- Christy Moore: Singer-songwriter, guitarist (folk) from Newbridge, County Kildare. Born May 7, 1945. A founding member of Planxty and Moving Hearts, Moore is a cornerstone of Irish folk music, known for songs like “Ride On” and “Ordinary Man.” Named Ireland’s greatest living musician by RTÉ in 2007, his work has influenced artists like U2 and The Pogues.
- Luka Bloom (Kevin Barry Moore): Singer-songwriter (folk) from Newbridge, County Kildare. Born May 23, 1955. Younger brother of Christy Moore, Luka Bloom is known for songs like “City of Chicago.” He adopted his stage name in 1987, drawing from Suzanne Vega’s “Luka” and Joyce’s Ulysses. He has released 19 albums, blending folk with global influences.
- Damien Rice: Singer-songwriter, musician (folk-pop) from Celbridge, County Kildare. Born December 7, 1973. Known for his debut album O (2002), featuring “The Blower’s Daughter,” Rice won the Shortlist Music Prize. Formerly with the rock band Juniper, he pursued a solo career after busking in Europe. His music blends guitar, piano, and emotive lyrics.
- Heidi Talbot: Singer (folk) from Kill, County Kildare. Born 1980. A former member of the Irish-American group Cherish the Ladies, Talbot has pursued a solo career, releasing albums like In Love and Light. Her delicate voice and traditional folk style have earned her acclaim in Ireland and beyond.
- Celine Byrne: Soprano (classical, opera) from Kildare. Born May 3, 1980. An acclaimed Irish soprano, Byrne has performed at major opera houses, including the Royal Opera House. Her repertoire includes Mozart and Puccini, and she is celebrated for her lyric voice and stage presence.
- Ryan Mack: Singer-songwriter (pop) from Kildare. An emerging pop artist, Mack has been developing his music in Kildare, focusing on radio-friendly pop songs. He is part of Ireland’s new generation of pop talent.
- Peco (Patrick McLoughlin): Singer-songwriter (indie-rock, folk, pop) from Kildare. Peco blends indie-rock, folk, and pop with guitar-driven melodies. His introspective songwriting has gained attention in Kildare’s local music scene.
- Megan O’Neill: Singer-songwriter (folk, country) from Kildare. O’Neill’s music draws on folk and country influences, and she is working on her second studio album. She has performed across Ireland and internationally, building a following.
- Brendan Graham (born 1945) Tipperary born songwriter and novelist resident in Kildare. Among songs he has written are “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” (1994) and “The Voice” (1996), both of which won the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland, and “You Raise Me Up” (2002), which was an international hit recorded by various artists, including Josh Groban.
- Tom Tuohy from Coill Dubh, known for songs like “My Little Honda 50” and the 2025 album Bogman Deux, resident in Salzburg.
- Ferdomhnach Dall: Harpist, composer (traditional) from Kildare. Born Unknown (active in early 12th century) Died 1110. A historical figure, Ferdomhnach Dall was a blind harpist and lector of Kildare, noted for his contributions to early Irish music. His work is part of Ireland’s ancient musical tradition.
- Eoghain Ó Cianáin (Owen Keynan): Harpist (traditional) from Cappervarget, County Kildare. Born Unknown (active in 16th century) Died Unknown (post-1540). A harper and servant of Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, Ó Cianáin is documented in a 1540 Patent Roll. He represents Kildare’s historical role in Ireland’s harping tradition
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 Kildare:
Ireland’s county Kildare blends historic sites with lush countryside, with the National Stud and Japanese Gardens offering a unique mix of equine heritage and serene landscapes. Castletown House, a grand Palladian mansion, provides historical insights, while the Curragh’s open plains are ideal for walking. The ancient Hill of Allen adds archaeological depth, making Kildare an engaging stop for culture and nature. The new Shackleton Experience has opened in Athy. Kildare is Ireland’s eighth smallest county by size (1,694 square km) and seventh largest by population (247,774). Population reached its lowest point, 57,892 in 1936. In terms of hospitality, Kildare is Ireland’s 15th most visited tourist county with around 168,000 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 –
