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Sile Denvir

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Scoláire idirdhisciplíneach, amhránaí sean-nóis agus cláirseoir í an Dr Síle Denvir a rugadh agus a tógadh in Indreabhán i gConamara. Tá suim faoi leith aici in amhránaíocht na Gaeilge agus tá dhá leabhar faoi chumadóirí amhrán as Conamara foilsithe aici, Tom a’ tSeoighe: Amhráin (Cló Iar-Chonnacht 2020) agus Ciarán Ó Fátharta: Amhráin (Cló Iar-Chonnacht 2008), chomh maith le riar mhaith aistí léannta faoi thraidisiún na hamhránaíochta. Tá suim faoi leith aici i nasc a dhéanamh idir an taighde agus an chruthaitheacht agus i measc a cuid tograí le gairid tá sraith físeán bunaithe ar amhráin Tom a’ tSeoighe (Molscéal TG4 2020) agus an dlúthdhiosca/leabhrán Caithréim (Cló Iar-Chonnacht 2016) atá bunaithe ar an gceol agus ar na hamhráin i ndrámaí Phádraig Mhic Phiarais. Bhí Caithréim ar ghearrliosta The Irish Times sa rannóg iomaíoch ‘Albam Traidisiúnta na Bliana 2016’, agus thug sé leis an duais don albam traidisiúnta is fearr ag Gradam Nós 2017. Tá sí ina stiúrthóir ceoil ar an tionscadal ‘Bláth na hÓige’, sraith nuálach a chuirfidh glúin óg amhránaithe sean-nóis as ceantair éagsúla Ghaeltachta in aithne don domhan mór, agus tá sí ag tabhairt faoi thionscnamh taighde ar an ábhar céanna i láthair na huaire. Eisíodh an t-albam is deireanaí ó Shíle, Anamnesis, le gairid agus bronnadh Gradam Ceoil TG4 d’Amhránaí na Bliana 2023 uirthi. 

Dr Síle Denvir is an interdisciplinary scholar, sean-nós singer and harpist from Indreabhán in the Connemara Gaeltacht. She has a particular interest in Irish-language song and has published two books, Tom a’ tSeoighe: Amhráin (Cló Iar-Chonnacht 2020) and Ciarán Ó Fátharta: Amhráin (Cló Iar-Chonnacht 2008), and numerous articles on various aspects of the Irish language song tradition. She has a particular interest in combining her academic and creative work and recent artistic research projects include the production of a series of videos of Tom a’ tSeoighe’s songs (Molscéal, TG4 2020) and a CD/Booklet called Caithréim (Cló Iar-Chonnacht 2016) based on the music and song from the plays of Patrick Pearse. Caithréim was shortlisted by The Irish Times in the highly competitive ‘Best Traditional Album 2016’ category and won an award for best traditional album at Gradam Nós 2017. Síle is also music director for ‘Bláth na hÓige’, an exciting new project that showcases the talents of young sean-nós singers from various Gaeltacht areas. Her most recent album Anamnesis, a recording of sean-nós songs, was released in March 2023 and she was recently named ‘singer of the year’ in the prestigious ‘Gradam Ceoil TG4’ awards.


Book

Year Publication
2020 Síle Denvir agus Ciarán Ó Fátharta (2020) Tom a' tSeoighe: Amhráin. Indreabhán: Cló Iar-Chonnacht. [Link]
2008 Síle Denvir (2008) Ciarán Ó Fátharta - Amhráin. Indreabhán: Cló Iar- Chonnacht. [Link]

