He has performed with a wide array of internationally acclaimed artists including: John Stowell, Peter Bernstein, Jim Mullen, Louis Stewart, Nigel Clark, Daniel Corzo, Phil Robson, Terry Smith, James Williams, Brad Mehldau, Frank Harrison, Brian Kelloch, Mike Carr, Scott Hamilton, Tim Ries Rolling Stones Project (w/Bernard Fowler and Michael Davis), Javon Jackson, Guy Barker, Roy Williams, George Masso, Marshall Gilkes, Peter Appleyard, Christine Tobin, Sara Lazarus, Guillermo Rozenthuler, Van Morrison, Lisa Stansfield, Ronnie Drew, Peter Washington, John Wadham, Stephen Keogh, John Riley to name a few! Also many wonderful Irish musicians, too many to mention here.

Besides featuring on many recordings as a sideman, Hugh has released three CDs as leader, "Yes Indeed" (1998) w/ James Williams, Peter Washington, Darren Beckett, "Spirit Level" (2001) (both recorded in New York) and "Sketches of Now" (2008). “The Day of the Duo” (2014) is a duo recording with renowned Scottish guitarist Nigel Clark. In March 2016, a duo recording "Two Heads are Better Than One"with vocalist Honor Heffernan was released.

Hugh is the founder and organiser and host of the extremely successful and acclaimed monthly event Dublin Guitar Night which ran for a number of years. The event showcased national and international guitar players across all genres on a monthly basisi with a fantasytic collaborative atmosphere.

Current activity includes “ The Hugh Buckley Group”, a vehicle for his original compositions, a guitar duo with Nigel Clark, a vocal/guitar duo with songstress Honor Heffernan, guitarist with the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra and solo guitar performances. He is coordinator of the “Guitar Gathering” at the Cork Jazz Festival. Besides performing, Hugh regularly conducts guitar workshops and teaches privately. He holds a 1st class honours Master of Music degree from DIT Dublin.