Deep-rooted and thriving, Irish folk is among the most vibrant music traditions in Europe. Featuring a whirlwind of fiddles, flutes and accordions, this Rough Guide is jam-packed with an infectious blend of Ireland's greatest twenty-first-century music. Artists include: Sharon Shannon, Cara Dillon, Seamie O'Dowd, Roisin Elsafty, Arty McGlynn, Chris Newman, Nollaig Casey & Maire Ni Chathasaigh, Patrick Street, Martin Tourish & Luke Ward, Karan Casey, Robbie O'Connell, Four Men And a Dog, Eamon Doorley, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Julie Fowlis & Ross Martin, Con O Drisceoil, Catherine McEvoy & Steve Cooney, Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne, Brendan Mulholland, Brendan Hendry & Paul McSherry, Rattle the Boards, Frankie Gavin, Michael McGoldrick & Jim Murray, Sean TyrrellBonus CD: Karan Casey: Ships in the Forest Karan Casey has long been one of the most innovative and provocative voices in Irish traditional and folk music. Ships in the Forest is her 2008 solo album which focuses on her beautiful traditional repertoire.