Cuas

Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich (accordion, vocals), Nicole Ní Dhubhshláine (concertina, flute), Niamh Varian-Barry (fiddle, viola, vocals), and Kyle Macaulay (guitar, bouzouki) formed CUAS in 2023, dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and diverse musical traditions of West Kerry.

Drawing inspiration from the region’s emotive songs and dynamic dance traditions, the group places the connection between listener and performer at the core of performances.

Their self-titled debut album, released in May 2024, was recorded live in Seanscoil a’ Chuasa before an intimate audience of friends and family. The band were nominated for Best Emerging Artist and Best Folk Group at the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards.

CUAS has performed at festivals across Ireland, including Tradfest, Other Voices, The Gathering, and Féile na Bealtaine. They have appeared on national television, including Fáilte 2024, Bláth na hÓige, Fleadh TV, Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh, and Up for the Match. In 2024, they performed at the National Concert Hall (NCH) with dancer Stephanie Keane as part of the Irish Traditional Music Archive’s Drawing from the Well series.

Invigorating polkas and slides, original compositions, and traditional West Kerry songs come alive in the hands of four of Ireland’s most exciting musicians.