Clannad

Clannad (from the word clan meaning ‘family’ in Gaelic) was formed in 1970 by siblings Moya, Ciarán, and Pól Brennan and their uncles Pádraig and Noel Duggan (who sadly both passed away in 2016 and 2022 respectively), and for a short time later became a six-piece with the addition of Enya Brennan who went on to have her own very successful solo career. The Grammy, BAFTA, and Ivor Novello award-winning band have, without doubt, done more than any other group to take Irish music and the Irish language to a worldwide audience. Fusing elements of traditional Irish music and more contemporary folk, new age, and rock, they have created a beautifully unique and ethereal sound which combines haunting melodies and mesmerizing vocals to transcend the sands of time whilst appealing to a worldwide audience of all ages.

In a career spanning five decades, Clannad have made music that entwines the traditional and the modern, the past and the future, with stunningly beautiful results. With their haunting songs, mesmerizing vocals, and captivating sound the group has sold over 15 million records worldwide. They’ve collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Bono, Bruce Hornsby, Steve Perry (Journey), JD Souther, Paul Young, Duke Special, and most recently Denise Chaila.

Their most successful collaboration was with enthusiastic supporter and fan, Bono of U2. A fan of the band who declared singer Moya as “one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced,” Bono duetted with the singer on Clannad’s 1985 hit single ‘In a Lifetime’.

BMG released IN A LIFETIME, a multi-format, career-spanning ANTHOLOGY in March 2020, containing tracks from Clannad’s 50-year recording career, plus 2 new songs produced by TREVOR HORN. Available as a 37-track 2 CD set, 2 CD deluxe, 2 LP deluxe smokey vinyl, and an expanded deluxe 100+ track bookpack as well as a digital version. All tracks were compiled by Clannad band members.

In April 2022, BMG released IN A LIFETIME (THE IMMERSIVE COLLECTION), a new “immersive” mix from the original tapes of Clannad’s global smash hits including ‘In A Lifetime’ single (originally released in 1985) with Bono of U2 as the featured vocalist.

Bono’s performance retains all its power and cultural importance with the new immersive mix giving the duet between Clannad’s Moya Brennan and Bono a new dimension of intimacy.

“Clannad’s legacy as Celtic pioneers who took Irish music to places it had never been before is a proud one.”

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Blessed with music, blessed with landscape, but most of all, blessed with family.

Clann As Dobhar (“The family from Dore”) 1970-2023. It’s a lifetime. In a lifetime.