For many people, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate their Irish heritage and enjoy some of the most popular Irish songs.
From traditional ballads to contemporary chart-toppers, there are many great St. Patrick’s day songs to choose from.
If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, then look no further!
Here are the top 30 popular Irish songs that you should include in your St. Patrick’s Day playlist.
1. “Danny Boy” by Gentri
“Danny Boy” By Gentri is a classic Irish song that has been around for generations.
This beautiful melody has been used as an anthem of sorts in Ireland, and it is often sung by Irish folks on special occasions such as St. Patrick’s Day.
The lyrics are filled with emotions of nostalgia and longing, and they make this an unforgettable piece of Irish music.
2. “Molly Mallone” by The Dubliners
Written by Johnny Moynihan and recorded by The Dubliners in 1983, this upbeat Irish song tells the tale of a young lad seeking out a beautiful girl named Molly Mallone.
Featuring a traditional Irish jig melody, this lively tune is the perfect addition to any St. Patrick’s Day playlist filled with good Irish music.
It’s become a staple in pubs around the world and is sure to get your guests singing and dancing along.
3. “Take Me To Church” by Hozier
Hozier’s 2013 hit “Take Me To Church” has become a beloved Irish song and is a must-have on any St. Patrick’s Day playlist.
This heartfelt and powerful ballad is one of the best Irish songs.
With its traditional Irish melody, thoughtful lyrics, and uplifting chorus, this track has been featured on countless lists of top Irish songs and best Irish music.
4. “Rose Tattoo” by The Dropkick Murphys
The Dropkick Murphys are a punk rock band from Massachusetts, known for blending punk rock with elements of Celtic music.
Their style often features sing-along choruses, bagpipes, mandolin, and accordion, which gives their sound a unique and distinctive feel.
“Rose Tattoo” was released as a single in 2005 and appeared on their album The Warrior’s Code.
5. “Breakeven” by The Script
This Irish band hailing from Dublin has produced some of the modern era’s most popular and classic Irish songs.
“Breakeven” is one of The Script’s biggest hits, a powerful love song that has become an anthem for many.
The Script’s musical style perfectly captures the sound of modern Irish music, making it a great addition to any St. Patrick’s Day playlist.
6. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
This classic Irish song from Snow Patrol is one of the most popular Irish songs around and has been featured on many top Irish music charts.
The uplifting and catchy tune is perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day playlist and will be sure to get your feet tapping!
The song is about hoping for something bigger than yourself and not giving up on what you want, even if it seems impossible.
7. “Zombie” by The Cranberries
“Zombie” was released as a single in 1994 and appeared on the band’s album No Need to Argue.
The song is a political protest song, which is written as a reaction to the bombings in Warrington and London, in 1993 and the lyrics are written by Dolores O’Riordan.
“Zombie” won the Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1995 and it was also nominated for a Grammy award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
8. “The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Izzy
Released in the UK and Europe in June 1976, it was the first single from the band’s album Jailbreak.
The song is about a group of friends returning to their hometown and ready to take over.
This upbeat anthem has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials.
The song has become one of Thin Lizzy’s most famous and beloved Irish songs.
9. “Breathless” by The Corrs
The Corrs released their hit single “Breathless” in 2000 on their album In Blue.
The single became an instant success and won a prestigious Ivor Novello award for the Best Song Musically and Lyrically.
It was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2001.
The track quickly became a fan favorite, as well as an international chart-topper.
The song featured a catchy beat and melodic vocals, drawing influence from Irish folk music.
It was a reflection of the band’s Irish heritage and the traditional music they grew up listening to.
10. “This Is A Rebel Song” by Sinead O’Connor
Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor’s song “This is a Rebel Song” was released as a single in 1997 from her album Faith and Courage.
The song was a huge hit with lyrics that express feelings of rebellion, freedom, and defiance.
11. “Riverdance” by Bill Whelan
This iconic Irish song is one of the most famous songs for St. Patrick’s Day.
