Danú is an Irish traditional music band.
The members of Danú met in Waterford in Southeastern Ireland in 1994. After performing in the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in 2005, the then thrown-together group decided to consolidate as a band.
They are devoted to their traditional roots, but unafraid to experiment with arrangement, with critics commenting that their music exudes energy and empathy. Their second album, Think Before You Think (2000) was voted Best Overall Traditional Act by Dublin's magazine Irish Music. They have been voted Best Traditional Group twice in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the only band to achieve such a feat. Their version of Co. Down (written by Tommy Sands) won Best Traditional Song in the same awards.
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is the lead singer, and plays flute and whistle with the band. She sings in both English and Irish, with her choice of song varying in style between folk and Sean Nós traditions. She replaced earlier singer Ciarán Ó Gealbháin, a tenor who left to finish his education, and who had in turn replaced Cárthach Mac Craith, who sang in the earliest incarnation of the band.
Tom Doorley is the flute-player, and often acts as the spokesman for the band on stage. He has also played live with Men At Work, playing their hit single Down Under. He is a story-teller and works as a teacher and lives in Dublin.
Dónal Clancy is the guitar player for the band. He was one of the original members, and after several years pursuing a career with Solas and touring with his father, balladeer Liam Clancy (of Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem) Dónal returned to Danú. During his absence he was replaced by guitar player Noel Ryan.
Oisín Mc Auley, a previous member of Stockton's Wing, plays four- and five-string fiddle with Danú. He has recently released a solo album of fiddle music. Earlier fiddle players for Danú are Jesse Smith and Daire Bracken. Oisín now lives in Holliston, Massachusetts, USA.
Éamon Doorley plays bouzouki and fiddle, and is the younger brother of Tom Doorley. His bouzouki playing has a strong emphasis on countermelody. He currently collaborates with his wife Julie Fowlis, playing mainly Scottish Gaelic music and song. Donnchadh Gough plays both bodhran and uillean pipes in Danú, and Benny McCarthy (b 1975) plays box (button accordion).