From a rainy evening in their local pub in Ballincollig, Co. Cork in 2012 to sold-out tours, millions of online views, and a performance for President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Áras an Uachtaráin, an early sign of how far their sound would travel, The White Horse Guitar Club has become one of Ireland’s most loved and distinctive musical collectives.
The eleven-man band formed after an open call by Joe Carey at The White Horse pub. What began as a casual gathering around songs and stories has grown into a celebrated musical force, praised for its rich harmonies, emotional resonance, and soulful reinterpretation of folk, Americana, and traditional Irish music.
What followed was something rare: a musical brotherhood, built on friendship, trust, and a deep reverence for the storytelling traditions. “The band is very much based around camaraderie, friendship, and joy — sometimes a missing facet in bands,” says founder Joe Carey. “All eleven of us sing in unison, harmony, and melody. The sound of eleven guitars adds a unique dimension, and on paper, it shouldn’t work – but it does.”
A Sound That Travels and Resonates
Their moving cover of Townes Van Zandt’s "If I Needed You" has reached over 1.7 million YouTube views, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. BBC’s Cerys Matthews described them as “a band that is taking Ireland, and the rest of the world, by storm.” Their music is a regular feature on Irish radio, championed by John Creedon, Fiachna Ó Braonáin, and Tom Dunne.
Having performed for President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin. The President later said:
“There is an authenticity to The White Horse Guitar Club’s performance... Good for the heart and soul – the music knows no borders.”
New Album: Sos Beag
The White Horse Guitar Club are proud to announce the upcoming release of Sos Beag, their second studio album. Due out Friday, 3rd October 2025, this new record is a quiet call to pause, reconnect, and lean into the power of shared song. It was recorded slowly and soulfully upstairs at their hometown venue, The White Horse in Ballincollig, Co. Cork, the very place where their story began.
“Life’s full of noise – the kind that drowns out the quieter truths,” says founder Joe Philpott. “Sos Beag is our attempt to make space for those truths again. Songs sung shoulder to shoulder. Melodies that rise and fall like tides. Music that reminds us we’re not alone.”
Sos Beag, the Irish for “a small break” — is more than just a title; it’s a philosophy. In a world that rushes, this album slows down. Blending original compositions and soulful reinterpretations, the record captures the essence of a group that sings and plays as one - not for perfection, but for connection.
“As someone once said, if you unplug something for ten minutes and plug it back in, it often works better. That goes for people, too.”