Released on the album of the same name in 1995, “Riverdance” was composed by Bill Whelan and is the signature piece of the dance show that has been seen by millions all over the world.
It was also awarded the 1996 BAFTA Television Award for Best Music.
12. “On Raglan Road” by Luke Kelly
“On Raglan Road” is a classic Irish song written by poet Patrick Kavanagh.
This beautiful love song is often performed at weddings.
It has been recorded by a variety of musicians including Luke Kelly, who was a member of The Dubliners, an iconic folk band that has had a major influence on Irish music.
13. “Buy Us A Drink” by The Irish Rovers
The Irish Rovers are a popular traditional Irish folk group formed in 1963, which has gained worldwide success with its iconic Irish songs.
“Buy Us A Drink” is one of their most famous and best-loved classic Irish songs.
The song tells the tale of three Irishmen who are down on their luck and ask people to buy them a drink.
The lively and humorous lyrics make it one of the most beloved songs on any good Irish music compilation.
14. “Whiskey You’re The Devil” by The Clancy Brothers
The Clancy Brothers were an Irish folk music group from Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland who have become world-renowned for their classic Irish songs.
“Whiskey You’re the Devil” is a timeless song from the Clancy Brothers, and is a great addition to any St. Patrick’s Day playlist.
This upbeat tune encapsulates the sound of traditional Irish music and is one of their most loved Irish songs.
15. “Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones
This classic Irish song by The Undertones was released in 1978 on the album of the same name.
It quickly became a famous Irish song and is now considered a classic among Irish music fans.
With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, it is an excellent choice for your St. Patrick’s Day.
It’s also a great option for those looking for good Irish songs to listen to during their celebration.
16. “The Blower’s Daughter” by Damien Rice
Released in 2002 on his debut album O, The Blower’s Daughter has become one of the most famous Irish songs ever written.
It was first released as a single in 2002 and topped the UK Singles Chart in its first week of release.
The song has a melancholic, soulful feel that perfectly captures the spirit of Irish music.
With its simple yet hauntingly beautiful melody, it’s easy to see why this song is a classic among Irish songs.
17. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
“Brown Eyed Girl” is a song by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison.
It was released as a single in 1967 and appeared on his album Blowin’ Your Mind!
The song is an upbeat rock number, with lyrics that reminisce about past love and summer days.
The song is considered a classic and has been covered by many artists.
18. “Nice To Meet Ya” by Niall Horan
The song was released as a single on October 4, 2019, as the lead single from his second studio album, Heartbreak Weather.
Lyrically, the song is about meeting someone new and the excitement of a potential new relationship.
The song received positive reviews from music critics and has been performed in many of his concerts.
It also peaked at number 47 on the UK Singles Chart.
19. “Only Time” by Enya
The song is a gentle, ethereal track that features Enya’s signature vocals over a lush instrumental arrangement of piano, strings, and electronic beats.
The lyrics of the song convey a message of comfort and reassurance, with Enya singing about the passing of time and how it can heal wounds.
The song was a commercial success and it reached the top ten in many countries it was also used in various movies and TV series, adding to its popularity.
20. “The Fields of Athenry” by Paddy Reilly
Paddy Reilly is an Irish singer and musician who started his music career in the 1960s.
He is known for his powerful and emotive singing style, as well as his ability to interpret traditional Irish songs.
“The Fields of Athenry” is a traditional Irish song that tells the story of a man who is transported to Australia as a punishment for stealing food to feed his family during the Irish Potato Famine.
21. “Seven Drunken Nights” by The Dubliners
“Seven Drunken Nights” is a traditional Irish folk song that was popularized by the Irish folk band The Dubliners in the 1960s.
The song is performed in a lively, upbeat style, and features a catchy, sing-along chorus.
The Dubliners’ version of the song was a hit in Ireland and UK, and the song helped established the group as one of the most popular and successful folk bands in Ireland.
