Who are we?
Celtic Craic is a UK-based traditional Irish folk band delivering lively, crowd-engaging performances across pubs, festivals, private events, weddings, and corporate functions.
Built around guitar, bodhrán, and fiddle, the band brings together well-known Irish classics, energetic instrumentals, and sing-along favourites, creating an authentic atmosphere that works in both intimate settings and busy venues.
Known for reliable service, clear communication, and consistent musical quality, Celtic Craic provides well-structured live sets tailored to suit each event — from relaxed background music to full-on lively sessions that get audiences involved.
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 (lead vocals and guitar) alongside Noel Dolan (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 documenting their early acoustic sound.
Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, the band evolved through a number of line-up changes while continuing to perform traditional Irish repertoire. Musicians including John Coogan (six-string banjo and vocals), Robert Wortham (guitar and vocals), and others contributed to the group’s development, with fiddle players joining at various stages. During this time, Celtic Craic performed across a range of venues and events, including appearances linked to the Irish Embassy in London and engagements in the United States.
Following a quieter period, the band entered a renewed phase of activity in the mid-2020s, re-establishing itself through local performances and expanding into a more active schedule of bookings across the UK. Since then, Celtic Craic has built strong momentum performing at pubs, social clubs, festivals, race meetings, and private events, continuing a tradition that spans multiple decades.
Today, the band is led by guitarist and vocalist Ash Dolan, with a flexible line-up that can perform as a duo or trio depending on the event. This adaptable approach allows Celtic Craic to deliver the right atmosphere for any setting while maintaining the energy and authenticity of traditional Irish folk music.