Irish Folk Music: Where to Find It Online for Free

Love Irish folk music? Here are some of the best places to find it online for free!

Irish Folk Music Basics

Irish Folk music is the traditional music of Ireland. It is a genre of music that dates back hundreds of years. Irish Folk music is a blend of many different types of music, including Celtic, English, Scottish, and Welsh. It is a very versatile genre of music that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

What is Irish folk music?

Irish folk music is the traditional music of the island of Ireland. It is a very old genre, with its roots in the oral tradition. Folk music was originally passed down from one generation to the next by word of mouth, and later through songs, ballads, and dance tunes.

Irish folk music has many different subgenres, including traditional Irish, Celtic rock, and Celtic fusion. Traditional Irish folk music is characterised by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, and bodhrán. Celtic rock is a more modern genre that combines elements of traditional Irish folk music with rock and roll. Celtic fusion is a genre that combines elements of traditional Irish folk music with other genres such as jazz or electronica.

There are many excellent online resources for learning about and listening to Irish folk music. The website Traditional Music Library is a good place to start exploring this genre. The site offers a wide range of Irish folk songs, both traditional and contemporary, that can be streamed or downloaded for free. Another great resource for Irish folk music is C trailing Tunes, which offers a searchable database of over 200,000 traditional tunes from all over the world.

Where does Irish folk music come from?

Irish folk music has its roots in the traditional music of Ireland. Irish traditional music is a genre of music that includes ballads, reels, jigs, and other types of music that were typically performed by itinerant Irish musicians known as “travelling players” or “céilí bands”. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Irish folk music was closely associated with the Gaelic-speaking peasantry of Ireland. It was only in the late 20th century that Irish folk music began to achieve mainstream popularity in Ireland.

Today, there are many different styles of Irish folk music, including traditional Irish folk, Celtic folk, and contemporary folk. Traditional Irish folk music is characterised by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, and bodhrán. Celtic folk music is a more modern style of folk music that incorporates elements from other genres such as rock and pop. Contemporary Irish folk music is a catch-all term for any style offolkmusic that is popular in Ireland today.

If you’re interested in learning more about Irish folk music, there are many great resources available online. The website Celtichorizons.com offers a comprehensive guide to Celtic and Irish Folk Music, with articles on its history, instruments, and major performers. The website also has a section on where to find Celtic and Irish Folk Music online for free.

What are the main instruments used in Irish folk music?

Instrumentation in traditional Irish music is very diverse, – but certain instruments tend to predominate. The fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, penny whistle, low whistle, flute, bodhran (a frame drum), uilleann pipes and concertina are particularly associated with Irish music.

The fiddle is by far the most widespread of these instruments, played in every musical style – from slow airs to fast reels and jigs. It’s sometimes called the “national instrument of Ireland”. The tin whistle is also very popular – it’s easy to learn and inexpensive to purchase, making it a great choice for anyone interested in learning to play traditional Irish music.

The accordion is another essential instrument in Irish music. It provides the melody in many tunes, as well as being used for accompaniment. The flute and penny whistle are often used together in Irish music – they have a unique sound that’s perfect for fast-paced tunes such as reels and jigs.

The bodhran is a percussion instrument that’s commonly used in traditional Irish music. It’s played with a wooden stick or mallet, and produces a distinctive “thump” that helps to keep the rhythm of the music.

The uilleann pipes are a type of bagpipe that’s unique to Ireland. They have a mellower sound than other types of bagpipes, and are often used in slow airs and ballads. The concertina is a wind instrument that’s similar to an accordion – it has bellows that are squeezed by the player’s hands, which forces air through metal reeds to produce sound.

Where to Find Irish Folk Music Online

Irish folk music is a genre that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Thanks to the internet, it is now easier than ever to find this type of music for free. In this article, we will list some of the best places to find Irish folk music online.

Spotify

If you’re looking to get your Irish on this St. Patrick’s Day, Spotify has you covered with a range of traditional Irish folk music to help get you into the spirit of the holiday. From well-known artists like The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers to up-and-coming artists like We Banjo 3 and Dervish, there’s something for everyone on this list.

And the best part is that all of these albums are available to stream for free on Spotify! So pour yourself a pint of Guinness, put on your best green outfit, and get ready to enjoy some great Irish folk music.

iTunes

If you have an Apple device, iTunes is a great place to start your search for Irish folk music. You can find a variety of traditional and contemporary Irish folk songs on the iTunes Store, and many of them are available for free.

To narrow down your search, go to the iTunes Store and select the “Music” tab. From there, choose the “Folk” genre from the drop-down menu. You can also use the “iTunes Essentials” playlist, which includes a selection of popular Irish folk songs.

Once you’ve found an Irish folk song that you like, be sure to check out the artist’s other work. You can usually find a link to the artist’s website or social media page on their iTunes profile. This is a great way to show your support for Irish musicians and find even more great music!

YouTube

If you’re looking for Irish folk music, YouTube is a great place to start your search. There are a number of channels devoted to this genre, and you can find everything from popular songs to traditional ballads. While you may have to wade through some less-than-stellar videos, there are Hidden Gems to be found.

Two of our favorite Irish folk music YouTube channels are Traditional Music Library and The Celtic Music Channel. Traditional Music Libraryhas an impressive collection of videos, with something for everyone. The Celtic Music Channelisn’t as comprehensive, but the videos it does have are top quality.

Both channels feature a mix of traditional and contemporary Irish folk music, so you’re sure to find something to your taste. And best of all, it’s all free! So put on your dancing shoes and enjoy some Irish music today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many great places to find free Irish folk music online. Whether you want to listen to traditional songs or modern renditions, there are plenty of options available. Whether you’re looking for a specific artist or just want to explore the genre, these websites will have something for you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some Irish folk music!