Music Capital

Altan

Altan return to the Pavilion Theatre for their much‑anticipated annual concert—an event that has become a highlight of the venue’s calendar. Known for their electrifying performances and exceptional musicianship, Altan’s shows are renowned for their energy and atmosphere and consistently sell out well in advance.

The current line‑up features founding members Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (fiddle, vocals), Ciarán Curran (bouzouki), and Mark Kelly (guitar), joined by Martin Tourish (accordion) and Clare Friel (fiddle, vocals). Their collaborations have included performances with The Chieftains, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, and John Prine.

Celebrating forty years on the road, the Donegal group continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their distinctive blend of traditional music and contemporary artistry. Their career has taken them to many of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, the Sydney Opera House, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, Glastonbury Festival, TradFest Temple Bar, and Festival Interceltique de Lorient.

Their most recent album, Donegal (2024), has been widely praised for its modern interpretation of the county’s musical heritage. Critics note that the band “continue to develop and build from their rich source of the traditional music and song of Donegal to create a contemporary fresh sound with ease.”