Who are we?
Celtic Craic is a UK-based traditional Irish folk band performing across the country for live music venues, private celebrations, festivals, and corporate events. The group delivers a distinctive acoustic sound built around guitar, bodhrán, and fiddle, presenting a repertoire of recognised Irish standards, energetic instrumentals, and classic ballads.
Known for dependable service, clear communication, and consistent musical quality, the band provides structured live sets designed for audiences who appreciate authentic Irish folk performance. Their work spans pubs, social clubs, weddings, race meetings, community functions, and ticketed events, where professionalism and strong musicianship are central to every booking.
Our history
Celtic Craic was formed in the mid-1990s in a local church hall in Gravesend, Kent. The earliest recognised line-up featured Tom Dolan on lead vocals and guitar alongside Noel Dolan on bodhrán and vocals, supported instrumentally by Frank Costigan (accordion), Kevin Whelan (fiddle), and Tony Dance (guitar, harmonica, and vocals). This formative period established the group’s musical direction and led to the recording of an independent album that documented their early acoustic sound.
Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, the ensemble developed through a number of line-up changes while continuing to perform traditional Irish repertoire. John Coogan became associated with the band on six-string banjo and vocals, with additional contributions from guitarist Robert Wortham and bodhrán player Matt Dolan at various stages. Paul performed on mandolin during this era, and Ash Dolan also appeared on occasion, while fiddle accompaniment was provided by a number of players over time. Despite these evolving combinations, the band maintained a consistent musical identity. Notable appearances during this period included performances for the Irish Embassy in London as well as engagements in the United States.
Following a quieter interval, Celtic Craic entered a renewed phase of activity in the mid-2020s when Ash Dolan and Matt Dolan began revisiting the band’s repertoire through local open-mic performances. Positive audience reception encouraged the re-establishment of the group in a more active capacity, with Ash Dolan (guitar and vocals) and Matt Dolan (bodhrán and vocals) forming the core line-up and Mathew English joining regularly on fiddle. Former members, most notably Tom Dolan, have continued to make occasional guest appearances, maintaining a direct connection between the band’s original formation and its present-day incarnation. Recent years have included expanded regional bookings, charity performances, and multi-day racecourse engagements, reflecting the continued progression of a project that has developed across generations while remaining rooted in traditional Irish folk music.