On November 7, 2025, Celtic Woman released their latest
Christmas album, “Nollaig- A Christmas Journey.” The album features 13 beloved
Christmas songs as well as some that are not as well-known, all with a Celtic
Woman stamp.
New Celtic Woman members Caitríona Sherlock and Ciara Ní
Mhurcú join singers Mairéad Carlin and Muirgen O’Mahony and fiddle player Tara
McNeill on the album. Sean-Nós singer Sibéal is featured on three songs, and Tara
Howley is featured in the band playing Uilleann Pipes & Whistles.
Throughout the years, Celtic Woman has seen several shifts
in personnel. Despite this, the group remains strong and continues to stay true
to the sound and the voice that their fans have come to expect and love.
Listeners who have followed the group since its beginnings can appreciate the
continuity in the overall vibes of the group.
While many of the songs on the album are familiar, Celtic
Woman put their own Celtic stamp on the songs. This keeps the songs alive and
freshens up even the most popular songs of the season. Most of the songs
feature the singers, but “Silent Night” and “The Bells of Dublin/Christmas
Eve/Navan in the Snow” are instrumental tracks.
In true Celtic Woman fashion, the album starts out with a
vibrant and dramatic version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” The song bursts
with Christmas joy and spirit right off the bat. The energy of the song remains
strong and powerful, drawing listeners in for the merriment of the rest of the
album.
“Silent Night” is the first instrumental piece on the album.
It starts off with the traditional tune that is well-known after a Celtic
introduction. By the end, the tune morphs back into the same motif that was a
part of the song’s introduction. It continues to be a classic Christmas tune,
but this rendition
“The Bells of Dublin/Christmas Eve/Navan in the Snow” is an
instrumental set. Those who are also Celtic Thunder fans may recognize this
kind of instrumental set from Celtic Thunder, so Celtic Woman’s own version is
a nice nod, even if it was unintentional. This song is fun and upbeat,
capturing the festivity and merriment of the holiday.
Celtic Woman has performed “Auld Lang Syne” on previous albums,
but this is a nice update, especially since there are new members. Listeners
may be surprised to hear the two versions of the melody represented on this
track, which is not something that is done. Usually, musicians pick one or the
other, but the combination is perfect for those who love one or the other, or
both, versions of the melody.
Overall, this album is a great way to get into the holiday
spirit. Whether you want to listen to it for yourself or buy it for a Celtic
Woman fan in your life for Christmas, it is a great option for a gift. None of
the songs on the album are labeled as explicit, making it a great listen for
holiday gatherings with loved ones of all ages.
Track list:
1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
2. Nollaig na mBan
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
4. River
5. Codail a Linbh
6. Silent Night
7. Wexford Carol
8. Little Drummer Boy
9. Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil
10. Silver Bells
11. In the Bleak Midwinter / Goin’ Home
12. The Bells of Dublin / Christmas Eve / Navan in the Snow
13. Auld Lang Syne
Related Articles:
-Album Review: "A Cosy Christmas" by Keith Harkin: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/album-review-cosy-christmas-by-keith.html