History Music / CelticWoman

The group has released 17 albums, sold over ten million albums worldwide and consistently charts at or near the top of the World Music chart. Their albums have also set records for length of time at the number one spot; in fact, their first album was only knocked to second place after over a year by their ''subsequent'' album "A Christmas Celebration."

* '''Susan [=McFadden=]''': (2012 - 2018, 2021 - present) - a soaring mezzo-soprano. Previously starred in many productions in London’s West End, including as Elle Woods in ''[[Theatre/LegallyBlonde Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''; the role earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘What’s On Stage Award’ for Best Takeover. Also, incidentally, the sister of Westlife's Brian [=McFadden=]. Left the group in 2018 to start a family. Returned to the group in 2021 in a part-time basis, filling in for Chloë for seven shows and Megan for the last few shows during the Postcards From Ireland Tour in 2022.

* GenkiGirl: Máiréad. The way she plays her violin (whenever the music she's playing starts to pick up she begins to ''bounce'' around the stage) should be a good indicator.

** ''Celebration: 15 Years of Music and Magic'' celebrates the groups 15 year anniversary with a compilation of songs from their previous albums. Apart from Deirdre Shannon, every past member is included in the album.

* MutuallyExclusivePartyMembers: Meav and Hayley, who needed to alternate positions during the ''A New Journey'' tour to maintain the group's ArbitraryHeadcountLimit as a five-member group. And this was in spite of the album and DVD concert being performed by all six members.

* DoesNotLikeShoes: Máiréad N. has been known to perform at least one solo number barefoot. See "Granuaile's Dance" from the ''A New Journey'' concert.

* '''Hannah Traynor''': (2022 - present) - Replacing Chloë after her second stint, Hannah will be touring with the group in the 2022 Christmas Tour. Originally from Kilkenny, Hannah is ''another'' former member of Anúna.

* '''Máiréad Carlin''': (2013 - 2021) - A lovely soprano with a breathy voice, and like Lynn before her, a true "Black Irish". Has shared the stage with Snow Patrol, The Priests, and Ireland's National Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed for the President of Ireland. Replaced Chloë in August 2013. She makes her PBS debut in late 2015, on the ''Destiny'' concert special, however she toured earlier with the group during ''Emerald - Musical Gems Tour'' in 2014. Carlin is the first member from Northern Ireland.

** Méav: replacement for, again, Lisa Kelly on the ''Home For Christmas'' album.

** Susan also returned in 2021, although in a part-time basis, filling in when necessary

Celtic Woman is an all-female, New Age/Celtic/Contemporary Classical singing group. Created by music director David Downes, the ensemble blends the girl-group concept of hit groups like the Music/SpiceGirls and Celtic artists like Enya with some of the elements of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance tour. Their repertoire ranges from Celtic tunes like "Mo Ghile Mear" and "Nil Se'n La" to modern standards like "You Raise Me Up" and "When You Believe."

* FollowYourHeart
* FourElementEnsemble: The theme for the group's first concert tour from 2005 to 2006.
** Chloe: Water
** Lisa K.: Fire
** Órla: Earth
** Máiréad N.: Air
** Deirdre/Meav: The Moon

* GirlGroup: Obviously.

* BlondeBrunetteRedhead:
** The original lineup - blonde (Chloë, Méav, Máiréad), brunette (Lisa K.), and redhead (Órla).
** The 2011 lineup - blonde (Chloë, Máiréad), brunette (Lisa K.), and redhead (Lisa L).

The line-up has varied across the years, as members have left and others have replaced them. Overall, there have been 17 different members; 15 vocalists and 2 violinists.

** Averted with their Home For Christmas concert. The lineup (Méav, Lisa L., Susan, and Máiréad) are all blonde.

* ClassicalMusic

* '''Megan [=Walsh=]''': (2018 - present) - A classically trained soprano, Megan joined after Susan [=McFadden=]'s departure in 2018 and made her debut on ''Ancient Land''. Released a solo song called 'Maybe' in 2021. Megan is currently the youngest member ever, born in 1997.

