This is the ultimate guide to essential Irish folk songs ever created, featuring classics like Grace and The Parting Glass to hidden gems like Christy Moore’s Beeswing, and much more. Each song comes with a detailed description and a YouTube link for easy listening.
Make sure to check out our favourite Spotify playlist, “Sunday Sesh,” at the bottom of this music guide, with over 150 Irish ballads, completely free and packed with the best Irish pub classics plus even more hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
Grab a glass of uisce beatha (whiskey), relax, and enjoy the finest Irish music has to offer.
50 Iconic Irish Folk Songs You Should Know
For visitors to Ireland, knowing a few Irish folk songs can turn a simple pub visit into a truly memorable cultural experience.
Here’s our guide to the best Irish traditional songs you’ll likely hear on your travels, and should know to sing along: Ranked from 50 to 1.
If you enjoyed reading this guide, be sure to bookmark the page, so you can come back and listen anytime. And if you really had a great time, you can always consider buying us a coffee (coffee → pint 😏) at the end. Sláinte!
50. Leaving Nancy – Ronnie Drew
Let’s begin with a personal favourite Irish ballad, a classic tale of heartbreak and parting. Leaving Nancy was written by Eric Bogle, who tells his heart-wrenching story of leaving his mother behind when he emigrated to Australia, knowing he would never see her again.
Covered by artists such as The Furey’s, the best version of “Leaving Nancy” is sung by Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners.
49. Fairytale of New York – The Pogue’s
Yes, it’s a Christmas song, but we think it’s perfect for closing out any Sunday Sesh. This iconic duet tells a bittersweet tale of love and regret, set against the backdrop of Christmas in New York, with Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl delivering unforgettable, deeply emotional performances.
Christy Moore sings a beautiful version, and he’s probably the only artist to capture it so successfully.
48. Ride On – Christy Moore
Written by Jimmy MacCarthy, “Ride On” is one of Christy Moore’s most emotive performances. This Irish folk song deals with love, loss, and moving forward, and his voice brings a raw sincerity that resonates across generations.
Other notable versions have been recorded by Damien Dempsey and Mary Black, but Christy Moore’s rendition remains the definitive one, often leaving audiences silenced in awe, though he often tells the crowd to quiet down before he even begins!
47. Love Will Never Conquer Me – The Mary Wallopers
This is a raucous, tongue-in-cheek take on love and heartbreak by the Mary Wallopers, where bitterness and bravado win out over romance, usually after a few too many. It’s funny, self-aware, and unmistakably Irish.
Driven by traditional folk energy, shout-along vocals, and a rhythm made for late nights, Love will never conquer me is the kind of song that erupts in a packed pub, with everyone roaring the chorus whether they know the words or not.
46. Whiskey in the Jar – The Dubliners
Dating back to the 17th century, this traditional Irish ballad tells the story of a highwayman betrayed by his lover. While it has been covered by countless artists such as Thin Lizzy and Metallica, who brought its story of betrayal and revenge to rock and metal audiences, The Dubliners’ version of Whiskey in the Jar” remains the most iconic.
45. Johnny Jump Up – Damien Dempsey
Damien Dempsey’s rendition of this lively Cork song tells the tale of the powerful effects of a local cider known as “Johnny Jump Up.” Blending humour with sharp storytelling, this Irish drinking song perfectly captures the chaos, laughter, and regrets that follow a few drinks too many.
While Christy Moore and many other artists have recorded excellent versions, our favourite is Damien Dempsey’s rendition, sadly only available on Spotify. So here is the second best version,’ Christy Moore – Johnny Jump Up.
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44. Paddle Your Own Canoe – The Wolfe Tones
Unlike many of The Wolfe Tones’ more politically charged songs, “Paddle Your Own Canoe” is a light-hearted, upbeat Irish drinking song driven by traditional instrumentation. Despite the title, it’s not about watersports at all, but a carefree celebration of single life and living on your own terms.