Book Chapter

Year Publication
2025 Síle Denvir (2025) 'Fonn le Fonn: Oidhreacht Cheoil agus Amhránaíochta Mhichíl Uí Chonghaile' In: Micheál Ó Conghaile: Saol agus Saothar (Mac Murchaidh, Ciarán & Mac Risteaird, Seán) (le teacht). Baile Átha Cliath : Arlen House.
2024 Síle Denvir (2024) 'Réamhrá' In: Teacht Aniar: Meascra Dánta & Dánta Nua 2004-2024 le Dairena Ní Chinnéide. Gaoth Dobhair : Éabhlóid.
2023 Síle Denvir (2023) 'Ó Shuantraí go Goltraí: Léiriú ar ghlór na mban sna hamhráin dhúchasacha Gaeilge' In: Léachtaí Cholm Cille 53: Léann Feimineach agus Inscne na Gaeilge. Maigh Nuad : An Sagart.
2022 Síle Denvir (2022) 'Fíor nó Fiar? Ceist na Barántúlachta in Amhránaíocht Dhúchasach na Gaeilge' In: Dhá Leagan Déag: Léargais Nua ar an Sean-nós. Indreabhán : Cló Iar-Chonnacht.
2020 Síle Denvir (2020) 'Communal Voices: The Songs of Tom a’ tSeoighe and Ciarán Ó Fátharta' In: Made in Ireland: Studies in Popular Music. London : Routledge.
2016 Síle Denvir (2016) 'Caithréim: Ceol agus Amhráin ó Dhrámaí an Phiarsaigh' In: Patrick Pearse and the Theatre: Pádraig Mac Piarais agus an Téatar. Dublin : Four Courts.
2012 Síle Denvir (2012) 'Pobal na nAmhrán: Ó Thinteán go Stáitse' In: Bliainiris. Ráth Chairn, Co. na Míl : Carbad.

Conference Publication

Year Publication
2025 Síle Denvir (2025) Seán Ó Riada Memorial Lecture From Ceoltóirí Chualann to Bláth na hÓige: Harmony and Accompaniment in the Irish Language Song Tradition (forthcoming)

Journal Issue

Year Publication
2021 Verena Commins, Síle Denvir, Úna Monaghan and Méabh Nı́ Fhuartháin (special issue editors) (2021) Women and Traditional/Folk Music (Ethnomusicology Ireland, Issue 7). JNI [Link]

Other Journal

Year Publication
2019 Síle Denvir (2019) 'ANAM: Clár Cultúrtha DCU' Spéis: International Council for Traditional Music Ireland, .
2002 Síle Denvir (2002) 'Coimhthíoch na Cathrach: Gné den Úrscéal Deoraíocht’' Feasta, (54) .

Invited Lectures

Year Publication
2025 Síle Denvir (2025) From Ceoltóirí Chualann to Bláth na hÓige: Harmony and Accompaniment in the Irish Language Song Tradition (Seán Ó Riada Memorial Lecture, UCC). INVL
2024 Síle Denvir (2024) Ciarán Ó Fátharta – Saol agus Saothar (Féile na Scríbhneoirí, Ceantar na nOileán). INVL
2024 Síle Denvir (2024) Lecture Recital: ‘Ní Fios Cé Chum’ (Ceiliúradh ar Scoláireacht na mBan agus ar Cheist na hInscne i Léann na Gaeilge, Roinn na Gaeilge, Coláiste na Tríonóide). INVL
2023 Síle Denvir (2023) An File agus a Phobal – Ó Leitir Móir go Camden Town (Ainm Cleite, Féile na Scríbhneoirí, Ceantar na nOileán). INVL
2020 Síle Denvir (2020) Fuaimrian: An illustrated lecture of music and song based on the works of Patrick Pearse (CUNY Graduate Center Lecture Series, New York). INVL
2020 Síle Denvir (2020) Ó Shean go Nua: Leanúnachas agus Claochlú in Amhránaíocht Dhúchasach na Gaeilge (Lehman College, New York). INVL
2017 Síle Denvir, Peter Browne, Des Geraghty (2017) Lecture Recital: An Ghaeilge i mBaile Átha Cliath (Scoil Gheimhridh Merriman, DCU). INVL
2016 Síle Denvir (2016) Lecture Recital: Caithréim: Ceol agus Amhráin ó Dhrámaí an Phiarsaigh (Scoil Gheimridh Merriman, BÁC). INVL
2015 Síle Denvir (2015) Lecture Recital: Mairfidh Gaol is Ceol (Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir, Dún Chaoin). INVL
2014 Síle Denvir (2014) Lecture Recital: Gaol Gairid - Ceol agus Amhráin na nGael (Scoil Gheimridh Merriman, Luimneach). INVL
2009 Síle Denvir (2009) Tradition and Innovation in the Gaelic Song Tradition of Ireland and Scotland (Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, Co. an Chláir). INVL

