- Van Morrison: Singer-songwriter, musician (rock, soul, Celtic) from Bloomfield, Belfast (Belfast is partly in County Down, where Morrison grew up). Born August 31, 1945. Known as “Van the Man,” Morrison’s hits include “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Moondance.” His Celtic soul style blends R&B, jazz, and traditional Irish music. He has released over 40 albums and is considered one of Ireland’s greatest musicians.
- Ottilie Patterson: Blues and jazz singer from Comber, County Down. Born January 31, 1932 Died June 20, 2011. A leading figure in the British blues revival, Patterson was the vocalist for the Chris Barber Jazz Band, performing songs like “St. Louis Blues.” She was celebrated for her powerful voice and toured extensively in Europe and the U.S.
- David McWilliams: Singer-songwriter (folk-pop) from Belfast (County Down connection through residence and upbringing). Born July 4, 1945 Died January 8, 2002. Best known for his 1967 hit “Days of Pearly Spencer,” McWilliams blended folk and pop. His song gained renewed fame through covers by artists like Marc Almond.
- Gary Moore: Guitarist, singer-songwriter (blues, rock) from Belfast (County Down connection through upbringing). Born April 4, 1952 Died February 6, 2011. A virtuoso guitarist, Moore played with Thin Lizzy and had solo hits like “Still Got the Blues.” His work spanned hard rock and blues, earning him global acclaim.
- Ash (Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton, Rick McMurray): Rock band, musicians, songwriters from Formed in Downpatrick, County Down
- Birth Dates: Tim Wheeler (January 4, 1977), Mark Hamilton (March 21, 1977), Rick McMurray (November 11, 1975). Known for their 1990s hits “Girl from Mars” and “Burn Baby Burn,” Ash brought punk-pop energy to the English rock scene. They continue to release albums and tour.
- Sonja Sleator: Singer-songwriter (folk, pop) from Holywood, County Down. Recognized for her personal and engaging songwriting, Sleator is a rising star in Ireland’s music scene, performing across folk and pop genres.
- Foy Vance: Singer-songwriter (folk, soul) from Bangor, County Down. Born 1974. Known for his emotive voice and songs like “Guiding Light,” Vance has collaborated with artists like Ed Sheeran and written for film soundtracks.
- Bap Kennedy: Singer-songwriter (folk, country, rock) from Belfast (County Down connection through upbringing). Born June 17, 1962 Died November 1, 2016. Kennedy fronted Energy Orchard and later pursued a solo career, blending Americana and Irish folk. His album Domestic Blues was produced by Steve Earle.
- Crawford Bell: Country singer, musician from Crossgar, County Down. A veteran of Ireland’s country music scene, Bell has performed with bands like The Smokey Mountain Ramblers and remains active in local venues.
- Tommy Sands: Folk singer-songwriter from Mayobridge, County Down. Born December 19, 1945. A prominent figure in Irish folk, Sands is known for songs like “There Were Roses,” which reflect themes of peace and reconciliation during the Troubles.
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 Down:
Ireland’s county Down offers a mix of historic sites and scenic landscapes, with Downpatrick’s Saint Patrick Centre and cathedral providing insights into Ireland’s patron saint. The Mourne Mountains offer hiking trails with sweeping views, while Strangford Lough provides kayaking and wildlife spotting. Other attractions include the historic Tollymore Forest Park. Down is Ireland’s 12th largest county by size (2,447 square km) and fourth largest by population (553,261). Population peaked at 361,446 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 204,303, in 1911. In terms of hospitality, Down is Ireland’s 18th most visited tourist county with around 127,000 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 – New – Name – 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 –
