Barry Kerr

Barry Kerr is an acclaimed composer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist whose work captures the essence of Irish life. Originally from the southern shores of Lough Neagh and now living in Connemara, he has built a distinguished career as a touring musician, sharing stages with some of Ireland’s most renowned performers over the past two decades. Since recording his debut album at age seventeen, Barry has toured as a solo artist and has collaborated with celebrated musicians such as Steve Cooney, Cara Dillon, Julie Fowlis, Lumiere, and Dervish. His compositions have been performed and recorded by acclaimed artists, including Karan Casey, Flook, Jiggy, Beoga, Brian Finnegan, Damian O’Kane, and Kate Rusby, among others. An award-winning musician, Barry received the prestigious inaugural Liam O’Flynn award from the National Concert Hall and the Arts Council in 2020.   In 2023, he served as the Traditional Musician in Residence at University College Cork.  His recent work explores the intersection of visual art and music, exemplified in his film Fuascail, a contemplative piece on Ireland’s decade of centenaries, which aired on TG4 in December 2022.  His seventh studio album, Curlew’s Cry, is a hauntingly beautiful collection of original and traditional songs inspired by Irish folklore, personal memories, and the natural world. In 2025 Barry’s album ‘Curlew’s Cry’ was crowned Folk Album of the Year by both Songlines Magazine and Sound Roots.

Dates Appearing

    Latest Past Events

    Later at the PAV with 3 Daft Monkeys

    Concerts and Dance at Pavilion on the Sands Harbour Street, Broadstairs

    “Brilliantly bonkers world folk festival favourites” The Sunday Times “A 4-person festival… a force of nature” Mark Radcliffe BBC2. Based in Cornwall but reaching across continents, 3 Daft Monkeys are […]

    Singaround with Tony & Lesley Petty

    Broadstairs Sailing Club 12 Harbour Street, Broadstairs

    Tony and Lesley Petty have enchanted audiences since 1996 with their close two-part a cappella harmonies. Their songs range from ghostly lovers to social injustice, internet dating and dodgy accountants, bringing humour and heart. They’ll host the singaround at the Sailing Club on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th August. Buy Tickets