Accordion Workshop with Danny O'Mahony · Tralee · Oct 24, 2026

The Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival classes/workshops take place from on Saturday 24th of October at 11am. Danny O’Mahony is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in Irish traditional music, renowned for his expressive, nuanced accordion playing and his deep commitment to the tradition. A native of Ballyduff in North Kerry, his musical foundation was shaped from an early age by his father, Mick, and a rich local lineage of musicians, instilling in him a profound respect for regional style and musical heritage. A multiple All-Ireland Champion at both Junior and Senior levels, Danny holds a First Class Honours M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the University of Limerick. In 2013, he was named Top Button Accordionist by the Irish Music Association in America, further cementing his reputation as a musician of exceptional calibre. His recording work has received widespread critical acclaim. His debut album In Retrospect (2011) was described by Irish Music Magazine as “an instrumental fusion of generational tradition… a debut delight.” He followed this with As It Happened (2012), a duet recording with Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh, which was awarded Instrumental Album of the Year by the LiveIreland Music Awards. Danny’s performance career has brought him to major stages across Ireland, the United States, and Europe, including the Irish Arts Center (New York), National Sawdust (Brooklyn), and the Kilkenny Arts Festival. His collaborators include some of the most respected names in music and the arts, including Martin Hayes, Paul Muldoon and the Crash Ensemble. His work extends beyond traditional performance into innovative and interdisciplinary contexts. He is the central performer in Bellow, a critically acclaimed production with Brokentalkers, where reviewers noted:“The sweetest moments arise when O’Mahony sits and plays… it’s a privilege to hear it” (New York Stage Review), while Lighting & Sound America described his musicianship as “bordering on the celestial… in O’Mahony’s hands the accordion becomes an instrument of the soul.” In 2025, he performed in Custom of the Coast, an opera by Paul Muldoon and Kamala Sankaram, directed by Alan Gilsenan; this work premiered at the Kilkenny Arts Festival, further demonstrating his versatility and openness to new artistic forms. Danny is also a respected educator and broadcaster. He spent over 15 years as producer/presenter of Trip to the Cottage on Radio Kerry and has taught extensively in Ireland and internationally, including at the University of Limerick and the University of Montana. His role as Traditional Artist in Residence at University College Cork (2019–2020) reflects his commitment to sharing and sustaining the tradition. He is the founder and leader of the Shannon Vale Céilí Band, whom he led to All-Ireland success in 2011, continuing a proud musical legacy while bringing new energy to the céilí band tradition. Described as “sublime” and “extraordinary” (The Reviews Hub), Danny O’Mahony remains a vital and influential figure in Irish traditional music, bridging tradition and innovation with authenticity, sensitivity, and artistic vision.