Irish Folk Songs: Free Sheet Music for Your Favourites

Looking for some free sheet music for your favourite Irish folk songs? Look no further – we’ve got you covered! Check out our collection of Irish folk song sheet music, complete with lyrics and chords.

Introduction

Irish folk music is a genre of folk music that developed in Ireland. It has remained dynamic and varied through the centuries, despite strong English and Scottish influences. The music is generally characterised by complex melody, unusual meter and rhythm, and the extensive use of drones. It is closely related to the traditional music of Scotland and England, as well as to that of Wales, Cornwall and Brittany.

There are many different types of Irish folk songs, ranging from ballads to drinking songs to love songs. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites, along with links to where you can find free sheet music for them. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, there’s something here for you.

We hope you enjoy playing these Irish folk songs!

The Irish Ballad

Irish ballads are perhaps the best-known type of traditional Irish music. These songs often relate tragic or sentimental stories, and many have been popularized by famous Irish bands and musicians such as The Dubliners and The Pogues. If you’re looking for some great Irish ballad sheet music, you’ve come to the right place!

Below, you’ll find our top picks for free Irish ballad sheet music. We’ve selected a mix of well-known classics and hidden gems, so there’s sure to be something here for everyone. Simply click on a title to view the sheet music, or use the search function if you know what you’re looking for.

Happy playing!

The Irish Jig

The Irish jig is a style of dance music that originated in Ireland. It is characterized by a fast tempo and light, bouncy rhythm. Jigs can be danced solo or in groups, and are often performed at folk dance events or ceilidhs (Irish gatherings).

There are many different types of jigs, including the slip jig, the double jig, and the hop jig. The most popular jigs are often those that are easy to dance to and have a catchy tune. Some of the most well-known jigs include “The Irish Washerwoman,” “The Frieze Britches,” and “The Mason’s Apron.”

If you’re interested in learning how to play Irish jigs on the piano, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, most jigs are in 6/8 time signature, which means there are six beats in each measure and each beat is an eighth note. secondly, because they originate from folk music, there isn’t always a strict melody that needs to be followed – instead, the player is free to improvise as they see fit. Finally, jigs often make use of dotted rhythms – this means that some of the notes are played for longer than others, creating a bouncy feel.

Here is an example of sheet music for the Irish jig “The Ash Plant.” As you can see, it is written in 6/8 time signature and makes use of dotted rhythms:

X:1
T:Ash Plant Jig
M:6/8
L:1/8
K:G
|:D2|B2B2|ABAF|GFE2|D2D2|B2B2|ABAF|GFE2:|

The Irish Lullaby

The Irish Lullaby, otherwise known as “Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral” is a sweet melody that is sure to please any baby (or grown-up!) You can find the lyrics and sheet music for the Irish Lullaby below.

The lyrics of the Irish lullaby are thought to have been written by James Royce Shannon. The melody is adapted from an old Irish airs, “The Gartan Mother’s Lullaby”.

“Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral” became popularized in the United States by Bing Crosby, who sang it in the 1944 film Going My Way.

The Irish Reel

The Irish reel is a type of folk dance music associated with Ireland. It is registerd as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Reels vary in tempo, but are generally fast-paced. The reel was brought to North America by Irish immigrants and has become a staple of both Celtic and American folk music traditions.

There are many well-known reel tunes, such as “The Limerick Rake,” “The Maid Behind the Bar,” ” The Humours of Bandon,” “The Rose in the Heather,” and “The Races of Tipperary.” Many of these tunes have been adapted for use in other genres of music, such as bluegrass, cajun, and old-time.

Reels are typically played on fiddles, flutes, tin whistles, accordions, and guitars. They can be accompanied by danced or sung.

The Irish Slip Jig

The Irish slip jig is a type of folk dance that originated in Ireland. It is usually danced to music with a fast tempo and is known for its complex footwork. The Irish slip jig is often danced by couples, but can also be danced by groups of people.

The Irish Washerwoman

The Irish Washerwoman is a traditional Irish folk song. The song is about a woman who is doing her laundry in a river. The song is usually played on the fiddle and the penny whistle.

The lyrics of the song are:
I am the Irish washerwoman
And I am sure I am not very clean
I wash my linen in the river
And I hang it out to dry
I beat it with a willow
And I wring it in my hands
And I hang it out to dry

The Irish Wedding Song

The Irish Wedding Song is a traditional Irish folk song that is often sung at weddings. It is also known as “I Love You Truly” or “I Will Love You Forever”. The lyrics of the song are written in a very romantic and sentimental style, making it a perfect choice for a wedding song. The Irish Wedding Song has been recorded by many artists, including Celtic Woman, Sinead O’Connor, and The High Kings.

The Minstrel Boy

The Minstrel Boy is an old Irish folk song that was popularised in the 18th century. It tells the story of a young boy who is sent away to fight in a war, but is tragically killed. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including folk legend Bob Dylan.

The sheet music for The Minstrel Boy is available for free on our website. simply click on the link below to download it.

[Link to PDF of sheet music]

The Wild Rover

One of the most famous and well-loved Irish folk songs, “The Wild Rover” is a perfect choice for anyone looking for free sheet music for their favourite Irish tunes. This traditional tune has been adapted and rearranged countless times, but always retains its original charm. Whether you’re playing it on the piano, fiddle, or guitar, “The Wild Rover” is sure to get your toes tapping.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Irish folk songs are a genre of music that is enjoyed by people all over the world. If you’re looking for some free sheet music to play your favorite Irish folk songs, look no further! This guide has everything you need to get started.