Dee Armstrong
Sat 08 Mar 2025
6:30pm
€18
A night of origninal music featuring fiddle player Dee Armstrong and her sons Diarmuid and Lughaidh, along with Seamie O'Dowd, Stephen O'Dowd, Grainne Horan, and Sarah Jane Barry.
A Multi-Instrumentalist Journey Through Irish Music
Dee Armstrong is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, composer, and a vibrant force in Irish music for over three decades. Best known as a member of the iconic band Kíla since 1991, she brings an electrifying energy to every performance, showcasing her mastery of the fiddle, viola, hammered dulcimer, banjo, bodhrán, and tuned percussion.
Coming from a deeply musical family, Dee has inherited a legacy that resonates through generations. This influence is unmistakably present in both her solo work and collaborative projects. Her children — Tiggy, Diarmuid, Lughaidh, and Rosie Armstrong — continue this family tradition. Notably, Diarmuid and Lughaidh also feature on her upcoming solo album, contributing their talents on the 5-string banjo and guitar, respectively.
In addition to her extensive performance experience with Kíla, Dee's creative talents have been instrumental in shaping
the band's visual artistry. Over the past 30 years, she has designed Kíla's projections, sets, and visuals, collaborating with designers to create album artwork — a testament to her holistic approach to music.
Beyond Kíla, Dee’s musical journey includes work with The Free Speaking Monkey since 2015 and the Armagh Rhymers from 2024 onwards. Her creativity flows seamlessly from stage to studio as she composes for her solo projects, theatre productions, and radio. Dee has also contributed to numerous film soundtracks, collaborating with composer Bruno Coulais on animated features by the renowned Cartoon Saloon. Her work includes award-winning and Oscar-nominated projects such as The Secret of Kells, Wolfwalkers (collaborating with Aurora), and Song of the Sea (featuring Lisa Hannigan).
Recently, Dee received a Music Bursary and a Traditional Arts Project Award from the Arts Council, supporting her in the creation of her second solo album and the production of a documentary on North Leitrim musician Micheál Clancy, titled "Man of a Thousand Tunes." Dee's journey through music and storytelling continues to evolve, reflecting the essence of Irish culture and the artistry of self-taught musicianship.
From her work on acclaimed film scores like The Secret of Kells to her latest theatre production, Under the Night Sky (2022), Dee Armstrong remains a dynamic figure in Irish music. Her commitment to traditional arts, visual storytelling, and musical innovation distinguishes her as an extraordinary artist with a legacy that celebrates the rich tapestry of Irish music and beyond.
Doors 6:30pm | Show 7pm
