That dance challenge between Irish and black dancers in Riverdance isn’t something invented just to woo American audiences. The links between Irish and tap dancing run deep in the immigrant tradition of 19th century America. The black dancers swapped steps and rhythms with the Irish, blending an art form which was later to find expression in [...]

The pattern or pátrún was celebrated in practically every parish in Ireland from the middle ages to the mid-19th century. Essentially a
religious event associated with holy wells, lakes or high ground, pattern day was also an important social occasion in the rural calendar.
It has its origins in pre-Christian times and its festive aspect bears many [...]

Dominic Behan (1938 – 1989)
Born into a republican working class family in Dublin, Dominic was a brother of writer Brendan Behan and step brother of Rory Furlong. As well as a singer and songwriter, he was a short story writer, novelist and playwright. He followed the family trade as a house painter before going to [...]

A record company put ideals before profit – and survived.

Hear  tracks by Davey Graham, Dan Ar Bras, Duck Baker and Dave Evans from this great 1979 guitar album

By Ronan Nolan
Sean O Riada was born in Cork city in 1931. His mother was from Ballyvourney, Co Cork, and his father from Clare. At a young age the family moved to Adare, Co Limerick, before returning to Cork and he went to school at Farranferris. While in Adare where his father was posted, he [...]

Irish traditional music acts appear to be losing our to Celtic Rock at US festivals