Singer Nell Ní Chróinín explores Ireland's music heritage in TG4 series "Ceol ón gCré"

In this brand-new series for TG4, renowned singer and musician Nell Ní Chróinín takes viewers on a heartfelt musical journey through rural Ireland. Ceol ón gCré (Music from the Earth) is a 4-part traditional music and documentary hybrid series exploring the deep well of tradition, memory, and community across the country. Each episode focuses on a core theme of rural life – the land, the sea, the heart, and the soul – with Nell meeting musicians, singers, and dancers who embody these connections through powerful performances and personal stories. Filmed in a warm, informal style, this is a series that unearths the true spirit of Irish tradition in the modern day. 

Clár 1 – Cuisle na Talún

In the opening episode, Nell delves into Ireland’s connection to the land – through farming, growing and nurturing. She meets a host of contributors whose lives and music are deeply rooted in the soil. Among them are her parents Teddy and Síle Uí Chróinín, and Muscraí singer Eoiní Maidhcí Ó Suilleabháin. The McAdam family, Gearóid Keating & Mairéad Corridan, as well as Máire de Standún, Julie Ní Longáin & Noel O’Grady all contribute moving performances and stories. This is a celebration of the enduring ties between music and place.

Clár 2 – Tuile agus Trá

Nell visits some of Ireland’s most musically rich fishing communities to uncover the influence of the sea on Irish traditional music. With performances from Ronan O’Flaherty, Conor Connolly, and Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill, as well as powerful contributions from Méabh Ní Lochnáin, Conal Ó Gráda, Don O’Leary, Tim Collins, Áine Uí Laoithe, Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich, Niamh Varian-Barry, and Donogh Hennessy, the episode captures a way of life shaped by the sea. From Galway to Kerry and beyond, this is a rich portrait of our coastal traditions.

Clár 3 – Spiorad agus Anam

This episode is a reflective journey into how rural communities deal with death, memory, and the afterlife through music. Folklorist Billy Mag Fhloinn provides insight into death and burial customs in Pagan Ireland, while musical contributions from Sarah Ghriallais, Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin, Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin, and Jimmy O’Brien Moran animate the episode. Nell also performs Seán Ó Duibhir a Ghleanna with Steve Cooney. 

Clár 4 – Grá agus Gean

Love and romantic traditions take center stage in this final episode. Nell explores customs of romance and relationships, past and present, through song and story. Nell meets Padraig McGovern, Sabina McCague, Tommy McCarthyamong others, uncovering the music and rituals that celebrate love in Ireland – historically and in the modern era.. With dancers, storytellers, and musicians like Jojo Marrinan, Grainne Fennell, The West Clare Wren Boys, Mairéad Uí Lionaird, and Tom and Sham Hyland, this concluding chapter is a moving celebration the power of traditional music that brings people together.