For a small island nation, Ireland certainly stands tall in the global music scene. The country has produced some major talents over the years. The influence of these groups is undeniable, with many of their songs being recognised and played regularly all across the globe. While there have been some giants to have come out of the Emerald Isle, with the way the island’s music scene has been going over the past decade, the future appears to be in good hands. In this article, we’re going to take a look at fifteen of Ireland’s best bands.
The diversity of the music created here in Ireland will be on full display as we tuck into the waves that are being made by groups across a variety of genres.
Our list also features some emerging talents that, although they may not have the platinum record to match some of the other mentions on our list, they do possess the talent and playing ability that warrant their place on the list.
U2
In the interest of avoiding our list being thrown out the window from the get-go, there was simply no getting around kicking our article off with U2. Everyone has their own taste when it comes to music.
However, U2 was one band that challenged this, making music that was loved by just about anyone who took the time to listen. The records speak for themselves, as the group sold over 150 million across the globe.
They were perhaps best known for their emotionally charged songs that made for some stellar live performances that either you or your parents can likely recall to this very day. We guess you could call them one of the first Irish boy bands, but they probably wouldn't be too pleased to hear that!
These groups have often performed and reimagined Ireland's most famous songs.
The man behind the glasses, Bono and the talented guitarist, The Edge, have become household names not just here in Ireland but far beyond. So, much so that if you were to venture anywhere in the world and mention that you were Irish, it likely wouldn't be too long before U2 was mentioned. Besides all of their major hits and memorable performances, the band is also well-known for their activism, especially around issues like human rights and global poverty.
Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy is another group that just had to be mentioned right off the bat. This band can best be described as your favourite band’s favourite band. With all the one-hit wonders that come around in the current generations and bands having big social media followings, one always wonders who will truly be remembered?
Thin Lizzy emerged from Dublin in the late 60s and went on to become one of the most influential hard rock bands of their time. The prevalence of their music over 60 years after their formation speaks volumes about their impact as a band.
Of course, a massive part of what made the group what it was was the larger-than-life icon Phil Lynott. With Phil at the wheel, the group combined soulful vocals, poetic lyrics, and dual lead guitar harmonies to create a sound that inspired countless acts in metal and rock. You could walk into any bar in the country and throw on one of their tracks like Jailbreak, Whiskey in the Jar, and The Boys Are Back in Town, and it would be met with an uproar of enthusiasm.
Looking back and connecting the dots, you might say it’s no wonder that their blend of Irish storytelling and heavy riffs would have been such a timeless success.
Female musicians have played significant roles in these bands; learn more about Ireland's top people in music.
The Cranberries
Stringing three legends together in a row, the Cranberries were another group that spoke to music fans far beyond the borders of Ireland. There is something truly artistic about making music that is so distinct and recognisable, and that’s exactly what this band accomplished. Their sound piggybacked off the incredible and distinct voice of Dolores O’Riordan, creating their enchanting sound that took indie rock, dream pop, and Celtic influences.
If you’ve ever seen a singer busking in the streets, it's highly likely that they had a Cranberries song on their set list. Despite the band coming from Limerick, their songs like Zombie, Dreams, and Linger travelled to all corners of the globe.
Fontaines D.C.
Fontaines D.C. are the perfect example of how the country's best days for music could very well still be ahead of us. This band have exploded since their debut album ‘Dogrel’, which instantly got them right into the playlist of every post-punk lover around the world.
They are definitely one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Dublin in recent years.
They have a very distinct poetic take on post-punk that has earned them comparisons to Joy Division and The Fall, but their Irish identity remains front and centre. What’s even more impressive is that each album they’ve released during their very active time as a band has had a new and distinct sound.
In 2022, the band won the NME award for 'Best Band in the World'. This award recognised their influence and prominence in the contemporary music scene.
As their music has evolved, they’ve only garnered more recognition while holding on to that grit and authenticity that got them there in the first place.
Lankum
Lankum is a band that truly represents everything it means to be Irish through its unique Irish folk music. The band have taken off in recent years, capturing the attention of far more listeners than would typically listen to the genre. It’s certainly an incredible accomplishment for a band to do so much for their country's music, making it more accessible and bringing it to new ears across the world.
If you haven’t already checked them out, make sure to add their albums, The Livelong Day and False Lankum. Their live performances are immersive and deeply emotional, often feeling more like rituals than concerts. Some of these bands have roots in or connections to Irish country music, showcasing the genre's influence.
Bricknasty
Bricknasty is widely considered to be one of the most exciting up-and-coming groups to emerge out of Dublin. Despite being in the early days of their journey, the collective has wasted no time pushing genre boundaries with a raw fusion of jazz, R&B, hip hop, and soul.
If you were to go around Dublin asking music fans who their favourite group was at the moment, you can expect the band to be mentioned a number of times.
They have this lo-fi production and emotional lyricism that is so captivating, drawing on the experiences of inner-city youth in Ireland.
The band refuse to be put in a box with their unconventional structure as a rotating collective, which really keeps their sound fresh and makes for an exciting listen.
