A great Irish Ceilidh embodies the heart and soul of Irish culture, bringing together elements of traditional music and dance. Live musicians play traditional instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, bodhran (a type of drum) African drum, button accordions, guitar, and singer. The music is lively and sets the tone for spirited dancing. Traditional Ceilidh dances are danced in formations of couples in squares, lines, and circles. Dances are energetic and rhythmic. We create a space on the dance floor where people of all ages can come together to celebrate your event. Our genuine Irish Ceilidh has an atmosphere of warmth, fun, and camaraderie. There’s laughter, cheers, and the occasional shouts of encouragement. Our fiddle-playing caller will teach those unfamiliar with the dances to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or experience, can join in and enjoy the fun. Beyond the structured dances, there's often room for spontaneous performances, be it solo dances, songs, or stories. We can walk among your guests and serenade them personally or as a group. An Irish Ceilidh at your party will be remembered, not just for the dances or the music but, for the joy it brings, and the friendships it deepens. Remember a great Irish Ceilidh is a vibrant blend of music, dance, joy, and pure excitement. It's an experience that will resonate deeply with those who participate, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Pride of Erin Waltz
Dashing White Sargent
Gay Gordons
Strip the Willow
Eightsome Reel

The band

Padraig Lalor Singer/Guitarist Padraig was born in Belfast. He lived his formative years in the 1970s against the backdrop of the troubles in Northern Ireland. He worked as a freelance journalist in the 1980s; becoming Northern Irish correspondent for the Irish Post, before gaining a Scholarship to Ruskin College Oxford. It was in Oxford he formed the Traditional Irish band Henry Marten's Ghost and started writing songs in the late 1990s.

Greig Stewart drummer/percussionist is a founder member of the internationally renowned Guillemots and both a Brit Award and Mercury Music Prize nominee. Greig and Padraig became friends and musical collaborators in Oxford in 1997 before Greig moved to London to become a core member of the Guillemots. Greig was both Percussionist and co-writer helping the band enjoy significant single and album chart successes, and touring globally. Greig has appeared alongside the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Snow Patrol, KT Tunstall, The Script, Beck, Morrissey, REM, Travis and even with a full orchestra at the BBC Electric Proms. Re-united with Padraig in 2013, Grieg’s characteristically innovative style and fluid rhythms form the bands' heartbeat.

Gill O’ Shea- Whistles/Accordion/Melodeon has an Honours Degree in Music from Cardiff University. She sports an infectious sense of fun. Coupled with a unique whistle style and a genuine affinity towards Irish tunes, she quickly became an audience favourite. An ever-present since 2002 she also plays squeezeboxes and was the band’s first female member. Living off the same Motorway junction as Padraig they also work as a duo.

Piotr Jordan Violin. Piotr’s searing improvisations take listeners on an edge-of-your-seat musical ride. Now a London based music teacher, his Eastern European style brings a fresh twist to the traditional Irish sound. Padraig and Piotr also first played together in Oxford in 1997 and have been firm friends and musical soulmates ever since. Prepare to be educated as the music comes alive with passion, playfulness and Piotr’s incomparable virtuosity.

Highlights

* Fronted by Irish singer-songwriter Padraig Lalor, (google Padraig Lalor) Henry Marten's Ghost deliver a genuine Irish sound with an eclectic mix of traditional, contemporary & original songs.
*The bands' key ingredients of outstanding musicianship, warm wit & uniquely Irish party spirit are the perfect recipe to infuse any special occasion with the authentic flavours of the Craic.
* Line up to accommodate everything from large Festivals/Corporate Events, to Weddings & private parties and more intimate settings such as Home/Parlour Parties.

Recent clients

Royalty,

the Cast of Eastenders,

Robert Smith (the Cure),

Orlando Bloom,

Kate Winslett,

the Inspector Morse Cast.

The Wales Millennium Centre
The Welsh Rugby Union
The Cardiff Coal Exchange
Sandown Racecourse
Chepstow Racecourse
E Festival Fos Llas Racecourse
Cheltenham Race Festival
International Folk Festival Guernsey
Rothsay Folk Festival Scotland
Small Nations Festival Wales
Caerphilly Big Cheese Festival
Bonne Nuit Festival Jersey
Caistor Festival Lincoln
Pontardawe Festival Wales
Sesiwn Fawr Festival Wales
P&O
Stena
Irish Ferries

TV & Radio:
BBC radio Wales 30 Minute Special Celtic Connections
BBC Radio Jersey March 2012
BBC Radio Shropshire April 2012
BBC Radio 2 Titanic Special April 2012
Radio Pembrokeshire Special May 2012
BBC Radio Oxford
BBC Radio Ulster
BBC Radio Solent
The band’s music has also been played on radio shows in:
France, Norway, Germany, Holland, USA, Russia, Finland and Poland
Appearances on Cowboys & Indians for S4C TV

What people say

Without a doubt the BEST Irish band I have ever heard! I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for something amazing, full of atmosphere and outstanding enjoyable music. We hired Henry Marten's Ghost for our wedding and would definitely hire them again. With a mixture of knee-slapping, fun jigging, Irish music which everyone can enjoy. You can't miss out on these guys. The diverse collection of songs which they play draws everyone's attention throughout the set and the enthusiasm which the band brings is incredible, the whole room was fascinated and amazed by them, and everyone was dancing. The music aside, the band and Padraig were extremely accommodating with any of our ideas or request throughout our wedding process, the music and presentation were exactly as we wanted on our big day and everything ran very smoothly, the team are very professional and will always do anything to help. Thinking of holding another party, just so we can hear them again! Thanks for everything. Rebecca Andrew (10 / 10)

We booked Henry Marten's ghost to play at our daughters 21st Birthday party recently and they were a tremendous success. Everybody really loved their music, they were a lot of fun and really got the party going. The band was charming and highly professional. They arrived on time to set up and entertained the guests both as they arrived and throughout the evening. Everyone at the party both young people and older guests really loved their playing and the range of tunes was fantastic. I would highly recommend Henry Marten's ghost. They brought warmth and character to the evening. This was definitely money well spent!
Tracy Gardiner (21st Birthday Party) 10/10

WOW!! What a band of expert musicians. Henry Marten's Ghost played a private parlour gig for myself and 30 guests. We were amazed that with such a small crowd and room they managed to get us all up dancing. They were very professional and understood the dynamics of playing to a small group. We would highly recommend them to anyone. Without a doubt among the best, I have seen.
John Laws 10/10