43. Broad Majestic Shannon – The Pogue’s
Shane MacGowan wrote this beautiful Irish ballad reflecting on memories along Ireland’s largest river, evoking the country’s rural landscapes and the passage of time. One of his heroes, Liam Clancy, delivers a stunning version. Quieter and more heartfelt than The Pogues’ usual punk-infused tracks, it reveals a tender, reflective side of their music.
It’s one of the first songs on our Sunday Sesh list. Listen closely, and you’ll understand why, Sláinte!
42. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Lick the Tins
Lick the Tins gave this classic love song a fun Celtic twist. Unlike Elvis Presley’s smooth original, their version incorporates traditional Irish instruments and a light pop feel. While many artists have covered “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Lick the Tins’ rendition stands out for its quirky, heartfelt approach and remains a favourite for Irish music enthusiasts.
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41. The Holy Ground – The Dubliners
Despite what many people think, The Holy Ground has nothing to do with religion or saints. In fact, the “holy ground” was the old red-light district of Cobh back when it was known as Queenstown, and sailors filled the town’s streets and taverns.
The Dubliners’ version turned the song into a classic Irish drinking song, while artists like The Clancy Brothers and Christy Moore added their own memorable takes. Full of lively storytelling, it remains a firm favourite in pub sessions and festive s.
With its lively storytelling, it’s a favourite for pub sessions and sing-alongs alike. Performers, like The Clancy Brothers and Christy Moore, have all made their own renditions, but it’s the Dubliners’ version of The Holy Ground that turned it into a classic Irish drinking song.
40. The Irish Rover – Ronnie Drew
The Irish Rover” is a fantastical tale of a doomed ship, filled with crew members of all sorts of backgrounds, and another classic Irish drinking song.
In 1987, The Pogues teamed up with The Dubliners to sing The Irish Rover, combining two generations of Irish folk legends. Its epic narrative ensures it remains one of the most beloved songs in Irish folk tradition.
39. Cod Liver – The Mary Wallopers
Originally from Scotland, this song was released in 1966 and tells the story of a romantic encounter with a character called Hairy Mary. The Wallopers give Cod Liver Oil &The Orange Juice a modern swagger that proves comic songs still belong at the heart of Irish music.
38. Viva La Quinta Brigada – Christy Moore
A true story about Irish volunteers who travelled to Spain in the 1930s to fight Franco’s fascism during the Spanish Civil War.
Inspired by the book The Connolly Column, which chronicles the Irish men of the 15th International Brigade, Christy Moore immortalised their story in the iconic Irish folk song Viva La Quinta Brigada, blending powerful history with Irish music.
37. The Auld Triangle – Luke Kelly
Written by Brendan Behan as the opening of his 1954 play The Quare Fellow, this Irish ballad captures the dull repetition, tension, and quiet despair of life inside Mountjoy Prison. It was made famous by Luke Kelly, whose booming voice turned a simple prison song into a national treasure. Over the years, it has become a late-night sing-along favourite,
However, our favourite rendition to round off a Sunday night is Glen Hansard & Friends’ live version at the Albert Hall, where the legendary John Sheahan even joins in on vocals
36. Star of the County Down – The Chieftains
A lyrical tale of love set in Northern Ireland, the song tells of a young man who spots a beautiful woman in Banbridge, County Down, and falls for her at first sight.
While many artists, including Planxty and The High Kings, have recorded it, this version by The Chieftains & Van Morrison, with the beautiful sound of uilleann pipes, is widely regarded as the finest rendition of this classic Irish ballad.
35. Foggy Dew – The Dubliners
A historic Irish folk song commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising, it calls on Irishmen to fight for their own country rather than serve British interests abroad, and reflects on the aftermath of the battle.
Sinéad O’Connor delivered a beautiful rendition of this classic with The Chieftains, but it’s Luke Kelly’s version that makes Foggy Dew one of Ireland’s most cherished ballads.
34. The Lonesome Boatman – The Fureys
One of the most instantly recognisable instrumental pieces in Irish folk music, this 1969 composition has a power few tunes can match. As Finbar Furey recalls, he’s never heard a reaction like it. The Lonesome Boatman can bring even the rowdiest pub to complete silence.
