Since 1975, BLARNEY has been brought the “living delight” of the Irish music tradition to life for audiences wherever they perform. 

BLARNEY celebrates the “Music of Ireland ” – songs that reflect the rich history and spirit of the Irish experience- songs of the sea, songs of love, songs of uprising and rebellion, and of course, the spirited pub tunes of revelry.  BLARNEY weaves these tunes into a magic journey through the Irish experience.

BLARNEY has seven recordings to their credit. Their latest “The Parting Glass” celebrates their 35th anniversary. Other titles currently available include “Home From the Sea” and “Songs Worth Singing”. The group was honored with a “WAMI” award from the Wisconsin Area Musicians Industry for the “best folk group” in 1987.

While appearing primarily in Wisconsin, BLARNEY has performed at festivals in Cape Cod, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Kansas and throughout the Midwest. They celebrated their 15th anniversary with a gig at the renowned Tommy Makem’s Irish Pavilion in New York City. In March of 2003 and 2005, BLARNEY brought their music to the Castledaly Manor House in County Westmeath, Ireland to the rave reviews of the owners and native Irish. “We haven’t heard these great tunes in years” one local resident exclaimed. In 2008 the band performed in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Dubbed “perennial Irish Fest favorites”, BLARNEY has performed annually at Milwaukee’s Irish Fest since the festival started in 1981.   Their reunions have brought world-renown artists such as Liam Clancy, Tommy Makem, Paddy Reilly and many others to the stage for a fun-filled Irish Fest show.

To celebrate their 35th year together in 2010, BLARNEY released their new CD “The Parting Glass”. Like their previous recordings, it truly reflects the timelessness of Irish folk music that celebrates all generations of the Irish experience.

Based in the Milwaukee area, the members of Blarney are Dennis Murphy, Kevin Stapleton, and Chuck Ward.