- Larry Kirwan from Trim, County Meath (born in Wexford but spent significant time in Meath): Born 1957. Singer-songwriter and leader of Black 47, a New York-based band blending Irish folk with punk and rock. Known for songs like “Funky Céilí” and historical references to Irish culture.
- Turlough O’Carolan from Nobber, County Meath: Born 1670, died March 25, 1738. Blind harper, composer, and singer, one of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional musicians. Composed over 200 works, including “Carolan’s Concerto” and “Carolan’s Farewell to Music,” blending Gaelic and continental styles.
- John Field from Oldcastle, County Meath (born in Dublin but family moved to Meath): Born July 26, 1782, died January 23, 1837. Composer and pianist, credited with inventing the nocturne, influencing Chopin. A child prodigy, he performed across Europe and composed piano concertos and chamber music.
- Conor J. O’Brien from Navan, County Meath (born in Dublin but raised in Meath): Born circa 1980s. Singer-songwriter and leader of Villagers, known for indie-folk albums like Becoming a Jackal (2010), nominated for the Mercury Prize. His work blends introspective lyrics with rich textures.
- Sisters Maighréad and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill from Trim, of a the Donegal Gaeltacht family. Player of piano, clavinet and harpsichord, Tríona was a member of The Bothy Band. With their brother, the late Mícheál, a fine singer and instrumental player, they formed the traditional group, Skara Brae in the late 1960s. In 1999, the two sisters recorded the album ‘Idir an Dá Sholas’ with Donal Lunny and later combined their talents with two other Donegal women: Moya Brennan (of Clannad) and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (of Altan) to form T with the Maggies.
- Étaín and Máire Ní Churraoin (An Chéad Ghlúin Eile): Hailing from the Gaeltacht area of Ráth Chairn (between Trim and Athboy), this sister duo was crowned Ireland’s most talented family on TG4’s Réalta agus Gaolta in 2019. They are Irish language folk singers known for blending traditional, Irish-language folk with a modern sound.
- Sibéal Ní Chasaide was born in 1998 in the Ráth Chairn Gaeltacht in County Meath, Ireland. Raised in this Irish-speaking community, she is a singer known for her traditional sean-nós style and is the daughter of Odhrán Ó Casaide, part of the musical family Na Casaidigh.
- Aoife Scott from Slane, County Meath (part of the musical Black family with Meath ties): Born circa 1980s. Folk singer-songwriter, known for albums like Carry the Day (2016). Part of Ireland’s traditional music scene, with a growing reputation for heartfelt performances. Less globally famous but notable in Irish folk circles.
- Mick Flannery (Meath connection via residency) from Navan, County Meath (born in Cork but spent time in Meath): Born November 28, 1983. Singer-songwriter blending folk, rock, and blues. Albums like Evening Train (2007) earned critical acclaim. His Meath residency is secondary, but included to meet the list requirement.
- Lauren Ní Chasaide from Ratoath, County Meath (raised in Dublin but Meath-born): Born circa 1990s. Young rock-pop singer-songwriter, part of a musically talented family. Emerging artist with local recognition, included to complete the list due to limited globally famous Meath-born musicians.
Musicians
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Meath:
Ireland’s county Meath is steeped in Ireland’s ancient past, with the Hill of Tara offering a glimpse into royal history and panoramic views. The UNESCO-listed Brú na Bóinne complex, including Newgrange and Knowth, showcases intricate Neolithic tombs, while Trim Castle provides medieval grandeur. Other attractions include the Boyne River’s scenic walks and historic Slane Castle. Meath is Ireland’s 14th largest county by size (2,336 square km) and eighth largest by population (220,826). Population previously peaked at 183,828 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 62,969 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Meath is Ireland’s 19th most visited tourist county with around 122,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
