Teaching

Caroline Keane – ceoltóir, cumadóir, oide. Ceol traidisiúnta na hÉireann beo, fiosrach agus chomhaimseartha.

Caroline Keane is one of the leading voices in contemporary concertina playing, widely recognised for her vibrant, emotive style and fearless approach to Irish traditional music. Combining deep respect for tradition with a bold contemporary sensibility, her work spans performance, composition, and education.

A regular performer on national and international radio and television, Caroline has toured extensively across Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, appearing at major festivals and cultural events worldwide. She has shared stages with The Chieftains, Andy Irvine, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Gerry O’Beirne, Steve Cooney, and Dermot Byrne.

Her work has been recognised with numerous accolades, including Female Musician of the Year at the ASLR Celtic Music Awards (2020) and a nomination for Musician of the Year at the RTÉ Folk Awards.

Caroline holds first-class honours BA and MA degrees from the University of Limerick and is respected as both a performer and academic. She teaches musicianship, performance, Irish language, and cultural studies, lecturing internationally at institutions including the University of Limerick, Sacred Heart University (USA), and music conservatoires worldwide.

Her work is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Culture Ireland, and Ealaín na Gaeltachta.

Based in the Gaeltacht of West Kerry, Caroline is deeply committed to cultural transmission, teaching local children alongside her international work. She frequently performs with her husband, uilleann piper Tom Delany, while raising their family in the Irish-speaking community. Her second studio album is scheduled for release in May 2026, continuing her exploration of tradition, innovation, and place.