Create your playlist of the sounds of Ireland

From the planet’s biggest rock band, to the world’s most famous trad bands and from veteran superstars to modern-day mega stars, the island of Ireland has produced more than its share of great music and musicians.

The island is known, of course, for its traditional Irish music that ranges from laments that can break your heart to jigs and reels that will have you kicking up your heels in your living room. From traditional sessions in local pubs to the internationally renowned pure trad outfits such as Planxty, Clannad, Altan and De Dannan, music is a massive part of Irish culture.

Among Ireland’s trad and folk royalty are the Dubliners and the Chieftains, all hailing from Dublin, and Christy Moore, from County Kildare. For decades they have regaled the world with quintessentially Irish songs such as Whiskey in the Jar, The Foggy Dew and Ride On. Dubliner Mary Black is another highly regarded performer, and her version of A Song for Ireland is a stirring evocation of Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way.

 

Irish musicians have also made a major mark on the world of rock and pop, with mega-band U2 riding high for many years as the best in the world. The four Dubliners have sold over 150 million records and won 22 Grammy awards.  

A defining influence on a crop of new artists, Van Morrison, from Belfast in Northern Ireland, is a multi-award-winning musician and a household name from Australia to the USA. Many of his early songs evoke the streets where he grew up (Cyprus Avenue, Orangefield) and have inspired a Van Morrison trail in the city.

The late, great Rory Gallagher from Ballyshannon, County Donegal, is still considered to be one of the world’s greatest ever guitarists. And Enya, also from Donegal, is Ireland’s best-selling solo artist, known far and wide for her haunting Celtic–pop fusion music such as Orinico Flow.   

Other notable Irish names include the enigmatic Sinéad O’Connor, top Northern Irish outfit Snow Patrol, Limerick group The Cranberries and The Corrs, who have sold 50 million records worldwide.

A new generation of Irish bands and artists are also making their mark on the charts. Multi-platinum Hozier, from County Wicklow, Cavan rock band The Strypes and Two Door Cinema Club from Bangor in County Down are among those making waves in the music world, while Niall Horan, previously of One Direction, continues to attract admirers as he forges ahead in his solo career.

Tune into playlists on the music streaming platforms for the more urban, contemporary and R'n'B artists that are reflecting the shape of modern Ireland, or dig out your favourite Irish acts from your own collection.

www.ireland.com