Martin Hayes is a world-renowned Irish fiddler from Feakle in east Clare, a place steeped in music and tradition. Martin is well known for his distinctive and soulful style of playing that blends traditional Irish music with innovative contemporary interpretations. He’s an iconic figure in Irish music. From his early years winning multiple All-Ireland Fiddle Championships to his celebrated work with the late Dennis Cahill and The Gloaming, Martin is a man who brings great depth, expression and beauty to all that he does. It was a joy to have this chat with him and to hear about his early influences, his years in the US, his thoughts on mediation, music and culture, and his new life in Spain. This episode is also part of my Creative Souls of Clare podcast series, where you can find lots of great conversations with some of County Clare’s leading creative lights. Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, counsellor, consultant, and author. Find out more via: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn and check out his book Hitching for Hope. He also has another podcast called Creative Souls of Clare.