Louise Mulcahy

Louise Mulcahy is one of Ireland’s most talented and gifted instrumentalists in Irish traditional music today. Louise is an internationally renowned performer on the uilleann pipes, flute and whistle. Louise is a member of the highly acclaimed Mulcahy Family and no musical family today is more impressive in upholding the best principles of the tradition. Alongside four album releases with her father, Mick, and sister Michelle, Louise released her highly acclaimed début solo album titled ‘Tuning the Road’ in 2014 to widespread critical acclaim, “A complete wonder of an album from a truly brilliant musician” – Bill Margeson. She has toured extensively throughout the world including performances in Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, America and Canada. Louise’s unique approach to the tradition has earned her many prestigious awards including the Féile Liam O’ Flynn award. In 2023, she was honoured alongside her father and sister with the Gradam Ceoil TG4 award.  Most recently Louise was announced as the 2025 Artist in Residence at the Blas International Summer School of Irish Music and Dance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick. Louise is a regular contributor to music broadcasts, nationally and internationally, both on television and on radio. In addition to her exceptional musicianship, Louise is a highly respected researcher in Irish traditional music. Her pioneering research work on women in uilleann piping has garnered international recognition. Louise presented and researched the landmark documentary for TG4 titled Mná na bPíob which was released in 2021. Louise has been praised for her groundbreaking musicianship in The Irish Times Culture Review.  Louise was made custodian of Liam O’ Flynn’s B uilleann pipes by Na Píobairí Uilleann and contributed to the documentary on master piper Liam O’ Flynn titled ‘Píobaire’.

Cascáid is an exciting international traditional Irish music group formed at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick. Composed of four musicians from Ireland, Japan, Brazil, and Galway, Cascáid brings together global perspectives with deep-rooted respect for Irish musical traditions.

Their name—Cascáid, meaning “cascade” in Irish—reflects the group’s flowing musical synergy and their mission to honour the continuous, living tradition of Irish music. Their music is sensitive, rhythmic, and full of natural dynamics, offering listeners a vibrant and heartfelt interpretation of Irish traditional tunes.

The band features:

Pat Fleming (box), Fionnuala Fahey (fiddle/voice), Kevin Shorthall (bouzouki) and Mariko Tatsuoka (fiddle).