Notable for her membership in Ireland's Celtic Woman vocal ensemble, Carlin is also known for her debut solo album, Songbook, as well as for her musical collaborations with "American Pie" singer Don McLean and Glee performer and Celtic Thunder member Damian McGinty. She launched her singing career at age fifteen, participating in a BBC talent competition and ultimately winning a role in a Francesca Zambello-directed production of the opera The Little Prince. She went on to study at London's Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.