It's no secret that Ireland is a very proud country, and we love to celebrate our own people who make it on the world stage. This is particularly true when it comes to music. If you tune into any radio station, it is highly likely that you’ll be met with classic after classic, many of which you’ll find right here on our list.
Our list showcases fifteen of the most famous Irish songs and aims to give flowers to some of the country’s treasures, and perhaps even put you onto some tracks that you mightn’t have been familiar with prior to reading this article.
“Danny Boy”
Starting out list on a strong note, we've got “Danny Boy” which, to many, is the most famous Irish song of all time. If you were to do a couple of lengths of Grafton Street interviewing the Irish public on what they consider to be the best song to have come out of the country, you can expect a large portion of responses to be this treasured classic.
If it's not immediately clear to you from your first listen, the song's lyrics speak of love, loss, and the Irish diaspora. It's also been covered by countless artists across various genres, from classical to pop, so you can enjoy it with all sorts of original takes.
'Danny Boy' has been recorded by countless artists, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Judy Garland, Celtic Woman, Sinéad O’Connor, and Daniel O’Donnell.
Make sure that when you do give the song the attention it deserves, you find a quiet area to listen to it without interruptions. It's quite an emotional one, all wrapped up in an enchanting melody, making it a staple at Irish funerals, weddings, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations worldwide. Many of these iconic tracks have been performed by Ireland's most celebrated singers over the years.
“Whiskey in the Jar”
If you've any knowledge of Irish music, you were likely skimming this list in search of the classic Irish folk song, “Whiskey in the Jar”. Well, you didn't have to skim all that far now, did you? The song tells the tale of a highwayman who robs an army officer. It's a real favourite in Irish pubs as it's one of those tunes that it's compulsory to sing at the top of your lungs whenever you hear it come on. It gained international fame through rock adaptations by some major bands like Thin Lizzy and Metallica.
Its catchy chorus and storytelling elements make for an effective mix that resonates with all who hear it, making it an instant crowd pleaser. This is also why it tends to break out into a sing-along whenever it's played. Female artists have played a crucial role in popularising these songs; learn more about Ireland's top female vocalists.
“The Fields of Athenry”
The Fields of Athenry is another belter and one of the most treasured songs. It can be heard on all sorts of occasions, from in the stands of a Gaelic football match to a Dublin bus on the way into town on a Saturday night. Written by Pete St. John in the 1970s, “The Fields of Athenry” has become an anthem of Irish resilience.
It's deep Irish roots set back in the 1840s during one of the toughest periods in the island's storied history, the Great Famine. It tells the story of a young man stealing food to feed his family and being deported to Australia. If you do decide to sing it, just know that you'll likely have plenty of others join you in the contagious anthem.
“Molly Malone”
Moving swiftly from one classic to the next, the track known as “Cockles and Mussels,” “Molly Malone” is the unofficial anthem of Dublin. Most people who went to primary school here in Ireland have fond memories of belting out this classic alongside their class. You may not have caught the meaning of the ballad at the time. It tells the story of a beautiful fishmonger who sold her wares on the streets of Dublin.
Don't let the song's catchy chorus fool you, as something tragic happens at the end where Molly, the woman the singer speaks so fondly of throughout the entirety of the song, dies of fever. The next time you're in Dublin, you can pay a visit to a statue of Molly Malone in the city centre, a testament to the song’s cultural significance and popularity here on the island of Ireland.
“Dublin City Sky” (Fontaines D.C.)
Despite having only been around for half a decade, "Dublin City Sky” by Fontaines D.C is a track that feels like it's been around an awful lot longer. It's definitely one of the strongest tracks on their debut album and shows their versatility as a group, contrasting heavily from the rest of the sounds on the album.
But this song means so much more than just being a good listen, especially to the Irish. The song paints a vivid picture of Dublin’s nightlife, relationships, and the bittersweet nature of urban existence.
With its poetic lyrics and atmospheric sound, “Dublin City Sky” has quickly become a favourite not just among the band's fanbase, but the country as a whole, which has been captivated by the traditional Irish storytelling with post-punk sensibilities.
“Galway Girl” (Steve Earle / Ed Sheeran)
The love for this next song has been monumental since its release. So much so that it would be a rare occasion if you were to turn on the radio and weren't able to find the song being played somewhere. Another strong indicator that the song is considered one of the best to come from Ireland is that there are two versions of it. This shows that people couldn't get enough of it and called out for another, the second version appealing to a younger audience and capturing new ears.
The first one was a little more traditional and came from Steve Earle, while the more modern pop adaptation was by Ed Sheeran. Both celebrate the beauty and charm of Irish women, specifically from Galway and are right up there on an Irish person's list of the best songs. Several of these famous songs have roots in or connections to Irish country music.
