Show Notes
This week on Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay is joined in the Snug by Christine Darling and Katherine O’Neill from Belfast Trad, an organisation that has been nurturing traditional music, dance and community in Belfast since 1991.
Ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Belfast in August 2026, Christine and Katherine reflect on the foundations that have helped the city’s trad scene flourish — from set dancing and adult music classes to workshops, student sessions, outreach, and the welcoming spaces that bring people into the music.
They share personal stories of finding Irish traditional music as adults, the friendships and confidence it has built, and why Belfast Trad continues to focus on inclusion, connection and the simple joy of playing music together.
Recorded upstairs in Madden’s Bar, the home of trad in Belfast City.
More from Music At Maddens Podcast
Lynette Fay is back in the snug at Madden’s for Episode 55, joined by one of Ireland’s most distinctive and celebrated traditional singers, "Karan Casey".Karan chats to Lynette about her journey through Irish music, from growing up in Waterford to her time in New York and her years as the lead singer of "Solas", before establishing an acclaimed career as a solo artist.They talk about the songs and stories that have shaped her, the importance of using music to tell meaningful stories, and a life spent performing and collaborating with musicians around the world.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Music at Madden’s for more conversations from the heart of Belfast’s traditional music scene.
Two banjos, two musical worlds, and one very special friendship!
Music at Madden’s - On the Road!
In this episode of Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay is joined by South Armagh historian, poet and storyteller Una Walsh and her nephew Aodh.
Eagrán speisialta d'Oíche Chultúir A Culture Night Special