Celtic Woman is an all-female Irish musical ensemble formed in 2004, known for blending traditional Celtic folk, classical crossover, and contemporary pop elements. The group was originally created for a one-off concert in Dublin, but its PBS television specials quickly gained international attention, turning it into a long-running global touring and recording act.
The ensemble features multiple vocalists and often a featured violinist or instrumentalist, with the lineup evolving over the years. Despite frequent personnel changes, the group has maintained a consistent sound rooted in Irish musical heritage.
Celtic Woman has sold millions of records worldwide and has been named Billboard World Album Artist of the Year multiple times, making it one of the most commercially successful Irish vocal groups.
Celtic Woman was conceived by composer and musical director David Downes as a showcase of Irish female vocal talent. The original lineup included, Chloë Agnew, Órla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, and Máiréad Nesbitt (violin).Their first concert, filmed in Dublin in 2004 and broadcast on PBS in the United States in 2005, became a major success. The accompanying debut album topped the Billboard World Music chart for a record-setting run, establishing the group internationally.
Notable vocalists and musicians over the years include, Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Órla Fallon, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Hayley Westenra, Lynn Hilary, Alex Sharpe, Lisa Lambe, Susan McFadden, Éabha McMahon, Mairéad Carlin, Tara McNeill, Muirgen O’Mahony, and Caitríona Sherlock.
Music
Celtic Woman (2005)
A Christmas Celebration (2006)
A New Journey (2007)
A Celtic Family Christmas (2008, with The High Kings)
Songs from the Heart (2010)
Lullaby (2011)
Believe (2011)
Home for Christmas (2012)
Emerald: Musical Gems (2014)
Destiny (2015)
Postcards from Ireland (2021)
20 (20th Anniversary) (2024)
Nollaig: A Christmas Journey (2025)
They have sold over 9–10 million albums worldwide, have received multiple Billboard World Album Artist of the Year awards and are one of the most successful all-female Irish groups in history.