Róisín’s Musical Journey

Róisín O’Reilly is a captivating Irish vocalist whose unique vocal quality combines haunting sincerity and emotional sensitivity. Her voice has been described

as "ranging from tenderly introspective to utterly beautiful" — a signature sound that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.

​

She was a long-standing member of the renowned vocal ensemble Anúna before signing with Decca, Universal Records in London.

​

Her debut solo album, Love So Kindly, was released under the Decca label. During this time, she collaborated with several distinguished

artists, including the late Sir George Martin. The album features a collection of traditional Irish songs alongside an original track,

The Edge of the Moon, gifted to her by the late Christy Hennessy. Her rendition of Mná na hÉireann earned widespread acclaim and

became a highlight of her performances in the UK, including at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Her interpretation of traditional and contemporary

works reflects a strong emotional and spiritual core, shaped by a deep respect

for heritage and storytelling.

​

Acclaimed Irish songwriter and novelist Brendan Graham was so moved by Róisín’s rendition of Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded

that he included it in his third novel, The Brightest Day, The Darkest Night. In a pivotal scene set in a field hospital during America’s Civil War,

the central character Ellen sings to her dying daughter. In the book’s notes, Graham wrote: “The moment I heard Róisín O’Reilly’s singing of it, I

knew it was what Ellen would sing in Mary’s last moments.”

​

Over the last five years, Róisín has collaborated extensively with Graham, co-writing several songs together, including a luallby inspired

by a visit with her Mother and Hush Be Still – A Christmas Lullaby, arranged by internationally renowned American choral

composer Roger Emerson. Róisín performed the piece with the National Symphony Orchestra for RTÉ’s Christmas Miscellany,

broadcast nationwide on Christmas Day. The song was later adapted into Irish by Donegal

poet Eilín Ní Bhaoill, and Róisín performed the Irish version, Buan do Ré, on TG4’s Nollaig Cois Coiribe, a televised Christmas celebration. 

​

In January 2024, Róisín performed for two nights at The NCH with the NSO at the YOU RIASE ME UP - Songs & Stories of Brendan Graham.

​​

She has also worked extensively with Irish composer Liam Lawton as a soloist, recording and performing with him in concerts,

including international appearances such as a special performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.

​

An advocate for supporting humanitarian causes, Róisín's crowdfunding recording of ​O Holy Night, released during the COVID-19 pandemic,

raised sufficient funds to provide basic education for Syrian refugee children living in Tyre, South Lebanon. 

The project reflected her belief in the power of using music to highlight the difficulties and make a tangible difference for those who

do not have a voice, especially children. The money raised was used to educate, support,  and care for Syrian refugee children over the duration of a year.

​

Róisín features on six successful Universal Music compilations, including Summer Classics, The No. 1 Classical Album, Songbird,

Over the Rainbow, A Classic Christmas, and Celtic Dreams. She also appears on several platinum-selling Irish albums, including Anthem,

Another World, Time, Song of the Celtic Soul, Deep Dead Blue, and Cynara.

​

Róisín continues to record and is working on her new show, The Listening Heart.