The Kilfenora Céilí Band have revealed a string of Irish dates ahead of 2024, including performances in The National Concert Hall, Dublin on 16 March and Leisureland, Galway on 22 March 22.

Joining them will be Fiona Ryan and Don Stiffe, as well as a troupe of talented dancers each of whom previously performed with Riverdance.

The band originated in the late 1800s, gradually evolving from a brass band into a dance band.

In 1909, the group’s first formal engagement was a fund-raiser for the local church. They continued with similar work over the following decades, gradually developing their profile and doing several broadcasts on Irish radio during the '30s and '40s.

Kitty Linnane became leader in 1954 and was the figurehead till her death in 1992. The first two decades of her stewardship coincided with the golden age of céilí bands.

During that era, her Kilfenora band dominated the competition circuit. They were All-Ireland champions three times in a row from 1954-1956 and again in 1961.

A “woman of caution”, Kitty resisted all efforts to lure the band to the States. Under her leadership, they issued three albums, now collectors' items.

Renowned as one of the world’s most beloved traditional groups, the Kilfenora Céilí Band are constantly finding new ways to bring their spectacle audiences across the world with shows at Glastonbury and New York’s prestigious Lincoln Center.

Despite their links with the past, recent recordings and concert performances point to a broadening of the perceived boundaries of their genre.