Invited Seminars

Year Publication
2023 Síle Denvir (2023) 'Bláth na hÓige': A New Generation of Sean-nós Singers, DCU Music Research Seminar Series. INVS
2018 Síle Denvir (2018) Sean-nós Singing - Continuity and Creativity, Tower Seminar Series, University of Limerick. INVS
2019 Síle Denvir (2019) ‘Tá ceol ag an gcrann is ag na láinnéir’: Saol agus Saothar Tom a’ tSeoighe, Seimineár Taighde an Fhómhair, Ollscoil Mhá Nuad. INVS

Conference Contribution

Year Publication
2025 Síle Denvir (2025) Breandán Ó Buachalla Symposium Cuisle an Chomhshaoil: Culture, Creativity and Community University of Notre Dame, 11/04/2025-12/04/2025.
2025 Síle Denvir (2025) ICTMD-IE Annual Conference Conference Organising Committee Member Dublin City University, 07/03/2025-08/03/2025.
2025 Síle Denvir (2025) ICTMD Annual Conference 'Ó Ghlúin go Glúin’: Tradition and Transmission in the Irish Language Song Tradition Dublin City University, 07/03/2025-08/03/2025.
2024 Síle Denvir (2024) Taighde Dána: Ceol Leictreonach, Tobchumadóireacht, agus na hEalaíona Dúchais Conference Organising Committee Member University of Galway, 11/10/2024-12/10/2024.
2023 Síle Denvir agus Máire Ní Churraoin (2023) Comhdháil na Bealtaine “Aithne Insta”: Na hAmhráin Ghaeilge sa bhFearann Fíorúil Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál, 12/05/2023-12/05/2023.
2019 (2019) Women and Traditional/Folk Music Symposium Conference Organising Committee Member University of Galway, 09/02/2019-09/02/2019.
2018 Síle Denvir (2018) Voicing Cultures, Cultural Voices - 13th Annual Conference of the ICTM Ireland Communal Voices - The Songs of Tom a’ tSeoighe and Ciarán Ó Fátharta University of Limerick, .
2017 Síle Denvir (2017) ‘Ar an Imeall i Lár an Domhain?’: An tairseachúlacht i litríocht agus i gcultúr na hÉireann agus na hEorpa Glór an Amhránaí: an t-ealaíontóir i mbun na ceirde Prág, Poblacht na Seice, 13/09/2017-17/09/2017.
2016 Síle Denvir (2016) The International Council for Traditional Music Ireland 2016 Organising Committee St. Patrick's College, 27/02/2017-28/03/2017.
2016 Síle Denvir (2016) The International Council for Traditional Music Ireland Annual Conference Music and Song from the Plays of Patrick Pearse St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, 27/02/2016-28/02/2016.
2015 Síle Denvir (2015) Dhá Leagan Déag: Comhdháil faoin Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-nós Fíor nó Fiar? Ceist na Barántúlachta in Amhránaíocht Dhúchasach na Gaeilge Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, .
2015 Síle Denvir (2015) Traditional Song Symposium Sean-nós Singing and Authenticity Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, .
2015 Síle Denvir (2015) The International Council for Traditional Music Ireland Annual Conference A Track Well-Travelled: The Gaelic Songs Of Ireland And Scotland Dundalk Institute of Technology, .
2012 Síle Denvir (2012) North Atlantic Fiddle Convention A Song’s Journey Ulster University, Derry, .
2012 Síle Denvir (2012) Irish World Academy of Music and Dance Seminar Series Tá mé i mo shuí ó d’éirigh an ghealach aréir Ollscoil Luimnigh, .
2012 Síle Denvir (2012) Comhdháil Litríochta agus Cultúir Aistear Amhráin Scoil na Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh, .
2007 Síle Denvir (2007) Irish World Academy of Music and Dance Seminar Series Pobal na nAmhrán: Ó Thinteán go Stáitse Ollscoil Luimnigh, .
2006 Síle Denvir (2006) Department of Music Research Seminar Series The re-structuring, re-interpretation and performance of traditional Irish language and Scottish Gaelic song University College Cork, .
2006 Síle Denvir (2006) Irish World Academy of Music and Dance Seminar Series Globalisation, Authenticity and Language in Traditional Song University of Limerick, .

