TV: Cork's John Creedon looks at how music has shaped country in new series

Popular Cork presenter John Creedon explores how music has shaped Ireland’s identity in a new three-part TV series.

Called Creedon’s Musical Atlas Of Ireland, it starts on RTÉ1 on Sunday at 6.30pm, as his journey spans the length and breadth of Ireland, and across centuries, exploring the landscapes and communities that have nurtured its musical heritage.

Along the way, Creedon engages with musicians, historians, and cultural experts to understand how music has influenced Irish identity and continues to evolve.

The opening episode begins with one of Ireland’s oldest myths. Dagda’s magical harp was said to play three noble strains of music: Suantraí, Geantraí and Goltraí. Together, they offer a remarkable way of understanding not only Irish music, but the emotional role it has played in our lives for generations.

Creedon travels Ireland to discover how those three ancient musical traditions are still alive today. First up, Suantraí : The Lullaby – music that comforts, soothes and brings peace.

The presenter explores Ireland’s rich tradition of lullabies with singers Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, whose beautiful performance asks a simple but powerful question: what happens when we stop singing native lullabies to our children? As songs disappear from family life, what traditions, language and wisdom disappear with them?

Next comes Geantraí: Joy – music of celebration, energy and release. In Ireland, joy has often been an act of resilience. Even through hardship and oppression, music gave people permission to gather, dance, sing, and celebrate together.

That spirit comes alive through the explosive performances of The Scratch and Absolute Lilt, reminding us that making music together has always been about much more than entertainment. It is about freedom, belonging and refusing to lose hope.

The final strain is Goltraí : Lament – music that gives voice to grief.

Creedon meets Róis, who explores the ancient Irish tradition of keening, where women led communities in expressing loss through song.

The episode features a deeply moving performance by Galway composer Eímear Noon, whose composition Malach, Angel Messenger was written following the loss of her child.