Sean-nós is a traditional style of Irish singing, characterised by its unaccompanied, highly ornamented delivery. Join singer Dominic Mac Giolla Bhríde for a special talk and sean-nós performance at Galway City Museum.

A singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and teacher from the Donegal Gaeltacht, Dominic Mac Giolla Bhríde was awarded the prestigious Corn Uí Riada for sean-nós singing in 2009. His recent book, Gealach na gCuanta (2025), explores the origins of sean-nós and its connections with the Gaelic harping tradition. He has toured widely throughout Ireland, Britain, and beyond, appearing at a range of venues and cultural festivals.

This event is free of charge; however, places are limited and advance booking is strongly recommended. To book, please contact the Museum by email at Museum@GalwayCity.ie or telephone (091) 532460.

About:
Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde is a singer, composer, teacher and researcher of sean-nós singing, and an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. A native Irish speaker from the Donegal Gaeltacht, he began singing at an early age, and has gone on to achieve a highly acclaimed career, including winning the prestigious Corn Uí Riada competition in 2009. He has performed at numerous festivals and at venues across Ireland, the UK including:

The National Concert Hall, Dún Laoighre Arts Festival, Cavan Arts Festival, Kilkenny Arts Festival, An Droichead’s Belfast Song Festival, Féile Imbolc, Doire, Féile an Phobaill, Béal Feirste, Titanic Centre, Béal Feirste, Féile Ealaíona an Earagail, Áras Eanna, Inis Óirr, Seamus Ennis Centre, Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow, Celtic Connections, Glasgow, Machynleth Music Festival, Wales.

Internationally, he has toured the USA ten times, performing at festivals (e.g. Catskills Irish Festival, Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice) and house-concerts. He has toured in Canada, France (Festival Interceltique, Lorient), Finland (Irish Festival of Oulu), Austria, and the Basque country with Scottish singer Griogair Labhraidh.

Doimnic also plays uillean pipes, accordion, piano and harmonium, bringing unique arrangements to his singing. He has released five CDs, the latest, Sona do Cheird, winning NÓS album of the year in 2016 for his melodic compositions to ancient Gaelic poetry. His other CDs include Guaillimh a’ chéile – collaboration with Scottish Gaidhlig singer and piper Griogar Labraidh, Siansa – CD made with his choir, Smúidghealach – CD of sean-nós songs arranged for string quintet accompaniment and Saol na Suáilce – a traditional sean-nós CD.

His research and passion for sean-nós singing has culminated in his latest book which provides a groundbreaking perspective on the origins of Gaelic song and the ancient Irish Gaelic harp.