* ''Emerald - Musical Gems'' (2014) - with Máirèad N., Chloe, Lisa L. and Susan.

* ''The Best of Christmas'' (2017)

* CoverVersion: Of "You Raise Me Up" and "When You Believe," just to name a couple.

* DoesNotLikeShoes: Máiréad N. has been known to perform at lease one solo number barefoot. See "Granuaile's Dance" from the ''A New Journey'' concert.

* SexyWalk: Méav has been noted in the press as the member of the group who adds a "delicious wriggle" to her performances, and tended to be the most blatantly sensual of the group. This trope was a key component of said blatant sensuality.

* SceneryPorn: Slane Castle in County Meath (venue for the ''A New Journey'' concert video); The Powerscourt House and Gardens near Enniskerry, County Wicklow (venue for the ''Songs from the Heart'' concert video); and Johnstown Castle in County Wexford (venue for the ''Ancient Land'' concert video), all in Ireland.

** Chloë returned in 2020 and stayed for a few years before leaving again in 2022.

The line-up has varied across the years, as members have left and others have replaced them. Overall, there have been 16 different members; 14 vocalists and 2 violinists.

* '''Chloë Agnew''': (founding - 2013, 2020 - present) - first sang on television at the age of six years old, was only sixteen when she began performing with Celtic Woman. During her tenure, she was generally treated as the lead singer of the group. Her trademarks are her light and clear but powerful soprano and her long hair. Returned to the group in 2020 to fill in for Éabha. Will be alternating with Susan during the Postcards From Ireland Tour.
* '''Susan [=McFadden=]''': (2012 - 2018, 2021 - present) - a soaring mezzo-soprano. Previously starred in many productions in London’s West End, including as Elle Woods in ''[[Theatre/LegallyBlonde Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''; the role earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘What’s On Stage Award’ for Best Takeover. Also, incidentally, the sister of Westlife's Brian [=McFadden=]. Left the group in 2018 to start a family. Returned to the group in 2021 in a part-time basis, alternating with Chloë for seven shows during the Postcards From Ireland Tour in 2022.

* '''Megan [=Walsh=]''': (2018 - present) - joined after Susan [=McFadden=]'s departure and made her debut on ''Ancient Land''. Released a solo song called 'Maybe' in 2021.
* '''Muirgen O'Mahony''': (2021 - present) - joined the group in early 2021, replacing Máiréad Carlin. From Cork, she debuted in the ''Postcards From Ireland'' CD and TV special.

* '''Méav Ní Mhaolchatha''': (founding - 2007, 2015 - present) - another former member of Anúna with a thing for upbeat, cheeky songs. Has a healthy solo fanbase, particularly in Japan, where her voice is considered "healing music." Made a one-album-only return on ''Home For Christmas'', to fill in for Lisa Kelly during the latter's pregnancy. Returned to the group in 2015 as Creative Director.