Booklet

Year Publication
2016 Síle Denvir (2016) Caithréim: Ceol agus Amhráin ó Dhrámaí an Phiarsaigh. BOOKLET [Link]

Discussion

Year Publication
2023 Síle Denvir, Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin & Róisín Seoighe (2023) 'Sruth Beo an Traidisiúin sa Cheol', Taighde Dána, Stiúideo Cuan/Ollscoil Mhá Nuad. DISCUSS
2019 Síle Denvir, Iarla Ó Lionáird & Sailí Ní Dhroighneáin (2019) Talamh Nua: Sean-nós Singing in Contemporary Contexts, Annual Conference of the Anthropological Association of Ireland, Maynooth University. DISCUSS
2019 Síle Denvir, Róisín Ní Ghairbhí & Sorcha de Brún (2019) ‘Straitéis do na hEalaíona Teangabhunaithe’, Oireachtas na Gaeilge. DISCUSS
2018 Síle Denvir & Róisín Blunnie (2018) ‘Double Take: Creative Women in Conversation’, ANAM Festival, DCU. DISCUSS
2018 Síle Denvir, Sibéal Ní Chasaide, Niall Comer & Reese Smyth (2018) ‘The Revival of the Irish Language’, Creative Minds at American Ambassador’s Residence. DISCUSS

Online Article

Year Publication
2018 Síle Denvir (2018) Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-nós. ELEA [Link]

Encyclopedia Entry

Year Publication
2013 Síle Denvir (2013) Clannad, The Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland. Dublin: ENC
2013 Síle Denvir (2013) Anúna, The Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland. Dublin: ENC
2013 Síle Denvir (2013) The Corrs, The Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland. Dublin: ENC
2013 Síle Denvir (2013) Phil Coulter, The Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland. Dublin: ENC
2013 Síle Denvir (2013) Paul Brady, The Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland. Dublin: ENC

Radio Presentation

Year Publication
2025 Síle Denvir (2025) Broadcast of the 'Drawing from the Well' concert at the National Concert Hall on 'The Rolling Wave' (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO [Link]
2023 Síle Denvir (2023) Discussion on 'Arena' (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO [Link]
2023 Síle Denvir & The RTÉ Concert Orchestra (2023) Performance with The RTÉ Concert Orchestra 'Lullabies and Music for Sleep' series, conducted by David Brophy (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO [Link]
2023 Síle Denvir (2023) Discussion on 'An Cúinne Dána' (RnaG). RADIO [Link]
2023 Síle Denvir (2023) Discussion on 'Bladhaire' (RnaG). RADIO
2022 Síle Denvir, Iarla Ó Lionáird & Lillis Ó Laoire (2022) Performance of ‘Fill Arís’ and ‘Míle Glóir’ as part of ‘Lumen - The Music of Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin: A Celebration of the Light’. University Concert Hall, Limerick & the National Concert Hall (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO [Link]
2022 Síle Denvir, Liam Ó Maonlaí & Barry Kerr (2022) Performance on 'Cuan an Cheoil' (RnaG). RADIO [Link]
2019 Síle Denvir (2019) Programme about singers Seosamh Ó hÉanaí and Seán ac’ Dhonncha on The Rolling Wave (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO [Link]
2019 Síle Denvir, Sibéal Ní Chasaide, Pauline Scanlon & Nicola Joyce (2019) Performance on 'RTE Culture Night' at the National Museum at Collins Barracks in Dublin (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO
2019 Síle Denvir (2019) Performance on 'Today with Seán O'Rourke' (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO
2018 Síle Denvir (2018) Programme about 'Sean-nós' on The Rolling Wave (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO [Link]
2018 (2018) Performance on 'South Wind Blows' (RTÉ Radio 1). RADIO [Link]
2018 Síle Denvir (2018) Discussion on 'An Saol Ó Dheas' (RnaG). RADIO

