Irish Folk Music: Free Online Resources

Find out where you can enjoy free Irish folk music online. This blog post provides a list of resources where you can find this type of music.

Irish Folk Music

Irish Folk Music has a long history in Ireland and is steeped in tradition. From ballads to reels, Irish Folk Music is unique and beautiful. If you’re looking to get started with Irish Folk Music, there are a few free online resources that can help you get started. In this article, we’ll share a few of our favourites.

What is Irish Folk Music?

Irish folk music is the music of the people of Ireland. It includes traditional music, ballads, and dance tunes. The music is often accompanied by instruments such as the fiddle, bagpipe, or penny whistle.

Irish folk music has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries, including English and Scottish folk music. In more recent years, American and Canadian folk music has also had an impact on the style of Irish folk music.

History of Irish Folk Music

Irish folk music has evolved over the centuries, absorbing influences from neighboring cultures and adapting to the changing needs of the people. It is at once both ancient and modern, traditional and innovative.

The earliest known examples of Irish folk music date back to the 10th century, when a type of courtly poetry known as Cooperage was sung to the accompaniment of stringed instruments. This tradition continued throughout the medieval period and into the Renaissance, when a more refined form of Cooperage known as lilt began to be popular.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, as Ireland underwent a period of political and economic turmoil, folk music began to decline in popularity. It was not until the 19th century that Irish folk music began to experience a renaissance, thanks in part to the efforts of collector Edward Bunting who collected and transcribed over 3,000 tunes.

Today, Irish folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world. Thanks to the internet, it is easier than ever before to find recordings of traditional Irish tunes or learn how to play them yourself.

Irish Folk Music Today

Irish folk music today is vibrant and full of energy, yet still retains the traditional elements that make it unique. If you’re looking to get started with this genre, there are plenty of free online resources available to help you learn more about Irish folk music and its history.

The Irish Traditional Music Archive is a great place to start your journey into Irish folk music. This website contains a wealth of information on the subject, including a timeline of the genre’s history, profiles of famous Irish folk musicians, and a huge archive of audio recordings.

If you’re interested in learning more about the instruments used in Irish folk music, The Bogerman’Site is an excellent resource. This website offers detailed information on traditional Irish instruments, such as the bodhrán (a type of hand drum) and the tin whistle.

For those wanting to dive deeper into the world of Irish folk music, The Celtic Music hub is a treasure trove of information. This website contains everything from articles on Celtic mythology to reviews of recent Celtic music releases.

Free Online Resources

Irish folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. If you’re interested in learning more about this genre of music, there are a number of free online resources that can help you get started. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best free online resources for learning about Irish folk music.

Websites

If you want to explore Irish folk music, there are many great resources available online. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Irish Traditional Music Archive: This website is devoted to the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. It contains a huge database of resources, including sheet music, audio recordings, and videos.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann: This is the website of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, an international organization that promotes Irish traditional music. It contains a wealth of resources, including a directory of musicians, events, and classes.

Irish Music Central: This website is a great starting point for anyone interested in Irish music. It contains information on all aspects of the genre, from history and traditions to contemporary performers.

These are just a few of the many great websites that offer free resources on Irish folk music. So dive in and start exploring!

YouTube Channels

Looking for some great Irish folk music to get you in the mood for St. Patrick’s Day? Check out these five YouTube channels for some of the best (and free!) online music.

The first channel on our list is Irish Celtic Music, which features a wide variety of traditional songs and tunes from Ireland and Scotland. You’ll find everything from ballads and pub songs to jigs and reels, all performed by some of the best traditional musicians around.

If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, check out Irish Music Central, where you’ll find everything from fiddle tunes and step dancing to Celtic rock and modern folk music. There’s also a great selection of live performances, so you can see the music in action.

For something a little different, take a look at MoiraHerrin’s channel, which features a mix of traditional and original Irish songs performed on the hammered dulcimer. You’ll also find Instrumentals: Celtic Melodies for Relaxation & Meditation, which is perfect for those moments when you need to relax or rejuvenate.

Finally, no list of Irish music channels would be complete without The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem. This legendary group needs no introduction, but if you’re not familiar with their work, you’re in for a treat! With over 200 videos to choose from, there’s something here for everyone.

Online Radio Stations

If you enjoy listening to Irish folk music, there are several online radio stations that you can access for free. These stations offer a variety of music, from traditional Irish tunes to contemporary songs with an Irish flavor. Here are a few of the best online radio stations for Irish music:

– Celtic Radio: This station offers three different channels of music, each with a different focus. The first channel is devoted to traditional Irish music, the second channel plays contemporary Celtic music, and the third channel is a mix of both traditional and contemporary tunes.
– Gaelic Radio: Gaelic Radio offers two channels of music, one featuring traditional Irish tunes and the other playing contemporary Celtic music.
– Celtic MP3s Radio: As the name implies, this station specializes in Celtic MP3s, offering a wide selection of both traditional and contemporary songs.

In addition to these radio stations, there are also several websites that offer free downloads of Irish folk music. This music can be played on your computer or mobile device, and it’s a great way to sample a variety of artists and styles. Here are a few of the best places to find free downloads of Irish folk music:

– Magnatune: Magnatune is a website that offers a wide variety of musical genres for download, including Celtic and folk. All of the music on Magnatune is available for free, and you can choose to either download individual tracks or entire albums.
– Celt-Lore: Celt-Lore is another great source for free Celtic and folk music downloads. The website offers both MP3 and WAV format options, so you can choose the file type that works best for you.
– The Session: The Session is a website devoted to traditional Irish music. In addition to offering sheet music and articles about various aspects of Irish folk music, The Session also has a large selection of tunes available for download.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy Irish folk music for free online. Whether you want to listen to traditional songs, play along with others in a virtual session, or learn how to play an instrument, there are resources available to help you get started.

What’s great about folk music is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a complete beginner, there’s a place for you in the Irish folk music community. So why not give it a try? You might just find yourself hooked on this vibrant and exciting genre.