The Greatest Irish Songs For Your St. Patrick's Day Playlist

"Sláinte!", As They Say—Here Are Some Great Songs For Your St Patrick's Day Playlist

Whether you're Irish (from Ireland or Northern Ireland), or just distantly related, you'll definitely be celebrating St Patrick's Day. In lieu of that, we've prepared a list of some of the greatest songs about Ireland ever written. The Emerald Isle is calling—sláinte!

Rss Thumb - Irish Songs

Take Me To Church

While not the most celebratory of songs, Hozier's "Take Me To Church" was a chart-topping hit in 2013, all about repression within organized religion. The subject matter is tough, but it should have a place on your list anyway.

Hozier on stage 2015 Kayla Johnson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Jump Around

Perhaps one of the ultimate party songs. "Jump Around" by House of Pain deserves a place on your list, if only because it was filmed at the St Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 1992. It's been featured in shows like The Rookie (2018) and classic movies like Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).

House of Pain band photo Regime Management, CC BY-SA 1.0, Wikimedia Commons

Teenage Kicks

Did you know that The Undertones were a band from Northern Ireland? I certainly didn't. One of those bands that had a few hits, but never made it massive consistently—but "Teenage Kicks" was really all they needed to succeed. Still played as much today as it was at parties in 1977 (the year of its release), we hope you're jamming to this on St Patrick's Day.

The Undertones 1979 San Francisco Examiner Larry Doherty, Wikimedia Commons

This Town

Niall Horan (of One Direction) wrote this sweet ballad about his hometown of Mullingar, Ireland. Reminiscing about a young woman whom Horan is besotted with, "This Town" is part love-story, part homage to a sense of home.

Niall Horan holding a microphone Ashley Newby, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Wind That Shakes The Barley

If you're looking for a more uplifting version of "The Wind That Shakes The Barley," all about a man going off to fight in the Irish Rebellion Of 1798 against the British crown, check out the Chieftains' rendition. It's most famous as the eponymous movie from 2006 starring Cillian Murphy, but was written by Robert Dwyer Joyce in the mid-19th century. The Chieftains' version is a slightly more uplifting instrumental than the versions with lyrics.

Chieftains On The March 1995 Colin Smith, Wikimedia Commons

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Unfortunately, we don't know if Danny O'Donoghue's gal ever came back to the corner where he first saw her. One of the first big hits for The Script, a band from Dublin.

The Script live concert Avatar5991, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Old Town

When Irish band Thin Lizzy were fracturing in the early 1980s, front man Phil Lynott wrote "Old Town", an ode to Dublin that was filmed on Ha'Penny Bridge in the city. "Old Town" was the first song to be played on Dublin's Capital Radio Station when it went live in 1989.

Thin Lizzy in the 1970s Mercury Records, Wikimedia Commons

Molly Malone

Like most Irish music, "Molly Malone" by The Dubliners is based on a story from the 19th century about a fishmonger's wife who sold cockles and mussels on the streets of Dublin. It was also the unofficial anthem of the city and there's a statue dedicated to Molly Malone on Grafton Street in the city.

The Dubliners in 2005 Jim McCann, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Finnegan's Wake

"Finnegan's Wake" is a classic by The Clancy Brothers, one of Ireland's greatest folk bands, centering around the story of Finnegan, a man who "passes away" in an accident and is magically revived by the "elixir of life". From the instrumentals to the voices of The Clancy Brothers, "Finnegan's Wake" has to be on your playlist.

Odetta and Liam Clancy playing together for Clonmel Junction Festival, July 7.06 Junction Festival, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Voice

There are a number of renditions of "The Voice", but the original was written by Brendan Graham and performed by Eimear Quinn, winner of the 1996 Eurovision Song Contest. In the song, Quinn is portrayed as a Mother Nature-like figure known as "The Voice". Celtic-inspired throughout, this sweet ballad has to find a place on your playlist, somewhere in the 'easy listening' part.

Eimear Quinn live performing Finsent, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Come Out Ye Black And Tans

Nicknamed the "Black And Tans", this protest song is about the conflict between Irish rebels and British constables during Ireland's War of Independence. One of the most striking versions is by The Wolfe Tones, but it's been recorded many times by different artists. If you're feeling rebellious on St Paddy's Day, stick on this song.

Outside The London And North Western Hotel In Dublin, April 21, 1921 National Library of Ireland, Wikimedia Commons

Dirty Old Town

Despite being written by an Englishman about the small town of Salford near Manchester, England, "Dirty Old Town" has become adopted by many Irishmen throughout the years. One of the best versions of "Dirty Old Town" was done by The Pogues, with frontman Shane MacGowan's voice injecting energy into the track.

