The Most Famous Celtic Band, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the band you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 2, 2024 07:03

In the rolling hills and lively pubs where traditional Celtic music thrives, numerous bands have captivated audiences with their energetic rhythms and haunting melodies. Identifying which band stands out as a fan favorite can lead to lively discussions and passionate debates among enthusiasts. Such rankings not only celebrate the rich musical heritage but also guide new listeners towards high-quality, influential music. By participating in voting for the top Celtic bands, listeners have a direct hand in shaping the musical landscape, spotlighting artists who deserve recognition. This dynamic ranking adjusts with each new vote, reflecting the latest trends and preferences within the community. It’s a community-driven way to affirm the artists who resonate most with fans while discovering new music that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Who Is the Most Famous Celtic Band?

1

33
votes
Maelor · Public domain

The Chieftains

The Chieftains are widely considered to be the most famous Celtic band. They have been active for over 50 years and have won six Grammy Awards. Their music blends traditional Irish music with modern styles and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
The Chieftains in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Irish folk singer
2

24
votes

Responsible · CC BY-SA 2.5

Dropkick Murphys

This Boston-based band is known for their unique blend of Celtic punk and rock music. They have a devoted fan base and have sold millions of albums around the world. Their song "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" was featured in the movie "The Departed."
3

16
votes

F. Schwichtenberg · CC BY-SA 3.0

Flogging Molly

Flogging Molly is a seven-piece band that blends traditional Irish music with punk rock. They are known for their high-energy performances and have released several successful albums.
4

20
votes
Jim McCann / · CC BY 2.5

The Dubliners

The Dubliners were one of the most famous Irish folk bands of the 20th century. They were active for over 50 years and their music has influenced countless other artists. Their song "Seven Drunken Nights" is a classic of the genre.
The Dubliners is a legendary Irish folk band known for their traditional Irish music and iconic performances. They were formed in 1962 in Dublin, Ireland and have had a profound influence on the Irish music scene. The band's music resonates with the rich cultural heritage and spirit of Ireland, captivating audiences worldwide.

Formed: 1962

Genres: Irish folk, ballads

Origin: Dublin, Ireland

Active Years: 1962-2012

Notable Members: Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, Ciarán Bourke, John Sheahan
The Dubliners in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Irish band
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Irish folk singer
5

22
votes

Altan

Altan is an Irish band that performs traditional Celtic music. They have been active since the 1980s and have released numerous albums. They are known for their virtuosic musicianship and beautiful vocal harmonies.
6

11
votes
Aaron Roe Fulkerson from San Diego, CA, US · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Pogues

The Pogues were a British band that blended Celtic music with punk rock. They were active in the 1980s and 1990s and are known for their raucous live shows. Their song "Fairytale of New York" is a Christmas classic.
The Pogues is a renowned Irish band known for their unique blend of punk rock and traditional Irish music. They emerged in the 1980s and have gained a significant following worldwide. The band's music is characterized by its energetic and melodic style, showcasing a mix of instruments like the tin whistle, accordion, banjo, and mandolin. The lyrics often reflect themes of Irish history, culture, social issues, and storytelling.

Genre: Celtic punk, Folk Rock

Formed: 1982

Origin: London, England, United Kingdom

Active Years: 1982-1996, 2001-2014

Record Label: Stiff Records, Warner Music Group
The Pogues in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Irish band
7

11
votes
Clannad

Clannad is an Irish band that has been active since the 1970s. They perform traditional Celtic music as well as more contemporary styles. They are known for their ethereal sound and beautiful vocal harmonies.
Clannad is a heartwarming and emotionally-driven anime series that tells the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a high school student who finds himself disillusioned with life. Upon meeting Nagisa Furukawa, a shy girl with a dream to revive the school's drama club, Tomoya's life takes an unexpected turn. As they gather a group of friends, they navigate through both joyful and challenging moments, discovering the value of family, friendship, and love along the way.

Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life

Episodes: 47 (including Clannad: After Story)

Original Run: October 4, 2007 – March 27, 2008

Director: Tatsuya Ishihara

Music: Jun Maeda, Shinji Orito, Magome Togoshi
8

2
votes
desiii · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Corrs

The Corrs are a family band from Ireland that performs a blend of pop and Celtic music. They have released several successful albums and are known for their catchy melodies and upbeat sound.
The Corrs is a popular Irish band that gained international recognition for their unique blend of pop rock and traditional Celtic music. They rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, largely thanks to their catchy melodies, beautiful harmonies, and accomplished instrumental skills.

Genre: Pop rock, Celtic

Active Years: 1990 - present

Origin: Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland

Debut Album: Forgiven, Not Forgotten (1995)

Total Albums: 7 studio albums
The Corrs in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Irish band
9

13
votes

Solas

Solas is an American band that performs traditional Irish music. They have been active since the 1990s and are known for their virtuosic musicianship and innovative arrangements.
10

5
votes
Eva Rinaldi · CC BY-SA 2.0

Celtic Woman

Sharon Browne

Celtic Woman is a female vocal group that performs traditional Celtic music. They have released several successful albums and have toured extensively around the world. They are known for their beautiful harmonies and stunning live performances.
Celtic Woman is a music group consisting of female vocalists from Ireland and Scotland. They are known for their stunning vocal harmonies and captivating stage performances, combining traditional Celtic music with modern elements.

Formation: 2004

Origin: Ireland

Genre: Celtic, New Age, Folk, Adult Contemporary

Vocalists: Initially, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Órla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, Chloë Agnew, and later additions

Albums Released: Over 20 studio albums
Celtic Woman in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular version of 'Amazing Grace'

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Ranking factors for famous band

Popularity

The overall popularity of the band, including album sales, concert attendance, and fan base.
Influence

The impact the band has had on the wider Celtic music scene and their role in shaping the genre.
Critical acclaim

The critical reception of the band's albums, their music, and their live performances.
Legacy

The band's enduring legacy and influence on subsequent generations of Celtic musicians.
Innovation

The band's ability to push the boundaries of the genre and innovate within the Celtic music tradition.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

2482 views
153 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous celtic band

The rich and diverse culture of the Celts has inspired countless musicians over the years, and there are many fantastic Celtic bands out there. These groups draw on traditional Celtic music, as well as modern influences, to create a unique and captivating sound that has won over legions of fans around the world. Some of the most famous Celtic bands include groups like The Chieftains, Clannad, and Altan. These bands have been instrumental in popularizing Celtic music and bringing it to a wider audience. They have also inspired countless other musicians to explore this rich musical tradition and incorporate it into their own work. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Celtic music or just curious to learn more about this fascinating musical genre, there are plenty of great Celtic bands out there to discover. So why not explore some of the amazing music that these talented musicians have created, and see what makes Celtic music so special and enduring?