Folk Music in Northern Ireland
A blog about folk music in Northern Ireland, its history and how it’s evolved.
The Tradition
Folk music in Northern Ireland has a long and rich history. It is steeped in the country’s Celtic tradition and has been influenced by a number of other genres over the years. The music is an important part of the culture of Northern Ireland and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Origins
Folk music in Northern Ireland has been influenced by many factors including English/Scottish/Cornish ballads, Irish traditional music, popular songs from Britain and mainland Europe and, most recently, American country music and rock and roll. Irish immigrants brought their own songs to the United States and Australia.
The Troubles
The Troubles was a period of time in Northern Ireland when there was violence between the Nationalist and Unionist communities. This violence led to many people dying and many more being injured. The music of this time reflects the pain and suffering that the people of Northern Ireland went through during this period.
The Music
Traditional Irish music is a living, evolving tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The music is an expression of the culture and history of the people of Ireland. It is the music of the people, for the people, and about the people. The music is a source of great pride for the people of Ireland and is an important part of their heritage.
Instruments
The accordion and fiddle are perhaps the most recognized traditional Irish instruments. The accordion is a hand-held keyboard instrument with hinged bellows. It is played by compressing or expanding the bellows to create air flow through the instrument, which then forces the reeds to vibrate and create sound. The fiddle is a stringed instrument that is played by drawing a bow across the strings.
Other traditional Irish instruments include the flute, tin whistle, bagpipes, drums, and bodhran (a type of hand drum). These instruments are often used in folk music, although there is no strict delineation between folk and traditional music.
Styles
There are many different styles of Folk music in Northern Ireland. The most popular styles include Traditional Irish, Scottish, and Celtic music.
Traditional Irish music is the oldest and most popular type of Folk music in Northern Ireland. It is often played on traditional Irish instruments such as the fiddle, bodhran, flute, and tin whistle. Traditional Irish music is often passed down from generation to generation and is very important to the Irish culture.
Scottish music is also quite popular in Northern Ireland. Many of the early Scottish settlers brought their musical traditions with them when they settled in Northern Ireland. Scottish music is often very upbeat and lively, and is often played on traditional Scottish instruments such as the bagpipes and Highland drums.
Celtic music is a type of Folk music that originated in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany. Celtic music is often very beautiful and lyrical, and features instruments such as the harp, penny whistle, and accordion.
The Scene Today
At the heart of the folk music scene in Northern Ireland is the Belfast-based Celtic Wolfband. The five-piece band covers a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk tunes, and their music has been enjoyed by audiences across the world. The Celtic Wolfband is just one of the many folk bands that are keeping the folk music tradition alive in Northern Ireland today.
Venues
There are many great places to see live music in Northern Ireland, from small, intimate clubs to large concert halls. Here are just a few of the many great venues you can find across the country:
The Black Box: Located in Belfast, the Black Box is one of the city’s premier music venues. It hosts a wide variety of music acts, from folk and traditional to rock and pop.
The Oh Yeah Music Centre: Also located in Belfast, the Oh Yeah Music Centre is a great place to catch up-and-coming talent. It’s also home to the Northern Ireland Music Hall of Fame.
The Docklands: The Docklands is a popular live music venue in Derry ~ Londonderry. It’s located in an old tobacco warehouse on the banks of the River Foyle and offers spectacular views of the city.
The Girdwood Community Hub: The Girdwood Community Hub is a community centre that hosts a wide range of events, including live music gigs. It’s located in north Belfast and is easily accessible by public transport.
Festivals
Folk music and dance in Northern Ireland today is as vibrant as it’s ever been. There are dozens of folk festivals held every year, many of which attract visitors from all over the world.
The Northern Irish folk scene is particularly known for its warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. At any folk festival in Northern Ireland, you’re sure to meet new friends and have a great time.
Some of the most popular festivals include the Belfast Folk Festival, the Fermanagh Gaelic Roots Festival, and the Armagh Rhythms Traditional Music Festival.
If you’re interested in learning more about Northern Irish folk music, there are plenty of great places to start. The BBC Radio Ulster Folk Award-Winning Albums is a good place to begin, as it features some of the best traditional and contemporary folk music from Northern Ireland.
