Best Sean Nós Singers: Voices of Irish Tradition

Sean Nós singing represents a treasured part of Irish tradition, celebrated for its raw vocal expression and deep cultural roots. In this article, we highlight the best Sean Nós singers whose performances have maintained and honored this historic musical style. Join us to learn about the influential artists keeping this tradition alive.

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The article presents top Sean Nós Singers: Seosamh Ó hÉanaí, Róisín Elsafty, Ann Mulqueen, Nell Ní Chróinín, and Iarla Ó Lionáird.

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Sean Nós singing is more than just a style—it’s a tradition carried by incredible performers who bring its stories to life. We’ve gathered insights into some of the finest singers who have mastered this craft. Read on to learn more about the voices that continue to shape and preserve this Irish art form.

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Seosamh Ó hÉanaí

‍Joe Heaney, also known as Seosamh Ó hÉanaí, was born in 1919 in Carna, Connemara, an Irish-speaking region on the west coast of County Galway. He began singing at a young age but only performed publicly after turning 20. Heaney attributed much of his extensive repertoire of over 500 songs to the traditional Irish environment in which he grew up. After spending his early life in Ireland, he moved to London in 1949, where he worked in construction and joined the folk music community. He recorded with labels such as Topic and Gael-Linn during this period.

Heaney later moved to the United States, where his career involved teaching and performing. Highlights included his performance at the Sydney Opera House in 1981 and serving as an artist-in-residence at both Wesleyan University and the University of Washington. His contributions to Irish music led to the creation of the Joe Heaney Collection, now housed at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Heaney’s legacy is celebrated annually at the Féile Chomórtha Joe Éinniú in his native Carna. His life and influence are further explored in biographies, including Bright Star of the West: Joe Heaney, Irish Song-Man, which provides additional context for his work and impact.

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Róisín Elsafty

Róisín Elsafty, a sean-nós singer from Connemara, Ireland, grew up in a family deeply connected to music. Her mother, Treasa Ní Cheannabháin, is a well-respected traditional singer, and her siblings, including Naisrín Elsafty, have also pursued work in performance. Róisín’s mixed Irish and Egyptian heritage is reflected in her artistic pursuits and collaborations. She began her recording career in 1996, working with her mother on L'art du sean-nós, released by Buda Musique.

Throughout her career, Róisín has performed alongside notable names such as Dónal Lunny and accordionist Máirtín O’Connor at prestigious venues, including the Konzerthaus Großer Saal in Vienna and Dublin’s National Concert Hall. She has also been part of The Irish Consort, a group blending Irish traditional music with European Renaissance styles, featuring instruments such as the wire-strung Irish harp and bass viol.

In 2007, Róisín released her album Má bhíonn tú liom Bí liom, consisting of both modern and traditional pieces, produced by Dónal Lunny. The album includes contributions from several well-known musicians. Recognized for her artistry, she won the IMA award for Best Sean Nós singer in 2010. Additionally, Róisín has shown solidarity with Palestine, recording "An Phailistín," a song in both Irish and Arabic supporting civil rights.

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Ann Mulqueen

Ann Mulqueen, a singer from Castleconnell, County Limerick, gained recognition in Ireland’s sean-nós and ballad traditions during the 1960s. She learned traditional songs from her grandmother, Bridget Mulqueen, who was from County Clare. Her talent in ballad singing was evident early on, as she won the All-Ireland ballad singing competition in three consecutive years: 1959, 1960, and 1961. By the age of 15, she was performing with prominent musical groups and artists, including the Gallowglass Céilí Band, The Dubliners, and Willie Clancy. Mulqueen also sang alongside other notable traditional performers such as Seán 'ac Dhonncha.

Ann toured extensively in the United States and the United Kingdom with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, showcasing Irish musical traditions abroad. She and her husband, Tomás Ó Ceilleachair, ran Tig an Cheoil in Ring, County Waterford. Together, they raised a family of three children: Odí, Sorcha, and Ógie. In 2001, Ann recorded an album with her daughters, continuing her dedication to Irish music within her family. Her son Ógie Ó Ceilleachair has pursued a career as a novelist. Ann Mulqueen’s work across performance and teaching reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving and sharing Ireland’s traditional songs and culture.

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Nell Ní Chróinín

Nell Ní Chróinín, born in 1990, is a sean-nós singer from the Muskerry Gaeltacht in County Cork, Ireland. She grew up in An Choill Mhór, near Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, and her family originates from nearby Cúil Aodha. Ní Chróinín’s interest in sean-nós singing began at age ten after attending Oireachtas na Gaeilge, which introduced her to influential figures in traditional Irish arts. She began taking lessons the following year, learning songs from local singers Máire Ní Chéilleachair and Eoiní Maidhcí Ó Suilleabháin. As a teenager, Ní Chróinín achieved recognition through competitions like Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

In 2008, she won second place at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in the female singers under-35 category and secured first place in 2010, earning her eligibility to compete for the prestigious Corn Uí Riada. In 2014, Ní Chróinín became the youngest winner of Corn Uí Riada and the first victor from her home region of Múscraí.

She has performed with Raw Bar Collective and joined the band Danú in 2017, appearing on their 2018 album Ten Thousand Miles. Ní Chróinín holds a Bachelor of Education from Mary Immaculate College and works as a teacher at Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc in Carlow. She also appears on TG4 traditional music programs.

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Iarla Ó Lionáird

Marla Ó Lionáird, born around 1963, is an Irish sean-nós singer and record producer from Baile Mhúirne in West Cork, an Irish-speaking region. Coming from a family with a tradition of singing, his early exposure to music was significant. His great-aunt, Elizabeth Cronin, was renowned for her singing, and Ó Lionáird himself performed publicly from the age of five, later recording his first song, "Aisling Gheal," at twelve. He was part of Seán Ó Riada’s Cór Chúil Aodha choir during his youth.

Ó Lionáird initially worked as a teacher after earning a Bachelor of Education but eventually pursued music full-time. He contributed to traditional and contemporary Irish music, seeking ways to blend traditional sean-nós singing with modern styles. Collaborating with Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records, he became part of the Afro Celt Sound System and released several solo albums, including The Seven Steps to Mercy and Foxlight.

As a member of The Gloaming, he gained further recognition. Additionally, he explored contemporary music through collaborations with composers like Donnacha Dennehy. Beyond music, he served as a Traditional Artist in Residence at University College Cork and appeared in the film Brooklyn. He currently lives in Kilkenny with his family.

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Final Thoughts

‍Sean-nós singing is a highly personal and expressive tradition within Irish culture. Artists such as Seosamh Ó hÉanaí, Róisín Elsafty, Ann Mulqueen, Nell Ní Chróinín, and Iarla Ó Lionáird have each contributed to keeping this art form alive. Through their performances, teaching, and collaborations, they have ensured that this singing style continues to reach new audiences.

Their work represents a connection to Ireland’s oral and musical history. As sean-nós singing gains recognition internationally, its strength lies in its authenticity, emotional expression, and the commitment of those who uphold its tradition and introduce it to younger generations.

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