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Ireland Altan, an iconic Irish folk band, has brought traditional Donegal music to global stages and maintains a distinguished career spanning over 40 years.
Interested in booking Altan?
Request A ShowAltan is signed to Compass Records, an iconic band in Irish music delivering on their reputation as among Ireland's most important cultural ambassadors. They released their album 'Donegal' through Compass Records in 2024.
Altan has shared their music and musicianship with The Chieftains.
Altan has shared their music and musicianship with Ricky Skaggs.
Altan has shared their music and musicianship with John Prine.
Altan was the first-ever Irish traditional band signed to a major record label, Virgin Records in 1995.
Mentioned as partners & sponsors in connection with Altan's career in Irish music.
Altan partook in a panel discussion titled 'Celtic and Country Music Connections with Altan and Jerry Douglas' presented in partnership with Music City Irish Fest.
Altan was formed in County Donegal in 1987 by lead vocalist Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her husband Frankie Kennedy, with a primary focus on traditional Irish-language songs from Donegal. Their musical journey began earlier in 1981, when Ní Mhaonaigh and Kennedy, then trainee teachers, married and started performing in Dublin’s folk clubs. Their debut album, “Ceol Aduaidh” (Music of the North), was released in 1983, showcasing Gaelic songs and Ulster jigs and reels. This initial success led them to tour America, realizing a significant market for their music, which prompted them to leave teaching and pursue music full-time. Altan officially adopted their name in 1987, inspired by a lake in Donegal, and released their second album under this new identity.
Over the decades, Altan has achieved significant milestones, becoming the first traditional Irish group to sign with a major label, Virgin Records, in 1994. They have released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including “The Red Crow” (1990), which won the “Celtic/British Isles Album of the Year” award, and “Island Angel” (1993), recognized by Billboard as a top-selling world music album. The band has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the White House for US President Bill Clinton in 1994 and again in 1998, with the President of Ireland Mary McAleese also requesting their accompaniment on state visits. The group’s enduring commitment to their heritage is further exemplified by their most recent album, “Donegal,” released in 2024.
Altan’s influence extends through collaborations with renowned artists such as Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, The Chieftains, Ricky Skaggs, and John Prine, showcasing their versatility across musical genres. Following Frankie Kennedy’s passing in 1994, the band continued to honor his vision, maintaining a consistent lineup until recent years. The current core members include Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ciarán Curran, Mark Kelly, Dáithí Sproule, Martin Tourish, and newest member Clare Friel, who joined permanently in July 2023. Their dedication ensures the preservation and global reach of Donegal’s rich musical tradition.
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