Plenty of great traditional Irish songs are played regularly at different events. Many don't have an original artist or that knowledge has been lost to the ages. Here are some of our favourites and where you can find some great versions to listen to or even sing along to.
Black Velvet Band
"Black Velvet Band" is a timeless Irish song that has become a staple in pubs and folk music sessions around the world.
The song tells the story of a man charmed by a woman with a black velvet band around her hair before being sent to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) for crimes he didn't commit.
The song became popular in the mid-19th century and became far more popular when The Dubliners performed it in the 1960s. Their lively rendition made it popular with international audiences and helped it become one of the most famous Irish folk songs.
Popular Versions of Black Velvet Band
- The Dubliners
- The Irish Rovers
- The High Kings
- The Pogues
- The Wolfe Tones
Danny Boy
"Danny Boy" is probably one of the most iconic traditional Irish songs. It was written by the English songwriter Frederic Weatherly in 1913, and the lyrics were set to the ancient Irish tune "Londonderry Air".
This song is commonly sung at funerals, weddings, and other significant events in Ireland and elsewhere.
The song tells the story of a parent saying goodbye to a child. It has been covered by many different artists over the years.
Popular Versions of Danny Boy
- Celtic Woman
- John McDermott
- Sinéad O'Connor
- The Irish Tenors
- The Dubliners
Dirty Old Town
"Dirty Old Town" is a ballad about the industrial landscape of Salford, England, written by Ewan Maccoll in 1949. Its imagery and melody made it perfect for Irish folk music, and many artists within the Irish folk community chose to perform it.
The song describes the harshness of industrial life while painting vivid pictures of working-class life, making it a popular song in pub sing-alongs and folk festivals.
Popular Versions of Dirty Old Town
- The Dubliners
- The Pogues
- Rod Stewart
- Simple Minds
- The Clancy Brothers
I’ll Tell Me Ma
This classic Irish folk song has been part of music sessions for generations. With playful lyrics and an infectious rhythm, it's excellent for sing-alongs and ceilidhs.
Originating in 19th-century Ireland, the song is sometimes called "The Belle of Belfast City".
The repetitive structure makes it easy for anyone to sing along with, which has helped it remain so popular.
Popular Versions of I’ll Tell Me Ma
- The Young Dubliners
- The Clancy Brothers
- The Dubliners
- The High Kings
- The Irish Rovers
Molly Malone
You'll likely recognise this from the "Alive, alive-oh!" chorus. This is one of the most iconic traditional Irish songs and is considered by many to be Dublin's unofficial anthem.
It tells the tale of a young woman named Molly who sells cockles and mussels from a cart on the streets of Dublin. Following her death, her ghost continues to haunt the city's streets.
Sources suggest that the song dates back to the 18th or 19th century. Molly Malone has become a cultural symbol in Dublin, and there's even a statue in the city centre with obvious evidence of which parts are touched more than others.
Popular Versions of Molly Malone
- The Dubliners
- Sinéad O'Connor
- The Dublin City Ramblers
- The Irish Rovers
- The High Kings
Raglan Road
This beautiful Irish folk song became a timeless classic. It was initially a poem by Patrick Kavanagh in 1946 before being set to the traditional air, "The Dawning of the Day".
This is a story of unrequited love in a Dublin street, where Kavanagh is said to have met the inspiration behind the song.
The famous Irish singer Luke Kelly's 1960 version made the song iconic, making Raglan Road one of the most popular classic Irish songs.
Popular Versions of Raglan Road
- Luke Kelly
- Van Morrison & The Chieftains
- Mark Knopfler
- Sinéad O'Connor
Spancil Hill
“Spancil Hill” is an Irish folk song about an Irish emigrant dreaming of his homeland. It was written by Michael Considine in the 19th century and is about longing for Spancil Hill in County Clare. Considine emigrated to America but never made it back home to Ireland.
It's a popular song regularly performed by some of the most well-known Irish folk artists, and its vivid storytelling and raw emotion add to its popularity.
