East West Fiddles
Manus McGuire
Fiddle Player
Secret Sauce
About
An Irish fiddle tradition, carried forward
Manus McGuire is an acclaimed Irish fiddle player whose exceptional musical gift became widely recognised in 1970, when he won the prestigious Fiddler of Dooney national fiddle competition at just fourteen years old.
Since then he has recorded sixteen albums, including four with Buttons and Bows, two with Moving Cloud, three with Brock McGuire Band, one with Shetland group Full Tilt, one with Irish/Japanese collaboration East West Fiddles, and two with his brother, fiddler Seamus McGuire — alongside three solo records: Saffron and Blue, Fiddlewings, and The Copperplate Sessions.
He continues to perform and teach at the highest level, most recently touring Quebec and Ontario, Australia, and New Zealand, and appearing at the 50th Auckland Folk Festival. He is now also a founding member of Secret Sauce, exploring the shared roots of Irish and Québécois folk music, and lends his support to TuneFest Dungarvan and Deise Abú closer to home.
Quick facts
Also on record
East West Fiddles
A musical experience like no other, showcasing the beauty and soul of Irish traditional music seamlessly blended with Japanese melodies. Manus McGuire joins forces with Mareka Naito and Junji Shirota, with the mandocello and voice of Garry O'Briain, for a sound that's nothing short of magical.
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What people are saying
"World known and respected Sligo fiddler Manus McGuire... their resulting live album is a stunner that you will want to add to your collection."
Irish American News, Chicago — May 2021
Photo courtesy of Graeme Hewitson
"Whether you're listening or dancing, singing or playing along with these superb musicians, Full Tilt's first album is a tonic in these times."
Folkworld UK — April 2021
"Fiddlewings exudes class from first to last note played. Variety, virtuosity and vitality are the lasting impressions created by this recording."
Earle Hitchner, Irish Echo / Wall Street Journal
"If you get a chance to see either of these artists don't hesitate. Their show is a mini showcase of Irish dance music, fine singing, and an amazing dance hybrid. What a performance!"
Tony Corcoran, Director, Tyneside Irish Centre — Oct 2017
Manus McGuire & Emily Jean Flack, Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, Ontario
Gallery
On stage and on the road
Touring
Recent tours
Quebec & Ontario
April 2025- Apr 9Concordia University, Montreal, QC
- Apr 10Guest tutor, Siamsa School of Irish Music, Montreal, QC
- Apr 11House Concert, Donnacona, Quebec City
- Apr 12Saint-Félix-de-Valois, QC
- Apr 13Irene's Tavern, Ottawa, ON
- Apr 14St. Paul's Church, Brockville, ON
- Apr 15Talk: "Regional Fiddle Styles in Ireland," Concordia University
- Apr 19La Sala Rossa, Montreal, QC
Australia & New Zealand
Dec 2022 – Jan 2023
- Dec 3Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
- Dec 9Boite World Music Café, Melbourne, VIC
- Dec 17Irish-Australian Hall, Adelaide, SA
- Jan 1–8NZ Gaidhealtachd, Whangarei Heads, NZ
- Jan 27–30Auckland Folk Festival, Kumeu, NZ