* '''Music/OrlaFallon''': (founding - 2009) - a former member of world-renowned Irish chamber choir Anúna. Her unique voice has been consistently raved about; its haunting, ethereal timbre evokes ancient Ireland. Plays the Irish harp, and has accompanied herself on songs such as "Carrickfergus" and "Isle of Inisfree." Lisa Kelly described her as "angelic". In 2009, released her solo album ''Distant Shore'', which included both traditional music and her own compositions, as well as her own harp accompaniment.
* '''Alex Sharpe''': (2009 - 2010, 2015, 2018) - got her start in Dublin's theatre world. First joined the group in 2007 as a replacement for Lisa Kelly, who was on maternity leave; joined permanently after Fallon's departure in 2009. Returned temporarily in 2015 with Lynn for the Decade 10th Anniversary Tour. Returned again for a few weeks to fill in for Susan who went home for a family emergency.
* '''Lynn Hilary''': (2007 - 2010; 2014 - 2015) - classically Black Irish with the fairytale voice to match. ''[[RunningGag Also]]'' a former member of Anúna. Replaced Méav in 2007 in time for the ''A New Journey Tour''. Left and returned home to Ireland after ''Song From The Heart Tour''. Returned and toured with the group again to fill in for Lisa Lambe in 2014. Announced she would be leaving the group at the end of 2015.
* '''Lisa Kelly''': (founding - 2013) - former singer with Riverdance, with a talent for soaring ballads. Numerous solos has David Downes accompanying her on the piano. Took a maternity leave in 2008 for the birth of her daughter and was replaced with Alex Sharpe. Took another maternity leave in 2012 and was replaced with Susan [=McFadden=]. Permanently left the group in early 2013 to open 'The Lisa Kelly Voice Academy' in the US.
* '''Lisa Lambe''': (2010 - 2014) - soprano with a full, throaty voice reminiscent of Méav's. Has done theatre, television and music. Has long locks that rivals Chloe's. Is one of the most well-respected artists in Ireland. She has been described by the Irish Times as "the finest singer and actor of her generation." Left the group in 2014 to go back to theatre.
* '''Máiréad Nesbitt''': fiddler (founding - 2016) - former All-Ireland Fiddle Champion for a reason (she's been playing since she was ''six years old''), CW's fairy-like violinist has been described as a "fiddle pixie." She bounces all around the stage while playing her heart out. Also played with the Lord of the Dance tour. Was the last remaining original member before leaving in 2016.

* '''Máiréad Carlin''': (2013 - 2021) - a lovely soprano with a breathy voice, and like Lynn before her, a true "Black Irish". Has shared the stage with Snow Patrol, The Priests, and Ireland's National Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed for the President of Ireland. Replaced Chloë in August 2013. She makes her PBS debut in late 2015, on the ''Destiny'' concert special, however she toured earlier with the group during ''Emerald - Musical Gems Tour'' in 2014. Carlin is the first member from Northern Ireland.

The line-up has varied across the years, as members have left and others have replaced them.

* '''Susan [=McFadden=]''': (2012 - 2018, 2021 - present) - a soaring mezzo-soprano. Previously starred in many productions in London’s West End, including as Elle Woods in ''[[Theatre/LegallyBlonde Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''; the role earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘What’s On Stage Award’ for Best Takeover. Also, incidentally, the sister of Westlife's Brian [=McFadden=]. Left the group in 2018 to start a family. Returned to the group in 2021, although she will be alternating with Chloë for seven shows during the Postcards From Ireland Tour in 2022.

The group has released 17 albums, sold over nine million albums worldwide and consistently charts at or near the top of the World Music chart. Their albums have also set records for length of time at the number one spot; in fact, their first album was only knocked to second place after over a year by their ''subsequent'' album "A Christmas Celebration."

* '''Tara [=McNeill=]''': (2016 - present) - Joined to replace Máiréad Nesbitt after Nesbitt announced she would be leaving to focus on her personal work. ''Another'' former member of Anúna, she plays violin and harp, and is a singer as well. She and Máiréad Carlin are the only two Celtic Women from Northern Ireland.

* ''Destiny'' (2015) - with Máirèad N., Susan, Máirèad C. and Éabha.

* FieryRedhead: Averted completely. Órla was easily the gentlest and most soft-spoken member of the group. As is Lisa Lambe.

* RevolvingDoorBand: Notably, the group did not become this until the departures of Alex and Lynn after the ''Songs from the Heart'' tour, after which the lineups began to change drastically.
** There was a notable period of stability from 2015 to 2017 where the vocalist lineup remained the same across three albums.

* '''Chloë Agnew''': (founding - 2013, 2020 - present) - first sang on television at the age of six years old, was only sixteen when she began performing with Celtic Woman. During her tenure, she was generally treated as the lead singer of the group. Her trademarks are her light and clear but powerful soprano and her RapunzelHair. Returned to the group in 2020 to fill in for Éabha. Will be alternating with Susan during the Postcards From Ireland Tour.

