In 2020, a vision was born in County Donegal: to create a young women’s choir offering singers a dedicated space to grow musically, artistically and personally. Through collaboration with local music educators, principals and community leaders, with particular assistance from Coláiste Ailigh Secondary School and from members within the Colmcille Gospel Choir, that vision became reality. By 2022, Danu Young Women’s Choir had taken shape, drawing more than 40 auditionees from across Donegal, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and a welcoming rehearsal space. Their debut, a free Christmas concert, was attended by over 500 people, marking the beginning of a new cultural force in the region.
Since its inception, Danu has flourished. The oldest choir, affectionally known as Danu, now consists of approximately 65 young women between the ages of 14 and 18 who rehearse weekly with passion and dedication. To extend the opportunity to younger singers, two sister ensembles have since been established: Danín, for singers aged 10 to 13, and Faíthín, for singers aged 9 and under. Together, these choirs provide a pathway for young voices to develop within a supportive and inspiring musical community.
Danu’s artistry and excellence have already been recognized on national and international stages. In 2024, the choir traveled to New York to compete in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Youth Festival, where they earned the prestigious Plateau AAA Championship along with a superior rating from the judges. Beyond the competition, they shared their music in iconic venues such as the Consulate General of Ireland, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Later that year Their quartet, Ceoltóirí Canóla, also secured first place in the National Quartet Competition in Ireland and went on to compete in America in the summer of 2025.
In 2025, Danu, Danín, and Faíthín came together for “Stories From Within” at St. Columb’s Hall in Derry, a concert blending Broadway, pop, and classical repertoire with narratives of resilience, joy and connection. That same spring, the choir contributed to a high-profile fundraising concert supporting Donegal Domestic Violence Services, performing alongside renowned Irish artists and reaffirming their commitment to meaningful community engagement.
Now entering their next chapter, the Danu choirs stand as a vibrant cultural presence in Donegal, Derry and beyond. What began as a local initiative has grown into an internationally recognized ensemble, uplifting audiences, inspiring young singers, and weaving music into the heart of the community.
Click here to watch special Danu performances.
Click here to learn more about our team!
