About
More about Emer
From singing at the Celtic Ball in Rome at the tender age of ten, travelling all across Europe and Japan with an Irish dance troop, to the release of her recent debut No 1 folk album ‘Hourglass‘, with producer Bill Shanley (Mary Black, Paul Brady and Gilbert O Sullivan), Emer’s voice is soaring to new heights. Enchanting audiences with her rich storytelling ability Emer has brought favourable reviews from Hot Press, RTE Behind the Music, Irish Music Magazine and traction on regional, national and International radio. Emer also featured on RTE Television’s ‘Today’ show and following the release of two no 1 two singles, her recent album they went to no 1 in the Irish iTunes charts.
Emer’s voice has been compared to that of Mary Black, Maura O Connell and more. ‘One of the clearest voices on the current Irish music scene’ Music, Tradition and Emerald Isle Magazine, Germany. ‘Hourglass’ featured a host of talented musicians and brought an array of timeless and deeply rooted folk songs to the listener. Every word is crystal clear and the stories and emotions seep through making this a successful starting point for Emer. Word is spreading quickly as audiences flocked to witness her successful headline theatre tours and festival performances in ‘22 and ’23, performing as a trio in various corners of Ireland. Joined by the accomplished guitarist, Eamonn Moran & virtuoso fiddler, Aidan Connolly from Dublin, with their heartfelt performances and their entertaining nature on stage they have made shows a success and allow for wonderful audience participation. Sure who doesn’t like to sing along!
Alongside her own shows , Emer is fresh from touring in ‘23 with renowned folk legends, The Fureys, and she was invited back on the road again in ’24 where she is currently gracing the stages of Ireland’s most iconic venues including Dublin’s Vicar Street, Cork’s Opera House, The Gleneagle in Killarney, Wexford Opera House, The Royal Theatre Castlebar and many more.
Offstage, Emer finds joy in connecting with people and draws inspiration from long walks in Ireland’s rugged landscapes, seeking new melodies and tales in the countryside. She loves connecting with her surroundings and with her audiences. A captivating live performer she has proven she can work with Irish, acoustic, classical, and modern styles. Emer has numerous awards and accolades including All Ireland singing titles and best female performer from National Talent Competition in The Helix. She also won the prestigious Crystal Globe for her academic and performance ability while studying drama in the Leinster School of Music and Drama. Emer was also commended by Leonard Cohen’s management team who reached out to her, citing her version of his most famous song ‘Hallelujah’ as one of their favourite renditions.
Alongside the Fureys, Emer has shared the stage with Phil Coulter, Frankie Gavin, Mick Hanly, The Celtic Tenors, John Spillane, The Irish Tenors and many more. Overseas, Emer has had her own headline shows in Germany and the Netherlands. A champion Irish dancer and drama enthusiast, her love for the arts knows no bounds. Emer has scripted, produced and performed in various theatre productions and also choreographed many others. She had vocal training with the late renowned singer and teacher Dr Veronica Dunne.
Emer loves to delve into her folk roots coming from a lineage of singers and performers. Emer’s grandfathers on both sides of the family were performers and played various musical instruments. She was invited to perform for the American Ambassador at his residence on Independence Day and later for the Japanese Ambassador and delegates while visiting Ireland in Dublin.
In 2024 she hopes to go back into studio to record some more releases, engage in more live performances and hopes to tour more in the future. Emer continues to weave her magic both on and off the stage leaving an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of Irish folk music and song.
‘What a voice Emer has, she is just incredible.’ RTE Radio 1
‘ Wow Emer, that was beautiful, just gorgeous’, RTE Today Show
‘…Emer presented Irish music at the highest level with one of the clearest and most beautiful voices in the current Irish music scene.’ Music, Tradition & Guinness from the Emerald Isle. (Germany)
‘Emer’s warm vocal brings the Celtic Spirit into life’ Jana, Music Review
‘Emer Dunne is a trouper, an entertainer through and through. There is a hearty appetite for what ‘Hourglass’ has to offer.’ Hot Press Album Review
‘Emer is a singer and musician whose eternal optimism and hard work will surely be rewarded when the half light of these days gives way to a full dawn’ Irish Independent
‘A great voice and a lovely impressive production ‘ BBC Radio Ulster
‘A sublime voice and a fabulous album from start to finish’ RTE Radio
‘ Emer Dunne is an excellent Irish singer with an extremely rich voice that never fails to move the listener.’ Folk Singer Songwriter, John Spillane.
Want to see Emer on the festival stage?