33. The Body of an American – The Pogues
The Body of an American gained wide recognition when it featured in the TV series The Wire during a police officer’s wake. Darkly humorous yet tragic, the song tells the story of Big Jim Dwyer, an Irishman in America.
Shane MacGowan’s unforgettable performance, paired with a stunning instrumental outro, makes The Body of an American one of the best songs in Irish Celtic rock
32. Eileen Eileen Óg – The Mary Wallopers
Revived by The Mary Wallopers, this traditional Irish love song tells of youth, longing, and heartbreak. Though it has been performed in many versions over the years, The Mary Wallopers take on Eileen Óg brings a vibrant energy, perfectly blending the charm of a classic Irish ballad with the lively spirit of a modern pub sing-song.
31. Kelly from Killane – Damien Dempsey
A tribute to Irish revolutionary John Kelly, a hero of the 1798 Rebellion, this Irish rebel song is rich in history. While versions by Paddy Reilly and The Dubliners have made it well-known, our favourite is Damien Dempsey’s take on Kelly from Killane, which ends with a striking solo of the uilleann pipes playing The Teetotaller Reel.
30. Voyage – Christy Moore
A heartfelt Irish folk song that is used as a metaphor for a journey exploring marriage, commitment, and growing old together. Written by Johnny Duhan, it has become one of Ireland’s most popular wedding songs, thanks to Christy Moore’s warm and reflective delivery.
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29. Beautiful Affair – Stockton’s Wing
A gentle, romantic Irish folk song that focuses on positivity rather than drama, it features delicate instrumentation and storytelling that reveal a quieter side away from rebel anthems or roaring pub songs. Beautiful Affair by Stockton’s Wing remains a favourite among traditional Irish music fans.
28. Scorn Not His Simplicity – Luke Kelly
A deeply moving Irish folk song, full of raw emotion and poignant storytelling, Scorn Not His Simplicity was written by Phil Coulter in 1964, inspired by the birth of his son, who was born with Down syndrome.
The song beautifully captures both the challenges and the love that shape this experience. Luke Kelly’s powerful and emotive voice brings Scorn Not His Simplicity vividly to life, intensifying its emotional resonance.
27. Seven Drunken Nights – The Dubliners
One of the funniest Irish drinking songs, Seven Drunken Nights tells the story of a man who, night after night, returns home drunk, convinced he’s found evidence of his wife’s lover, only to be persuaded by increasingly unlikely explanations.
The song was once banned by Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, because of its “sexual content”. The Dubliners, especially Ronnie Drew with his lively performance, have made Seven Drunken Nights a classic Irish folk song that’s always a crowd favourite.
26. Oró, Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile – The Dubliners
A powerful Irish rebel song that blends pride, resistance, and a deep sense of national identity. Sung in Irish, the title translates as “Cheer, you’re welcome home.” It was widely sung by members of the Irish Volunteers during the Easter Rising and later used as a fast marching song in the Irish War of Independence.
Ronnie Drews’ powerful performance gives Oró, Sé Do Bheatha ’Bhaile a rousing, almost rallying quality, securing its place as one of the most impactful traditional Irish songs.
25. And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda – The Pogues
Another masterpiece written by Eric Bogle in 1971, “And The Band Played Waltzing Mathilda” is a devastating anti-war song about an Australian soldier wounded at Gallipoli and forgotten after the war. Though rooted in Australian history, it has become a hugely popular Irish folk song.
The song has been recorded by artists like Liam Clancy and The Dubliners, but it’s The Pogues’ 1985 version that stands apart, as Shane MacGowan’s raw vocals make it one of the best heartbreaking Irish traditional songs.
24. School Days Over – Damien Dempsey
Written by Scottish folk singer Ewan MacColl, father of Kirsty MacColl (that’s right, the one who died in a speedboat accident), this Irish folk song tells the grim story of boys finishing school and being sent into the coal mines of Wales, capturing the harsh reality of working-class life rather than carefree youth.
