The Bow Brothers | Aoife Scott Band

As part of Belfast St Patrick’s Music Festival, The MAC presents a thrilling double bill featuring two of the most dynamic acts in Irish music today: The Bow Brothers and the Aoife Scott Band. 

The Bow Brothers are a remarkable ensemble of some of the most celebrated musicians in Irish traditional music, renowned for performances that are both virtuosic and joyfully energetic. At the heart of the group are Tyrone brothers and fiddle legends Cathal Hayden and Stephen Hayden, whose playing is steeped in deep tradition yet driven by invention and fire, creating powerful musical conversations that resonate with seasoned listeners and new audiences alike. 

Joining the Hayden brothers is a stellar line-up of musicians: Niall Murphy (County Armagh), widely recognised as one of the most exciting fiddle players of his generation; Seamie O’Dowd (Sligo), whose guitar work and vocals bring warmth and genre-blending flair; Brian McGrath (County Fermanagh), whose piano and banjo add rich harmonic colour; and Eamonn Rooney from County Down whose commanding percussion drives the band’s vibrant sound. 

Together, The Bow Brothers unleash a blaze of fiddles, flying bows and unstoppable momentum, delivering high-octane reels, explosive arrangements and moments of breathtaking intensity. This is traditional music played at full throttle — visceral, electrifying and impossible to sit still to. 

Sharing the bill is the Aoife Scott Band, led by celebrated Dublin singer-songwriter Aoife Scott and featuring Andy Meaney (guitar) and Cathal Ó Curraoin (bouzouki). Their music blends lyrical strength and expressive storytelling with rich ensemble interplay, drawing on Irish song tradition and contemporary folk influences. 

This double bill at The MAC promises an unforgettable evening of masterful musicianship, heartfelt song and high-energy traditional music — a celebration of the living tradition in one of Belfast’s premier cultural venues.

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St. Patrick’s Music Festival is curated by Belfast TradFest as part of Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, supported by Belfast City Council and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.