Television

Year Publication
2023 Síle Denvir, Bláth na hÓige & Liam Ó Maonlaí (2023) Performance and broadcast of opening song as part of the programme 'An Old Song Resoung'. Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023, South Wind Blows (RTÉ). TV [Link]
2023 Síle Denvir & Bláth na hÓige (2023) Performance on the Tommy Tiernan Show (RTÉ). TV [Link]
2023 Síle Denvir, Colm Mac Con Iomaire & Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz (2023) Live performance and broadcast at the ‘TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards’ (TG4). TV [Link]
2022 (2022) Director and Producer of 'Fuascail' (TG4). TV [Link]
2018 Síle Denvir (2018) Contributor to 'Sé mo Laoch: Sarah Ghriallais' (TG4). TV
2017 Síle Denvir (2017) Presenter of 'Fleadh TV' (TG4). TV
2014 Síle Denvir (2014) Researcher and presenter of the first series of 'Sean-Nós' (TG4). TV
2012 Síle Denvir (2012) Researcher and presenter of the second series of 'Sean-Nós' (TG4). TV

Composition

Year Publication
2021 Síle Denvir (2021) 'Seo í isteach mo Bhrídeog'. Commissioned by The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Traditional Music Archive. COMPS [Link]
2021 Síle Denvir (2021) 'Pigeon on the Gate'. Commissioned by Ceol Connected and the Arts Council Commission Award to write two pieces for this series. COMPS
2020 Síle Denvir & Thomas Johnston (2020) ‘Óivid: Ovid Metamorphoses’. Commissioned by Imram to write a score of newly composed songs/tunes and reimaginings of traditional songs/tunes based on five poetic tales by Ovid. COMPS
2019 Síle Denvir, Úna Monaghan & Ceri Owen (Of Aran Trio) (2019) ‘Man of Aran Live Soundtrack’. Commissioned by Docs Ireland in association with Gradam Ceoil, TG4 for the New Irish Film Festival, Belfast. COMPS
2018 Síle Denvir & Dairena Ní Chinnéide (2018) ‘Tairseach Toinne’. New music and poetry performed at ANAM, DCU. COMPS
2017 Síle Denvir (2017) 'Marbhna Dheirdre'. Commissioned by Féile na Bealtaine. COMPS

Recording

Year Publication
2023 Síle Denvir (2023) Anamnesis. REC [Link]
2023 Síle Denvir & Aniar (2023) Bláth na hÓige. REC [Link]
2021 Blunnie, Róisín; Carr, Marina; Denvir, Síle; Meehan, Paula; Ní Chinnéide, Dairena; Doherty, Seán; Clarke, Rhona (2021) Ghost Songs: Contemporary Music and Words from Ireland. REC [Link]
2020 Síle Denvir (2020) Singer on 'Rogha Raelach: Volume 1'. REC
2018 Síle Denvir (2018) Singer and accompanist on 'A Winter Wish' by Thomas Johnston. REC
2017 Síle Denvir (2017) Singer on 'Translate' by Jiggy. REC
2016 Síle Denvir (2016) Caithréim: Ceol agus Amhráin ó Dhrámaí an Phiarsaigh. Indreabhán: REC [Link]
2016 Síle Denvir (2016) Singer and accompanist on 'Blood on the Rose/Fuil ar an Rós'. Baile Átha Cliath: REC
2015 Líadan (2015) In Am Trátha: Well-Timed. REC
2011 Síle Denvir (2011) Tionlacaí ar 'Ó Chaon Taobh' le Mairéad Ní Fhlaithearta. REC
2010 Síle Denvir (2010) Tionlacaí ar 'Guaillibh le Chéile'le Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde agus Griogair Labhruidh. REC
2009 Síle Denvir, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich (2009) Singer on 'Amhrán is Fiche don Nollaig'. REC
2009 Síle Denvir (2009) Singer on 'Subhóró – Ceol ón Acadamh'. REC
2009 Líadan (2009) Casadh na Taoide - Turning the Tide. REC
2009 Síle Denvir (2009) Tionlacaí ar 'Is Duitse a Bheirim Grá' le Síle Ní Fhlaithearta. REC
2006 Líadan (2006) Líadan - Traditional Irish Music and Song. REC