* '''Lisa Lambe''': (2010 - 2014) - soprano with a full, throaty voice reminiscent of Méav's. Has done theatre, television and music. Has [[RapunzelHair locks that rivals Chloe's]]. Is one of the most well-respected artists in Ireland. She has been described by the Irish Times as "the finest singer and actor of her generation." Left the group in 2014 to go back to theatre.

* '''Lisa Kelly''': (founding - 2013) - former singer with Riverdance, with a talent for soaring ballads. Numerous solos has David Downes accompanying her on the piano. Took a maternity leave in 2008 for the birth of her daughter and was replaced with Alex Sharpe. Took another maternity leave in 2012 and was replaced with Susan [=McFadden=]. Permanently left the group in early 2013 to open 'The Lisa Kelly Voice Academy' in the US.
* '''Music/OrlaFallon''': (founding - 2009) - a former member of world-renowned Irish chamber choir Anúna. Her unique voice has been consistently raved about; its haunting, ethereal timbre evokes ancient Ireland. Plays the Irish harp, and has accompanied herself on songs such as "Carrickfergus" and "Isle of Inisfree." Lisa Kelly described her as "angelic". In 2009, released her solo album ''Distant Shore'', which included both traditional music and her own compositions, as well as her own harp accompaniment.

* '''Máiréad Nesbitt''': fiddler (founding - 2016) - former All-Ireland Fiddle Champion for a reason (she's been playing since she was ''six years old''), CW's fairy-like violinist has been described as a "fiddle pixie." She bounces all around the stage while playing her heart out. Also played with the Lord of the Dance tour. Was the last remaining original member before leaving in 2016.

* SixthRanger [=/=] SpecialGuest: Hayley Westenra for ''A New Journey''.
* SomethingCompletelyDifferent: While every album has non-vocal songs performed by the group's violinist, ''The Kesh Inn'' on the ''Homecoming'' album notably features all three vocalists, Susan, Máiréad, and Éabha, playing instruments without any singing.

* '''Máiréad Carlin''': (2013 - 2021) - a lovely soprano with a breathy voice, and like Lynn before her, a true "Black Irish". Has shared the stage with Snow Patrol, The Priests, and Ireland's National Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed for the President of Ireland. Replaced Chloë in August 2013. She makes her PBS debut in late 2015, on the ''Destiny' concert special, however she toured earlier with the group during ''Emerald - Musical Gems Tour'' in 2014. Carlin is the first member from Northern Ireland.

* '''Susan [=McFadden=]''': (2012 - 2018, 2021 - present) - a soaring mezzo-soprano. Previously starred in many productions in London’s West End, including as Elle Woods in ''[[Theatre/LegallyBlonde Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''; the role earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘What’s On Stage Award’ for Best Takeover. Also, incidentally, the sister of Westlife's Brian [=McFadden=]. Returned to the group in 2021, although she will be alternating with Chloë for seven shows during the Postcards From Ireland Tour in 2022.

* '''Lisa Kelly''': (founding - 2013) - former singer with Riverdance, with a talent for soaring ballads. Numerous solos has David Downes accompanying her on the piano. Took a maternity leave in 2008 for the birth of her daughter and was replaced with Alex Sharpe. Took another maternity leave in 2012 and was replaced with Susan [=McFadden=]. Permanently left the group in early 2013.

* '''Máiréad Nesbitt''': fiddler (founding - 2016) - former All-Ireland Fiddle Champion for a reason (she's been playing since she was ''six years old''), CW's fairylike violinist has been described as a "fiddle pixie." She bounces all around the stage while playing her heart out. Also played with the Lord of the Dance tour.
* '''Music/HayleyWestenra''': (2006 - 2007) - New Zealander with a thriving solo career and a clear, bell-like voice. Was a big attraction during her single year with the group. She was featured on the ''A New Journey'' album and tour as a guest artist.
* '''Alex Sharpe''': (2009 - 2010, 2015) - got her start in Dublin's theatre world. First joined the group in 2007 as a replacement for Lisa Kelly, who was on maternity leave; joined permanently after Fallon's departure in 2009. Returned temporarily in 2015 with Lynn for the Decade 10th Anniversary Tour.
* '''Lynn Hilary''': (2007 - 2010; 2014 - 2015) - classically Black Irish with the fairytale voice to match. ''[[RunningGag Also]]'' a former member of Anúna. Currently touring with the group again to fill in for Lisa Lambe. Announced she would be leaving the group at the end of 2015.
* '''Lisa Lambe''': (2010 - 2014) - soprano with a full, throaty voice reminiscent of Méav's. Has done theatre, television and music. Has [[RapunzelHair locks that rivals Chloe's]]. Is one of the most well-respected artists in Ireland. Left the group in 2014 to go back to theatre.

