The fourth series of Ceolaireacht will air on TG4 from Sunday March the 8th, 2026 at 21:30 This series offers a fresh insight into the musicians and communities that are keeping traditional Irish music alive across the country. Fronted by renowned fiddle player and presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Ceolaireacht follows her as she engages in music and conversation with some of the finest traditional musicians in Ireland today. In this series, Doireann embarks on a musical journey through four distinct regions of Ireland: Tyrone, East Galway, South Dublin and North Kerry. Unlike areas long celebrated for their strong musical identity – like Sliabh Luachra or West Clare – Ceolaireacht focuses on lesser-highlighted communities where the music lives on, often with its own distinctive local style.
Tyrone:
Musicians such as Shane McAleer, Sinéad McKenna, Dàibhidh Stiùbhard, Ryan O’Donnell, Niall Hanna, Cathal O’Neill, and Paul & Úna McGlinchey showcase the strength and continuity of the tradition in the north. Insight is given into the area’s powerful, vibrant style, where music remains at the very heart of the community.
East Galway:
Doireann meets Claire and Breda Keville, along with Páraic Mac Donncha, Conor Connolly, Seán Moloney, Eoin O’Neill and Claire Egan, as well as Máirín Fahy with Patsy Broderick — musicians who reflect the deep influence of older generations and the calm musical current that still flows through the rural heart of this region.
South Dublin:
The focus is on musicians raised in an urban environment who nevertheless have strong roots in the tradition. Doireann meets Peter Browne, Natalie and Maitiú Ó Casaide, Róisín Chambers and her family, and Aidan Connolly — voices that show the music is alive even in urban areas on all sides of the capital.
North Kerry:
Doireann encounters masters Anne and Nickie McAuliffe, Michelle O’Sullivan and Paul de Grae, along with the talented accordion player Danny O’Mahony, singer Karen Trench, and dancer Jonathan Kelliher. Through their music, the vitality and diversity of the tradition in this part of the country is brought vividly before the audience.
At the heart of the series is the connection between music and community – how music lives in everyday life, and how it is passed from generation to generation. The series highlights the diversity of styles, strong regional influences, and the unique voices to be found in every corner of Ireland.
Ceolaireacht is a music documentary series, comprising four episodes of 52 minutes each. The series is directed by Feilimí O’Connor, produced by Pax Ó Faoláin, with Niamh Ní Bhaoill as Executive Producer. The commissioning editor for TG4 is Proinsias Ní Ghráinne.