“The Wild Rover”
You'll find, as you make your way through this list, that many of Ireland's most treasured songs are those that can be sung in the pub. "The Wild Rover" is the gold standard when it comes to Irish pub sing-alongs and can be heard being belted out weekend after weekend in pubs all across the country.
As you might have expected from a pub song, it deals with a man swearing off his wild ways and excessive drinking. Despite its seemingly anti-alcohol message, it’s ironically one of the most popular drinking songs in Ireland.
“Bear Creek” (Lankum)
When people from other countries ask, 'What is Irish music?' this is the song you'll want to show them. Bear Creek is an instrumental masterclass that does a great job of showcasing all of the country's traditional instruments playing off each other beautifully. Despite how beautiful it might sound to hear all of these traditional elements coming together, the song represents the darker, more experimental side of contemporary Irish folk music.
Lankum definitely have a unique approach when it comes to folk music, and it's earned them critical acclaim. They even featured on NPR's Tiny Desk Show just a couple of years ago, and you best be sure that they played “Bear Creek”!
“C.E.A.R.T.A” (Kneecap)
You shouldn't need more than one guess as to why this next song is widely considered to be one of the best Irish tracks. Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap really nailed it with this one. The trio rap in the Irish language (Gaeilge) with some English. The group are known for their outspoken views on issues of identity, politics, and social justice in Northern Ireland.
Despite being an absolute banger, the song does great work in promoting the use of the Irish language, particularly among the country's youth. It's certainly something to be celebrated that hip hop and music fans across the country now have some music in their playlists that uses the island's mother tongue!
“The Auld Triangle” (Brendan Behan)
The next song to feature on our list of Ireland's best is "The Auld Triangle", which is actually a prison song that was written by Brendan Behan for his play “The Quare Fellow” all the way back in 1954. The melody that you've likely heard busted out at any family gathering or public sing-along in the past tells of life inside Mountjoy Prison in Dublin.
Now, you might find it a tad repetitive; however, its structure is actually designed to mimic the monotony of prison life, with each verse adding a new element to the story. It's a monumental piece of Irish folklore, and it's been played by some of the country's biggest artists, such as The Pogues and The Dubliners. The best Irish bands have often covered or reimagined these classic songs in their performances.
“Dirty Old Town” (Ewan MacColl)
Moving swiftly from one traditional anthem to the next, we've got “Dirty Old Town”, which is actually a song that came from England, only to become an Irish classic. There's no better sign of an Irish classic than the song being performed by both The Dubliners and The Pogues, just like "The Auld Triangle" discussed above.
What's most impressive about this little number is that it somehow manages to capture the gritty beauty of industrial towns, and if you take the time to listen, it's guaranteed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and affection for your hometown.
“The Rocky Road to Dublin”
If you're a sucker for a fast-paced traditional Irish song then let us put you onto this next banger. This song reveals a story of a man’s journey from his home in Tuam, County Galway, to Liverpool. It gets the stamp of approval when it comes to 'Irishness', as it features rapid-fire lyrics that are filled with local references and slang. This makes it all the more enjoyable as you get to decrypt any terms that you aren't familiar with and belt out those that you are whenever the song is played.
“Grace”
Next on our list of top Irish songs is “Grace”, which was written back in 1985 and tells the story of Grace Gifford, who married Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Gaol just hours before his execution for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising. Quite the story, right? Such a story is definitely worthy of its very own song.
As you might have expected, the song is romantic yet tragic. Since its release, the song has been covered by many Irish artists and can be heard at weddings and commemorative events, symbolising love and sacrifice in Irish culture.
“The Town I Loved So Well” (Phil Coulter)
At this point in your reading, you may be noticing a trend. Many of Ireland's most treasured and celebrated songs are those that come from or are about its history. Ireland is a country that has no shortage of stories that need to be told, like this one that reflects on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. When you first throw it on, you'll hear a flood of nostalgic memories of the songwriter’s childhood, and then as the song goes on, it will shift to describe the impact of conflict on his beloved hometown.
“Zombie” (The Cranberries)
Ending our list on a strong note, Zombie by The Cranberries has become one of the most internationally recognised Irish songs. Another politically charged anthem that was actually written in response to the 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington, England.
Its anti-violence sentiment is a message that has resonated with listeners around the world. Even to this day, if you were ever to pass an Irish bar while you're away travelling or on holidays, you'll likely hear the chorus "Zombie" being chanted by all in attendance.
Celebrating Iconic Irish Songs
We hope this list of the most famous Irish songs has helped shine a light on just how deep and diverse the country’s musical roots truly are. We’ve discussed everything at this point, from traditional ballads to modern anthems; these tracks reflect the soul, struggles, and stories of Ireland in ways that words alone often can’t.
Whether you’re rediscovering old favourites or hearing some of these songs for the first time, each one offers a unique window into Irish culture and identity. So go ahead, press play on Spotify, Soundcloud, or wherever you stream your music, turn it up, and let Ireland’s greatest tunes carry you away.
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