The success extends not only to Irish traditional music popularized by bands such as The Chieftains and Altan, but to a range of Irish and Celtic music - from the dreamy, new-agey sound of Enya and Clannad to the pop-rock of the Corrs, a band of three sisters and a brother from County Louth, whose current album is a hit in Europe and has sold more than a million copies.
Sharon Corr, 27, who sings and plays violin with the band, also believes the current golden age in Irish music began before "Riverdance." "I think it's a domino effect over the last 10 or 20 years. Obviously, the film 'The Commitments,' coming from Ireland brought a lot of attention from high-profile directors and producers," she noted. "In general, the success of U2 and Clannad and other bands have paved the way. So record companies will always take a second look at an Irish band today."