Celtic Folk Music to Get You in the Mood

Celtic folk music has a way of getting you into the mood for anything. Whether you’re getting ready for a big night out or just need to relax, these 10 songs will do the trick.

Celtic Music Basics

Celtic folk music is a type of music that originates from the Celtic region of Europe. Celtic music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, bagpipe, and accordion, and its unique, often haunting melodies. Celtic music has a long history and has been influenced by a variety of genres, including classical, rock, and jazz.

What is Celtic music?

Celtic music is a genre of folk music that has its roots in the Celtic cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. In its modern form, Celtic music is a fusion of traditional folk music and contemporary pop and rock influences.

Celtic music is characterized by its use of traditional folk instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, bagpipes, penny whistle and bodhran (a traditional Irish drum). Celtic music also often features complex harmonies and intricate melodic lines.

The term “Celtic” can be used to describe anything related to the cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. This includes things like Celtic art, Celtic literature and Celtic languages.

In recent years, the popularity of Celtic music has exploded due to the success of bands like Clannad, Enya, The Corrs and Gaelic Storm.

The history of Celtic music

Celtic music is a genre of folk music that has its roots in the Celtic cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. The music is generally characterized by its use of traditional instruments and rhythms, as well as its focus on themes of Celtic mythology and history.

The history of Celtic music is a long and complex one, with roots reaching back thousands of years to the music of the ancient Celts. In more recent history, the genre has been shaped by the many different cultures that have come to make up the Celtic world. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their own musical traditions to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, while British Invasion bands like The Beatles popularized Celtic influences in rock music.

Today, Celtic music is enjoyed by people all over the world. It has been adapted and reinvented by artists from all genres, making it one of the most versatile and popular forms of folk music today.

The instruments used in Celtic music

Irish music is played on a wide variety of traditional instruments, many of which are common to other Celtic traditions. These include the fiddle, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, bodhran (a type of hand drum), harp, accordion and concertina.

In addition to these instruments, there are also a number of unique Irish instruments that you might not be familiar with. These include the Irish bouzouki (a type of stringed instrument), the mandolin, the Celtic harp and the banjo.

The Different Types of Celtic Music

Celtic music is a genre of folk music that originated in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany. The music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, bagpipes, and harp, and its unique vocal style. Celtic music has been influences by a variety of other genres over the years, including rock and roll, hip hop, and classical music.

Traditional Celtic music

Traditional Celtic music is the music of the Celtic peoples, which includes the countries of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. This music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, bagpipes, tin whistle and accordion. It also often features traditional songs with Gaelic or Welsh lyrics. This type of music has been passed down through the generations and is still popular today.

Contemporary Celtic music

Though we typically think of Celtic music as being old, there is in fact a contemporary side to it as well. Contemporary Celtic music takes the traditional style of Celtic music and updates it for modern audiences. This can be done in a number of ways, such as adding in elements of pop, rock, or even hip hop. Many contemporary Celtic musicians use traditional instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bagpipes, but they may also incorporate electric guitars and drum kits. This type of music often has a very high energy level and can be great for dancing. Some well-known contemporary Celtic bands include Flogging Molly, The Dropkick Murphys, Great Big Sea, and The Saw Doctors.

Celtic rock

Celtic rock is a genre of folk rock, as well as a form of Celtic punk. It developed in the mid-1970s with bands such as the Pogues, and is inextricably linked to the punk movement. In many ways, it can be seen as a reaction against the often formulaic and commercial nature of mainstream Irish music.

Celtic rock bands often use traditional Irish instruments such as fiddles, bodhrans and accordions, alongside electric guitars and drums. They often have a rough, gritty sound which sets them apart from more mainstream folk acts.

While Celtic rock is very much its own genre, it has also been influential on other forms of music, particularly punk and indie rock. Many of the most popular Celtic rock bands, such as Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys, have toured with punk bands such as NOFX and Rancid.

Celtic punk

Celtic punk is a subgenre of folk punk, and as such, combines elements of both genres. Celtic punk typically features instruments such as the acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, accordion and tin whistle, as well as rock instruments such as the electric guitar, bass guitar and drums. The genre also features strong television and book influences; many bands take their name from Celtic literature or legends.

The Best Celtic Folk Music Albums

Celtic folk music has a rich history dating back centuries, and has been used to lift the spirits and moods of people for just as long. With its lively rhythms and soulful melodies, it’s no wonder this genre of music is still popular today. If you’re looking for the best Celtic folk music to lift your spirits, you can’t go wrong with any of these albums.