Performance

Year Publication
2025 Síle Denvir (2025) Professional performance: 'Celebrating Traditions of Music: ICTMD Ireland 20th Anniversary Concert', All Hallows Chapel, DCU. PERF
2024 Síle Denvir (2024) Professional performance: 'Drawing From the Well Concert' in association with the Irish Traditonal Music Archive. National Concert Hall. PERF
2024 Síle Denvir (2024) Professional performance: 'Muldoon’s Picnic' in collaboration with Paul Muldoon, Donal Ryan and Nithy Kasa. Wexford Arts Centre. PERF
2024 Síle Denvir with Bláth na hÓige (2024) Professional performance: Tradition Now Festival. National Concert Hall. PERF
2024 Síle Denvir (2024) Professional performance: Imram with Louis de Paor agus Bríd Ní Neachtain. The Joyce Centre. PERF
2024 Síle Denvir, Úna Monaghan & Ceri Owen (Of Aran Trio) (2024) Professional performance: ‘Man of Aran Live Soundtrack’. Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris. PERF
2024 Síle Denvir, Louise Mulcahy & Caitlín Nic Gabhann (2024) Professional Performance: Bridget 1500 Celebrations. Solas Bríde Centre, Kildare. PERF
2023 Síle Denvir, Martin Hayes, Kate Ellis & Jacknife Lee (2023) Professional Performance: St. Patrick’s Day Gala Concert, organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Kennedy Centre, Washington. PERF
2023 Síle Denvir (2023) Professional performance: Ireland-U.S. Council MidSummer Gala (with TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awardees). Dublin Castle. PERF
2023 Síle Denvir, Andrea Pallandri, Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Pádraig Keane (2023) Professional performance: ‘Drawing from the Well’ tour. In association with the Irish Traditional Music Achive. PERF [Link]
2022 Síle Denvir & The Common Ground Ensemble (2022) Professional performance: NCH with Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble. National Concert Hall. PERF
2022 Síle Denvir & the Martin Hayes Ensemble (2022) Professional performance: ‘Ireland at Expo’ at the World Premiere Concert curated by the National Concert Hall on St. Patrick’s Day. The main stage at the Al Wasl Plaza, Dubai. PERF
2022 Síle Denvir, Úna Monaghan & Ceri Owen (Of Aran Trio) (2022) Professional performance: Sonorities Festival of Experimental Music. Belfast. PERF
2019 Síle Denvir (with Martin Hayes and Steve Cooney) (2019) Professional performance: Masters of Tradition Festival, Banry, Cork. PERF
2019 Síle Denvir (2019) Professional performance: ANAM Festival, DCU. PERF
2019 Síle Denvir (2019) Professional performance: ‘NCH at the GPO’ curated by the National Concert Hall for the US Congressional Delegation, GPO Dublin. PERF
2019 Síle Denvir (2019) Professional performance: Kilkenny Arts Festival as part of the ‘Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill and Friends’ concert. PERF
2018 Síle Denvir, The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Iarla Ó Lionáird & Lillis Ó Laoire (2018) Professional performance: ‘Fill Arís’, settings of Seán Ó Ríordáin’s poem by Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin. National Concert Hall. PERF
Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2025) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

Professional Associations

Association Function From / To
ICTMD Member -
Society for Musicology in Ireland Member -

Honors and Awards

Date Title Awarding Body
01/03/2025 Scoláireacht Foilsitheoireachta Léann na Gaeilge (RIA Publication Award) Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann (Royal Irish Academy)
01/04/2025 Deis Recording and Publication Award The Arts Council
01/03/2023 Gradam Ceoil TG4 (Amhránaí na Bliana) TG4
01/02/2023 RTÉ Folk Award (with Bláth na hÓige) RTÉ Folk Awards
01/01/2023 Gradam Nós Nos
01/11/2016 Irish Times Ticket Awards (shortlist) Irish Times
01/01/2016 Gradam Nós Nós
01/02/2009 Deis Recording and Publication Award The Arts Council
01/01/2005 Scoláireacht Taighde Iomairt Cholm Cille
01/09/1999 Scoláireacht Gaeltachta Rialtas na hÉireann