No matter how many times you repeat any of their albums or singles on Spotify, they’ll never become stale, which might get you excited about the trajectory of where the group are heading.
The Pogues
It feels like a minute since we mentioned one of the country's musical legends, so let's throw in the Pogues into the mix. The band took Irish folk music on their back and brought it to punk audiences all over back in the 1980s. There are few voices as recognisable as the chaotic genius that is Shane MacGowan.
He’s a voice that you’re definitely already familiar with, whether you realise it or not. Each Christmas, you likely hear Fairytale of New York being belted in your kitchen as the turkey is being prepared or on the car radio for the entirety of the month of December.
The band was also responsible for other major hits like Dirty Old Town and A Pair of Brown Eyes, which can be heard being belted out in pubs across the country every weekend.
My Bloody Valentine
Now, moving on to My Bloody Valentine, which many would consider to be one of the most influential alternative bands ever to come out of Ireland. If you really want to dive into some of their music and give them the listen they deserve, you can start with their most iconic release, Loveless (1991) and move from there. It’s very rare that an artist or album takes time away, only to come back and surpass the expectations that have mounted in their absence.
The band’s 2013 return, m b v, a long-awaited follow-up that was well-received by critics and fans alike, was blasted out in their loud live shows that they had become so famous for.
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol are the kind of band that finds itself on the playlist of your aunt, nephew, and friends all at the same time. Their wide appeal found mainstream success in the early 2000s with emotional alt-rock anthems like Chasing Cars and Run.
Despite being heard in the background of reeling in the years from time to time, their music is often the go-to choice for a road trip. Similar to how we said Fountains were a group that is always evolving their sound, Snow Patrol have also changed stylistically over the years, while holding on to their devoted fanbase.
Villagers
If the thought of some softspoken lyrics appeals to you, then you’re going to love singer-songwriter Conor O’Brien, who’s the backbone of the Villagers. Don’t take our word for it, sit down and have a listen to their Mercury Prize-nominated albums like Becoming a Jackal and Darling Arithmetic and understand the hype for yourself.
They explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and human connection, which definitely resonate with listeners and will have you listening to each song a couple of times over to fully grasp the subject matter. Several of these bands have featured Ireland's leading female vocalists as members or collaborators.
The Coronas
The Coronas are a group who have long been in the public eye here in Ireland; however, over the past decade, their recognition has grown, pulling in audiences across the globe. Their catchy hooks, heartfelt lyrics, and polished production have been the recipe for their success, as they have yet to spend an extended period outside the Irish charts since they began in Dublin.
This exposure, coupled with their extensive touring, has captured them a devoted fanbase that can’t get enough of their unique blend of indie sensibilities and arena rock energy.
Gilla Band (formerly Girl Band)
If they’re not already on your radar, then let Gilla Band be our gift to you. Formerly known as Girl Band, they are one of Ireland’s boldest and most experimental rock groups. While listening to their albums at home in your room is definitely going to be an enjoyable experience, it doesn't compare to the energy of their live shows. These gigs are known for getting a little hectic in the best way imaginable, where their punk, industrial, and electronic influences really come alive.
Inhaler
What better addition to your playlist than some homegrown young indie rock? Inhaler is the perfect choice and a more than worthy mention on our list of the best Irish bands. What’s interesting about this group is that the frontman might look a little familiar. Well, the band is led by none other than Elijah Hewson, who happens to be the son of U2’s Bono.
The group have been accomplishing great things at an early stage in their career, having proven themselves with chart-topping releases like It Won’t Always Be Like This. To get to selling-out tours and major festival slots, without having to play the dad card, is exactly why they're one of the most promising acts to watch from Ireland’s new generation.
Aslan
Some bands reach stardom and never take their foot off the gas. Aslan is one of those bands that achieved every musician's dream of going global off the back of their single Crazy World. The centre piece of the band was, without question, Christy Dignam’s soulful voice, who had no trouble gaining the love of the Irish people.
Before he passed, he had cemented himself and the band as some of the most treasured musicians in the country. It’s never too late to begin appreciating their work, so make sure to add a few of their singles to your current rotation and see what you make of them.
The Dubliners
The Dubliners were instrumental in bringing Irish folk music to global audiences. Formed in the 1960s, they combined skilled musicianship with raucous energy and a deep respect for traditional songs. While you’ve definitely heard their classics, The Wild Rover, Seven Drunken Nights, and Molly Malone on countless occasions, you’ll never get sick of them. Their legacy continues through generations of folk musicians who followed in their footsteps, and there’s definitely a piece of them in each of the mentions on our list.
Appreciating Irish Music
Hopefully, our list of the top Irish bands has struck a good balance between the major names that have put Ireland on the map when it comes to music, while also featuring some of the talented groups looking to achieve a similar status for themselves.
While you might have your homework cut out for you with several new bands and albums to make the time to listen to, we’re confident that it’ll result in a number of new additions to your playlist. Celebrating the best Irish bands and listening to their music keeps their music alive. Happy listening!
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