The Chieftains – The Celtic Harp

The Celtic Harp is the 1992 album by The Chieftains. It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 1993. The album is a collection of harp-driven Celtic folk songs. Some of the tracks on the album are traditional folk songs, while others are original compositions. The title track, “The Celtic Harp”, is an original composition by Paddy Moloney.

Solas – The Edge of Silence

This album Celt-rock band Solas shows the groups incredible range, from upbeat, driving tracks to haunting ballads. If you’re looking for music that will make you want to dance a jig or sing along at the top of your lungs, this is the album for you.

Capercaillie – To the Moon

This album is perfect for anyone looking for a taste of traditional Celtic music. Featuring both original compositions and traditional folk songs, Capercaillie’s To the Moon is an essential album for any fan of the genre.

With beautiful melodies and stirring vocals, Capercaillie’s To the Moon is sure to transport you to another world. From the energetic opener “Coisich a’ Rùin” to the haunting ballad ” Mondhura,” this album is full of unforgettable moments. Whether you’re looking for a toe-tapping tune or a moving ballad, Capercaillie’s To the Moon has something for everyone.

The Bothy Band – Old Hag You Have Killed Me

The Bothy Band was a Irish traditional music group that was founded in January 1975 and originally composed of mostly young musicians. The group’s first album, Old Hag You Have Killed Me, was released in 1977 to great critical acclaim. The album featured a blend of traditional Irish tunes and original compositions, all played with great skill and energy. The Bothy Band’s sound was unlike anything that had been heard before in traditional Irish music, and the group quickly became one of the most influential bands in the genre. Old Hag You Have Killed Me is widely considered to be one of the best Celtic folk music albums ever made, and it is essential listening for any fan of traditional Irish music.

The Best Celtic Folk Songs

Celtic Folk music is the perfect way to get into the autumnal spirit. There’s something about the sound of the fiddle and the bagpipes that just feels like fall. If you’re looking for the best Celtic Folk songs to get you in the mood, look no further. Here are our top picks.

“The Parting Glass” by The Wailin’ Jennys

“The Parting Glass” is a traditional Irish folk song that has been recorded by many artists over the years. The Wailin’ Jennys’ version is a beautiful rendition of this classic song.

The lyrics of “The Parting Glass” are about parting ways with friends and loved ones, and the sadness that comes with saying goodbye. The song is often sung at funerals and other times of loss, as it is a reminder that those we love are never really gone from our lives.

The Wailin’ Jennys are a Canadian folk music group consisting of three women: Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta, and Heather Masse. They have released five albums, including their latest, Fifteen, in 2016.

“The Wild Rover” by The Dubliners

The Wild Rover is a traditional Irish folk song about a thirsty traveller who’s looking for a pint of ale. The song is set in an unspecified rural location, and it’s thought to date back to the 18th century. It’s been recorded by many artists over the years, but The Dubliners’ version is one of the most popular.

“Danny Boy” by Celtic Woman

“Danny Boy” is a ballad written by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly and usually set to the Irish tune of the “Londonderry Air”. It is about a young man who is left to fend for himself after his sweetheart marries someone else. Celtic Woman, an all-female Irish musical ensemble, recorded a version of the song in 2006. The group’s Mayo-born lead singer, Chloë Agnew, delivers a heart-wrenching performance of the tune, which touches on themes of loss, love, and betrayal.

“I’ll Tell Me Ma” by The Pogues

This song is a cover of an old Irish folk song, and it’s one of the most famous Celtic folk songs around. It’s upbeat and catchy, and it’s sure to get you in the mood for a good time.

The Best Celtic Folk Festivals

Celtic Folk music has the ability to transport you to another time and place. It’s the perfect genre of music to get you in the mood for a festival. There are many Celtic Folk Festivals happening around the world, and we’ve compiled a list of the best ones for you to enjoy.

The Glasgow Celtic Connections Festival

The Glasgow Celtic Connections Festival is one of the best Celtic folk festivals in the world. It is held every year in January and February in Glasgow, Scotland. The festival features over 2,000 musicians from all over the world, as well as hundreds of events, including concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, talks, and more.

The Edinburgh Folk Festival

The Edinburgh Folk Festival is one of the most prestigious Celtic folk festivals in the world. It takes place every August in Edinburgh, Scotland and features some of the most famous Celtic folk musicians from around the globe. If you’re a fan of Celtic folk music, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.

The Hebridean Celtic Festival

Held annually on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, the Hebridean Celtic Festival is a celebration of Celtic music and culture from all over the world. Featuring both traditional and contemporary artists, the festival offers something for everyone. With over 100 performances, there is sure to be something to please everyone.