Welcome to Irish Music Daily

Irish Music Daily is your one-stop destination for exploring the rich and diverse world of Irish music. Whether you’re a musician, a singer, or simply a fan of traditional Irish songs, our site offers you a vast array of resources to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of this unique musical tradition.

From classic folk ballads to contemporary tunes, we delve deep into the songs that have shaped Irish culture, along with their historical significance, lyrics, and chords.

Here, you’ll find detailed profiles of iconic Irish singers, bands, and songwriters, as well as tips for playing Irish music.

Our goal is to provide everything you need to immerse yourself in the music that has captured the spirit of Ireland for generations. Whether you’re looking to learn a new song, deepen your understanding of a classic, or discover more about your favorite Irish performers, Irish Music Daily has you covered.

Irish Songs

Irish songs come with a deep storytelling tradition, capturing the full spectrum of human emotion through tales of love, loss, joy, and rebellion. We celebrate this rich heritage by offering a curated selection of Irish songs that span centuries. From ancient ballads passed down through generations to modern compositions that have entered the canon of Irish music, we provide the stories behind the songs, their cultural context, and their enduring significance.

Every song on our site comes with detailed background information, explaining its origins, the various versions that have evolved over time, and how it has been performed by different artists. For example, you can discover how songs like “Whiskey in the Jar” and “The Foggy Dew” have transformed from local folk tunes to global anthems. Whether you’re interested in learning the deeper meanings behind songs or you’re just looking for a song to play at your next session, our collection will guide you.

We also include recommendations for which instruments work best with each song, whether it’s the guitar, tin whistle, or fiddle, as well as tips on how to capture the unique rhythm and spirit of Irish music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, you’ll find guidance to suit your needs.

A Nation Once Again
Arthur McBride
Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Black Velvet Band
Boolavogue
Bunch of Thyme
Carrickfergus
Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff
Danny Boy
Dicey Reilly
Dirty Old Town
Down by the Liffeyside
Down by the Salley Gardens

Fairytale of New York
The Ferryman
Fields of Athenry
Fiddler’s Green
Finnegan’s Wake
Foggy Dew
From Clare to Here
Galway Bay
Galway Shawl
The Holy Ground
I’ll Tell Me Ma
Irish Rover

Great Irish singers

The voices of Irish music have long carried its spirit across the globe. From folk heroes like Christy Moore to international stars like Sinéad O’Connor, Irish singers have played a crucial role in preserving the country’s musical heritage while introducing it to new audiences.

At Irish Music Daily, we shine a spotlight on the singers who have defined the sound of Irish music across generations, offering detailed profiles of their lives, careers, and influences.

Each singer we feature is explored not only in terms of their musical accomplishments but also in the cultural and political significance of their work. You’ll learn how artists like Luke Kelly of The Dubliners used their platform to give voice to Ireland’s social struggles, and how modern performers continue to push the boundaries of the genre.

For fans of Irish vocalists, we offer curated playlists of their greatest performances, as well as recommendations for deeper cuts and live performances that showcase their talent. Whether you’re a fan of raw, traditional folk or more polished, contemporary interpretations, our profiles will help you appreciate the depth of talent in Irish music.

Chloë Agnew

Mary Black

Luka Bloom

Paul Brady

Moya Brennan

Neil Byrne

Paul Byrom

Emmet Cahill

Liam Clancy

Cara Dillon

George Donaldson

Ronnie Drew

Enya

Órla Fallon

Lyrics and Chords

For those eager to play Irish music, our Lyrics and Chords section is a treasure trove of accurate and easy-to-follow guides. Whether you’re just learning your first Irish song or refining your technique, we offer chords and lyrics for hundreds of popular and lesser-known Irish songs.

Our guides cater to guitarists, pianists, and other musicians, ensuring that the musical structure of each song is clear and accessible.

But we don’t stop at providing just the chords and lyrics. We also try to offer insights into how the tempo, phrasing, and dynamics can enhance the song’s emotional depth. This section is perfect for anyone looking to play traditional Irish music authentically, whether you’re performing solo, in a group, or at a session.

Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya
Kevin Barry
Leaving of Liverpool
Molly Malone
Mountains of Mourne
Mrs McGrath
Óró Sé do Bheatha ‘Bhaile
Parting Glass
Raggle Taggle Gypsy
Raglan Road
Rare Old Mountain Dew
Rare Ould Times
Rocky Road to Dublin
Seven Drunken Nights

She Moved Through the Fair
Song For Ireland
Spancil Hill
Spanish Lady
Star of the County Down
The Town I Loved So Well
The Water is Wide
Wearing of the Green
When You Were Sweet 16
Whiskey in the Jar
Wild Colonial Boy
Wild Mountain Thyme
Wild Rover
Wind That Shakes the Barley

Great Irish bands

Ireland’s musical identity is also shaped by the bands that have brought Irish sounds to the world stage. From traditional groups like The Dubliners to genre-blending innovators like U2, Irish bands have continuously redefined what Irish music can be. At Irish Music Daily, we take you through the stories of these bands, exploring their origins, influences, and most memorable songs.

Our profiles highlight how bands like The Pogues fused traditional Irish music with punk energy to create a sound that resonated far beyond Ireland’s shores. You’ll also discover how bands like The Chieftains became cultural ambassadors, bringing traditional Irish music to international audiences and collaborating with artists across genres.

We also delve into the lesser-known stories of Ireland’s many talented bands, uncovering hidden gems and providing playlists for you to discover new favorites. This section offers an in-depth look at the albums, songs, and live performances that have defined Irish music, with suggestions on what to listen to for an immersive experience

Celtic Tenors

Celtic Thunder

Celtic Woman

The Chieftains

The Clancy Brothers

Clannad

The Corrs

The Cranberries

De Dannan

Dropkick Murphys

Dublin City Ramblers

The Dubliners

Flogging Molly

The Fureys and Davey Arthur

Gaelic Storm

The High Kings

Horslips

The Irish Rovers

Irish Tenors

Planxty

The Pogues

Saw Doctors

Sephira

The Waterboys

The Wolfe Tones

Irish Songwriters

Behind every great Irish song is a songwriter who has captured the essence of Irish life, history, and culture. In this section, we explore the work of legendary songwriters like Shane MacGowan, whose gritty, poetic lyrics brought a new edge to Irish music, and Turlough O’Carolan, the 17th-century harpist whose compositions are still performed today.

Our songwriter profiles go beyond just listing their famous works. We provide insights into their creative process, the themes they often explore in their music, and the cultural impact of their songwriting. Whether you’re interested in the rebellious lyrics of modern songwriters or the classical compositions of historical figures, this section offers a deep dive into the minds behind the music.