Irish of Brittany
The Irish of Brittany is a musical project celebrating the links between Irish and Breton traditions. It explores a lesser-known history, the immigration of tens of thousands of Irish people in Brittany up to the 1800s. Their research uncovered hundreds of Breton families with hidden Irish surnames, altered over time, along with Irish traces in local architecture, customs and civil records.
The group imagined how this historic meeting of Irish and Breton cultures might have unfolded, composing original songs and tunes while drawing on traditional sources to ground the work in authenticity. Designed as an immersive experience, the project weaves together archival material, soundscapes and a rich musical palette. It is an ambitious musical encounter presented in four languages: Breton, Irish Gaelic, French, and English, feautiring iconic instruments of Irish and Breton music. Through this creation, the musicians offer audiences a window into a chapter of history that continues to fascinate and inspire them.