“The hottest group in the Celtic realm” – The Boston Globe
Altan is celebrating forty years on the road! They have performed their native music on world-renowned stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Also, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, Glastonbury Festival, Tradfest Temple Bar in Dublin, and Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany.
Building on this history, their latest album, Donegal, was released in 2024 and has received widespread positive reviews. Altan has long been at the forefront of traditional Irish music, blending the raw energy of their native Donegal-fiddle style with a rare, melodic sensibility. In 1995, they became the first-ever Irish traditional band signed to a major record label. The Boston Globe named them “the hottest group in the Celtic realm”.
The band’s original members are lead singer and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ciaran Curran on bouzouki and guitarist Mark Kelly. They are accompanied by accordion player Martin Tourish, and their newest member, fiddler and singer, Clare Friel.
Altan has shared their music and musicianship with The Chieftains, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, John Prine, and more. Embarking on their fifth decade, their commitment to Donegal’s musical heritage ensures that it will endure for generations to come.
Recommended for fans of Dervish, Cherish the Ladies, The Waterboys and The Dubliners.
📸: Lauren Carroll
