Dónal O’Connor

Musician, producer, director, television & radio presenter and co-founder and artistic director of Belfast TradFest.

Son of the celebrated fiddler Gerry O’Connor and revered singer Eithne Ní Uallacháin of Lá Lugh, multi-instrumentalist Dónal O’Connor has established himself as one of Ireland’s leading musicians & record producers. He has performed and recorded with the likes of The Horslips, Paul Brady, John McSherry, Duke Special, Ríoghnach Connolly, Michael McGoldrick, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Davy Spillane, Four men and a Dog, Steve Cooney, Mary Dillon, Dirk Powell, Darlingside & Liam Ó Maonlaí, to name but a few. Having inherited a musical legacy of at least five generations of fiddle playing he has toured the world from a young age as both a lead and backing instrumentalist with several bands including Lá Lugh, more recently At First Light, Ulaid and the Gaelic-song super group A Stór Mo Chroí. He has composed music for theatre, television and film and has presented and produced music shows for RTÉ, BBC ALBA, BBC NI, TG4, BBC Radio Ulster and RTÉ Raidio Na Gaeltachta.

As founder and Director of Belfast TradFest, Dónal has overseen the festival's growth into an internationally recognized event, now featuring over 400 events anually across multiple venues and attracting annual audiences exceeding 30,000. Under his leadership, the Summer School has flourished, and is considered Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music, offering masterclasses and workshops led by master musicians such as Sharon Shannon, Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve Cooney, and hosting over 900 attendees in 2025 alone. O’Connor has played a vital role in fostering positive cross-community relations in Belfast. By celebrating both Irish and Scottish musical traditions, the festival has created an inclusive platform that transcends cultural and political divides. TradFest has brought people from diverse backgrounds together in a shared appreciation of traditional music, helping to build mutual understanding and lasting connections in a post-conflict society.

Dónal is also one of Ireland’s leading music and television producers. Having produced and recorded over 50 records for many of Ireland’s leading folk and traditional musicians and singers, he is also a multiple IFTA award winning, and RTS nominated, television producer and presenter. He is a managing partner of newly formed production company Táin Media (2020) which specialises in producing high quality traditional arts television programmes for RTE, TG4 & BBC ALBA. Critically acclaimed programmes such as Gael Linn ag 70, Dennis Cahill: Litir ó do chara, Joe Burke : Ceiliúradh, Ómós Michael D. @ 80, Seán Ó Riada Mo Sheanathair, Sruth, TG4XX, FleadhTV, Bosca Ceoil and ‘Sé mo Laoch are just some of the productions he has produced or directed.

He has also presented TG4’s ‘Grammys’, the flagship traditional music awards Gradam Ceoil along with other notable series such as Celtic Connections, Cuirm @Celtic, Geantraí, Glascheol and BBC NI’s An Stiuf Ceart. Having recently established Táin Media to produce high end arts/music documentaries and live shows, Dónal has had his finger on the pulse of traditional arts on these islands for over two decades. He has worked with many of the leading Irish musicians of his time, such as; Van Morrison, Moya Brennan of Clannad, Dolores Keane, Iarla Ó Lionaird, Martin Hayes, Davy Spillane, Mary Black, Barry Douglas, Steve Cooney, Tolü Makay, Duke Special, Arty McGlynn, Frankie Gavin, Matt Molloy of the Chieftains, the list goes on…..

Beyond performance and production, Dónal’s career embodies a deep commitment to cultural diplomacy and peacebuilding. He is a passionate advocate for using the arts as a means of fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation, particularly in post-conflict contexts. His leadership demonstrates how traditional music can act as a bridge across divisions, highlighting shared traditions and collective creativity.

Dónal was invited to serve on the inaugural RTÉ Folk Awards Steering Panel in 2018 and is regularly sought out by traditional music organisations, broadcasters, and educational institutions for his expertise and strategic insight. Whether performing on international stages, producing award-winning cultural broadcasts, or mentoring the next generation of artists, Dónal continues to inspire through his artistry, leadership, and vision for a more inclusive cultural future.

Short Bio

Dónal O’Connor is one of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians, he is also a much sought-after and highly regarded producer. He comes from a long and distinguished line of Irish fiddlers and singers and his collaborations have variously included membership of Ulaid, At First Light, Lá Lugh and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh’s touring ensemble. Described by the Irish Times as a ‘fearless musical adventurer’ and ‘a renaissance man’ he has brought his native Oriel music to all four corners of the globe, and he is a founder and Artistic Director of Belfast Tradfest.

