Halcyon is the debut studio album by Irish folk group Kingfishr. It was announced in May 2025, alongside the release of single "Diamonds & Roses" and released on 22 August 2025 through B-Unique Records and Atlantic Records.
Upon announcement, the group said, "Halcyon is the culmination of three years' work, though most of the time it hasn't felt like it. We grew up in different parts of rural Ireland though the band itself was born on a dairy farm in Tipperary. The songs were written in a small kitchen where generations of farmers became singers and storytellers when the work was done. The name Halcyon is a nod to the landscape and heritage that has moulded our music, even though the songs don't all come from a happy or peaceful place. We're so proud of all of this. Thank you for being a part of it."
The album debuted at number one on the Irish Albums Chart.
A deluxe edition of the album was released on 21 November 2025 featuring four additional songs.
In May 2026, it placed 3rd for Irish Album of the Year and 1st for Debut Album of the Year in the Hot Press Readers' Poll.
Critical reception
Chris Connor from Clash gave it 8/10 saying, "This is a constantly impressive debut LP from one of the most exciting Irish acts in recent years. Their infectious blend of folk, indie and Irish traditional sounds. It’'s an immersive, engrossing 16 tracks that really cement Kingfishr's rising reputation."
Riccardo Dwyer from Hot Press gave it 8/10 saying "On Halcyon, Kingfishr affirm their ambitions with a big-sounding, radio-ready album that moves them beyond simple folk classification." and added "At 16 tracks, Halcyon does run long, risking momentum. Still, this debut signals major intent for a zeitgeist-defining band rapidly becoming one of Ireland's biggest."
Jo Forrst from Total Ntertainment said: "Kingfishr's rise has been built on the strongest of foundations: rousing hooks channelling fervent emotions that inspire huge singalongs at live shows, supported by the familiarity of their traditional Irish roots and the accessibility of their broader folk-pop / indie-pop soundscape. Those traits tower throughout Halcyon."
Matthew Caslin from When the Horn Blows called it a "stunning debut album" saying, "Kingfishr have achieved an incredible debut album. The body of work has it all. It shows off the group's love for their traditional roots and folk music as a genre. It also shows off how they have so much to add to the scene. Kingfishr are certainly ones to watch going forward."
Track listing
Charts + Weekly chart performance for Halcyon Chart (2025–2026) Peakposition Australian Albums (ARIA) 64
Certifications
See also List of number-one albums of 2025 (Ireland)
References