Dee Armstrong—self-taught multi-instrumentalist, composer, and a vibrant force in Irish music for over three decades—proudly announces the release of her debut solo album, Deichtine’s Daughter, arriving on February 28th, 2025, in Ireland, followed by a UK release on March 28th, 2025.

Renowned for her work with the iconic band Kíla since 1991, Dee has mesmerised audiences worldwide with her electrifying performances and mastery of instruments including the fiddle, viola, hammered dulcimer, banjo, bodhrán, and tuned percussion. Her unmistakable energy and deep-rooted connection to Irish music shine throughout this deeply personal and intricately crafted body of work.

A Visionary Beyond the Stage:

In addition to her extensive performance experience with Kíla, Dee’s creative talents have been instrumental in shaping the band’s visual artistry. Over the past 30 years, she has designed Kíla’s projections, sets, and visuals, collaborating with designers to create album artwork—a testament to her holistic approach to music, where sound and imagery merge to tell a complete story.

A Legacy of Music Across Generations:

Born into a deeply musical family, Dee carries a lineage of artistry that pulses through both her solo work and collaborative projects. This family tradition continues through her children—Tiggy, Diarmuid, Lughaidh, and Rosie Armstrong—with sons Diarmuid (5-string banjo) and Lughaidh (electric guitar) featuring on the album, making it a true family affair.

An Expansive Musical Journey:

Beyond her storied career with Kíla, Dee’s musical path has led her through diverse and innovative projects:

The Freespeakingmonkey (since 2015): A sonic exploration enhancing the exceptional songwriting of Ciaran Rock (The Pale), weaving in new compositions, string arrangements, and orchestration.

The Armagh Rhymers (from 2024): Immersing herself in one of Ireland’s most celebrated and enduring traditional arts ensembles, specialising in the ancient tradition of Mumming—dressing in straw, disguising oneself, and roaming the country to cause mayhem and mischief!

Theatre, Film & Radio: Recent soundtrack contributions include Arracht (2021, IFTA Best Soundtrack),  Martin McGuinness Documentary for TG4 (2022), Donal O Kelly’s “Francisco” radio play, (Gold medal Prix Europa Radio Awards and NY Radio awards), and Under a Night Sky by Treasa Nealon, praised for its evocative and immersive soundscape.

Also with Kila, Dee’s talents have contributed to some of Ireland’s most iconic animated films. Collaborating with renowned composer Bruno Coulais and Cartoon Saloon, her music graces award-winning and Oscar-nominated masterpieces, including:

The Secret of Kells
Wolfwalkers (with Aurora)
Song of the Sea (featuring Lisa Hannigan)

Dee’s artistic achievements continue to earn recognition. She recently received a Music Bursary and a Traditional Arts Project Award from the Arts Council, supporting both the creation of this solo album and the production of her upcoming documentary, Man of a Thousand Tunes—a tribute to the late North Leitrim musician Mícheál Clancy.

ABOUT THE UPCOMING ALBUM — ‘DEICHTINE’S DAUGHTER’

Deichtine was Cú Chulainn’s mother. The album title and title track draw inspiration from a poem by Louis De Paor, who imagined: What if Deichtine had a daughter? Or Cú Chulainn a sister? What would she be like? He then saw her—walking down Newcastle Road in Galway and wrote a poem for her. Strong, independent, willing to walk the warrior’s path, as so many women do, yet their battles go unrecognised.

-The album features mostly original works by Dee, with one notable collaboration and two traditional tunes. 

– Prince of Laughter – co written with Bobby Lee.
Yon Do – A traditional song and Frailach, an old dance tune – arranged by Dee Armstrong.

Recording & Production:

Location: Recorded at Dee’s home in Boihy, County Leitrim
Engineered by: Mark Gavin
Mixed by: Anthony Gibney & Dee Armstrong
Produced & Arranged by: Dee Armstrong

Featured Musicians:

Dee Armstrong: Fiddle, viola, banjo, hammered dulcimer, string arrangements, vocals | Bobby Lee: Acoustic guitars | Lughaidh Armstrong: Electric guitar | Rick Epping: Harmonica | Frank Tate: Bouzouki | Ronan Ó Snodaigh: Bodhrán | Peter Browne: Accordion Diarmuid Armstrong: 5 string banjo | Miriam Ingram & Frances Cranny: Harmony vocals

A Work of Art, Heart, and Heritage:

With Deichtine’s Daughter, Dee Armstrong delivers an album rich with the intricate storytelling and musical diversity that have defined her career. Fusing traditional roots with a fresh, contemporary perspective, this work is both a celebration of Irish heritage and a testament to her singular artistry.

About the Album & Tour Poster Artwork:

The stunning artwork for Dee Armstrong’s Deichtine’s Daughter Irish Tour poster was designed by Paul Holbrook-Phillips of True Spilt Milk, whose award-winning work is known for its intricate textures and deep connection to music and storytelling. Inspired by the mythology of Deichtine—a prophetic figure of motherhood in Irish legend—Paul infused the design with symbolic and natural elements that echo Dee’s music. The swirling, flame-like strands of hair and fire evoke movement, feminine power, and the primal forces of nature, while a vast, star-speckled night sky reflects Dee’s deep ties to Irish folklore and storytelling.

Paul’s signature style, shaped by his experience as both a designer and musician, brings a unique depth to the piece. Having worked with artists such as Villagers, Moon Duo, Linda Coogan Byrne, and Brian Wilson, he blends fine-art detail with raw musical soul. His design is more than just a poster—it captures the spirit of Deichtine’s Daughter, a record woven with heritage, family, and the essence of Irish music.