Margaret Barry, born in Cork, Ireland in 1917, was an iconic traditional Irish singer and banjo player whose influence on the folk music scene remains profound. Embracing her traveller heritage, Barry's life was steeped in music from an early age, as she learned the art of street performance, busking through Ireland and Britain, her powerful voice and distinctive five-string banjo style capturing the raw essence of Irish folklore and culture. Her repertoire ranged from traditional Irish ballads to lively reels and jigs, often singing of the traveller's life, unvarnished and authentic.

Dubbed "Ireland's Queen of the Tinkers," Barry's contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish music has been acknowledged through various posthumous collection releases, such as "The Definitive Collection, Vol. 1" and "I Sang Through the Fairs," which showcase the breadth of her talent and the richness of her voice. Margaret Barry's spirited performances, often accompanied by her own banjo or fiddle, not only entertained but also offered a poignant glimpse into the heart of the traveller community. Her work paved the way for future generations of traditional musicians, ensuring that the rhythms and stories of Ireland's travelling people would continue to resonate through the years.

Genres

Irish Banjo

Irish Folk

Latest Release

Songs From The Travellin' People

Pecker Dunne•

Margaret Barry

Album - 14 Tracks - Released February 21, 2017