Belfast TradFest is delighted to present a stellar double bill on Saturday 14 March in the Mandela Hall, featuring the legendary Andy Irvine of Planxty, alongside RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Singer of the Year Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and her exceptional new six-piece band.
Andy Irvine – “a tradition in himself” – has been a pioneering force in folk and world music for over five decades. From his early days with the groundbreaking Sweeney’s Men to the legendary Planxty, his acclaimed duo with Paul Brady, and influential groups such as Patrick Street, Mozaik,LAPD, and Usher’s Island, Andy has shaped the sound of modern Irish music. A master storyteller and true troubadour, his concerts blend Irish traditional songs, driving Balkan rhythms, and a powerful collection of self-penned classics. “Often copied, never equalled.” – The Irish TimesMuireann Nic Amhlaoibh, a renowned sean-nós singer and musician from Corca Dhuibhne, is one of Ireland’s most celebrated voices, bringing her rich West Kerry heritage and acclaimed artistry to Belfast.
For this special concert, Muireann is joined by a star-studded ensemble of some of Ireland’s most accomplished traditional musicians and composers: Mick O’Brien, the legendary Dublin uilleann piper and internationally acclaimed soloist renowned for his collaborations with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and his seminal recordings of the piping tradition; Michael Rooney, one of Ireland’s leading harpers and composers, celebrated for his large-scale suites for harp and traditional ensemble and the recipient of multiple TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards; and Becky Ní Éallaithe, a gifted young sean-nós dancer and concertina player from Conamara who represents the new generation of tradition bearers carrying forward Ireland’s living song and dance heritage. They are joined by Dónal O’Connor, a leading fiddle player and producer from the Oriel region acclaimed for his extensive production credits and collaborations across Irish and Scottish traditions, and Neil Martin, the renowned Belfast cellist, composer, and arranger whose work spans traditional and classical music, including major commissions for orchestras, theatre, and film.
Together, this ensemble will present a programme featuring much-loved sean-nós songs — including selections from Muireann’s critically acclaimed Róisín ReImagined — interwoven with exhilarating instrumental music and the driving rhythms of sean-nós dance.
A former lead vocalist and flautist with Danú for over a decade, Muireann has toured worldwide and collaborated across genres from classical to electronica. She also presents RTÉ Radio 1’s Folk on One. Her artistry has earned widespread acclaim, with The Irish Times describing her as “one of the earthiest and most distinctive voices… anywhere.”
This unforgettable double bill brings together two towering figures of Irish music at the height of their creative powers. From Andy Irvine’s timeless voice and masterful musicianship to Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh’s luminous artistry and the thrilling interplay of her all-star ensemble, audiences can expect an evening that spans the breadth and depth of the tradition — from ancient song to contemporary composition, from intimate storytelling to full-throttle ensemble energy.
Join us for a night that celebrates the richness, innovation, and living heart of Irish traditional music in the magnificent surroundings of Mandela Hall.
Doors: 7.30pm
Ticket link: https://www.belfasttraditionalmusic.com/muireann-nic-amhlaoibh-andy-irvine
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Mandela Hall, 1 Elmwood Ave, Belfast BT9 6AZ, United Kingdom, Belfast