Committees

Committee Function From / To
Irish Traditional Music Archive (Deputy Chair) 01/09/2019 - 31/07/2025
BAJH Programme Board 01/09/2021 - 31/08/2025
DCU TradCAMPUS Research Advisory Board 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2024
Taighde Dána 01/01/2023 - 28/05/2025
Arts Council Peer-Panel 01/01/2018 - 27/05/2025
Fair Plé Steering Committee 01/01/2018 - 31/12/2021
DCU ANAM Organising Committee 01/01/2018 - 31/12/2020
Coiste na Gaeilge (Coláiste Phádraig) 01/09/2014 - 01/09/2016

Creative Outputs

Year Title Type
2023 Anamnesis (album) Recording
2023 Bláth na hÓige (album) Recording
2023 The RTÉ Concert Orchestra Presents Lullabies and Music for Sleep (soloist) Recording
2022 Fuascail Documentary
2022 'Seo í Isteach mo Bhrídeog' Composition
2021 ‘Numinousity’ and ‘Tairseach Toinne’ on Ghost Songs: Contemporary Music and Words from Ireland Composition
2021 'Siar is Aniar' Composition
2020 Togra Tom a' tSeoighe: Físeáin Documentary
2020 ‘Óivid: Ovid Metamorphoses’ Composition
2019 Man of Aran - Live Soundtrack (by Úna Monaghan, Ceri Owen and Síle Denvir) Composition
2019 Continuum Exhibition
2018 ‘Fill Arís’ composed by Mícheál Ó Suilleabháin, performed by Síle Denvir, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Lillis Ó Laoire and The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Recording
2018 Tairseach Toinne Composition
2017 Sean-nós na nÓg Play
2017 Ceathair Exhibition
2016 Aisling Gheal: Tionscadal Chaitlín Maude Composition
2015 Teanga an Ghrá: 1,000 bliain de ghrá Gaelach Exhibition

Outreach Activities

Year Engagement Type Organisation Description
2024 Educational Outreach/Public Engagement Erasmus+ Artistic Director and Research Associate on the Erasmus+ project ‘CLICA: Young CLImate CAmpaigners for the European Green Deal’ which aims to encourage young people to engage with the issue of climate change through an artistic lens. Collaboration with Dr. Mairéad Hurley (TCD). Events included a seminar on the 26th May 2024 and a creative event on the 21st August 2024, both taking place in the Conamara Gaeltacht in collaboration with the local community, Galway County Council and the Local Authority Water Programme.
2023 Educational Outreach/Public Engagement Roinn na Gaeltachta Director of the artistic strand of the conference 'Ceangal', an event organised by The British Irish Council in collaboration with Roinn na Gaeltachta. Building on the previous 'Ár gConair' conference, this two day event focussed on developing long term collaborations between artists and officials working in the Indigenous Minority Language work sector in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and Cornwall.
2022 Educational Outreach/Public Engagement Roinn na Gaeltachta Creative director of the artistic strand of the conference 'Ár gConair', an event organised by The British Irish Council in collaboration with Roinn na Gaeltachta. This was a 3 day event which focussed on developing long term collaborations between artists and officials working in the Indigenous Minority Language work sector in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and Cornwall.
2018 Community-based research Fair Plé Founding member of Fairplé, an organisation that aims to achieve gender balance in the production, performance, promotion, and development of Irish traditional and folk music; advocating for equal opportunity and balanced representation for all. Member of the steering committee from 2018-2021. Initiated the Fairplé research group and co-organised the Women and ‘Traditional/Folk Music Research Symposium’ at the Centre for Irish Studies, University of Galway. Co-edited the conference publication Women and Traditional/Folk Music, Irish Council of Traditional Music (2021).
2017 Community-based learning Creative Ireland and Ealaín na Gaeltachta Creative director of ‘Sean-nós na nÓg’, a project that brought together young people from three Gaeltacht areas to workshop sean-nós songs and create a performance of song, music and contemporary dance. In association with Ealaín an Gaeltachta and Creative Ireland. Collaboration with contemporary dancer Siobhán Ní Dhuinnín.
2011 Educational Outreach/Public Engagement Gael Linn Mentor and adjudicator for ‘Siansa’, a series of workshop for groups of young traditional musicians all around Ireland.