It’s simple, repetitive verses make it a striking, memorable ballad, later embraced by the Irish traditional song scene and popularised by artists such as The Dubliners and The Chieftains, but it’s Damien Dempsey who delivers School Days Over most beautifully.
23. James Connolly – The Wolfe Tones
A passionate Irish rebel song honouring the legacy of revolutionary leader James Connolly, the socialist leader executed in Kilmainham Jail, Dublin, after the 1916 Easter Rising.
The song serves as both a tribute and a piece of history, with The Wolfe Tones delivering one of its most powerful and poetic renditions, honouring the memory of James Connolly and cementing its place as a classic in the Irish traditional song repertoire.
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22. Ordinary Man – Christy Moore
Written by musician Peter Hames, Ordinary Man is a heartfelt working-class anthem that captures the struggles of everyday life. It tells the story of a factory worker who is laid off after years of loyalty.
Christy Moore delivers the song at his finest, his voice and emotional depth bringing the character’s resilience and hardships to life, making Ordinary Man one of the best Irish folk songs, striking a chord with listeners who recognise the realities of everyday people.
21. Black Velvet Band – Luke Kelly
A classic Irish folk song, Black Velvet Band tells the story of love and betrayal in Belfast, leading to the narrator being sent to Australia and facing the harsh realities of 19th-century penal life.
Luke Kelly’s commanding voice brings drama and urgency to the narrative, making every verse feel vivid and alive. Few performances capture the spirit of this classic Irish drinking song quite like his version of Black Velvet Band.
20. Fields of Athenry – Paddy Reilly
An emotional masterpiece, Fields of Athenry tells a tale of love, loss, and penal servitude during the Irish Potato Famine, themes central to many Irish rebel songs.
Sung in pubs, at concerts, and in stadiums, it has secured its place as a beloved Irish ballad. While many artists, including Christy Moore and The Dubliners, have performed it, it is Paddy Reilly’s tender, heartfelt rendition of Fields of Athenry that has endured, resonating across generations as a timeless Irish traditional song.
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19. Lakes of Pontchartrain – Paul Brady
Some songs may not be strictly Irish, but are so beautifully sung by Irish singers that they must be included. Lakes of Ponchartrain by Paul Brady is the perfect example.
Brady’s masterful storytelling turns Lakes of Ponchartrain into a standout Celtic folk song, making it a timeless, unforgettable ballad and securing its place in Irish traditional music.
18. Spancil Hill – The Wolfe Tones
In 1870, a young Irishman named Michael Considine emigrated from Ennis, County Clare, to the United States. Overcome with homesickness, he wrote a poem to his nephew, and from that heartfelt verse, one of the most beautiful Irish folk songs was born.
This beloved Irish folk song is a classic, performed by all the leading Irish ballad singers. But it is The Wolfe Tones who deliver the most moving rendition of Spancil Hill, striking a deep chord with anyone far away from home.
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17. Rainy Night in Soho – The Pogues
Rainy Night in Soho” stands as Shane MacGowan’s most romantic Irish folk song, capturing love, regret, and fleeting moments against the backdrop of a rain-soaked city.
There’s a timeless quality to its emotional honesty, which is why this modern yet traditional Irish song feels so special in Rainy Night in Soho.
16. Back Home in Derry – Christy Moore
Back Home in Derry” is a stirring Irish rebel song that recounts the hardships of Irish convicts sent to Australia, imagining a life back in Derry. Written by Bobby Sands, the famed Irish republican who died in the Maze Prison during the 1981 hunger strike at the age of 27.
Christy Moore’s passionate delivery of “Back Home in Derry“ set to the melody of Gordon Lightfoot’s 1976 ballad – “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” ensures this Irish traditional song remains a powerful historical narrative.
15. Caledonia – Paolo Nutini
Though Scottish in origin, this song has been warmly embraced by Irish audiences thanks in large part to Dolores Keane’s iconic rendition and its timeless message of home and belonging.
But it’s Paolo Nutini’s soulful Scottish voice that brings a fresh intimacy to the lyrics of Caledonia, making it feel personal and heartfelt. No matter who sings it, Irish music lovers keep returning to this beloved Celtic folk song.
