Cellist Ailbhe McDonagh is a versatile figure who is also active as a composer, folk musician, educator, and author of pedagogical books. She has performed and recorded widely as a cellist, and her compositions are often used in Ireland's national music examinations. McDonagh performed for Ireland's president at the Áras an Uachtaráin presidential residence, and she has frequently appeared on Irish television and radio. She often performs in a duo with her sister, pianist Orla McDonagh, and she is a member of the Ficino Ensemble and the traditional Irish music group Trio Elatha. She has published two books of piano music and two books of cello music for children. After several album credits, including an appearance on The Cranberries release, Something Else, in 2017, McDonagh released her debut album, a cycle of Beethoven's cello sonatas, in 2021.