The Hounds of Cuchulain

Short bio (approx. 60 words)

The Hounds of Cuchulain are a Celtic folk band from Victoria, BC. Celtic folk, loud and alive. Rooted in the music of Ireland, Scotland and England, they run traditional reels, jigs and ballads headlong into big choruses and gritty, modern songwriting. From intimate pubs to festival main stages, the Hounds deliver high-energy sets that feel like a session and a show all at once.

Long bio (approx. 190 words)

The Hounds of Cuchulain are a Celtic folk band based in Victoria, British Columbia. Celtic folk, loud and alive.

Rooted in the music of Ireland, Scotland and England, the Hounds take traditional reels, jigs and ballads and run them headlong into big choruses, rowdy singalongs, and gritty, modern songwriting. Fiddle and whistle trade lines over driving guitar, accordion and mandolin; a rowdy drinkin’ song gives way to a delicate, late-night ballad without missing a beat.

They’re equally at home in a packed pub, a full theatre, or a festival main stage. Their shows feel like a session and a show all at once: stories, drinkin’ songs, and battle cries, played with grit and heart in equal measure, and a room full of people singing along by the end.

Whether it’s a community Canada Day celebration, a nautical-themed festival, or a candlelit theatre, the Hounds bring the same thing every time: modern energy poured into timeless Celtic tunes.

Based on Vancouver Island, their mission is to bring Celtic music and culture to the small communities up and down this west coast. They also love to entertain on bigger stages across Canada.

Origin of the name

The band takes their name from the Celtic myth of Setanta who, after slaying the guard hound of the blacksmith Culann in self defense, offered to take the fierce dog’s place until he could raise another. Thereafter Setanta became known as Cuchulain, or “the hound of Culann”. To the band, the image of the Irish Wolfhound is emblematic of the history and variety of folk music: a call to action, a racing reel, or music to bring to mind home, hearth, and good company.

More on the About page.