Happy St. Patrick’s Day! If you have a chance to celebrate the holiday today, you may want to add some music to the experience. I am a longtime fan of Irish music and I’m happy to provide a few recommendations.
Ireland has produced great musicians in all genres but for the sake of this list, I’m going to focus in the traditional music of Ireland. Here are five solid choices in no particular order.
This band has been around since the 1960’s and has played all over the world for various heads of state. I saw them live in Philadelphia years ago and they were amazing. This is a set they did with some friends at a pub which is owned by their flute player, Matt Molloy.
This is one of their older classics called Away We Go Again.
This is another group which got started in the 1960’s and is included on every list of greatest Irish folk bands. This classic tune is called The Rocky Road to Dublin.
Here’s another classic called Whiskey in the Jar.
This is a slightly more contemporary group which was formed in the 1990’s but still works in traditional arrangements and instruments. I saw them live once in Somerville, MA. They put on a great show. This song is called Bealtaine.
This song is called Morning Nightcap.
Clannad is a little different than the other bands on this list. This isn’t pub music but I wanted to include them for their use of the Irish language in their music. They have a truly unique and haunting sound. This song is called Caisleáin Óir.
This is one of their better known songs which has actually been used in some commercials and films. It’s called the Theme from Harry’s Game.
No list of Irish music on St. Patrick’s Day would be complete without The Pogues. This is the band you want to listen to tonight while enjoying a few pints. Here’s their classic song If I Should Fall From Grace With God.
This is a classic called Streams of Whiskey.
BONUS TRACK: This is a video taken flying over Ireland, soundtrack provided by the Bothy Band.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Featured image via YouTube.
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