If you’re not familiar with Irish songs, then you’ll find this post interesting. We’ve listed the most famous and iconic songs to come out of Ireland. There are ones you can sing to and ones you can get up onto a table and river dance to.
Zombie - The Cranberries
The Cranberries was an Irish rock band formed in Limerick, Ireland in 1989. Their most iconic song is Zombie, which was a protest song after two children were killed by the IRA in Warrington. The song’s music video was banned by the BBC because of its violent imagery.
Zombie was written by the late Dolores O'Riordan, who was the band’s lead singer at the time. Dolores unfortunately passed away in January 2018 from accidental alcohol intoxication and drowning. Her song won the 1995 Best Song Award at the MTV Music Awards, which beat Michael Jackson’s ‘You Are Not Alone.’
Breathless - The Corrs
The Corrs is a family band made up of four siblings that come from Dundalk, Ireland. They formed the band in 1990 and were active until 2006, when they decided to take a break and raise their families. They made a comeback in 2015 and went on an Australian tour recently.
One of their biggest hits was Breathless, released as their first single from their 2000 studio album In Blue. The song was co-written and produced by Robert John Lange, who also produced songs for artists like Shania Twain.
Although the song got picked apart by critics, it became a mainstream media success. In the UK, Breathless topped the UK Singles Chart. On the Irish Singles Chart, Breathless reached number two. The song was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award but lost to Steely Dan’s Cousin Dupree.
Whiskey in a Jar - The Dubliners
The Dubliners are famous for making many well-known Irish folk songs. The band was founded in 1962 in Dublin. Back then, they were named the Ronnie Drew Ballad Group after its founding member but renamed their band to The Dubliners.
Their most well-known Irish song is Whiskey in a Jar. This song is about a highwayman who is betrayed by his wife. It’s one of the most widely played Irish songs and has even been covered by famous bands like Metallica.
Thin Lizzy also did a cover of the famous song in 1973, which gave the band their first highest-charting UK hit single.
Song of a Leprechaun - Paddy and the Rats
Paddy and the Rats aren’t from Ireland, but they make great Irish-themed songs. The band is originally from Hungary and has Celtic punk elements. They formed their group in 2008 and have made songs loved by many punk rock fans.
Their track called Song of a Leprechaun was released in 2009 from their Rats and Board album. There are hundreds of Leprechaun songs that many artists have made, and even Leprechaun-focused games, but looking at the lyrics produced by Paddy and the Rats, it doesn’t seem like it’s about a Leprechaun at all.
The song is more of an ode to God and the son of man. Although the song isn’t as well known as other Irish songs, it’s still loved by many.
I’m Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys is a Celtic punk rock band that was formed in 1996. This band is also not originally from Ireland, but they do make upbeat Irish songs. One of their most famous songs, I’m Shipping Up to Boston, played in a movie called The Departed featuring Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The song features forgotten lyrics from a poem written by Woody Guthrie. It’s about a sailor who loses his leg in a rigging accident and is shipping up to Boston to find his leg. In 2007, the song peaked at number 1 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100.
Final Thoughts
Many bands and pop groups have come out of Ireland, like U2 and even Westlife. But if you truly want to get the party going, then play the songs we’ve mentioned in this post. Whether you like soft laments or rowdy punk tracks, there is an Irish song on this list you’ll love to sing or dance to.
