20/08/2026
Producer, Composer and artist extraordinaire Simon O’Reilly gives an insight into how the ‘Slí na Samhlaíochta’ album came about ✨
Simon is an Irish producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and artistic director based on the west coast of County Clare. Over the past two decades he has established a reputation for creating ambitious recordings and live productions that blur the boundaries between contemporary composition, traditional Irish music, spoken word and visual art.
As a producer and composer, Simon has worked across film, television and recorded music, composing scores for more than twenty-six films, including the award-winning documentary The Summit. His recording and production credits span a wide range of artists and ensembles, including collaborations with Rufus Nightjar, President Michael D. Higgins, The Monks of Glenstal Abbey, Myles O’Reilly, the ConTempo Quartet and numerous independent Irish artists.
Simon is the co-founder of the Hedge School Festival, an acclaimed multidisciplinary arts festival in Doolin, County Clare, which became known for bringing together leading musicians, writers and visual artists in a unique programme of performances, workshops and conversations.
His latest production, Slí na Samhlaíochta (The Way of Imagination), is the final collaboration with the late Manchán Magan. Conceived and produced by Simon, the work combines Manchán’s spoken word with newly composed music and visual art, bringing together an exceptional ensemble of Irish musicians including members of Crash Ensemble, Anúna, Branwen Kavanagh, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lisa O’Neill and Davy Spillane. Released by Claddagh Records, the project will receive its premiere at the National Concert Hall, where Simon serves as Musical Director.
We’re delighted to be working with him, and the whole team on this record, arriving Oct 5 ❤️
