In a world often saturated with noise, sometimes true harmony emerges from unexpected places.
Such is the case with Irish Women in Harmony, a powerful collective of Irish female artists who have not only captivated audiences with their collective talent but have also channeled their creativity for profound social good. This isn’t just a band; it’s a movement, a resounding chorus of solidarity and empowerment that has resonated far beyond Ireland’s shores.
The genesis of Irish Women in Harmony stemmed from a desire to foster mutual support among female musicians in what can often feel like a male-dominated industry. Their core mission, articulated beautifully, is to “support one another – both creatively and practically – in pursuit of their artistic goals.” But their vision extends even further, aiming “to raise public consciousness for women and children living in crisis.” This dual focus on artistic collaboration and impactful philanthropy makes their story all the more compelling.
The Song That Started It All: “Dreams”
The world first truly took notice of Irish Women in Harmony with their inspired cover of The Cranberries’ iconic hit, “Irish Women in Harmony Dreams.” Released in 2020 during the challenging times of the pandemic, this re-worked version was a masterpiece of remote collaboration. Featuring some of Ireland’s finest female artists, all recording their parts from their respective homes and studios, the track became an instant sensation.
The Reddit community, among countless others, quickly recognized the magic. As one Redditor perfectly put it: “A fantastic cover of Dreams by The Cranberries by 40 Irish female artists recorded remotely and edited together.” Another chimed in, “Beautiful harmonizing.” This sentiment was widely shared, with the accompanying video premiering on The RTE Six O’Clock News and the single having its first play on 2FM’s Tracy Clifford show.
The driving force behind this initiative was Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and producer RuthAnne. She articulated the group’s dual motivation: “There are so many amazing trailblazers and emerging female artists and musicians in Ireland. In what sometimes seems like a male dominated industry in this country, we feel like it’s important to inspire the young girls of today by showcasing all of the incredible women in Irish music. More importantly, we wanted to come together as the Irish Women in Harmony to raise awareness and funds for a charity close to all of our hearts, Safe Ireland, who support domestic abuse victims and survivors.”
The impact was immediate and profound. The single raised significant funds for Safe Ireland, a national social change agency dedicated to ending domestic abuse and coercive control in Ireland. This debut not only showcased incredible vocal talent but also highlighted the collective’s unwavering commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable women and children.
A Festive Follow-Up: “Together At Christmas”
Building on the success and momentum of “Dreams,” Irish Women in Harmony returned with an eagerly awaited festive season single, “Together At Christmas.” This original song, once again written and produced by RuthAnne with all parts recorded remotely by 30 of Ireland’s finest female musicians, was more than just a seasonal tune; it was, as the collective aptly described, “a movement.”
“Together At Christmas” featured clever lyrical nods to familiar Christmas classics and, uniquely, included a choir of young Irish girls. After a nationwide call-out for singers under the age of 12, over 1,500 entries poured in, ultimately leading to 18 lucky young voices being chosen. These aspiring young Irish women in harmony singers recorded their parts remotely, echoing the collaborative spirit of their adult counterparts. This “Tween Choir” became an integral part of the single’s magic, offering the next generation of female artists an opportunity to contribute to the collective and, crucially, to support Childline, a vital service for children in crisis.
Beyond the Music: The Essence of Irish Women in Harmony
The story of Irish Women in Harmony is a testament to the incredible talent and compassionate spirit that defines many famous Irish women in harmony and across the broader Irish cultural landscape. They stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when artists unite for a cause greater than themselves. While details about an Irish Women in Harmony tour or Irish Women in Harmony tour 2025 are not publicly available as of now, the widespread admiration for their work suggests that a live performance, perhaps at a venue like the National Concert Hall, would be met with immense enthusiasm. Their appearances, like their memorable one on The Late Late Show, are always celebrated, bringing their powerful message and beautiful music to a wider audience.
The collective’s inclusive spirit is also notable. While discussions sometimes arise in online forums about various aspects of identity within creative groups (e.g., “Irish Women in Harmony trans” related discussions), the primary focus of the collective, as stated in their mission, is on supporting women and children and showcasing the incredible breadth of female musical talent in Ireland. Their efforts are consistently geared towards creating a positive and empowering platform for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the members of Irish Women in Harmony?
The members of Irish Women in Harmony are a rotating and expanding collective of prominent Irish female musicians and singers. While the exact list varies with each project, the core group has included over 40 artists. Some of the notable Irish women in harmony singers who have participated include RuthAnne (who initiated and produced the projects), Imelda May, Soule, Erica Cody, Loah, Caroline Corr, Una Healy, Orla Gartland, Moya Brennan, and many more. The emphasis is on a broad representation of Irish female talent.
What is special about Irish women?
What is special about Irish women is a rich tapestry of qualities often highlighted in their culture and history: resilience, strong family bonds, a fierce sense of community, sharp wit, and a vibrant artistic and storytelling tradition. Irish women are often seen as strong, independent, and possessing a unique blend of warmth and determination. The collective of Irish Women in Harmony perfectly embodies many of these admired traits.
Who are the 39 Irish female singers?
The number of Irish Women in Harmony singers involved in the “Dreams” project was initially cited as “40 Irish female artists,” and approximately 30 for “Together At Christmas.” While a definitive, unchanging list of exactly 39 Irish female singers from the collective is not publicly maintained, the group consistently brings together a large number of talented Irish female vocalists and musicians for their projects.
Who is the most famous woman in Irish history?
Identifying the “most famous woman in Irish history” is subjective and depends on various criteria (politics, arts, science, etc.). However, some highly prominent figures often cited include Maureen O’Hara (iconic actress), Constance Markievicz (revolutionary, first woman elected to the UK Parliament, and one of the first women in the world to hold a cabinet position), Grace O’Malley (16th-century pirate queen), Mary Robinson (first female President of Ireland), and Mary McAleese (second female President of Ireland). In music, Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries holds immense international fame.
Who are the members of the De Dannan now?
De Dannan is a renowned Irish traditional music group. Its membership has seen many changes over its long history. While the band has had periods of hiatus and different lineups, the core spirit remains. Current or recent members often include musicians like Alec Finn (who passed away in 2018 but was a foundational member), Frankie Gavin (another key founder, though he has also pursued solo projects), Mick Conneely, Brian McGrath, and Caroline Keane, among others. The lineup can vary for tours and recordings.
Who are the members of the Daisy band?
There doesn’t appear to be a widely known famous band specifically called “The Daisy Band” in Ireland or internationally that aligns with the context of other well-known musical groups. It’s possible this refers to a local band, a lesser-known group, or perhaps a misunderstanding of a band’s name. If you have more information about “The Daisy Band,” a more precise answer might be possible!
Irish Women in Harmony stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and social responsibility, reminding us all of the power of unity and the enduring spirit of collaboration. What other musical collectives have inspired you with their combination of talent and purpose?
About the Author
