Nic an tSaoi is the name under which Maggie McEntee creates her music—an Irish singer-songwriter whose work blends poetic storytelling, rich cultural influences, and contemporary folk sounds. Her songs explore themes of identity, memory, nature, and belonging, with a style rooted in tradition and shaped by a modern sensibility.
Long Bio:
Nic an tSaoi is the name under which Maggie McEntee creates her music—a singer-songwriter whose work weaves together poetic storytelling, Irish cultural influences, and contemporary folk elements. Meaning “wise man’s daughter” in Irish, the name—drawn from her own surname—reflects the thoughtful and lyrical nature of her work.
Deeply connected to her heritage, Nic an tSaoi’s songs explore themes of identity, memory, nature, and belonging, drawing inspiration from the rhythms of language, the arts, and the Irish landscape. Her style is marked by emotional honesty, melodic richness, and a balance between the traditional and the contemporary.
She has independently produced and released several singles, including Georgia’s Black Iris and The Apple Walk, both noted for their evocative lyrics and melodic charm. In addition to her studio work, she has shared live performances of songs like East Wall and Swallow in the Hollow, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into her creative process. Her recent release, Máthair le Misneach—a commissioned piece created in response to the Thomas MacDonagh Museum—demonstrates her ability to fuse personal reflection with cultural and historical context.
Her artistic practice extends to community-based collaborations, where traditional instruments and contemporary sounds meet to form unique and engaging performances. These projects reflect her commitment to inclusive, place-based storytelling through music.
Nic an tSaoi has performed at a number of festivals and cultural events across Ireland, including the Clonmel Apple Festival, Féile na nÚll, and Electric Picnic’s Global Green stage, solidifying her presence as a compelling voice in the Irish folk and contemporary music scenes.