His fiddle style is heavily influenced by his father Gerry O’Connor, the Oriel tradition, and the great northern fiddle masters such as Seán Maguire, Brendan McGlinchey, Bríd Harper & Tommy Peoples. He has composed music for theatre, television and film and has presented music shows for BBC ALBA, BBC NI, TG4, BBC Radio Ulster and Raidió na Gaeltachta.

History of Artistic Achievement - Dónal O'Connor

Dónal has been a full-time professional traditional musician, composer and television & music producer for two decades. He has recorded and performed traditional music nationally and internationally and hasbroadcast with all the leading broadcasters on these islands. He has also composed music for theatre, television and film and recently produced the award winning record Róisín ReImagined for Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Irish Chamber Orchestra.

Discography:

Albums

· 2017 - A Note Let Go (Ulaid & Duke Special)

· 2015 - Ulaid - (John McSherry, Dónal O'Connor & Seán Óg Graham)

· 2012 - Idir (At First Light)

· 2011 - Gort na Glaise (Dónal O'Connor)

· 2008 - Six Days in Down (with Bob Brozman and John McSherry) Riverboat Records

· 2006 - Tripswitch (John McSherry & Dónal O'Connor) Vertical Records

Producer/Co Producer

· 2025 - The Secret Melodies of Trees – (Ursula Burns)

· 2024 – Seven Daughters of the Sea – (Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin)

· 2025 - The Secret Melodies of Trees – (Ursula Burns)

· 2023 - The Fermanagh Blackbird - (Gabriel McArdle)

· 2023 - The Raven’s Call - (Martha Guiney)

· 2023 - Live in Oriel - (Gerry O’Connor & Gilles Le Bigot) Lughnasa Records

· 2022 - Le Solas Faoithne - (Jack Warnock)

· 2021 - Róisín ReImagined - (Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Irish Chamber Orchestra) – 5* Irish Times

· 2021 - Stirred & Awakened New - Good Morning to your Nightcap

· 2019 - Heather Down the Moor - (Gatehouse) Gael Linn

· 2019 - A Snapshot in Time - (Paula & Melanie Houton)

· 2018 - Up She Flew - (Steph Geremia)

· 2018 - Last Night's Joy - (Gerry O'Connor) – Lughnasa Records

· 2018 - Autumn Winds - (Niall Hanna)

· 2017 - The Fox's Lament - (Martin Meehan)

· 2017 - A Note Let Go - (Ulaid & Duke Special)

· 2016 - Tús Nua - (Gatehouse) Gael Linn – 5* Irish Times

· 2016 - Clear Skies - (Réalta)

· 2015 - Ulaid - (John McSherry, Dónal O'Connor & Seán Óg Graham)

· 2015 - The Northern Concertina - (Jason O'Rourke)

· 2015 - Súile - (Clann Mhic Ruairí)

· 2015 - Skorsa : The Riddle of the Earth - (Susan Grace Bates)

· 2015 - Good Morning to Your Nightcap - (Paul Maguire, Ruadhraí O'Kane, Desy Adams & Ryan O'Donnell)

· 2015 - Gaelré - (Grainne Holland) Gael Linn

· 2015 - Crossroads - (Marco Fabri)

· 2015 - Boy in a Boat - (Barry Kerr)

· 2014 - Bilingua (Eithne Ní Uallacháin) Gael Linn – 5* Irish Times

· 2013 - The sun, the moon, the stars... and other moving objects (David Dee Moore)

· 2013 - Celtic Psalms (Kiran Young Wimberly)

· 2012 - Teanga na nGael (Gráinne Holland)

· 2012 - Let the Fairies in (Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin)

· 2010 - Beo: Live at Maddens (Various artists)

· 2010 - About Time (Stevie Dunne)

· 2004 - Journeyman (Gerry O'Connor)

Appearances

· 2025 - In the Bleak Midwinter (Brighde Chaimbeul)

· 2024 - Amhrán Pheadar Bhreathnach (Diane Cannon)

· 2021 - Neadú (Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh)

· 2020 - Thar Toinn / Seaborne (Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh)

· 2020 - Call of the Drone (Jamie Mur)

· 2019 - Swimming the Horses (Gerry O'Beirne)

· 2018 - Foxglove & Fuscia (Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh)

· 2017 - Gossamer (Pauline Scanlon)

· 2010 - Soma (John McSherry) Compass Records

· 2005 - Bye a While (Pádraig Rynne)

