2002 - The Blue Idol is Altan's eighth studio album. It was released in 2002 on the Narada label. The Blue Idol features guest artists such as Dolly Parton on The Pretty Young Girl, which was translated by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh's father Proinsias, and Paul Brady on Daily Growing.
- Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, fiddle, vocals
- Ciaran Tourish, fiddle, whistle, vocals
- Ciarán Curran, bouzouki, mandolin
- Mark Kelly, guitar, bouzouki, vocals
- Dermot Byrne, accordion
- Dáithí Sproule, guitar, vocals.
- With: James Blennerhassett, Paul Brady, Harry Bradley, Richie Buckley, Steve Cooney, Jim Higgins, Dónal Lunny, Neil Martin, Anna Ní Mhaonaigh, Liam O'Flynn, Dolly Parton
“After the experience of listening to The Blue Idol, one is left with deep satisfaction and the realization that Altan has achieved yet another triumph. This album will surely delight new listeners as well as seasoned fans and confirms Altan’s con- tinuing position as one of Ireland’s best traditional bands.” -FolkWorks, Los Angeles, September 2002
- Daily Growing (Song)
- Uncle Rat (Song)
- Roaring Water (Jig)
- The Pretty Young Girl (Song)
- The Blue Idol (Jigs)
- The Trip to Cullenstown (Jigs)
- Cuach mo Lon Dubh Buí (Song)
- Mother's Delight (Reels)
- The Low Highland (Highlands & Reel)
- The Sea-Apprentice Boy (Song)
- Sláinte Theilinn (A Health to Teelin) (Air)
- An Cailín Deas Óg (Song)
- Gweebarra Bridge (Slip Jig & Reel)
- Gary Paczosa – Engineer
- Alistair McMillan – Assistant engineer
- Amelia Stein – Band photography
- Shaughn McGrath/Four 5 One Design – Design
