the world. The spectrum of musical talent in Ireland includes well known names such as The Chieftans, Christy Moore, James Galway, The Celtic Tenors, U2, Enya, Van Morrison, The Hothouse Flowers, Westlife and the Script – to name but a few!

The Chieftains. Photo: Barry McCall.

Photo courtesy of Cometocork.com

 

 

Fleadhs, or festivals, are a major part of Irish cultural life and impromptu traditional sessions have become the stuff of legend at West Belfast’s Féile an Phobail (Festival of the People), the Feakle International Traditional Music Festival, the Baltimore Fiddle Fair, the Galway Racing Festival or Kerry’s Puck Fair. Rock and dance music festivals are also big news with major festivals such as Oxegen, Tennents Vital Belfast and the Electric Picnic held during the Summer.

The National Concert Hall www.nch.ie

Music from Ireland www.musicfromireland.org/

Music Network www.musicnetwork.ie

The Contemporary Music Centre www.cmc.ie