- Leo O’Kelly (Singer-Songwriter, Musician) from Carlow Town. Born 1948. A member of the folk-rock duo Tír na nÓg, O’Kelly was born in Carlow Town and formed the band with Sonny Condell in 1970. Their albums, like Tír na nÓg (1971), blended Celtic folk with progressive rock.
- Sonny Condell (Singer-Songwriter, Musician) from Carlow Town (lived). Born 1949. The other half of Tír na nÓg, Condell lived in Carlow and contributed to the duo’s three albums for Chrysalis, including A Tear and a Smile (1972). His solo work, like Camouflage (1977), reflects Carlow’s folk heritage.
- Mick Flannery (Singer-Songwriter) from Blarney (born), Carlow (lived). Born 28 November 1983. Raised in Blarney, Flannery studied music in Carlow at the Carlow College of Music. His albums, such as Evening Train (2007), blend folk and blues, earning him critical acclaim in Ireland.
- Pierce Turner (Singer-Songwriter, Musician) from Carlow Town (lived). Born 1956. Though born in Wexford, Turner spent formative years in Carlow, shaping his eclectic style. Known for albums like It’s Only a Long Way Across (1986), he blends rock, folk, and Celtic influences.
- William Dargan (Amateur Musician, Fiddle Player) from Carlow Town. Born 28 February 1799, died 2 February 1867. Primarily a railway engineer, Dargan was born near Carlow Town and was an accomplished amateur fiddle player, performing traditional Irish tunes at local gatherings, reflecting Carlow’s musical culture.
- Seán Ó Riada (Composer, Musician) from Carlow Town (lived briefly). Born 1 August 1931, died 3 October 1971. A key figure in Irish traditional music, Ó Riada lived briefly in Carlow while working as a music director. His work with Ceoltóirí Chualann and scores like Mise Éire revived Irish folk music.
- Mary Byrne (Singer) from Carlow Town (lived). Born 3 November 1959. A Carlow-based singer, Byrne gained fame on The X Factor (ENGLAND) in 2010. Her powerful vocals, showcased in covers like I Just Call You Mine, connected her to Carlow’s music scene.
- Cian Ducrot (Singer-Songwriter, Musician) from Carlow Town (lived). Born 30 August 1997. Though born in Cork, Ducrot studied at Carlow College of Music, shaping his pop career. His hit All for You (2022) and album Victory (2023) reflect his time in Carlow.
- Eoghan Quigg (Singer) from Carlow Town (lived). Born 12 July 1992. A runner-up on The X Factor (ENGLAND) in 2008, Quigg lived in Carlow during his early career. His pop covers and single 28,000 Friends gained him a local following.
- The Aftermath (Band) from Carlow Town. Formed 2000. (members born circa 1980s). A Carlow-based indie rock band, The Aftermath released albums like Friendlier Up Here (2008). Their energetic performances and local roots made them a staple in Carlow’s music scene.
Musicians
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County Carlow:
Ireland’s County Carlow combines historic landmarks with serene landscapes, with the Carlow Castle ruins and the nearby Altamont Gardens offering a mix of medieval and botanical appeal. The Barrow Way provides scenic riverside walks, while the Brownshill Dolmen, a prehistoric portal tomb, adds ancient history. Carlow is Ireland’s second smallest county by size (896 square km) and third smallest by population (61,968). Population peaked at 86,228 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 33,342 in 1961.In terms of hospitality, Carlow is Ireland’s 23rd most visited tourist county with around 68,000 international visitors per year.
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