Gradam Ceoil TG4 Traditional Musician of the Year (2017) and member of the internationally renowned group Altan, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh is known world-wide as one of the most important fiddlers playing in the unique Donegal style. In 1987 she and her husband Frankie Kennedy founded Altan and the band went from strength to strength over the years. Bringing the music of their native Donegal to audiences around the world, they have headlined shows from New York to Tokyo and beyond, including appearing in such prestigious venues as Sydney Opera House, Hollywood Bowl and National Concert Hall, Dublin.
A founding member of Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí (The Fiddler's Fellowship), set up in the late 80s to preserve, promote and develop the wealth and richness of the fiddling tradition of the county, Mairéad initially harvested her creative inspiration from her family and neighbours and continues to share her knowledge of the Donegal fiddle style both on stage and through her teaching role at Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí's summer schools.
In addition to recording a host of award-winning albums with Altan, Mairéad is also a member of String Sisters, the Grammy listed and celebrated group comprising six of the world’s leading female fiddlers, with whom she has released two albums - the Grammy-longlisted Live and Between Wind and Water. Mairéad’s solo album, Imeall, released in 2009 has received widespread acclaim. She has also recorded with such distinguished artists as Enya, Aly Bain, Jerry Douglas, The Chieftains, Alison Krauss, Afro Celt Sound System, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt and Maura O’ Connell.
As a presenter, Mairéad has featured regularly on both radio and television including on the longest running, well-known traditional music show, RTÉ Radio 1’s The Long Note and on television shows The Pure Drop, The Full Set, Aniar Aduaidh and Aistear na nGael (for BBC Northern Ireland). Mairéad also presented a documentary of common themes in songs over the centuries Ceol na nGael for RTÉ.