Skara Brae (band)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Defunct | 1972 |
| Headquarters | Kells , Ireland |
| Products | Traditional Irish music album |
Skara Brae was a traditional Irish music ensemble originating from Kells in County Meath, with familial connections to Ranafast in County Donegal. The group consisted of the siblings Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, along with Dáithí Sproule who hailed from Derry. Their only album, Skara Brae, holds a distinguished place in the annals of Irish music.
Origin
The Ó Domhnaill siblings, although brought up in County Meath, had ancestral ties to Ranafast. Skara Brae was established during Irish language summer courses in the late 1960s while Tríona and Maighread were still attending school. Prior to the band's formation, Mícheál and Dáithí were active performers in Dublin while studying at University College Dublin.
Distinctive album
The 1971 release of Skara Brae on Gael-Linn Records showcased expertly rendered Gaelic songs and was pioneering as the first Irish language recording to feature vocal harmonies, representing a major advancement in the genre.
After disbandment
Following their split in 1972, the members embarked on notable musical paths: Dáithí Sproule became part of the acclaimed supergroup Altan in 1992, and Mícheál with Tríona went on to establish the influential Bothy Band in 1974, collaborating with eminent artists such as Matt Molloy and Dónal Lunny.
Reunions
The band reunited for performances at the Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal—initially on 27 December 1997 at Ionad Cois Locha, Dunlewey, and later again in 2005.
On 12 September 2013, Dáithí Sproule announced Skara Brae’s inaugural tour of the United States, consisting of five shows from 25 to 30 October 2013 across Milwaukee, Madison, Saint Paul, Portland, and Seattle. This reunion featured Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, and Dáithí Sproule.
Discography
- Skara Brae (1971)
See also
- Skara Brae, a Neolithic archaeological site noted for being Europe’s most intact prehistoric village