Mairéad Walls and Damian Walls are accomplished Irish traditional musicians known for their performances at festivals and sessions in Ireland, the UK, the USA, and internationally, particularly for their appearances at the Brittany Winter School.

Mairéad Walls

Mairéad Walls is a flautist and singer from Dunloy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. She was introduced to Irish traditional music by John Kennedy of Cullybackey and plays the tin whistle and sings traditional songs, especially those from Ulster and Antrim. Mairéad has received recognition for her contributions to the tradition, including the “Guardian of Tradition” award at the Ulster Traditional Singing Festival in 2011 and the “Contribution to Music Award” at the Gig n the Bann festival in 2018. She is also a founding member of the group Deanta and released her debut CD, “Songs and Tunes from Co Antrim,” reflecting her deep engagement with Irish traditional music.

Damian Walls

Damian Walls is a multi-instrumentalist from Magherafelt, County Derry, Northern Ireland, playing banjo, bouzouki, and guitar. He was introduced to traditional Irish music by Joey O’Neill of Magherafelt and has established himself as a highly sought-after session musician, performing widely at festivals and fleadhs across Ireland, the UK, and the USA. Damian has released a first collaborative CD in 2019 with Michael Herron and John Linden, showcasing his versatility and proficiency in Irish traditional music.

Performances and Brittany Winter School

Both Mairéad and Damian Walls have been regular performers at the Brittany Winter School (BWS), participating in concerts and sessions over multiple years, including 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Their performances often include collaborations with other musicians such as John Linnden, Rémi Brannón, and John Mackel, and are documented in multiple YouTube recordings and BWS concert programs . They are recognized for their contributions to promoting Irish traditional music internationally and for engaging audiences through both instrumental expertise and vocal performances. 

In essence, Mairéad Walls and Damian Walls are central figures in Irish traditional music, combining performance, recording projects, and education through sessions and festival participation. Their work highlights the rich musical heritage of Northern Ireland and the broader Irish tradition, with a particular focus on regional tunes and songs of Ulster and Antrim