The Best Irish Folk Music Playlist
Contents
A comprehensive guide to the best Irish Folk music, including a Spotify playlist of the top tracks.
Celtic Music- What is it?
Celtic music is a genre of folk music that has its roots in the cultures of the Celtic people. It is a broad term that covers a wide range of musical styles originating from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany. Celtic music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the fiddle, bagpipe, harp and accordion, as well as by its traditional lyrical themes.
Celtic music has come to be appreciated by a global audience in recent years and is now commonly heard at folk festivals, pubs and even on the radio. If you’re looking to add some Celtic flavor to your playlist, check out our list of 10 essential Celtic albums.
The Best Irish Folk Music Playlist
Irish folk music is a genre of folk music that developed in Ireland. It has become popular in many countries, especially in the United States. Irish folk music is often based on traditional Irish tunes and dances. Many of the songs are about love, loss, and heartbreak.
The Rising of the Moon
The Rising of the Moon is one of the most popular Irish folk songs and has been recorded by numerous artists. The song is about the 1798 rebellion in Ireland when the Irish people rose up against British rule. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is fighting for freedom and asks for God’s help in defeating the British.
The song has been covered by many artists, but perhaps the most famous version is by The Wolfe Tones. The Wolfe Tones are an Irish folk band who formed in 1963 and are known for their patriotic and rebel songs. Their version of The Rising of the Moon was released in 1967 and became a huge hit in Ireland. It is still hugely popular today and is often played at Irish events and gatherings.
Other popular versions of The Rising of the Moon include those by Christy Moore, Planxty, and The Dubliners.
The Galway Races
There are few events in the Irish calendar that are as iconic as the Galway Races. Every year, thousands of people descend on the small town of Galway in the west of Ireland for a week-long celebration of horse racing, music, and general revelry.
If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to your Galway Races experience, look no further than this playlist of the best Irish folk music. From well-known classics to hidden gems, it has everything you need to get you in the racing spirit. So whether you’re enjoying a pint of Guinness in a pub or cheering on your horse at the track, make sure to give these tunes a listen.
The Foggy Dew
The Foggy Dew is a ballad recounting the 1916 Easter Rising. It is one of the most well-known and popular Irish folk songs. The song was written by Padraic Colum and was first published in 1916. The song has been recorded by many artists over the years, including Sinead O’Connor, Luke Kelly, and The Pogues.
The Wild Rover
Irish folk music has a long tradition of storytelling, often with a light and humorous touch. “The Wild Rover” is one of the best-known of these songs, and tells the story of a man who goes on a drinking spree after being kicked out of his home. The song is also known for its rollicking chorus, which is perfect for sing-alongs.
The Minstrel Boy
The Minstrel Boy is a popular Irish ballad that was written by Thomas Moore in 1817. It is about a young man who leaves his home to fight in a war, and he is never able to return home. The Minstrel Boy has been covered by many artists over the years, and it is still a popular song today.
Danny Boy
“Danny Boy” is a ballad written by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly and usually set to the Irish tune of the “Londonderry Air”. It is most closely associated with Irish communities.
The song is about a young man who is leaving his homeland to seek his fortune in America. He asks his mother to tell his sweetheart that he will return to her one day.
The original version of the song was written in 1913, but it did not become popular until after World War I. The song has been recorded by many artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Ernest tubb, Cliff Richard, and Judy Garland.
The Parting Glass
The Parting Glass is a traditional Irish folk song, often sung as a farewell or good luck song. It is also a popular choice for funerals and memorials. The lyrics of the song are about a person reflecting on their life and regrets as they prepare to say goodbye to their friends. The tune is thought to be Scottish in origin, and it has been adapted into many different versions over the years. The most popular version was recorded by the Irish band Clannad in 1984, and it has been covered by many other artists since then.
