Niall McCabe
Country of Origin
Ireland
Styles
Folk
Merchandise and Music (Referral Links)
Biography
Niall McCabe is an Irish singer-songwriter from Clare Island, County Mayo, whose music is deeply rooted in the landscape and traditions of his coastal community. Raised in a family-run pub where traditional Irish music, folk, rock, and soul intertwined, McCabe developed a sound that bridges generations, blending timeless storytelling with a contemporary folk sensibility.
His voice, described as both soulful and resonant, carries the weight of personal and collective history, shaped by the rhythms of the Atlantic and the quiet introspection of island life. In February 2023, he released his critically acclaimed debut album, Rituals, which was named RTÉ Album of the Week and featured the title track—a song that topped RTÉ Radio’s airplay charts for five consecutive weeks. The album, largely written during the pandemic, is noted for its sparse, introspective arrangements and profound emotional depth. His earlier singles, "Stonemason" and "Valhalla," also garnered significant praise, with RTÉ’s Miriam O’Callaghan calling "Stonemason" “one of the best I’ve ever heard.”
McCabe is a member of the Irish trad-fusion band Beoga and has toured extensively across Ireland, Europe, and North America. He has performed as a support act for major artists including Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance, Johnny Swim, and Chris Isaak, with whom he played to sold-out audiences at London’s Eventim Apollo and Wolverhampton Civic Halls. In 2025, he joined the prestigious Transatlantic Sessions, performing alongside luminaries such as Julie Fowlis, Loudon Wainwright III, and Phil Cunningham.
A dedicated community figure, McCabe has played a key role in revitalizing Clare Island by opening a seasonal café-bakery and founding the Clare Island Folk Festival. His upcoming second album, set for release in April 2025, continues his exploration of resilience, connection, and everyday transformation, with the single "Crescendo" offering a preview of his evolving artistry.
In March 2025, McCabe made his Grand Ole Opry debut, bringing the spirit of Clare Island to one of the world’s most iconic stages. With a growing international following, Niall McCabe stands as a powerful new voice in contemporary Irish music—honoring tradition while forging a deeply personal and universal sound.
Social Media and Links
Upcoming Concerts
| Date | Time | Venue | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 10, 2025 | 18:30 | The Basement | Nashville | USA |