The Pogues on stage Mouliric, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

God Save Ireland

A song which honors the lives of "The Manchester Martyrs"—three Irishmen who were executed following an attack on a police van in Manchester, wherein a policeman was accidentally shot. This incident inspired The Wolfe Tones to write "God Save Ireland," a tribute to the three men which later became an unofficial national anthem.

The Three Martyrs Popular Graphic Arts, Wikimedia Commons

Grace

"Oh, Grace, just hold me in your arms and let this moment linger..." Brings tears to the eyes. Particularly when you know the backstory of "Grace", written by Sean and Frank O'Meara in 1985. It's based on the true story of an ill-fated couple: Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett.

Grace Gifford At Kilmainham Jail, 2 May 1916 Unknown Artist, Wikimedia Commons

Grace (Cont'd)

Joseph Plunkett is due to be hanged for his part in the Irish rebellion of 1916, but before he's put to death, he marries the love of his life, Grace Gifford, in a ceremony at Kilmainham Jail in Dublin. The pair are given 15 minutes together before Joseph's death. Grace Gifford never remarried and the story is one of the most heartbreaking love songs you can imagine.

Portrait of Jospeh Plunkett Unknown Artist, Wikimedia Commons

Saints And Sinners

A song about the people you meet on the streets, "Saints And Sinners" is by Paddy Casey, who spent many years as a busker on the streets of Galway. Starting at age 12, Casey eventually made a name for himself and toured throughout the UK and US.

Paddy Casey performing live Summer in the City, Paddy Casey - Live for Summer in the City

Where The Streets Have No Name

One of the most fascinating backstories of a song: "Where The Streets Have No Name" was written by U2's Bono in the 1980s, meant to encourage Irish unity by forgetting about the street name that people lived on. During this time of sectarianism in Belfast, violence was often brought against people simply based on the street name where they lived.

Bono As The Fly Cleveland 1992 Steve Kalinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Another fantastic hit from U2 was "Sunday, Bloody Sunday", from their 1983 album aptly entitled War. It centers around the events of Bloody Sunday, an event from 1972, where British soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians in Derry, Northern Ireland. 14 people died and 12 more were seriously injured.

U2 concert in 2005 Wikipedia brown., CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

The Boys Are Back In Town

Another Thin Lizzy hit from 1976 that deserves a spot on your playlist is "The Boys Are Back In Town". This jam is perfect to rock out to on a road trip to your favorite St Patrick's Day watering hole—and to think that Thin Lizzy weren't even going to include it on the album.

Thin Lizzy concert in 1983 Harry Potts, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Irish Rover

Of course, "The Irish Rover" by The Dubliners had to make our list. It's possibly one of the most famous Irish songs of all time. Since it was first released in 1960, telling the story of a rambling Irishman and his many exploits, the song has been covered more than a dozen times.

"The Dubliners" live concert rs-foto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Zombie

In 1993, the Irish Republican Army exploded a device in garbage bins outside businesses on Bridge Street in Warrington, Cheshire, England. The explosion rocked the street, destroyed businesses, and killed two young children: Jonathan Ball and Tim Parry. "Zombie" was The Cranberries' song that honored the victims and has become a widely-recognized protest anthem against terrorism.

The Cranberries Live in Singapore 2012 shutterbugger | engr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

I'm Shipping Up To Boston

This absolute banger of a tune comes from the Celtic American band The Dropkick Murphys. Telling the story of Irish immigration to the Boston area, the hard rock tune is high on anyone's St Patrick's Day party list.

Dropkick Murphys at Bluesfest ceedub13, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Raglan Road

"On Raglan Road, of an autumn day, I saw her first and knew, that her dark hair would weave a snare, that I would one day rue...." One of the most beautiful Irish love songs you'll ever hear, written as a poem by Patrick Kavanagh and put to music by Luke Kelly of The Dubliners, "Raglan Road" is one of the classics.

Wwall pictures in O'Donoghue's Pub BKP, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Alternative Ulster

"Alternative Ulster" is a song about growing up in Belfast in the mid-1970s, at the height of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Written by the Irish rock band Stiff Little Fingers, "Alternative Ulster" harkens back to a childhood surrounded by conflict.

Stiff Little Fingers on stage posing Bewdleybirds, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Nothing Compares 2 U

Not a Sinéad O'Connor original (the song was actually written by Prince), but the song is now synonymous with the Irish singer. The song hit the number-one spot on the Billboard charts and stayed on the charts for 21 weeks afterwards.

Sinead O'connor in 1987 Chrysalis Records., Wikimedia Commons

Orinoco Flow

Written by the Irish singer Enya, "Orinoco Flow" might be a strange inclusion on a list of Irish songs, as it's actually about floating away on a river in South America. Despite this, the song's folksy tune, instrumentals, and lyrics will have you longing for the Emerald Isle.

