Ireland’s top Instrumentalists

Ireland has produced a host of great musicians who have made Irish traditional music popular worldwide.

These are some of the most prominent names.


TheSwellSEasonColm Mac Con Iomaire

Colm Mac Con Iomaire was raised in an Irish speaking family.


James GalwayJames Galway

James Galway has played in the most prestigious orchestras in the world.


Frankie Gavin (photo copyright Candy Schwartz)Frankie Gavin

Frankie Gavin plays the fiddle, flute and whistles.
Child Prodigy
De Dannan


Barney McKenna by Jim McCannBarney McKenna

Barney McKenna was the charismatic banjo player in The Dubliners.


Paddy Moloney from the Chieftains copyright Dean+Barb cc2Paddy Moloney

Mulch-instrumentalist, plays the Uilleann Pipes in The Chieftains and has produced music for top Hollywood films.
Paddy Moloney videos


Máiréad NesbittMáiréad Nesbitt

Virtuoso fiddle player with Celtic Woman
Máiréad Nesbitt videos


Sharon ShannonSharon Shannon

Accomplished Irish musician in many instruments.
Sharon Shannon videos


John Sheahan copyright Jim McCann cc2.5John Sheahan

The Dubliners’ fiddle player and only ever present member.
John Sheahan videos