Perhaps nowhere in the developed world does traditional music thrive more thrillingly as a living tradition and a vital part of daily culture than in Ireland.

Over the years the exigencies of poverty, famine and emigration only served to make Celtic music more relevant as part of the cultural identity of Irish communities both at home and overseas.

Despite commercialisation and the global success of shows such as Riverdance, Irish music essentially still belongs to the Irish people with its heart in the craic and backroom pub sessions.

The ancient Gaelic tradition of sean-nós singing remains potent while instrumental ensembles such as The Chieftains abound.