Popular Versions of Spancil Hill
- Christy Moore
- The Dubliners
- The Wolfe Tones
- The High Kings
- Johnny McEvoy
Star of the County Down
One of the most cherished traditional Irish songs, "Dives and Lazarus", is set in Banbridge, County Down. It tells the tale of a man infatuated with a girl named Rose McCann. Written in the late 19th century, it is set to the folk melody "Dives and Lazarus."
Rose's beauty is described throughout the song, and its catchy rhythm and chorus make it popular at Irish festivals.
Popular Versions of Star of the County Down
- Van Morrison & The Chieftains
- Loreena McKennitt
- The High Kings
- Celtic Thunder
- The Pogues
The Fields of Athenry
This song, written by Pete St. John in 1919, tells the story of a man named Michael who was imprisoned for stealing food during the Great Famine.
Waiting to be sent to Australia as a convict, he says goodbye to his wife and reflects on the sorrow and hardship that they face.
The imagery of love, loss, and resilience against well-known Irish history make this song feel timeless, particularly with the spirit of Irish struggle and endurance.
Popular Versions of The Fields of Athenry
- Paddy Reilly
- The Dubliners
- The High Kings
- Dropkick Murphys
- Celtic Thunder
The Foggy Dew
This powerful Irish folk song tells the story of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. The song was written by Canon Charles O'Neill in 1919 and is a poignant tribute to those who fought and died for Irish freedom.
The song describes the tragic events that shaped Irish history and is a more political traditional Irish song. Naturally, it has been performed by many artists, particularly at commemorative events.
Popular Versions of The Foggy Dew
- The Dubliners
- Sinéad O'Connor & The Chieftains
- The Wolfe Tones
- Young Dubliners
- Celtic Woman
The Galway Girl
"The Galway Girl" is one of the more modern pieces to enter Irish folk music. It was originally written and performed by the American singer-songwriter Steve Earle, but the Irish singer Sharon Shannon's version in 2000 made it even more popular.
The upbeat tune and catchy chorus about falling in love with a girl from Galway on Ireland's west coast make it particularly resonant with Irish folk musicians.
It's popular at pub sing-alongs and festivals. It is a good piece to bridge the gap between traditional Irish folk music and more contemporary pieces.
Popular Versions of The Galway Girl
- Steve Earle
- Mundy & Sharon Shannon
- The High Kings
- Celtic Thunder
The Parting Glass
This is one of those traditional Irish songs often sung at the ends of gatherings, farewells, and celebrations.
It originated in the early 17th century and is among the oldest surviving Irish folk songs. A reflective and emotional farewell ballad, it's filled with warmth and nostalgia, just like Irish storytelling.
Popular Versions of The Parting Glass
- The High Kings
- The Wailin' Jennys
- Hozier
- Sinéad O'Connor
- Boygenius & Ye Vagabonds
The Rocky Road to Dublin
This lively and fast-paced Irish folk song tells the story of a young man's trip from his hometown in County Galway to the streets of Dublin. It was writen in the 19th century by D.K. Gavan.
Its fast lyrics and energetic rhythm make it popular amongst anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music.
Popular Versions of The Rocky Road to Dublin
- The Dubliners
- Dropkick Murphys
- The High Kings
- The Pogues
- Lankum
The Wild Rover
One of the most famous Irish folk songs, this is a rousing anthem in pubs and festivals. Its exact origins aren't certain, but it's thought to date back to the early 19th century.
With a catchy chorus and sing-along quality, it tells the story of a man who's lived a life of drinking to regret his wild ways and vow to change.
The more gusto, the better with this one.
Popular Versions of The Wild Rover
- The Dubliners
- The Clancy Brothers
- The High Kings
- Dropkick Murphys
- The Irish Rovers
Whiskey in the Jar
One of the most famous Irish folk songs of all time, this tale of betrayal, adventure, and rebellion tells the story of a highwayman betrayed by his lover after robbing a military officer.
Dating back to the 17th century, everyone has performed this song, from classical Irish folk musicians to Irish rockers, such as the legendary Irish band Thin Lizzy and even the hard rock band Metallica. The Metallica version even won a Grammy Award. It introduced the song and genre to a whole new generation of fans.
Popular Versions of Whiskey in the Jar
- The Dubliners
- Thin Lizzy
- Metallica
- The Pogues
- The High Kings
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