22. “Breakeven” by The Script
This Irish band hailing from Dublin has produced some of the modern era’s most popular and classic Irish songs.
“Breakeven” is one of The Script’s biggest hits, a powerful love song that has become an anthem for many.
The Script’s musical style perfectly captures the sound of modern Irish music, making it a great addition to any St. Patrick’s Day playlist.
23. “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” by The Dropkick Murphys
“I’m Shipping Up To Boston” is a song by the American Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys.
It was released as a single in 2005 and appeared on their album The Warrior’s Code.
The song is one of the band’s most recognizable and popular songs, known for its fast-paced, energetic sound and its use of traditional Irish instruments like the tin whistle and the accordion.
The lyrics, which were written by Woody Guthrie, are about a sailor longing for home and his journey back to Boston.
24. “A Great Day for the Irish” by Judy Garland
“A Great Day for the Irish” is a song written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the 1952 film “The Harvey Girls” starring Judy Garland.
The song is an upbeat and cheerful number that celebrates the joys of being Irish.
It was sung by Judy Garland in the movie and features lyrics that reflect the celebratory spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
The song is known for its catchy melody and Garland’s powerful and emotive vocals.
25. “C’est La Vie” by B*Witched
“C’est la Vie” is a song by Irish girl group B*Witched. It was released as a single in 1998 and appeared on their debut album B*Witched.
The song is an upbeat, pop-influenced track, known for its catchy chorus and upbeat melody.
The lyrics of the song convey a message of living in the moment and enjoying life, with the title “C’est la vie” being a French phrase meaning “that’s life”
26. “A Song For Ireland” by The Dubliners ft. Luke Kelly
The song is a tribute to the beauty of Ireland and its people, featuring lyrics that describe the country’s landscapes, culture, and history.
The song is performed in a traditional Irish style, with a gentle melody, and accompanied by instruments such as guitar, fiddle, and bodhran.
It was performed by the Dubliners for many years, who helped to popularize the song and make it a classic of the Irish folk genre.
27. “Don’t Let Go” by Tolü Makay
This song is a modern take on an Irish classic and is sure to be a hit at any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Released in 2020, “Don’t Let Go” is a single off of Tolü Makay’s debut album Being.
It has won numerous awards, including Best Pop Song and Best Folk/Acoustic Song at the Independent Music Awards, as well as the Grand Prize for best song at the International Songwriting Competition.
28. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
“Sunday Bloody Sunday” is a song by the Irish rock band U2.
The song is a political protest song, addressing the events of the Bloody Sunday massacre in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1972.
The lyrics are written by Bono and the song is known for its powerful, anthemic sound, with lyrics that express feelings of anger, frustration, and the desire for change.
29. “An Irish Pub Song” by The Rumjacks
“An Irish Pub Song” by The Rumjacks is a fantastic addition to any collection of the best Irish songs and is sure to be a hit at any St. Patrick’s Day gathering.
So if you’re looking to add some classic Irish music to your playlist, look no further than The Rumjacks’ “An Irish Pub Song”!
The song was released on their 2011 album, Gangs of New Holland, and has become a staple of many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
30. “I’m Looking For A Four Leaf Clover” by Art Mooney
“I’m Looking for a Four Leaf Clover” is a song written by Harry M. Woods and popularized by American big band leader and saxophonist Art Mooney.
The song was released as a single in 1950 and it features a catchy and upbeat melody with lyrics that describe the search for good luck and fortune through a four-leaf clover.
The song became one of the most popular hits of 1950 reaching number one on the Billboard charts.
Best Irish Songs – Final Thoughts
Irish songs are some of the most beloved and classic songs of all time.
From traditional tunes to modern pop hits, there is something for everyone in this top 30 list of Irish songs for St. Patrick’s Day.
Whether you’re looking for the best Irish music or classic Irish songs, these tunes are sure to get you in the festive spirit.
So make sure you add them to your St. Patrick’s Day playlist and enjoy the festivities with the best of Irish music.
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