Altan is a traditional Irish folk music group renowned for their captivating melodic tunes, vibrant rhythms, and the soulful voice of their lead singer, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh. Formed in County Donegal, Ireland, in the early 1980s, the band was named after a deep and mystical lake behind Ní Mhaonaigh's house, Lough Altan. The core members of Altan have included, over the years, Mairéad, her late husband Frankie Kennedy, Ciaran Tourish, Dermot Byrne, Ciaran Curran, and Mark Kelly, alongside various other talented musicians who have collaborated with the group.

Over the past several decades, Altan has built a legacy as one of the most important live acts to play traditional Irish music on the world stage. They have cultivated a rich discography that showcases a passionate dedication to the heritage of Donegal music, while also adapting and evolving with contemporary influences. Their sound is characterized by the enchanting blend of Ní Mhaonaigh's fiddle work and angelic voice, alongside the other members' masterful instrumentation. The band's reputation has soared internationally, leading them to collaborations with renowned artists and performances all over the globe. Their influence in the traditional music scene has been substantial, inspiring a new generation of musicians and music lovers alike with albums and live concerts that breathe new life into the time-honored tunes of the Emerald Isle.