Fledgling Ballina trad and folk group Alder have been polishing their craft in recent weeks as the three members prepare for a busy start-of-year schedule.
Mark O’Donnell, Grace Killeen and Iarla Dunford are all well-known traditional and folk musicians in their own rights, with Mark and Grace bringing a performance which is laced with experience, matched by Iarla’s youthful musical exuberance across a range of instruments.
Over the coming month, the trio will be showcasing their music to the attending delegates and musicians at the 2026 Your Roots Are Showing Festival in Belfast and will make their first appearances as a band at venues in Castlebar and Donegal.
Just six months on the road, and currently in the process of writing material, Alder bring a special brand of contemporary folk that crafts original songs rooted in the natural world, nostalgia, love and loss. Their novel sound blends the earthy tones of guitar, fiddle, harmonium and bodhrán, creating music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
The band is in Belfast this weekend. Next month the trio play in Balor Arts Centre in Co Donegal on February 12 and headline the Bridge of Song night in Castlebar on February 18.
Alder will feature in the line-up for this year’s Forest Fest summer outdoor music festival in Emo, Co Laois, where Madness, Fun Lovin Criminals, The Coronas, The Undertones and James are also in the bill.
