Ahead of their landmark headline concert at glór, Ennis, on 23 May 2026, the Irish Concertina Orchestra unveil ‘Aboard the West Clare‘ – a sweeping new composition by internationally celebrated Riverdance composer Bill Whelan.
The release marks the final instalment in a series of collaborative singles issued in the lead-up to the concert. Following ‘Éalú‘ featuring NOTIFY, Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE Concert Orchestra with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, and ‘Lovely Anne‘ featuring acclaimed singer Piaras Ó Lorcáin alongside NOTIFY, ‘Aboard the West Clare‘ brings the ambitious project to a powerful close.
‘Aboard the West Clare‘ is a vibrant and cinematic composition by Bill Whelan written especially for the Irish Concertina Orchestra. Inspired by the historic West Clare Railway and the spirit of travel along Ireland’s Atlantic coast, the piece captures a sense of motion, landscape, and musical energy, blending orchestral colour with the distinctive voice of the concertina. Whelan’s composition brings together traditional Irish musical sensibilities with his signature sweeping orchestral style, creating a work that feels rooted in tradition and expansive in scope.
Arranged by Bill Whelan and Cormac McCarthy, the recording was captured at the world-famous Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin in the late summer of 2025. The performance brings together the Irish Concertina Orchestra with NOTIFY (Pádraig Rynne, Tara Breen, Adam Taylor, Hugh Dillon, Rory McCarthy, and Davie Ryan) and the MGCE Concert Orchestra, under the baton of Cormac McCarthy.
Produced by Brian Whelan, Alex Borwick and Pádraig Rynne, the recording stands as a landmark collaboration between some of Ireland’s leading traditional and orchestral musicians and a new generation of young concertina players.
“Being part of the Irish Concertina orchestra and visiting the recording studio was such an amazing experience. It gave me the chance to learn new musical skills and improve my confidence and ability.” “Overall, it was a memorable experience that helped me grow both musically and personally.” – Caoilinn Morrow, Student of the Irish Concertina Orchestra.
Reflecting on the collaboration, producer and musical director Pádraig Rynne described the project as a deeply meaningful creative journey that takes “the listener on a journey inspired by the historic West Clare Railway. The suite begins with the sound of concertina bellows evoking the steam engine slowly building momentum before the music sets off on its journey. Different sections of the piece reflect the rhythm and movement of the train as it travels through the landscape, from the driving pulse of the wheels on the track to more lyrical moments suggesting the scenery unfolding along the route.“
On Saturday 23 May at 7:30pm, they present an unmissable night of contemporary tradition, extraordinary musicianship, and inspiring young talent – live on stage. Music Generation Clare presents The Irish Concertina Orchestra with special guests NOTIFY, Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Ernestine Healy, Sárán Mulligan, and Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta. Led by musical director Pádraig Rynne, and supported by MGCE musician educators Conor O’Loughlin, Karen McMahon, and Méabh Holland, this thrilling programme of new works is not to be missed.
Listen to ‘Aboard the West Clare’