14. A Town I Loved So Well – Luke Kelly
A Town I Loved So Well is one of the most tragic Irish folk songs sung by Luke Kelly but written by Phil Coulter in 1973. It’s a deeply personal and nostalgic song, about his hometown of Derry, and the impact of “The Troubles“, the violent sectarian conflict that gripped Northern Ireland from the late 1960s onward.
13. Skibbereen – Ronnie Drew
A historic Irish rebel song about one of the most devastating periods in Irish history – The Great Famine. Skibbereen is sung from the perspective of a man forced to leave his home in Skibbereen, County Cork, recounting the loss of his family, land, and way of life due to famine, eviction, and British colonial policies.
Ronnie Drew’s gravelly voice on “Skibbereen” turns this Irish folk song into a haunting historical testament, capturing the spirit of pain, injustice, and resilience of the Irish people during one of the darkest chapters in Ireland’s history.
12. On Raglan Road – Luke Kelly
Written by the poet Patrick Kavanagh, “Raglan Road” is an Irish folk song about Kavanagh’s love for a woman. Even though he knew pursuing a relationship could leave him vulnerable, he went ahead, only to experience heartbreak when his feelings were not returned. The poem was turned into a song when Kavanagh met Luke Kelly in a pub.
Over time, “On Raglan Road” has been covered by countless artists, from Van Morrison to Sinéad O’Connor, making it a timeless classic in the Irish folk song tradition. However, without a doubt, the best is Luke Kelly’s version with The Dubliners, considered one of the most iconic Irish folk songs of all time, perfectly capturing the longing and heartbreak embedded in Kavanagh’s words.
11. Green Fields of France – The Fureys
Also known as “No Man’s Land” or “Willie McBride,” this is another powerful anti-war song by Eric Bogle. A moving Irish rebel song, it reflects on the tragedy of war and the human cost of freedom. Bogle wrote it after visiting the World War I graves in Flanders, where eight soldiers named Willie McBride are buried.
The Green Fields of France has been covered by many artists, including Dropkick Murphy’s and Bogle himself, but The Fureys’ rendition remains one of the most poignant Irish traditional songs in folk music.
10. Night Visiting Song – Luke Kelly
Soft and understated, the Night Visiting Song is one of our most favourite Irish traditional songs that talks about love and emotional connection. Luke Kelly’s performance shows a gentler side of his voice, perfectly suited to the song’s reflective mood.
In November 1983, “The Night Visiting Song” became the final song Luke Kelly performed with The Dubliners on Irish television. Though his health had been failing and he had collapsed on stage months earlier, diagnosed with a brain tumour, he continued to share his music with unwavering passion. Tragically, on January 30, 1984, Ireland lost one of its greatest voices, a true legend whose legacy continues to resonate.
He was laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, where his gravestone simply reads: “Luke Kelly – Dubliner.”
9. Streets of New York – The Wolfe Tones
Now regarded as an anthem for Irish communities worldwide, “The Streets of New York” was written by Liam Reilly and has become closely associated with the story of emigration and generations leaving Ireland in search of a better life.
The Irish folk song has been recorded by countless artists worldwide. In Ireland, The Wolfe Tones’ version topped the charts for an extraordinary 26 weeks, and today The Streets of New York is proudly embraced as an anthem by both the New York Fire and Police Departments.
8. I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day – The Pogues
Appearing on their 1985 album Rum, Sodomy & the Lash, “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day” stands out as one of The Pogues’ most distinctive Irish traditional songs. Unusually, the track is sung by bassist Cait O’Riordan, giving Shane MacGowan a rare break from lead vocals and lending the song its unique charm.
Perhaps the most beautiful of all The Pogues’ songs, “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day” tells the story of Jock Stewart, a wealthy, self-assured narrator revelling in money, status, and generosity over pints
7. Beeswing – Christy Moore
Written by Richard Thompson, “Beeswing” has become Christy Moore’s most popular Irish folk song. The song tells the story of a narrator who comes to Dundee and falls in love with a free-spirited laundry worker.
