The Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) is committed to providing free, universal access to the rich cultural tradition of Irish music, song and dance. If you’re able, we’d love for you to consider a donation. Any level of support will help us preserve and grow this tradition for future generations.
Dolly McMahon was born and raised in East Galway into a house that was rich in folklore, history and music. Her father Martin had a stór of local songs and seanchas which he passed on to his daughter Dolly. After marrying Ciarán Mac Mathúna in the mid 1950s, she moved to Dublin and became a central figure in the traditional music and ballad revival in the 1960s. Her album on the Claddagh label ‘Dolly’ was a seminal release in 1966. Dolly’s style and repetoire has been an inspiration to younger singers including contemporary artiste Lisa Lambe. This interview opens a window to Dolly’s unique musical background in conversation with Lisa with whom she has developed a close relationship