Media

Title Year Type Authors
Bláth na hÓige 2023 Produced a TV programme Síle Denvir & Aniar
Fuascail 2022 Produced a TV programme Barry Kerr & Síle Denvir
Contributor to 'Ireland’s Favourite Folksong', RTÉ 2019 Documentary Síle Denvir
Fleadh TV 2017 Television interview/panel discussion Síle Denvir
Sean-Nós 2014 Television interview/panel discussion Síle Denvir
Coppers and Brass: Seán Ó Riada 2013 Documentary Síle Denvir
Sean-Nós 2012 Television interview/panel discussion Síle Denvir

Research Interests

Réimsí Taighde: 

  • Traidisiún na hamhránaíochta Gaeilge; an ceol traidisiúnta; amhráin nuachumtha na Gaeilge; taibhealaíona na Gaeilge; an nuafhilíocht agus an taibhfhilíocht; caitheamh aimsire agus siamsaíocht in Éirinn roimh an 20ú haois; amhráin agus ceol na hAlba; ceol na seanchláirseoirí. Is amhránaí sean-nóis agus cláirseoir mé agus tá suim faoi leith agam sa taighde ealaíonta.

Research Areas: 

  • The Irish-language song tradition; Irish traditional music; newly composed Irish-language song; Irish-language performing arts; modern Irish-language poetry and performance poetry; pastimes in Ireland before the 20th century; songs and music of Gaelic Scotland; the ancient music of the harpers. I am a sean-nós singer and a harpist and I am very interested in the field of artistic research. 

Research Projects

Title Role Description Start date End date
CLICA: Young CLImate CAmpaigners for the European Green Deal Artistic Director and Research Associate This Erasmus+ project aims to encourage young people to engage with the issue of climate change through an artistic lens. In collaboration with Dr. Mairéad Hurley (TCD). 01/01/2024 31/12/2025
Aibhse Director A creative exploration of approaches to harmonising Conamara sean-nós songs in collaboration with Caoimhe and Séamus Ó Flatharta, Máire and Étáin Ní Churraoin. Funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta and The Arts Council. 01/01/2024 31/12/2025
Anamnesis Researcher and performer Research-based solo album of sean-nós songs with accompanying online resource of song translations by poet Dairena Ní Chinnéide. Funded by Foras na Gaeilge and Ealaín na Gaeltachta. 01/07/2022 01/03/2023
Tom a' tSeoighe Project Researcher and Director A creative exploration of the songs of Conamara songwriter Tom a' tSeoighe. Funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge. 01/01/2020 01/05/2020
Of Aran Researcher and Performer A creative arts practice experimental music research group in collaboration with Dr. Úna Monaghan (Sonic Arts Research Centre, Queen's University) and Dr. Ceri Owen (Department of Music, University of Birmingham). 01/01/2019 31/12/2025
Caithréim Researcher and Director A creative exploration of music and song from the plays of Patrick Pearse. Funded by Foras na Gaeilge. 01/01/2016 31/12/2016

Current Postgraduate Students

Student Name Degree Supervision
Ni Laoire ,Aoife PhD-track Supervisor

Modules Coordinated

Term Title Subject
2024-25 An Nuafhilíocht agus na hAmhráin LIT1054
2024-25 Filíocht LIT1054
2024-25 An Traidisiún Béil CUS1027
2024-25 An Béaloideas CUS1026
2024-25 An Béal Beo CUS1025
2024-25 Gaeilge (Na hAmhráin) GAE1015
2023-24 An Nuafhilíocht agus na hAmhráin FN151
2023-24 Filíocht FN157
2023-24 An Béal Beo FN155
2023-24 Béaloideas FN257
2023-24 Gaeilge (Na hAmhráin) FN564
2023-24 Filíocht agus Béaloideas FN217
2023-24 An Traidisiún Béil FN554