BELFAST

2005 -

OVERVIEW The Winding Stair is folk rock group based in Belfast. The band came together in 2005 when Ciarán Tracey started playing guitar supported by Clare Galway on Violin. The duo played a number of gigs together but soon realised there there was something missing. Tom Hughes was enlisted shortly afterwards as a cellist. FInally, the band advertised for a singer. Mary O'Halloran was the first to repond was immediately deemed perfect for the group. The band's name is based on the poetry of WB Yeats, Tracey being a huge fan of his work. The band has played extensively across the country. In 2007, the group was invited to play at the Glastonbury Festival. That year also saw them play supported to Martha Wainwright when she played in Lisburn. Not content with live performances only, The Winding Stair released their debut album entitled 'Finistère'. The following year, Mary O'Halloran departed the line up 2005 - Band formed 2007 - Release of 'Finistère' album 2008 - Mary O'Halloran leaves the band