* '''Máiréad Carlin''': (2013 - 2021) - a lovely soprano with a breathy voice, and like Lynn before her, a true "Black Irish". Has shared the stage with Snow Patrol, The Priests, and Ireland's National Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed for the President of Ireland. She makes her PBS debut in late 2015, on the ''Destiny' concert special. Also the first CW member from Northern Ireland.

** A few people have trouble pronouncing the names of Máiréad (pronounced like parade but with an M) and Éabha (pronounced Ava) due to the spelling.

Originally supposed to be just a one-off concert at the Helix Theatre in Dublin in 2004, the group decided to remain together and start touring globally due to the groups popularity overseas, especially in the United States. In fact, the group wrote a song called ''O, America'' to thank the United States for all the love and support.

Celtic Woman is an all-female, New Age/Celtic/Contemporary Classical singing group. Created by music director David Downes, the ensemble blends the girl-group concept of hit groups like the Music/SpiceGirls and Celtic artists like Music/Enya with some of the elements of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance tour. Their repertoire ranges from Celtic tunes like "Mo Ghile Mear" and "Nil Se'n La" to modern standards like "You Raise Me Up" and "When You Believe."

The group has sold over nine million albums worldwide and consistently charts at or near the top of the World Music chart. Their albums have also set records for length of time at the number one spot; in fact, their first album was only knocked to second place after over a year by their ''subsequent'' album "A Christmas Celebration."

Celtic Woman is an all-female, New Age/Celtic/Contemporary Classical singing group. Created by music director David Downes, the ensemble blends the girl-group concept of hit groups like the Spice Girls and Celtic artists like Enya with some of the elements of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance tour. Their repertoire ranges from Celtic tunes like "Mo Ghile Mear" and "Nil Se'n La" to modern standards like "You Raise Me Up" and "When You Believe."

The group has sold over six million albums worldwide and consistently charts at or near the top of the World Music chart. Their albums have also set records for length of time at the number one spot; in fact, their first album was only knocked to second place after over a year by their ''subsequent'' album "A Christmas Celebration."

The lineup has varied across the years, as members have left and others have replaced them.

* '''Susan [=McFadden=]''': (2012 - 2018, 2021 - present) - a soaring mezzo-soprano. Previously starred in many productions in London’s West End, including as Elle Woods in ''[[Theatre/LegallyBlonde Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''; the role earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘What’s On Stage Award’ for Best Takeover. Also, incidentally, the sister of Westlife's Brian [=McFadden=]. Returned to the group in 2021, although she will be alternating with Chloë during the Postcards From Ireland Tour in 2022.

* ADayInTheLimelight: The band and background dancers briefly have a little fun performing for the audience on the Emerald concert while the ladies are backstage. Until Chloe and Lisa come on stage and catch them.

* GirlGroup

* IncrediblyLongNote: Several of the songs have these as their ending. A good example would be Lisa K.'s singing of "The Voice", where she holds out the final note for ''eight seconds'' before the music cuts out.
* [[LadyNotAppearingInThisGame Lady Not-Appearing-on-This-Record]]: The redhead of Celtic Woman's "logo" isn't a member of the group (considering the actual members are all very attractive women).

