The Ceili Family: Ireland's Modern Folk Revivalists
The Ceili Family is a dynamic Irish folk ensemble known for revitalizing traditional Celtic music for a contemporary audience. Hailing from County Clare, the group achieved mainstream success with their 2018 album Crossroads, which charted across Europe and earned a gold certification in their home country.
Early career
The band formed in 2012 around the core sibling duo of fiddler Róisín O'Connell and guitarist Liam O'Connell. They began performing at local pubs and festivals in the west of Ireland, building a reputation for energetic live sets. Their self-released 2014 EP, The Session Begins, caught the attention of the independent label Celtic Echo Records.
Breakthrough
The Ceili Family's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their sophomore album, Crossroads, on Celtic Echo Records. The album debuted at number three on the Irish Albums Chart and spent over forty weeks in the Top 40, driven by heavy radio play for its lead single. This commercial success was solidified by the Irish Music Rights Association certifying the album gold later that same year.
Key tracks
The Galway Racer — This reimagined traditional reel became their signature opening track at live shows and a staple on folk radio.
Crossroads — The title track from their breakthrough album showcased their skill at writing original material that felt timeless.
Atlantic Drift (feat. Iarla Ó Lionáird) — A celebrated collaboration that blended their instrumentation with sean-nós singing, expanding their artistic reach.
Fisherman's Blues — Their popular cover of The Waterboys' song introduced their sound to a wider rock and folk audience.
Home to Clare — This poignant ballad became a fan favorite and a regular setlist closer during their tours.
Following the success of Crossroads, The Ceili Family embarked on extensive international touring throughout 2019 and 2020. They released their third studio album, Horizon Line, in 2022, which incorporated subtle influences from indie and Americana while staying rooted in folk. The band has collaborated with artists like vocalist Lisa Hannigan and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, demonstrating their versatility within the genre.
Fans of The Ceili Family's modern take on Celtic folk often enjoy the work of The High Kings, who also deliver robust vocal harmonies on traditional songs. The instrumental prowess can be compared to Lúnasa, a group known for its sophisticated arrangements. The contemporary songwriting approach shares ground with The Corrs, who similarly bridged pop and folk. For the authentic Irish session energy, listeners turn to The Dubliners as a foundational influence.
The music of The Ceili Family maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated Celtic and folk music stations, both digital and FM. Their upbeat tracks are featured on daytime rotations, while their deeper album cuts are played on specialist independent music radio stations focusing on traditional and roots music. Online folk radio streams frequently include their songs in playlists aimed at showcasing modern folk revivalists.
You can hear the vibrant music of The Ceili Family on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Explore our curated selection of folk and Celtic stations to discover their hits and deep cuts broadcasting live.
