Tír na nÓg (band)

Tír na nÓg
Tír na nÓg (l-r): Sonny Condell, Leo O'Kelly) performing at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, Ireland on 21 August 2009
Background information
OriginDublin, Ireland
GenresFolk, progressive folk, progressive rock
Years active1969–1974, 1985–present (one-time reunions: 1975, 1976)
LabelsChrysalis, Edsel, Beat Goes On, Erewhon, HTD, Talking Elephant, Hux, Fruits de Mer
MembersSonny Condell
Leo O'Kelly
Websitewww.tirnanog-progfolk.com

Tír na nÓg are an Irish folk duo formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969 by Leo O'Kelly and Sonny Condell. They are often considered one of the first progressive folk bands with other artists like Nick Drake or groups like Pentangle. Their music mainly consists of their own compositions, based on strong Celtic roots and typically featuring intricate acoustic guitar playing and close harmony singing. In their early years, they toured the folk clubs of the United Kingdom or internationally as a support act for several rock bands. Today, they sporadically give concerts, especially in Ireland.

From 1971 to 1973, Tír na nÓg made three studio albums which were highly acclaimed by critics but did not obtain commercial success. No recording of live performances had been officially released until 2000, with the publication of Hibernian. A compilation of some of their live tracks recorded between 1972 and 1973 for John Peel's radio show was also published one year later.