Three of Ireland’s premier trad musicians will be taking their Roots and Relations tour across the country next January.

Representing the old school, Altan members Dermot Byrne (accordian) and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (fiddle/vocals) are joined by up-and-coming fiddler Ciarán Ó Maonaigh.

Not only is he Mairead’s nephew (and the youngest in a line of great fiddlers), Ó Maonaigh also holds the title of TG4’s Young Musician of the Year 2003 (no doubt he’s improved since then!).

Aiming to celebrate the particular identity of the Donegal fiddling tradition, the ensemble will tour the following venues around Ireland in the New Year:

January 13: St. John’s Arts Centre, Listowel

January 14: Ionad Culturtha, Ballyvourney

January 15: Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford

January 16: Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely

January 17: Alcock and Brown Hotel, Clifden

January 19: Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin

January 20: Market House, Monaghan

January 21: Gravity @ Mustang Sally’s, Cavan

January 22: St. Mary’s Hall, Longford

For more information on the tour check out www.musicnetwork.ie.