The Best Irish Folk Music to Listen to

Looking for the best Irish folk music to listen to? Look no further than our list of top picks. From traditional ballads to contemporary Celtic-influenced tunes, these are the best Irish folk songs to add to your playlist.

The Best of Irish Folk

There are manydifferent types of Irish folk music, and it can be difficult to determine which type is the best. However, there are a few well-known artists who specialize in this genre, and their work is considered to be some of the best in the world.

One of the most popular Irish folk musicians is Luke Kelly, who was a member of the Dubliners. The Dubliners were an Irish folk band that was formed in 1962, and they remained active until Kelly’s death in 1984. They were one of the most successful Irish bands of all time, and they released over 30 albums during their career. Kelly was known for his clear tenor voice, and he was often referred to as “the singer’s singer.” He was a master of traditional Irish music, and his work continues to influence musicians today.

Another popular artist is Christy Moore, who is considered to be one of the most important Irish folk musicians of all time. Moore began his career as a member of Planxty, but he has also released many solo albums throughout his career. He is known for his powerful lyrics and honest songwriting, and he has won numerous awards for his work. Moore has been a huge influence on other artists, and he is credited with helping to revive interest in traditional Irish music.

These are just two of the many great Irish folk musicians that you should check out if you’re interested in this genre. There is a wealth of talent out there, and these artists are just a small sampling of what’s available. If you want to explore Irish folk music further, there are plenty of great resources available online and in libraries. So get out there and start listening!

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 2

In this installment of our series on the best of Irish music, we turn to folk. Folk music in Ireland is incredibly diverse, with influences from England, Scotland, Wales, and beyond. But what all Irish folk music has in common is a deep sense of tradition and a love for storytelling.

If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, look no further than these 10 essential Irish folk songs.

1. “The Blacksmith” by Paul Brady
2. “The Curragh of Kildare” by Cara Dillon
3. “Danny Boy” by The Dubliners
4. “Down by the Salley Gardens” by The Chieftains featuring Bono
5. “Galway Girl” by Steve Earle
6. “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day” by The Pogues
7. “Mairi’s Wedding” by The Paul McKenna Band
8.” McGrath’s Pub” by We Banjo 3
9.” Raglan Road” by Luke Kelly
10.” Send My Love to Rosie” by Planxty

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 3

In this final installment of our three-part series on the best Irish folk music, we’ll be taking a look at some of the more recent releases in the genre. Irish folk music has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with a new generation of artists bringing a fresh sound to the traditional style. Here are some of the best Irish folk albums to check out if you’re looking for something new to listen to.

Natalie MacMaster – “In My Hands”

MacMaster is a world-renowned fiddler who has been keeping alive the tradition of Cape Breton fiddle music for over 20 years. “In My Hands” is her latest album, and it finds her exploring different genres and styles while still staying true to her roots. This is an album that is sure to appeal to both fans of traditional Irish music and those who are just discovering it for the first time.

The Young Dubs – “Soundtrack to Life”

The Young Dubs are a five-piece band from Dublin who mix traditional Irish instruments with modern pop sensibilities. The result is an infectious sound that is perfect for dancing or just singing along to. “Soundtrack to Life” is their debut album, and it’s crammed full of feel-good tunes that will put a smile on your face.

The Staves – “Dead & Born & Grown”

If you’re looking for something on the more delicate side, then The Staves’ latest album “Dead & Born & Grown” might be just what you need. This is an intimate record that deals with themes of love, loss, and hope, all set against the backdrop of beautiful acoustic guitar work and stunning three-part harmonies.

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 4

In this final installment of our series on the best of Irish folk music, we’ll be looking at some of the most iconic and popular performers of the genre. From the slip jigs and reels of The Chieftains to the beautiful ballads of Irish singer-songwriter Enya, there’s something for everyone in this list. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best Irish folk music has to offer.

The Chieftains

The Chieftains are a six-piece traditional Irish band that has been performing together for over 50 years. In that time, they have become one of the most well-known and respected Irish folk bands in the world. Their music is primarily instrumental, featuring a wide range of traditional Irish instruments including the uilleann pipes, fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhran. The Chieftains have also been known to incorporate elements of classical, jazz, and rock music into their unique sound.

Enya

Enya is an Irish singer-songwriter who first gained prominence as a member of new age group Clannad in the 1980s. She began her solo career in 1988 with her debut album Watermark, which featured the hit single “Orinoco Flow”. Enya achieved widespread success in the 1990s with her follow-up albums Shepherd Moons and Memory of Trees, both of which topped charts around the world. She is known for her ethereal Celtic-inspired sound and use of multi-layered vocal tracks. Enya has sold over 80 million records worldwide and won four Grammy Awards.

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 5

In this final installment of our series on the best of Irish folk music, we’ll be taking a look at some of the more contemporary artists who are keeping this rich tradition alive. While there are many well-known and respected Irish folk musicians out there, these are some of our favorites that you may not be as familiar with.

The Henry Girls

The Henry Girls are a three-sister act from Donegal who blend traditional Irish folk with elements of country,Americana, and pop. Their close harmonies and catchy melodies have won them critical acclaim both in Ireland and abroad, and their most recent album (“Loudly”) was nominated for a Grammy. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual fare, The Henry Girls are definitely worth checking out.

Solas

Solas is an Irish-American band that formed in the mid-1990s, and they quickly established themselves as one of the leading forces in contemporary Celtic music. Their unique sound combines traditional instrumentation with more modern influences, resulting in a truly original sound that has won them legions of fans all over the world. If you’re looking for something new to help you get your Irish Folk fix, Solas is definitely worth checking out.

