The Irish Descendants celebrate 35 years with new music and a holiday tour

Newfoundland group the Irish Descendants are celebrating their 35th anniversary.

For more than three decades, The Irish Descendants have been bringing their Newfoundland sound to audiences across the country.

This year, the beloved folk group is marking its 35th anniversary, and frontman Con O’Brien says it’s a milestone that still feels surreal.

“The band started in May of 1990, which means we’re 35 years old,” O’Brien said in an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Katie Kelly. “There’s been a lot of people through the band, but the brand of The Irish Descendants lives on - especially now with some exciting young players joining us.”

To celebrate, the group has released a limited-edition box set that captures the band’s history, including three records and a book that looks back on their journey.

“It’s really the history of the band,” said O’Brien. “It even includes contributions from people who’ve been a big part of our lives over the years.”

They’ve also recorded a new album, Those Were the Days - their 16th studio release - blending new material with fan favourites.

“A little bit of new and old,” said O’Brien. “It keeps us fresh, and we love playing new songs - that’s key to what we do.”

And as always, they’re wrapping up the year with The Irish Descendants Christmas Tour - a Maritime favourite that’s become a holiday tradition for generations of fans.

“People tell us all the time, this is how we start Christmas,” O’Brien said. “You see the second and third generations coming out - it’s wonderful.”

After 35 years, The Irish Descendants continue to prove that good stories -and great songs - never get old.