Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh is an Irish fiddler and the lead vocalist for the Irish folk music band Altan, which she co-founded with her husband Frankie Kennedy in 1987. Ní Mhaonaigh is recognised as a leading exponent in the Donegal fiddle tradition, and she is often considered one of the foremost singers in the Irish language, her native tongue. She was part of the Irish supergroup T with the Maggies who performed in January 2009 at Temple Bar TradFest in Dublin their first ever two concerts under that name and who released in October 2010 their debut album. After nearly 22 years with Altan, on 28 December 2008 Ní Mhaonaigh premiered in Gweedore her debut solo album Imeall which was later released worldwide in February 2009. After 29 years with Altan, in October 2016 Ní Mhaonaigh released her alternate band Na Mooneys' debut album Na Mooneys.
Mairéad performing with Altan at Mardis de Plouescat in 2013
Ní Mhaonaigh with the short-lived band Ragairne on RTÉ television in the 1980s.
Ní Mhaonaigh performing with her father.
Ní Mhaonaigh performing with Altan in 2013
Irish traditional music is a genre of folk music that developed in Ireland.
Irish musicians during a music session, among them Christy Barry (left) and James Devitt (center). Traditional music sessions are commonplace in public houses throughout Ireland.
Statues of traditional musicians, Lisdoonvarna
The Haymakers jig
A fiddle and bow
