Altan

Altan stands as the preeminent ensemble of the Donegal fiddle tradition, formed in 1987 by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and the late Frankie Kennedy. Their sound identity is built on the 'Donegal style,' characterized by rapid-fire ornamentation, unison playing between fiddle and flute, and a rhythmic drive influenced by Scottish highland piping.

Ní Mhaonaigh's vocals, often in Irish Gaelic, provide a melodic counterpoint that elevated the band to international prominence during the 1990s Celtic music boom. They were historically significant as one of the first traditional acts to sign with a major label (Virgin), bridging the gap between local session music and global concert stages. Their influence is vast, having collaborated with Americana icons like Dolly Parton and Bonnie Raitt, effectively positioning Irish traditional music within the broader folk and roots ecosystem. Critical consensus highlights their unwavering commitment to authenticity even as they achieved commercial success, maintaining a rigorous standard of musicianship that has influenced a generation of neo-traditionalists like Lúnasa and Dervish.