Newspaper clipping of Enya, January 22, 1989. Orlando Sentinel, Wikimedia Commons

Take Back The City

Written by Northern Irish rock band Snow Patrol, "Take Back The City" is all about the lead singer's mixed feelings about his hometown of Belfast. Perhaps not as Irish as a song could possibly be, but if you've ever had mixed feelings about your hometown, you'll relate.

Snow Patrol on stage Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Rocky Road To Dublin

Based on the 19th-century poem by Irish poet DK Gavan and sung by The High Kings, "The Rocky Road To Dublin" tells the story of a man working in Liverpool, England and traveling to Dublin, Ireland, covering all of his adventures and misadventures along the way.

Darren Holden, Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy - Donegal, 2011 William Murphy, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Song For Ireland

Luke Kelly's haunting voice stars again in "Song For Ireland," a musical ode to the beautiful, rolling, luscious hills of green for which Ireland is so famous. Almost a national anthem in and of itself, Kelly's 1985 tune must have a place on any St Patrick's Day playlist.

Luke Kelly Statue Sheila1988, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Galway Girl

Although Ed Sheeran might not do the best version of "The Parting Glass," his 2017 single released on St Patrick's Day about his grandparents' love story touched the hearts of many. Masterful storytelling combined with a catchy jig makes this track a must at St Paddy's Day party.

Ed Sheeran wearing a black t-shirt Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Danny Boy

Written by English Frederic Weatherly in Bath, England in 1910, "Danny Boy" was set to the tune of "Londonderry Air", a folk tune first recorded in the 19th century. First sung by English singer Elsie Griffin in 1913, the first recording of "Danny Boy" was made in 1915. One interpretation of the song is that it's a letter from a parent to a son who's going off to war.

Elsie Griffin in 1924. Sasha, Wikimedia Commons

Fisherman's Blues

If you thought you heard a bit of Irish in Good Will Hunting (1997), you were right! "Fisherman's Blues" by The Waterboys from 1988 was part of the soundtrack of the movie. But in the late 1980s, it represented a new direction toward Irish/Scottish folk music.

The Waterboys in Paimpol in 2011. Tilly antoine, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Fields Of Athenry

Set during the Irish Potato Famine of 1845 to 1952, "The Fields Of Athenry" tells the story of a young man caught stealing food to feed his family and being sent away on a prison ship to a foreign land. This was common practice by the British during the Potato Famine, which killed more than 1 million people. This sad homage to the memory of the famine is worth a listen on St Patrick's Day.

The Pictorial Times (1846) British Library, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

The Foggy Dew

Chronicling the Easter Rising of 1916, where Irish rebels rose up against British forces in Northern Ireland, "The Foggy Dew" was first written by Father Charles O'Neill shortly after the rising took place. Lamenting on the loss of Irish life during World War I for an empire that didn't consider them to be citizens, "The Foggy Dew" is a hard, but worthy listen.

Irish Citizen Army Group Liberty Hall Dublin 1914 National Library of Ireland, Wikimedia Commons

Riverdance

"Riverdance" is a collection of musical performances, as part of a musical theater put on by Bill Whelan, originating as an interval act during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Now, "Riverdance" tours the world featuring dancers, rock rhythm instruments, and much more. See if you can find the videos on YouTube, the dancing is pretty incredible.

Anúna Performing In Riverdance Michael McGlynn, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Carrickfergus

All about love that transcends time and distance, "Carrickfergus" was written by Dominic Behan in 1965, but was recently featured on Boardwalk Empire (2010), covered by Loudon Wainwright III.

Loudon Wainwright III playing guitar Carl Lender, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Four Green Fields

Inspired by the words of Irish poet William Butler Yeats, "Four Green Fields" is sung by Sarah Moore and is right alongside Luke Kelly and "Song For Ireland" in the unofficial national anthem contention.

Photographic portrait of William Butler Yeats by Alice Broughton Alice Boughton, Wikimedia Commons

The Auld Triangle

This heartbreaking tune about life in Dublin's Mountjoy Prison was written by Brendan Behan, first seen in his 1954 poem "A Quare Fellow". Put to music in 1958 by Brendan's brother Dominic, "The Auld Triangle" is one of the most famous Irish songs ever.

Brendan Behan And Jackie Gleason Albertin Walter, Wikimedia Commons

The Parting Glass

Finally, we come to "The Parting Glass". Commonly sung in pubs and at funerals, and sung just about everywhere on St Patrick's Day, the song is actually a Scottish traditional song that dates back to the mid-17th century. It is sometimes preceded by a recitation of "The Lament For Brendan Behan", written by Joe O'Broin, of unknown origin.

Photo of an Irish Pub Vvlasenko, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

What Will Be On Your Playlist This Year?

Do you have a top ten Irish songs for your St Patrick's Day playlist? Let us know what your favorite Irish tune is from this list in the comments below. Sláinte!