Macdara Ó Faoláin will make his debut appearance at Coughlans to close out River Runs Round 2024 on the 15th of September. Joined by guests including Victoria Adiiye and Ian Knepper, Macdara will play songs from his latest EP Do Shamhlaigh Mé Tír Nua… as well as other compositions of his own and a selection of Bach repertoire.

Macdara Ó Faoláin is a composer and bouzouki player from An Rinn, Co Waterford, renowned for his innovative approach to traditional Irish music. He is currently focused on composing solo bouzouki pieces that seamlessly blend his deep knowledge of harmony with his traditional roots, drawing inspiration from a wide array of genres. As a native Irish speaker, he is also writing new songs in Irish, contributing to both the preservation and evolution of the language through his music.

Macdara performs regularly with collaborators such as Victoria Adiiye and Cormac McCarthy, and frequently accompanies various musicians within the traditional music scene, having developed a distinctive approach to the Irish bouzouki. He is also a member of a trio with Páraic Mac Donnchadha and Pádraic Keane. Their debut album, Beo, a compilation of live recordings from performances across the country, was hailed by the Irish Echo as “one of the best albums of the past few years.”

Macdara Ó Faoláin’s latest EP Do Shamhlaigh Mé Tír Nua… adds a richly nuanced layer to his impressive resume. The EP features an intricate blend of traditional and contemporary influences, showcasing Macdara’s distinctive bouzouki style and deep connection to Irish culture. This evocative collection serves as a compelling prelude to his forthcoming debut album, further establishing him as a standout talent in the world of Irish music.