Dervish land major TV deal with American broadcaster PBS

THE GREAT IRISH SONGBOOK

Premieres on PBS Stations Beginning February 27, 2026

Celebrate the Powerful Irish Tradition of Song with Dervish, David Gray, Imelda May, Moya Brennan, Indigo Girls, Kate Rusby Brian Kennedy and More

Join internationally acclaimed Sligo-based band Dervish One of the world’s most renowned and imaginative interpreters of Irish folk music, Dervish have devoted the last three decades to gently reinventing the

traditional songs of their homeland. Featuring stunning footage of Ireland and filmed at theLondon Palladium, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, and more intimate venues like Leo’s Tavern in Donegal,

THE GREAT IRISH SONGBOOK is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning Friday, February 27, 2026 (check local listings), and will be available for streaming with PBS Passport.

Reflecting the American experience for almost two centuries, Irish and American music are inextricably intertwined. In fact, the boundary is not always discernible, and the program includes “Boots of Spanish Leather,” a Bob Dylan song that is inherently in the Irish tradition. Through song and commentary from musicians throughout the program, the nature of Irish music is explored. “Irish music has always been there for Irish people

in very difficult times,” says Shane Mitchell, accordion player for Dervish. “It draws us back to who we really are as people.” Actor, singer and director Adrian Dunbar adds that Irish musicians “have held onto something that’s almost like DNA for the culture.” Highlights of THE GREAT IRISH SONGBOOK include “Passage West,” featuring Dervish with Indigo Girls, a song about emigration to America written by John Spillane, who joins in on the performance; Imelda May’s moving rendition of “Molly Malone”; and a bravura display of vocal artistry by five singers on “The Parting Glass.” The program also features the world premiere of “Tabor an tSaoil (The Well of the World).” Written by Clannad’s Moya Brennan and her daughter Aisling Jarvis, the song is performed for the first time in public at the legendary music mecca Leo’s Tavern, owned by Moya’s father and considered the launch pad for Clannad.

Below is a complete list of performances in THE GREAT IRISH SONGBOOK:

 “Red Haired Mary” – Dervish

Written by Sean McCarthy, Arranged by Dervish

 “The West Coast of Clare” – Dervish with David Gray

Written by Andy Irvine

 “Passage West” – Dervish with Indigo Girls

Written by John Spillane

 “The Bold Doherty” – Dervish

Traditional

 “Down the Broom” / “The Gatehouse Maid” – Dervish and Kevin Burke

Traditional instrumental

 “Molly Malone” – Dervish and Imelda May

Traditional

 “The Parting Glass” – Dervish with Cara Dillon, Kate Rusby, Imelda May and

Brian Kennedy

Traditional

 “The Rocky Road to Dublin” – Dervish

Traditional

 “John Blessings” – Dervish

Traditional instrumental

 “Boots of Spanish Leather” – Dervish

Written by Bob Dylan

 “Tobar an tSaoil (The Well of the World)” – Dervish and Moya Brennan