He dreams of settling down and starting a family, while she values independence and refuses to be tied to one place. Tender, reflective, and quietly heartbreaking, Christy Moore’s Beeswing version is a beautiful Irish folk song on love, freedom, and the choices that shape our lives.
6. Rocky Road to Dublin – The Dubliners
Fast, rhythmic, and bursting with energy, this Irish drinking song follows a young man’s adventures from Tuam to Dublin and on to Liverpool, where he gets into every kind of mischief and ends up bashing a pack of blokes over the head with a stick!
The Dubliners’ lively rendition turns Rocky Road to Dublin into an irresistible crowd-pleaser, often sung at full volume in pubs. Few songs match the infectious momentum of this classic Irish drinking song.
An all-time favourite Irish rebel song, it has appeared in numerous films, most notably in The Sinners, where Jack O’Connell delivers a standout performance.
5. Song for Ireland – Luke Kelly
A timeless Irish folk song, “Song for Ireland” was written in the 1970s by Phil and Linda Colclough, a couple from North Staffordshire, England. With Irish roots of their own, the couple were inspired to write the song during a visit to the stunning Dingle Peninsula, capturing the beauty and spirit of Ireland in their evocative lyrics.
Song for Ireland is a lyrical tribute to Ireland, celebrating the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the emotional pull of home. Luke Kelly’s voice carries both pride and tenderness, making this beloved Irish folk song feel profoundly heartfelt.
4. Raggle Taggle Gypsy – Planxty / Christy Moore
A playful yet dramatic Irish traditional song of love and rebellion, it tells the story of a woman who chooses freedom over wealth, reminding us that true richness isn’t measured in money.
A young Christy Moore (with a full head of hair) performing “The Raggle Taggle Gypsy” with his band Planxty delivers a masterful rendition, featuring a flawless Irish traditional song outro highlighted by the exquisite uilleann pipes of Liam O’ Flynn, widely regarded as one of the greatest pipers in Irish music history.
3. Dirty Old Town – The Pogues
One of the greatest Irish folk songs of all time, “Dirty Old Town”, is another timeless classic written by Ewan MacColl. Although many assume the song is set in Dublin, it actually depicts life in Salford, an industrial city near Manchester.
Over the years, it has been covered by legendary artists, including Rod Stewart, The Waterboys, and, of course, The Dubliners, whose version remains hugely popular. However, the most powerful and widely accepted definitive rendition belongs to The Pogues, whose raw, atmospheric delivery elevates Dirty Old Town to folk immortality, creating the perfect Irish traditional song.
2. Grace – The Wolfe Tones
The ultimate heartbreak song, “Grace”, is a deeply moving Irish rebel song that tells the true story of love and tragedy in the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising. The song recounts the final hours of Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford, who married in Kilmainham Jail just hours before Plunkett’s execution.
A leader of the Easter Rising, Plunkett was executed alongside figures such as James Connolly. While imprisoned, he also wrote the famous poem “I See His Blood Upon the Rose.” Adding another tragic layer, Grace’s sister later married Plunkett’s best friend Thomas MacDonagh, who was also executed for his role in the Rising.
The Wolfe Tones’ rendition keeps this Irish traditional song firmly rooted in history and emotion, making “Grace” one of the most powerful Irish rebel songs ever written.
Now lets find out the number one Irish traditional song!
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1. The Parting Glass – Ronnie Drew
The perfect closing Irish traditional song for any type of gathering, “The parting glass”, takes its name from the final drink traditionally offered to a departing guest. The song reflects on friendship, gratitude, and farewell and has fittingly been played at the funerals of great Irish singers such as Shane MacGowan, Ronnie Drew, and Liam Clancy.
Ronnie Drew’s soulful, weathered voice gives it a sense of finality without sadness, more acceptance than sorrow. There is truly no better way to say goodbye, making “The Parting Glass” the perfect closing Irish folk song.
Irish traditional songs are best enjoyed in two ways: either beautifully sung in harmony or belted out loud after a few drinks. Both are equally wonderful in their own way.
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