Ye Vagabonds: The Harmonic Heart of Irish Folk

Ye Vagabonds are the Dublin-based Irish folk duo of brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn. Hailing from Carlow, they have carved a distinct space in the contemporary folk scene with their exquisite vocal harmonies and thoughtful songcraft. Their acclaimed self-titled debut album won the prestigious RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Award for Best Album in 2017, signaling their arrival as a major new force.

Early career

The brothers began performing publicly after moving to Dublin in 2012, quickly becoming a fixture in the city's vibrant folk session scene. Their early presence was built on captivating live performances, where their intertwined voices and deft guitar work on traditional tunes and original compositions drew immediate attention. This grassroots foundation led to the release of their first EP, Rose & Briar, in 2015, which captured the raw, intimate power of their duo format.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of their self-titled debut album, Ye Vagabonds, on the independent Irish label Arbutus Yarns. The record was a critical triumph, earning the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Award for Best Album that same year. This recognition propelled them to a wider audience, establishing their reputation for reviving traditional songs with fresh sensitivity and penning originals that felt timeless.

Key tracks

Lowlands of Holland — This stunning traditional arrangement showcases the duo's signature close-harmony singing and became an early fan favorite.

Brother — An original composition that highlights their poignant songwriting and the deeply intuitive musical connection between the brothers.

Down in the Willow Garden — Their haunting take on this Appalachian murder ballad demonstrates their skill in sourcing and reinterpreting material from the wider folk canon.

The Foggy Dew — A powerful, harmony-driven version of the Irish classic that exemplifies their respectful yet revitalizing approach to tradition.

Building on this success, their 2019 sophomore album, The Hare's Lament, further refined their sound and was shortlisted for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year. Their third album, 2022's Nine Waves, saw them experiment with a fuller, more atmospheric production while maintaining their core acoustic identity, receiving widespread critical acclaim across Ireland and the UK.

Their collaborative spirit is also notable, having worked with fellow Irish folk artists like John Francis Flynn and Lisa O'Neill. They are core members of the Dublin-based collective Murmur, a group of musicians who regularly collaborate and perform together, enriching the fabric of the current Irish folk revival.

Fans of Ye Vagabonds' rich harmonies and rooted yet contemporary folk style should also explore the work of Lisa O'Neill, who shares a uniquely poetic and powerful approach to Irish songwriting. The intricate arrangements of John Francis Flynn offer a similarly innovative take on traditional material. For another masterful harmonic duo, listen to Willie Watson, whose work in Old Crow Medicine Show and solo presents a compelling American folk parallel.

The music of Ye Vagabonds has found a natural home on the airwaves, featured regularly on independent music radio stations and dedicated folk programs. Their albums receive consistent rotation on national radio networks and online radio streams that champion acoustic and roots music, connecting their traditional-inspired sound with a modern, attentive audience.

Listeners can discover the resonant harmonies and compelling storytelling of Ye Vagabonds on radio stations featured on our website. Tune in via onairium.com to hear their music in regular rotation across a selection of stations dedicated to folk, acoustic, and independent artists.