Dreams Of Freedom are a Ballad Folk and Rebel band who hail from Co Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. Dreams Of Freedom strive on their commitment to carrying on the proud culture and traditions of Ireland through songs and stories. Having a great time and enjoying the experience of one of our gigs is very much our number one priority.
Dreams Of Freedom work hard promoting the culture of Ireland through songs and music. This is one of their passions, telling the story of Irish history through song and music and in their own small part trying to preserve the long history of Ireland, from Famines and Rebellions to old stories and songs.
When you step into a Dreams Of Freedom gig you will be met with instant energy and desire, you will feel the true spirit of Ireland's songs and music and you will see what bringing these songs to you means too them. So go find a Dreams Of Freedom gig and experience the excitement for yourself.
Just A Little Info
Dreams Of Freedom were formed in 2001 In North County Kerry. Since our formation we have gone on to secure residencies in Killarney and Dingle for the past 8 years. In this time we have also played in The USA, Italy, Germany Holland and the UK.
We have had the privilege of playing on the main stage at the Ballinasloe Horse fair, and each year we are invited back to play at Puck Fair in Killorglin Co Kerry. We have also played for many charity events over the years. For the Bee For Batons Foundation And for Autism Awareness and many more local clubs and sports clubs. During the pandemic Dreams Of Freedom raised €1036 For Tralee based charity Recovery Haven. To date the band has 7 albums with the newest just about to be released in early 2022.
Richard O’Brien – Guitar, Banjo & Vocals
Richard O’Brien, from County Kerry, has been immersed in Irish music from an early age. His musical journey began at eight with lessons from Comhaltas, building on the foundational banjo skills he acquired from his father. Alongside his instrumental proficiency, Richard achieved notable success as an Irish set dancer, securing numerous competition titles from under-12 to under-18.
Richard’s repertoire spans the guitar and both four and five-string banjos. His passion for Irish ballads and traditional music, nurtured by the bands of his youth, led him to a full-time music career in 2002. As the founder of Dreams of Freedom, he has since toured extensively across Europe, the USA, and Ireland.
Renowned for his engaging performance style, Richard adeptly draws audiences into the heart of each song's story. His dedication to preserving Irish musical heritage is evident in his teaching roles with local Comhaltas in Ballybunion and Ballydoghue, where he imparts knowledge in guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Richard’s commitment to the preservation of traditional music is matched by his pursuit of a degree in Music Technology, enhancing his skills in recording, editing, songwriting, and production. This expertise has contributed to the creation of five albums with Dreams of Freedom. The band is currently working on a new studio album, due for release in 2026, featuring both covers and original material.
Adrian McCarron – Whistles and Low Flutes
Adrian McCarron, hailing from Listowel in County Kerry, was immersed in music from a young age in a family steeped in musical tradition. His exceptional talent for the tin whistle emerged early, leading him to perform at the National Folk Theatre of Ireland by age thirteen.
Adrian’s skill earned him the prestigious opportunity to teach at the Willie Clancy Summer School, an honor reserved for the finest musicians. Muiris Ó Rócháin, founder of the festival, acknowledged Adrian’s technical brilliance and profound understanding of Irish traditional music. His unique style was further recognized when Seán Potts of The Chieftains invited him to perform at the festival’s whistle and flute recitals.
Adrian has made significant contributions to Irish music through numerous live performances on national and regional radio stations, including Raidió na Gaeltachta, RTÉ Radio 1, Clare FM, and Radio Kerry. His competitive accolades include an All-Ireland medal in 1987 and a similar honor in the All-Ireland marching band competition of 1986.
In 1996, Adrian began performing with a prominent ballad group, leading to extensive tours across Europe, including Germany, the UK, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Holland. His 2009 solo album received critical acclaim and substantial radio coverage. After a period focused on family, Adrian resumed his music career in 2012 as a session musician before joining Dreams of Freedom in 2015. He has since contributed to four albums with the band and toured internationally.
Cormac O’Mahony – Bass Guitar, Mandola & Vocals
Cormac O’Mahony, from Castleisland, County Kerry, is a versatile multi-instrumentalist. He began his musical journey at seven, performing with his family at culturally significant events in the region. His early exposure to traditional music led him to a mass of creative ideas which in turn lead him to learn the banjo, mandola, and guitar, competing in various solo and ensemble competitions.
Cormac has become a prominent figure in Irish traditional music, known for his exceptional skills and deep cultural knowledge. His mastery of traditional accompaniment on guitar and mandola has earned him recognition as one of the leading performers in the genre. Cormac’s extensive experience includes appearances on national radio, as well as critical acclaim for his two solo albums.
His commitment to preserving Irish musical heritage extends to his role as chairman of the prestigious Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival in Castleisland, a festival supported by the Arts Council of Ireland. Cormac’s dedication to maintaining the traditions of Irish music and song is evident in his performances with various ballad and folk bands. His adherence to the traditional style of Sean Nós singing further highlights his commitment to preserving the cultural legacy of Irish music.