To coincide with this tremendous milestone they are planning special celebratory concerts in Ireland and abroad and inviting special guests to join them.

For four decades, Altan has been to the forefront of traditional Irish music, blending the raw energy of their native Donegal fiddle style with a rare melodic sensibility. Since their latest album ‘Donegal’ was released last year by Nashville based Compass Records, to widespread positive reviews. This has resulted in the band having a new lease of life and are enjoying demand at home and abroad.

Altan have always been regarded as tradition bearers, bringing their native Donegal music and songs to a wider public.

They have always kept true to their roots while exploring modern arrangements and textures to entice new followers.

This integrity in their music has placed them in high esteem by their peers and they are regarded as one of the most popular Irish traditional bands of all time.

Being the first ever Irish traditional band to have been signed to a major record label , Virgin Records in 1995

The Boston Globe named them “The hottest group in the Celtic realm”

Chicago Weekly: “Thought by many to be the finest traditional Irish combo working today, Altan seamlessly blend dazzling instrumental prowess and the gorgeously delicate vocals of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh”

Irish Echo, New York: “…under no circumstances should they be missed in concert”

The band has it’s original core members, led by founding member and lead singer and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, with original members Ciaran Curran on bouzouki and Mark Kelly on guitar. Accordion player, Martin Tourish has been recording and touring with the band now for over 15 years and the latest addition to Altan’s lineup is the wonderful young fiddler and singer, Clare Friel, who steeped in the tradition of her Donegal ancestors!

Altan have evolved from Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her late husband, Belfast flute player, Frankie Kennedy’s duet playing at folk clubs and smaller festivals in Ireland to the world wide stage.

They have brought their native music to world renowned theatres like Carnagie Hall NY, the Sydney Opera House, Dublin’s National Concert Hall and to festivals such as the famous Glastonbury Festival, to Tradfest Temple Bar , Dublin, to Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany. and more.

They have shared their music and musicianship with The Chieftains, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, John Prine, and more.

Altan remains a cornerstone of traditional Irish music, their sound resonating across the world.

As they enter their fifth decade, their commitment to Donegal’s musical heritage ensures that their influence will endure for generations to come.