Renowned Irish jazz and blues singer Mary Coughlan is set to take centre stage at this year’s Mountshannon Arts Festival. Known for her raw, soulful voice and deeply emotive storytelling, Coughlan’s headline act promises an unforgettable evening for festivalgoers.

Mary Coughlan’s career in music has been one hell-of-a-ride. Often described as the greatest female vocalist that Ireland has ever produced, Coughlan proudly stands alongside some of the world’s most iconic jazz singers. She is unique in blending whisky-blurred, smoke-seared, husky notes with the laconic wit of Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee. She draws the line of deep, down and dirty blues singers back to Bessie Smith with the sardonic, bitter-sweet defiance and despair of Edith Piaf. Yet Mary Coughlan delivers it all in a delicious and unapologetic Irish drawl: sceptical, rueful, mournful and melting and ardent for love.

Photo Ciara Buckley