· 2004 - On Song (Brian Kennedy)

· 2003 - New Irish Hymns (Moya Brennan, Joanne Hogg, Margaret Becker)

· 1996 - Brighid's Kiss (Lá Lugh)

Recording/Mixing

· 2022 - Blackwater Céilí Band – Northern Landscape

· 2021 - Compánach - Music from All the Counties of Ireland – Fintan Vallely

· 2020 - The Olllam - Elllegy

· 2020 - Ronan Le Bars -Strink Mor

· 2020 - Jamie Mur – Call of the Drone

· 2019 - The Blackwater Céilí Band - Music in the Valley

· 2019 - Joshua Burnside - Live at the Elmwood Hall

· 2019 - Bene + Cormac – Wavelength

· 2018 - Stevie Dunne - Live at the Crosskeys

· 2018 - Music in the Glen

· 2016 - Ronan Le Bars Group - An Erc'h Kentañ - The first snow (Coop Breizh)

· 2013 - Ronan Le Bars Group – Lammadour

· 2012 - The Olllam

· 2012 - Oirialla

· 2011 - Réalta – Open the Door for Three

Television:

Director & Producer – Gael Linn @ 70 1 x 52m Feature Doc Aniar TV/TG4 2023
Director & Producer – Dennis Cahill – Litir ó do chara 1 x 52m Feature Doc Aniar TV/TG4 2023
Producer, Ceol ón Chlann, Táin Media/TG4 2022 6x30m Feat. Glackins, Vallelys, Dillons, Haydens, Smyths.
Music Producer/ Musical Director RnaG50 – RTÉ & RnaG 2022 Celebrating 50 years of RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta
Director & Producer, Joe Burke Ceiliúradh Aniar TV/TG4 2021 feat Frankie Gavin, Liz & Yvonne Kane, Jackie Daly…
Director & Producer, Róisín ReImagined Aniar TV/TG4 2021 feat. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Irish Chamber Orchestra
Producer, Ómós Michael D. @ 80, Aniar TV for TG4 2021 feat. Van Morrison, Tolu Makay, Laoise Kelly, Frankie Gavin….
Producer, Seán Ó Riada – Mo Sheanathair, Táin Media for TG4 2021 feat. Doireann Ní Ghlacáín, Barry Douglas, Iarla Ó Lionaird – Awards – (2022 Oireachtas Media Awards, Celtic Media Awards Nominated – Best Specialist Factual, RTS Nominated – Best Specialist Factual)
Executive Producer, Producer & Musical Director, 4x 1hr Sruth 2021 Táin Media & Beezr Studios for BBC ALBA & TG4
Producer, ‘Sé mo Laoch, Aniar TV for TG4, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (21 x 1hr Music Documentaries) -
Producer, Music Supervisor, ‘FleadhTV’, Gifted Empire Productions for TG4 – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 (IFTA Award winning - Best Live Television Event - 2015)
Musical Director – Fáilte 2019 – Aniar TV for TG4 2019
Musical Director, Bilingua – Concert broadcast from St Patrick’s Cathedral for TG4 – 2017
Producer, Music Supervisor, TG4XX – 20th Anniversary Live Broadcast – 2016 (IFTA Award winning Best Live Television Event - 2016)

Co-Presenter with Mary Ann Kennedy, Cuirm at Celtic/Glascheol for BBC ALBA/ TG4 - 2015
Producer, Music Supervisor - Bosca Ceoil 13-part traditional music series for TG4 filmed live in Galway - 2014
Producer, Presenter, Performer - 5-day live broadcast Fleadh Live Gifted Empire Productions for TG4 – 2013

Television Presenting:

Presenter, Capercaillie @ Celtic Connections 2022 – Bees Nees for TG4/BBC Alba –2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
Presenter, Gradam Ceoil TG4 RedShoe Productions for TG4 – 2018, 2019, 2020
Presenter, 4-part Series - ‘Celtic Connections’ – Bees Nees for TG4/BBC Alba –2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
Presenter, 4-part Series – Ceol @ Celtic for TG4/BBC Alba – 2015
Presenter, Reporter - ‘Ar Fud na Tire’ TG4 – 2014, Scéalta Dúiche 2015, 2016
Presenter, Performer - 5-day live broadcast Fleadh Live Gifted Empire Productions for TG4 – 2013
Presenter, Performer - ‘Geantrai’ Forefront Productions for TG4 – 2012
Presenter, Performer - 10-part music series ‘An Stuif Ceart’ iKandi Productions for BBC N.I. - 2007

Film:

· Engineering / Composing / Performing – Bloodlands – Composer Ruth Barrett – BBC - 2020

· Engineering – ‘They’re You’ll Find Me’ – LA – Composer Kieran Kiely 2020

· Dubbing & Audio Editing/Mixing – The Irish Rovers Christmas – PBS - 2012

· Commissioned to compose the score for Shalom – Belfast. A feature film produced by TripleVision Productions Channel 8, Israel,2012 and appeared at some major film festivals in 2011.

