Cormac Begley

Cormac Begley is a concertina player from the West Kerry Gaeltacht, rooted in the musical traditions of his family, Corca Dhuibhne and Clare. Playing bass, baritone, treble and piccolo concertinas, he brings a distinctive voice to Irish traditional music, exploring the full range of the instrument.

Named Best Folk Instrumentalist at the 2022 RTÉ Folk Awards, his solo album B was chosen as The Irish Times’ Album of the Year. His performances include sold-out concerts at Vicar Street, at the National Concert Hall and Cork Opera House, and international tours as a central musical presence in Michael Keegan-Dolan and Teaċ Daṁsa’s MÁM.

He has recorded with a range of musical artists including Lisa O’Neill, Ye Vagabonds, Lankum, Brian Eno, U2 and Dermot Kennedy. His latest album, Into the Loam, is a collaboration with fiddle and viola player Liam O’Connor.

Cormac is also the founder and Artistic Director of Airt, an arts centre in the West Kerry Gaeltacht, bringing musicians, artists and audiences together through intimate concerts, workshops, residential courses and artist residencies.

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