The Best Irish Folk Music Albums to Check Out

Check out a list of the best Irish Folk music albums to listen to, perfect for getting into the Celtic spirit!

Irish Folk Music

Irish folk music is a genre of folk music that developed in Ireland. It has been influenced by the music of Ireland’s neighbors, particularly Scotland and England. Irish folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Here are some of the best Irish folk music albums to check out.

What is Irish Folk Music?

Irish folk music is a genre of folk music that developed in Ireland. It has remained popular throughout the centuries, despite various periods of decline and renewals. It is played both solo and in ensembles, often using traditional instruments such as the Irish flute, tin whistle, accordion, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and concertina.

The lyrics of Irish folk songs often deal with topics such as love, loss, emigration, war and rebellion. They often have a light-hearted or humorous tone, but there are also many songs with a more serious subject matter.

There is no one definitive album that can be said to represent all of Irish folk music, but there are many great albums that showcase the diversity and richness of this genre. Here are just a few of the best Irish folk music albums to check out.

Origins of Irish Folk Music

Irish folk music has its roots in the traditional music of Ireland. This music is generally characterised by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, accordion and bodhran, as well as its distinctive vocal style. Irish folk music has also been influenced by a variety of other genres over the years, including rock and roll, jazz and blues.

The origins of Irish folk music can be traced back to the 16th century, when the first Irish folk songs were written down and published. These early songs were mostly about topics such as love, loss and emigration, and they quickly became popular among the Irish people. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Irish folk music underwent a golden age, with a number of famous musicians and bands emerging on the scene. These included The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners and The Chieftains.

Irish folk music has continued to evolve over the centuries, and it remains hugely popular both in Ireland and around the world. If you’re interested in checking out some of the best Irish folk albums out there, here are five that we recommend:

-The Pogues – Rum Sodomy & The Lash (1985)
-The Dubliners – The Dubliners (1964)
-The Chieftains – The Chieftains 5 (1964)
-Planxty – The Planxty Collection (1973)
-Altan – Harvest Storm (1989)

Best Irish Folk Music Albums

Irish folk music is some of the richest and most varied in the world. There are literally hundreds of great Irish folk music albums out there. But which ones should you check out? Here are ten of the best, in no particular order.

The Dubliners

The Dubliners are one of the most iconic Irish folk bands of all time. Formed in 1962, the group went on to release a string of bestselling albums and singles, including “The Wild Rover” and “Seven Drunken Nights”. They were also one of the first Irish folk bands to achieve international success, touring extensively throughout Europe and the US. If you’re looking for a classic Irish folk album, then The Dubliners is a great place to start.

The Chieftains

The Chieftains are an Irish musical group founded in Dublin in 1962, by Paddy Moloney, Sean Potts and Michael Tubridy. The band has undergone numerous personnel changes over the years, with Tubridy and Potts the only remaining original members; Moloney retired from touring in 2017. The Chieftains’ sound has been described as “layers of Celtic melody beautifully crafted around Irish traditional percussion.” They have won six Grammy Awards during their career, and their work has been used in many films and television series.

The Chieftains have released over 40 albums, with their most recent being 2018’s Irish Heartbeat. They have also collaborated with many other artists, including Van Morrison, Sting, Mick Jagger, Carol Ann Duffy, Roger Daltrey and Sinéad O’Connor.

Planxty

Planxty is the first album by the Irish folk music band Planxty, released in 1973. It featured traditional tunes and songs, some of which were sung in Irish. The album’s title refers to a type of dance tune peculiar to Ireland.

The album was recorded in two sessions, the first in June 1972 and the second in January 1973. It was released later that year on Polydor Records. The album was re-released on CD in 2000 by Virgin Records, with four bonus tracks.

Critical reception for Planxty was positive and the album is now considered a classic of Irish folk music. In 2003, Rolling Stone included the album in their list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, and in 2005, Q magazine included it in their list of “The 100 Greatest Albums Ever”.

The Pogues

One of the most influential Irish bands of all time, The Pogues formed in 1982 and mixed traditional Irish folk with punk rock. They are best known for their hit song “Fairytale of New York,” which is often played during the Christmas season. The Pogues’ album Rum, Sodomy & the Lash is considered one of the greatest folk albums ever made.

Irish Folk Music Today

Irish Folk music has changed and developed greatly over the past few decades. What was once a genre of music that was only popular in Ireland has now become popular all over the world. Thanks to the internet, people from all over the globe can now access Irish Folk music easily. In this article, we will be discussing the best Irish Folk music albums that you should check out.

Contemporary Irish Folk Musicians

Irish folk music is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, both in Ireland and abroad. If you’re looking for some contemporary Irish folk musicians to check out, here are a few of the best.

The Dubliners are one of the most well-known and respected Irish folk bands. They’ve been making music since 1962, and their lineup has included some of the biggest names in Irish folk music, like Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew. The Dubliners are known for their lively stage performances and their repertoire of traditional Irish songs.

The Chieftains are another hugely popular Irish folk band. They were formed in 1963 and have been touring and recording ever since. The Chieftains are known for their innovative approach to traditional Irish music, incorporating elements of jazz, classical, and rock into their sound. They’ve won six Grammy Awards and been nominated for numerous others.

The Pogues are an iconic Irish folk-punk band that formed in London in 1982. They’re known for their raucous live shows and their signature blend of traditional Irish music with punk energy and attitude. The Pogues have had numerous lineup changes over the years, but they continue to be a popular live act.

The Saw Doctors are a popular Irish rock band that formed in 1986 in Knocknacarra, County Galway. They’re known for their catchy hooks and sing-along choruses. The Saw Doctors have had a number of hits in Ireland and the UK, including “I Useta Lover” and “To Win Just Once.”

These are just a few of the many great Irish folk bands worth checking out today. Whether you’re looking for traditional tunes or something with a little more edge, there’s an Irish folk band out there that will suit your taste.

Where to Find Irish Folk Music Today

Though it may not be as popular as it once was, Irish folk music is still alive and well. If you’re looking for modern takes on traditional tunes, or just want to hear some great music, here are a few albums to check out.

The Best of Scottish & Irish Folk Music
Various Artists
This compilation album from Greentrax Recordings features both traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish folk songs. With over two hours of music, it’s a great way to get a taste of the genre.

The Definitive Irish Folk Collection
Various Artists
Released by Celtic Collections, this 3-disc set includes over five hours of music from some of the most popular Irish folk artists, including The Dubliners, The Wolfe Tones, and Tommy Makem.

The Essential Irish Folk Collection
Various Artists
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive collection, this 4-disc set from ARC Music features over seven hours of music from over two dozen different artists. With classics like “The Wild Rover” and “Danny Boy” alongside more modern tunes, it’s perfect for any fan of Irish folk music.