Gavin Whelan is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of the tin whistle in Ireland today. His eponymous debut recording propelled the tin whistle to centre stage, winning high praise from critics for his crisp, uncluttered phrasing and bright, clean tone. The album, released in 2001, was hailed by one critic as "beautiful, captivating and formidable". Since then Gavin has released two other albums, Another Time and In Full Flight.
2010 saw the publication of a collection of popular session tunes along with some of Gavin’s own favourite tunes. This comprises a book plus three accompanying illustration CDs.
As well as being a virtuoso on the whistle, Gavin is also a master of the uillean pipes. In his early days, he was influenced by various pipers including Paddy Kennan, Ronan Browne, and Diarmuid Moynihan to name but a few.
He also featured as lead instrumentalist on many TV shows including Geanntraí, Open House, and The High Reel. He has toured Ireland extensively as a solo artist appearing at such prestigious venues including The Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin; Whelans, Wexford St., Dublin; The Sprit Store, Dundalk; The Lobby,Cork; The Wexford Arts Centre; An Cultúrlann, Belfast; and The Civic Theatre, Tallaght.
Since graduating with a Higher National Diploma in Irish music performance from the Senior College, Ballyfermot, Gavin has been actively involved in the teaching of Irish traditional music in primary schools in the Dublin area and is much sought after as a teacher at the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay and other music festival schools including; Phil Murphy Weekend, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford; Skerries Irish Music Festival; master classes in whistle in University of Limerick; workshops in Inishowen, Culdaff, Co Donegal; Joe Mooney Summer School, Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim. In 2002 he was nominated by Irish Music Magazine for Best Traditional Newcomer for that year.