Seán Ryan & Ciara Callanan Ryan

Seán Ryan: Whistle, Concertina, Pipes
Ciara Callanan Ryan: Harp, Dance, Whistle, Piano

Seán Ryan and Ciara Callanan Ryan bring together generations of Irish traditional music and dance in a family collaboration rooted in a shared tradition.

As one of Ireland’s best-known whistle players, Seán Ryan is instantly recognisable for his distinctive style and deep musicality. He has toured extensively throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, and has maintained a long-standing association with Japan, where he performed regularly for over fifteen years. Renowned as both a performer and teacher, Seán is a highly sought-after tutor at major summer schools including Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy and Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh, and has been a guest tutor at the University of Limerick. Musicians and students from around the world have travelled to study with him and to document his music, reflecting his influence and legacy within the tradition.

Ciara Callanan Ryan is an accomplished dancer and musician who holds BA and MA degrees in Irish Music and Dance from the University of Limerick. She began dancing at the age of three under the guidance of her mother, Anne Callanan, and later continued her training with Michael Ryan. She has spent over eleven years touring internationally with Riverdance and has performed with renowned groups including Beoga, The Chieftains, and De Dannan. A seven-time Provincial Champion, former European Champion, and World Championship medal holder for eight consecutive years, she also performs as a musician on harp, whistle, and piano.

Together, Seán and Ciara present performances that combine traditional music and dance, reflecting their shared heritage and commitment to the living tradition of Irish music.