The Selkies: Northern Ireland’s Female Sea Shanty Group Making Waves
Portaferry’s own all-female sea shanty group, The Selkies, is breaking new ground across Northern Ireland and beyond. Formed during the pandemic in 2021 to combat rural isolation, the group of 15 women aged 40–75 has grown into a celebrated singing collective known for their lively performances and maritime spirit.
Led by founder Moira Ritchie, The Selkies meet weekly to rehearse sea shanties, ballads, and sing-along classics. Their powerful harmonies have taken them from local nursing homes to international stages, including Kraków’s Sea Song Festival and TV appearances on UTV’s Keepers of the Lough and BBC’s The Peninsula Nurses.
Their upcoming highlights include performances at the Our Siren Song Festival in May and the World Atlantic Shanty Festival in Sligo this June. In August, they’ll headline the 10th annual Portaferry Sails and Sounds Festival, premiering a new Ulster Scots shanty.
With plans to collaborate with other women’s shanty groups in the UK and expand their reach, The Selkies continue to champion sea song traditions while fostering friendship, creativity, and community pride.
Follow their journey on Facebook: Selkies Sea Shanty Women’s Group