The Dubliners

No list of Irish Folk bands would be complete without The Dubliners, one of the most iconic and influential groups in the history of the genre. Founded in 1962, The Dubliners were at the forefront of the Irish Folk Revival and helped to popularize the genre all over the world. With their trademark wit and humor, The Dubliners helped to define what Irish Folk music is today, and their influence can still be heard in many modern artists.

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 6

In this final installment of our Irish folk music series, we’re featuring some of the best contemporary performers in the genre. These are artists who are keeping the tradition alive while also putting their own spin on it. So if you’re looking for something a little different, give these a try.

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 6

1. Dervish – “Lonesome Moonlight”
2. Solas – “The Ghost of Tom Joad”
3. We Banjo 3 – “Galloway Girl”
4. The Young Folk – “Wayfaring Stranger”
5. The Henry Girls – “The Lakes of Pontchartrain”

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 7

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 7
If you’re looking for the best of Irish folk music, you’ll want to check out this playlist. Featuring both traditional and modern songs, it has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a fan of ballads or upbeat jigs, this playlist has something for you. There are well-known classics like “Danny Boy” and “The Wild Rover,” as well as more contemporary tunes like “Galway Girl” and “Irish Drinking Song.” No matter what your mood, you’re sure to find a song to suit it on this list.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the best of Irish folk music.

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 8

The best Irish folk music is a blend of old and new, and there are plenty of great contemporary artists carrying on the tradition. Here are eight of the best Irish folk musicians to listen to today.

1. Dermot Kennedy

Dermot Kennedy is one of the most exciting new voices in Irish music. His debut album, “Without Fear”, was released in 2019 to critical acclaim and topped the Irish charts. His soaring vocals and deeply personal lyrics have won him a loyal following, and he’s sure to be one of the biggest names in Irish music for years to come.

2. Glen Hansard

Glen Hansard is one of the most successful Irish folk musicians of all time. He first came to prominence as the lead singer of The Frames, with whom he released six studio albums between 1991 and 2006. He also found success as a solo artist, winning an Academy Award for his song “Falling Slowly” from the film “Once”. In 2012, he formed the duo The Swell Season with Marketa Irglova, with whom he released two albums before they parted ways in 2015. Hansard continues to tour and release solo albums, and his latest album “Between Two Shores” was released in 2018.

3. The Dubliners

The Dubliners are one of the most iconic Irish folk bands of all time. Formed in 1962, they released 20 studio albums during their 50-year career. They were widely respected for their traditional folk repertoire and energetic live performances, and they were inducted into the Irish Music Hall of Fame in 2002. The Dubliners continued to tour until 2012 when founding member Luke Kelly passed away; they officially disbanded shortly afterwards. However, their legacy continues through their many recordings which are still widely heard today.

4. The Chieftains

The Chieftains are another legendary Irish folk band who have been delighting audiences for over 50 years. Formed in 1963, they were at the forefront of the revival of traditional Irish music in the 1960s and 1970s. They have released over 40 albums during their career, collaborating with everyone from Van Morrison to James Brown along the way. In 2013, they were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to music; they continue to tour and release new music today.”

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 9

In this final installment of our series on the best of Irish folk music, we’re going to take a look at some of the more contemporary acts that are keeping the genre alive and well. While traditionalists may scoff at some of the choices on this list, there’s no denying that these artists are keeping the spirit of Irish folk music alive in the 21st century.

So without further ado, here are our picks for the best contemporary Irish folk artists:

The Dubliners
The Dubliners are one of the most iconic Irish folk bands of all time, and they’re still going strong even after half a century in the business. If you’re looking for traditional Irish folk music, there’s no better place to start than with The Dubliners.

The Wolfe Tones
The Wolfe Tones are another legendary Irish folk band, and they’re known for their patriotic and rebel songs. If you want to get a taste of what Irish rebel music is all about, you can’t go wrong with The Wolfe Tones.

Celtic Woman
Celtic Woman is a hugely successful all-female Celtic music group, and they’re known for their beautiful vocal harmonies and spectacular live performances. If you’re looking for contemporary Celtic music that’s both accessible and deeply rooted in tradition, Celtic Woman is a great place to start.

Gaelic Storm
Gaelic Storm is an American Celtic rock band that has been making waves in the Celtic music scene for over a decade now. If you’re looking for something a little different from your typical Irish folk band, Gaelic Storm is definitely worth checking out.

The Best of Irish Folk, Part 10

In this special edition of “The Best of Irish Folk”, we take a look at the top 10 Irish folk songs of all time. From ballads to rebel songs, these are the tunes that have stood the test of time and continue to be sung around the world.

“The Wild Rover” is a traditional Irish folk song that tells the story of a young man who gives up a life of luxury to embark on a dangerous journey. The song has been recorded by many artists over the years, but the most famous version is by The Dubliners.

“The Fields of Athenry” is another hugely popular Irish folk song that was written during the height of the Irish famine in the 1840s. The song tells the story of a young man who is forced to leave his family behind as he embarks on a journey to America.

“Danny Boy” is an emotional ballad that has been covered by countless artists over the years. The lyrics were written by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly in 1913, and it is thought that they were inspired by his Irish-born wife.

“Whiskey in the Jar” is a traditional Irish folk song that was made famous by The Dubliners in the 1960s. The song tells the story of a highwayman who is betrayed by his lover and brings about his own downfall.

Other notable songs on our list include “The Boys of Wexford”, “Come Out Ye Black and Tans”, “Green Fields of France”, “Molly Malone”, and “The Parting Glass”.