Old Irish Folk Music and Songs

Looking for some traditional Irish folk music to add to your playlist? Check out our picks for the best old Irish folk songs and tunes!

Introduction

Old Irish folk music and songs were passed down through the generations by word of mouth. The songs were about love, loss, war, and other topics that were important to the people of Ireland. Many of these songs were written in the Irish language, but some were written in English. Some of the most famous Irish folk songs are “The Foggy Dew,” “The Wild Rover,” “Danny Boy,” and “Whiskey in the Jar.”

What is Old Irish Folk Music?

Old Irish folk music is the traditional music of Ireland that was passed down orally from generation to generation. The songs were sung in the local dialect and often told stories of love, loss, emigration, and rebellion.

The music was often accompanied by instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, and bodhran. In the late 19th century, many of these songs were collected by scholars and published in books.

Today, old Irish folk music is still popular and is often performed at traditional Irish pubs, festivals, and dances. It has also been partially revived in recent years by new generations of Irish musicians who have brought a fresh perspective to the music while still staying true to its roots.

The Origins of Old Irish Folk Music

Old Irish folk music is the traditional music of Ireland. It is a genre of folk music that developed in Ireland. It is similar to the music of other Celtic nations such as Scotland and Brittany. However, it has its own unique characteristics.

The origins of old Irish folk music are unclear. It is likely that the music was created by the people who lived in Ireland at the time. However, there are also some theories that suggest that the music may have come from other parts of Europe.

Old Irish folk music was probably first brought to Ireland by the Celts. The Celts were a group of people who lived in Europe during the Iron Age. They were originally from Central Europe but they later spread out to other parts of Europe, including Ireland.

The Celts brought with them their own type of music and this may have influenced the development of old Irish folk music. Another theory suggests that old Irish folk music may have been influenced by the Anglo-Saxons who came to Ireland during the medieval period.

Old Irish folk music has been passed down from generation to generation and it is still popular today. There are many different types of old Irish folk songs, including ballads, drinking songs, rebel songs, and love songs. The songs often tell stories about important events or people in Irish history.

Some of the most well-known old Irish folk songs include “The Bold Fenian Men”, “The Wearing of the Green”, “The Rising of the Moon”, and “Danny Boy”. Old Irish folk music is still sung today by both traditional and modern artists.

The Instruments Used in Old Irish Folk Music

The instruments used in old Irish folk music were mostly acoustic and consisted of the fiddle, tin whistle, flute, uilleann pipes, bodhran (a handheld percussion instrument) and the accordion. The music was usually played by a group of musicians called a “session” and was often improvised.

The fiddle was the most popular instrument in Irish folk music and was played with a bow. The tin whistle was a simple flute-like instrument made of metal that could be easily carried around. The flute was also a popular choice among folk musicians as it could be played solo or as part of a group.

The uilleann pipes are a type of bagpipe that is unique to Ireland and is considered to be one of the most difficult instruments to play. The bodhran is a handheld percussion instrument that is played with a stick or by using the hands. It is often used to keep the rhythm for the other instruments in a folk music session.

The accordion is a portable keyboard instrument that is also popular in Irish folk music. It can be played solo or as part of a group and helps to create a lively sound.

The Songs of Old Irish Folk Music

The songs of Old Irish Folk music were originally passed down through the generations by word of mouth. One of the earliest known written versions of these songs can be found in the ancient Irish manuscript known as the Lebor Gabála Érenn. This manuscript is a collection of early Irish myths and legends, and it is thought to date back to the 11th century.

The songs of Old Irish Folk music often told stories of ancient heroes, battles, and folklore. These songs were usually accompanied by the sound of simple musical instruments such as the tin whistle, fiddle, or drum. The songs were often sung in pubs or at social gatherings, and they served as a way for people to connect with their cultural heritage.

Today, many of these old Irish Folk songs have been modernized and are now enjoyed by people all over the world. Thanks to the internet, these songs can now be easily accessed and enjoyed by anyone with an interest in this unique genre of music.

The Dances of Old Irish Folk Music

Most of the dances of old Irish folk music were simple, circle dances or line dances. The dancers often held hands while they moved around in a circle or up and down a line. The steps were usually quite simple, too. One popular step was called the “hop.”

Some of the older folk songs told stories about heroes or historic events. Many of them were about fairies, ghosts, and other creatures from Irish folklore. Some of the songs were just meant to be entertaining, and they made fun of people or situations.

The Legacy of Old Irish Folk Music

Old Irish folk music and songs were passed down through the generations by oral tradition. This meant that each singer or musician would add their own interpretation or embellishments to the tune, making it unique to them. As a result, there are many different versions of old Irish songs in existence today.

This rich musical heritage has been a source of inspiration for many modern artists, both in Ireland and around the world. The popularity of old Irish folk music has waxed and waned over the years, but it has never completely died out. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in this type of music, with many people rediscovering its beauty and charm.

If you’re interested in learning more about old Irish folk music, there are plenty of resources available online and in libraries. You can also attend concerts or festivals where this type of music is played. Or, if you’re lucky enough to know someone who knows how to play one of these tunes, why not ask them to teach you?