For three decades, Danú have been at the heart of Irish traditional music, captivating audiences with their virtuosity, creativity, and deep connection to Ireland’s cultural heritage. Formed in 1995 in County Waterford, the band’s journey began with an impromptu session after a céilí in Dungarvan. In 1996, the group were invited to represent Ireland at the Inter Celtique Festival in Lorient, Brittany, where they won the prestigious Boules Des Korrigans award for best up-and-coming band.
Over the years, they have toured extensively across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, gracing stages at iconic venues and major festivals across the UK, Denmark, France and beyond. Danú’s recordings have earned critical acclaim. Their live performances have been broadcast on NPR, CBC, and the BBC.
Danú’s current lineup, features Benny McCarthy (button accordion), Nell Ní Chróinín (vocals, tin whistle), Oisín McAuley (fiddle, backing vocals), Éamon Doorley (bouzouki), Tony Byrne (guitar), Ivan Goff (pipes, flute, whistle), and Billy Sutton (bodhrán, mandolin, backing vocals).
To celebrate their 30th anniversary, Danú is releasing The Pearl Album (Live in Celebration), a stunning collection of 30 tracks recorded live in over 25 iconic venues. The album showcases the band’s mastery of traditional Irish music, blending intricate instrumental arrangements with Nell Ní Chróinín’s exceptional vocals.