As far as bands are concerned, I always liked Planxty very much. If you want to investigate the ballad groups, you could do no better than the rough and ready Dubliners.

The Brady & Irvine recording mentioned above is masterful.

If you would like to hear something more traditional (as opposed to neo-traditional) you might like Frank Harte's 'Daybreak and the Candle End' as mentioned above. A fine recording of fiddlers is Denis Murphy & Julia Clifford's "Star Above the Garter."

Here are a couple you might not hear from other Mudcatters...

Skylark - Claddagh Records and Trian - Green Linnet

All the best,
Dan