Brendan McCreanor is the co-founder and Creative Director of Your Roots Are Showing – Ireland’s Folk Conference, the country’s largest music industry gathering connecting artists, industry leaders, and audiences from across the globe.
As Creative Director, Brendan curates the artistic vision of the conference — from showcase selections and international collaborations to the overall cultural narrative that positions Ireland as a global hub for folk and roots music. His leadership has helped build bridges between Ireland, Nashville, and major international markets, shaping Your Roots Are Showing into a vital force for cultural exchange and artist development.
An acclaimed uilleann piper, whistle player, and multi-instrumentalist from County Louth, Brendan is deeply rooted in the traditional music of the Oriel region while bringing a contemporary edge to his craft. His performances are known for their energy, precision, and boundary-pushing collaborations that span folk, world, and electronic genres.
He has toured extensively across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, and his work features on numerous albums, theatre productions, and television broadcasts. As an educator and cultural ambassador, he shares his passion for Irish music through workshops, school programmes, and community outreach initiatives.
Visionary yet grounded in tradition, Brendan McCreanor continues to redefine how Irish music is experienced and celebrated both at home and internationally.