Internationally celebrated for her evocative interpretations of sean-nós, singer Gearóidín Breathnach brings one of Ireland’s oldest vocal traditions to the Presenting Series stage. A native Irish speaker from Donegal, Breathnach grew up immersed in the sounds, stories, and soul of this deeply expressive style. Sung unaccompanied and shaped by each performer’s voice and feeling in the moment, sean-nós (“old style”) transcends language and convention.
In this interview, Breathnach reflects on the legacy of the tradition, the emotional power of song, and how even those hearing sean-nós for the first time can be moved by its raw, poetic beauty.
For those unfamiliar with sean-nós singing, how would you describe this tradition, and what makes it so unique within Irish music?
Sean-nós, meaning “old style,” is one of the oldest and most authentic forms of Irish singing. It is performed without accompaniment, most often in the Irish language, and each singer shapes the song in a way that is deeply personal. What makes sean-nós distinctive is its freedom of expression—the rhythm, the ornamentation, and the storytelling are never fixed. No two renditions are ever the same, which means each performance is fresh and alive in the moment.
You’ve been recognized for your deep interpretation of traditional songs. What drew you personally to sean-nós, and how did your journey with it begin?
I grew up in Donegal, surrounded by the Irish language and by music that was part of everyday life. From an early age, I was moved by how sean-nós could hold such a range of feeling—sometimes sorrowful, sometimes joyful, often both together. Singing came naturally to me, and over time I came to see that the tradition I had inherited was something precious, something I wanted to honour and share.
Since this style is often passed down through generations, were there specific people or moments in your life that helped shape your connection to the tradition?
Very much so. Both my father and my mother influenced me deeply, as did the singers of my community. At home, and in the wider circle of neighbours and friends, songs were always present. To listen to them was to hear history, memory, and feeling woven together. Those early experiences gave me a lasting respect for the songs, and also the confidence to sing them in my own voice.
Your performance is entirely unaccompanied and sung in Irish Gaelic. How do you connect with audiences who may not speak the language?
Music is a language of its own. Even if people don’t understand every word, they can connect with the mood and expression of the song. Through tone, rhythm, phrasing, and sometimes a gesture, I try to share the story. People often tell me afterwards that they felt the song, even without knowing the language. That’s the beauty of sean-nós—it communicates directly through expression.
What do you hope this audience will take away from your concert, especially if it’s their first encounter with sean-nós?
I hope they leave with an appreciation of the beauty and variety within this tradition. Sean-nós is singing at its simplest and most expressive—one voice carrying a story. It invites listeners to pause, to enjoy the ornamentation, and to hear the song as it unfolds in the moment.
What advice would you give to someone interested in exploring traditional Irish music, especially as a singer or storyteller?
Begin with listening. Listen to the older singers, the recordings, and those who carry the tradition today. Learn slowly—verse by verse if you need to—and enjoy the process. Most importantly, put your own heart into it. Sean-nós has always thrived because every singer brings their own voice and expression to the songs, while still honouring what has been passed down.
Through her artistry and storytelling, Gearóidín Breathnach offers more than just a performance—she opens a window into the cultural heart of Ireland. Whether you speak Irish Gaelic or not, the emotional immediacy of sean-nós invites you in, drawing you closer to the music and its meaning. For both first-time listeners and those familiar with the tradition, her concert promises an unforgettable encounter with one voice, one song, and a centuries-old art form that lives on through the power of song.
Experience An Evening of Irish Singing
Take a Football Friday to embark on an hour-long cultural journey through the haunting and poetic art of sean-nós, or “old style,” singing with County Donegal’s own Gearóidín Breathnach.
*Prior to Gearóidín Breathnach’s performance, you can join the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies for a public conversation between Gearóidín Breathnach and Prof. Rory Rapple on the history and cultural importance of sean-nós singing in Ireland. This event will take place on Friday, September 12, at 3:30 pm in B001 Jenkins Nanovic Halls. Please visit the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies event page for more details.