· Traditional Music consultant on The Boys and Girls from County Clare 2003 – Directed by John Irvin

Commissions:

· Commissioned by The Arts Council of Ireland and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland to compose ‘The Belfast Suite’ with Duke Special and Ulaid, to be performed during a tour of Ireland in Oct 2016.

· Composed ‘Na Magha Suite’, commissioned for Derry City of Culture Legacy Project 2015, and performed in Guildhall, Derry on the 9th May 2015.

· Commissioned to compose the title sequence music for ‘Fleadh Live’ - TG4 - 2013

· Commissioned to compose, with John McSherry, the score for ‘Shalom – Belfast’ - Feature film produced by TripleVision Productions for Channel 8, Israel, & BBC NI - 2012 also screened at some major film festivals.

· Commissioned in 2011 & 2012 by The Armagh Pipers Club, with the support of The Arts Council to arrange and orchestrate a number of traditional tunes to be performed by an Uilleann Pipe orchestra of 45 players. This was performed at the 18thWilliam Kennedy Piping Festival and was recorded by the I.T.M.A.

· Co Commissioned with John McSherry to compose the title music for 6-part TV series Amhráin Aduaidh for BBC – 2012

· Commissioned in 2011 by Louth Local Authorities under the Per Cent for Art Scheme to compose and record a suite of music entitled ‘Gort na Glaise’. The piece of music was performed as part of the Drogheda Traditional Music weekend in November 2011.

Commissioned to compose idents for BBC Radio Ulster Irish language department 2008.

Theatre/Large Scale events:

· Composed Soundtrack Clochán na bhFórmorach. Walk the Plank, Green Space Dark Skies / U.K. UNBOXED - 2022

· Sound Designed audio for Aisling Ghéar 20th Anniversary exhibition – Belfast 2017

· Composed and performed live soundtrack for ‘Belfast Rising’ a production by Brassneck Theatre Company, touring Ireland and Belfast Festival at Queen’s 2016.

· Composed Score and sound designed ‘Blue Boy of Glenmore’ – Brassneck Theatre, toured nationally 2016/2017

· Composed score for ‘Belfast Rising’ – Brassneck Theatre – Lyric Belfast - December 2016

· Composed Soundtrack for ‘Makaronik’ a production by Aisling Ghéar Theatre Company, The Lyric Theatre Belfast 2015.

· Performed on the Soundtrack for ‘Land of Giants’ Spectacle - The largest ever outdoor artistic endeavor in the North of Ireland – Titanic Slipway, Belfast - 2012

· Appeared in and played music for ‘The Blind Fiddler’ – By Marie Jones at the Lyric Theatre 2004

Radio:

· Presenter of BBC Radio Ulster’s St Patrick’s Day Celebrations 2023

· Presenter on ‘Fuaim na Cathrach’ a six-part series a musical journey to cultural hotspots around the globe RTE Radio na Gaeltachta - December 2013

· Presenter on summer series of programmes ‘Cualan’ Traditional Irish Music weekly programme on BBC Radio Ulster Summer 2003

Contributions/Performances on.

· BBC Radio 3 Late Junction 2010 – with Bob Brozman

· BBC Radio Scotland 2010 – Global Gathering with Bob Brozman

· BBC Radio Scotland 2005– Celtic Connections Special with Mary Ann Kennedy

· BBC Radio Ulster 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008,2009, 2010, 2011,2013,2015,2018,2019,2021 – Blas,

· BBC Radio Ulster 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 – Arts Extra

· BBC Radio London 2010 – DJ Ritu

· BBC Radio Ulster 2002, 2003– Karen na hAoine

· RTE Radio 1 2004, 2006 - The Late Session

· RTE Radio 1 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011– The Ceilí House

· BG1 Belgium 2004 – Live performance from Dranouter Folk Festival, Belgium

· RTE Radio na Gaeltachta 1983 -2014RTE Lyric FM – Grace Notes 2011