Mary Dillon, Neil Martin and I opened the Out to Lunch Festival last night to a packed house at @theblackboxbelfast .
Our recent journey together as a trio began in this very venue and festival two years ago, and since then we’ve shared many special nights — eight sold-out shows from County Derry to Dublin, and from the Grand Opera House in Belfast to London.
Mary sings Bonnie Blue Eyed Lassie here, learned from the singing of the much-missed Séamus Begley — a friend of mine and an idol. Last night we were joined onstage by two brilliant young musicians: Etain Murphy from Belfast and Catríona McKenna from Tyrone. Looking forward to charting their course in the future.
Grateful for the music and the company, and looking forward to more adventures with Mary & Neil in 2026.
#OutToLunchFestival
#BelfastMusic
#IrishMusic
#TraditionalMusic
#MaryDillon
We are delighted to present a stellar double bill this Belfast St. Patrick’s Music Festival ☘️🎶
Taking to the stage is the legendary Andy Irvine of Planxty and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Singer of the Year Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh with her exceptional new six-piece band, featuring Dublin uilleann piper Mick O’Brien, celebrated harper Michael Rooney, sean nós dancer and concertina player Becky Ní Éallaithe, leading Oriel fiddle player Dónal O’Connor, and renowned Belfast cellist Neil Martin.
📆 Sat 14 March | Doors 7.30pm
📍 Mandela Hall
🎟️ Tickets on sale now via Belfasttradfest.com (link in bio)
This unforgettable double bill brings together two towering figures of Irish music at the height of their creative powers - join us for a night that celebrates the richness, innovation, and living heart of traditional music.
#BelfastStPats #Belfast #traditionalmusic
The Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Band
Bród agus áthas an domhain orm an banna nua seo a chur in aithne daoibh!
I am very proud and excited to announce this new six piece ensemble, featuring some of the finest Irish musicians of their generation. Together, we will celebrate and showcase the richness of Irish traditional song, music, and dance.
The star-studded cast joining me are:
• Michael Rooney – One of Ireland’s leading harpers and composers from Monaghan.
• Dónal O’Connor – leading fiddle player and producer from the Oriel region.
• Becky Ní Éallaithe – a gifted young sean nós dancer and concertina player from Conamara.
• Neil Martin – renowned Belfast cellist, composer, and arranger.
• Mick O’Brien – legendary Dublin uilleann piper.
Our programme features beloved sean nós songs—including selections from the album “Róisín ReImagined”—interwoven with exhilarating instrumental music and the driving rhythms of sean nós dance.
Awarded RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Singer of the Year 2022, Muireann continues to champion Irish song and music worldwide. Beyond performing, she is also an accomplished broadcaster, hosting the acclaimed Folk on One series on RTÉ Radio 1.
“One of the earthiest and most distinctive voices, not just in traditional circles, but anywhere” – The Irish Times
#traditionalmusic #muireannnicamhlaoibh #folkmusic #irishmusic #traditionalirishmusic #irishsong
So excited to share this!
A huge thank you to Neil Martin and BBC Radio Ulster’s Folk Club for playing “Sweet Omagh Town” last night!
It’s such an honour to have my song featured on a platform celebrating incredible Irish music and talent.
🎧 You can listen to the full play on BBC Sounds just hit the link in my story!
#sineadwillox #sweetomaghtown #bbcradioulster #folkclub #irishmusic #northernirelandmusic #bbcfolkclub
