The Most Popular Irish Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 24, 2024 06:53
Every year, countless Irish songs capture hearts, yet few linger in collective memory. It's essential to highlight those that resonate broadly to truly gauge public sentiment and understand cultural trends. A ranked list serves this purpose, offering insights into which melodies strike a chord with the greatest number of people. By participating in these rankings, users contribute to a clearer, democratic expression of musical appreciation that transcends individual taste. Rankings not only promote recognition for artists and their work but also guide new listeners toward the gems of Irish music. Such participation ensures the list remains reflective of current preferences and new influences.

What Is the Most Popular Irish Song?

  1. 1
    38
    votes

    Whiskey in the Jar

    A famous Irish traditional song about a highwayman who is betrayed by his lover.
    • First published: 1650s
  2. 2
    25
    votes

    The Wild Rover

    A popular folk song about a roving adventurer, considered a pub song.
    • First known publication: 1813
  3. 3
    16
    votes

    Danny Boy

    A ballad set to the tune of 'Londonderry Air', often associated with Irish communities.
    • Lyrics by: Frederic Weatherly
    • Year: 1913
  4. 4
    15
    votes

    The Fields of Athenry

    A folk ballad set during the Great Irish Famine about a prisoner deported to Botany Bay.
    • Written by: Pete St. John
    • Year: 1979
  5. 5
    11
    votes

    Molly Malone

    A famous song set in Dublin, which has become the unofficial anthem of the city.
    • Also known as: Cockles and Mussels
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Galway Girl

    A song written by Steve Earle, popularized in Ireland by a cover version by Mundy.
    • Written by: Steve Earle
    • Year: 2000
  7. 7
    11
    votes

    Black Velvet Band

    A traditional folk song describing a man who is tricked and then deported to Australia.
    • First known publication: 1840
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    The Parting Glass

    A Scottish traditional song popular in Ireland, often played at the end of gatherings.
    • First known publication: 1605
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    The Rocky Road to Dublin

    A lively 19th century Irish song about a man's experiences as he travels to Liverpool.
    • Written by: D.K. Gavan
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    The Auld Triangle

    A song written by Dominic Behan, featured in the play 'The Quare Fellow' by Brendan Behan.
    • Written by: Dominic Behan

Missing your favorite song?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Irish song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2198 views
  • 127 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Irish Song

Whiskey in the Jar
Rank #1 for the most popular Irish song: Whiskey in the Jar (Source)
Irish songs hold a special place in the hearts of many. They carry tales of love, loss, joy, and sorrow. These songs often reflect the rich history and culture of Ireland. Many Irish songs trace their roots to the 18th and 19th centuries. During these times, Ireland faced many challenges. Music became a way for people to express their feelings and share their stories.

Irish songs often feature simple melodies. This makes them easy to remember and sing. The lyrics are usually poetic and full of emotion. Many songs tell stories of everyday life. They speak of the beauty of the Irish landscape, the struggles of the people, and the strength of their spirit.

Traditional Irish instruments play a big role in these songs. The fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán are common. These instruments add a unique sound to the music. They help create a lively and engaging atmosphere. The melodies often have a rhythm that makes you want to tap your feet or dance.

Many Irish songs have been passed down through generations. They were often sung at family gatherings and community events. This helped keep the tradition alive. Today, these songs are still popular. People sing them in pubs, at festivals, and on special occasions. They bring people together and create a sense of community.

Irish songs have also influenced other genres of music. Many artists from around the world have covered these songs. They have brought a new audience to this traditional music. This has helped keep the songs alive and relevant.

The themes of Irish songs are universal. They speak of love, friendship, and home. They also address themes of hardship and resilience. This makes them relatable to many people, regardless of their background.

Irish songs have a unique charm. They capture the essence of Ireland and its people. They remind us of the power of music to connect us and tell our stories. Whether you are Irish or not, these songs have a way of touching your heart. They invite you to join in and sing along.

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