* [[LetsDuet Let's Duet]]

* SceneryPorn: Slane Castle (venue for the ''A New Journey'' concert video) and the Powerscourt House and Gardens (venue for the ''Songs from the Heart'' concert video).
* SelfTitledAlbum

* TheVoiceless: Máiréad N., who is the sole member of the group to not be a vocalist. She has only ever spoken onstage once, at the end of the group's rendition of "Let It Snow". Her role is now fulfilled by Tara [=McNeill=].

* '''Lisa Kelly''': (founding - 2013) - former singer with Riverdance, with a talent for soaring ballads. Numerous solos has David Downes accompanying her on the piano. Took a maternity leave in 2008 for the birth of her daughter and was replaced with Alex Sharpe. Took another maternity leave in 2012 and was replaced with Susan McFadden. Permanently left the group in early 2013.

* '''Lisa Kelly''': (founding - 2012) - former singer with Riverdance, with a talent for soaring ballads. Numerous solos has David Downes accompanying her on the piano. Took a maternity leave in 2008 for the birth of her daughter and was replaced with Alex Sharpe. Took another maternity leave in 2012 and was replaced with Susan McFadden

* '''Lisa Kelly''': (founding - 2012) - former singer with Riverdance, with a talent for soaring ballads.

* '''Alex Sharpe''': (2009 - 2010) - got her start in Dublin's theatre world. First joined the group in 2007 as a replacement for Lisa Kelly, who was on maternity leave; joined permanently after Fallon's departure in 2009. Not featured nearly enough, with just one solo song before her departure.

* '''Susan [=McFadden=]''': (2012 - 2018, 2021 - present) - a soaring mezzo-soprano. Previously starred in many productions in London’s West End, including as Elle Woods in ''[[Theatre/LegallyBlonde Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''; the role earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘What’s On Stage Award’ for Best Takeover. Also, incidentally, the sister of Westlife's Brian [=McFadden=]. Returned to the group in 2021, although she will be alternating with Chloë during the Postcards From Ireland Tour in 2021.

* '''Muirgen O'Mahony''': (2021 - present) - joined the group in early 2021, replacing Máiréad Carlin. From Cork, she debuted in the Postcards From Ireland CD and TV special.

* ''Postcards From Ireland'' (2021) - with Chloë, Tara, Megan, and Muirgen.

* '''Máiréad Carlin''': (2013 - present) - a lovely soprano with a breathy voice, and like Lynn before her, a true "Black Irish". Has shared the stage with Snow Patrol, The Priests, and Ireland's National Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed for the President of Ireland. She makes her PBS debut in late 2015, on the ''Destiny' concert special. Also the first CW member from Northern Ireland.
* '''Éabha [=McMahon=]''': (2015 - present) - Joined to replace Lisa Lambe in the group's 2015 ''Destiny'' tour. Yet ''another'' former member of Anúna, she has won several singing competitions and headlined a sold out show in New York City in aid of Kylemore Abbey. She will be releasing her first solo album in 2016.

* '''Megan [=Walsh=]''': (2018 - present) - joined after Susan [=McFadden=]'s departure and made her debut on ''Ancient Land''.

* '''Chloë Agnew''': (founding - 2013) - first sang on television at the age of six years old, was only sixteen when she began performing with Celtic Woman. During her tenure, she was generally treated as the lead singer of the group. Her trademarks are her light and clear but powerful soprano and her RapunzelHair.

* '''Susan [=McFadden=]''': (2012 - 2018) - a soaring mezzo-soprano. Previously starred in many productions in London’s West End, including as Elle Woods in ''[[Theatre/LegallyBlonde Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''; the role earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘What’s On Stage Award’ for Best Takeover. Also, incidentally, the sister of Westlife's Brian [=McFadden=].

* '''Susan [=McFadden=]''': (2012 - 2018) - a soaring mezzo-soprano. Previously starred in many productions in London’s West End, including as Elle Woods in ''[[Theatre/LegallyBlonde Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''; the role earned her a nomination for the prestigious ‘What’s On Stage Award’ for Best Takeover. Also, incidentally, the sister of Westlife's Brian [=McFadden=].