The Most Famous Irish Folk Singer, Ranked

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

Updated on Apr 25, 2024 07:07

In the lush landscapes of Ireland, the melodic strains of folk music echo through the rolling hills and ancient pubs, weaving the rich tapestry of Irish culture. Renowned for its heartfelt narratives and poetic charm, Irish folk music serves not only as entertainment but also as a vessel for the storied history of a nation. Creating a list of the most notable Irish folk singers helps preserve and promote this important cultural expression. By casting your vote, you contribute to celebrating these artists who have played pivotal roles in both preserving and renewing traditional Irish music for audiences worldwide.

Who Is the Most Famous Irish Folk Singer?

1

67
votes

Pmk58 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Luke Kelly

Luke Kelly is known for his powerful and emotive voice, Kelly is considered one of the greatest Irish folk singers of all time. He was a member of The Dubliners, one of Ireland's most iconic folk bands.
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46
votes
cybernoelie · CC BY 2.0

Christy Moore

Christy Moore is a solo artist and former member of Planxty, Moore has been a key figure in Irish music for over five decades. His politically charged lyrics and distinctive voice have earned him a loyal following.
Christy Moore in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Irish traveler
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Irish singer
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25
votes
Pymouss · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sinead O'Connor

Sinead O'Connor

Sinead O'Connor - while she may be better known for her pop hits like "Nothing Compares 2 U," O'Connor has also recorded traditional Irish songs and has been an outspoken advocate for Irish culture and independence.
Sinead O'Connor is a well-known Irish singer-songwriter and musician. She gained international fame in the late 1980s with her album 'The Lion and the Cobra' and her hit single 'Nothing Compares 2 U'. O'Connor is known for her soulful vocals, emotional performances, and her unique blend of rock, folk, and traditional Irish music.

Genre: Rock, folk, Irish

Years Active: 1986-present

Origin: Dublin, Ireland

Debut Album: The Lion and the Cobra (1987)

Hit Singles: Nothing Compares 2 U, Mandinka, Troy
Sinead O'Connor in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Irish singer
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Irish band
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Ireland
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful woman in Ireland
4

24
votes

The Clancy Brothers

The Clancy Brothers is this family band was a major force in the Irish folk revival of the 1960s, blending traditional songs with their own unique style.
5

22
votes
MaxPride (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Mary Black

Mary Black is a contemporary folk singer, Black has a powerful voice and a gift for interpreting traditional songs in a modern context.
Mary Black in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular Irish country singer
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9
votes
Maelor · Public domain

The Chieftains

The Chieftains - while they are primarily known for their instrumental music, The Chieftains have collaborated with many of the biggest names in Irish and international folk music.
The Chieftains in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Celtic band
7

7
votes

Planxty

Planxty is a band that combined traditional Irish music with elements of rock and jazz, Planxty were hugely influential in the Irish music scene of the 1970s.
8

7
votes

Tony 1212 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dolores Keane

Dolores Keane is a singer with a hauntingly beautiful voice, Keane has recorded both traditional and contemporary songs, and has collaborated with many of the biggest names in Irish music.
9

3
votes
Jim McCann / · CC BY 2.5

The Dubliners

The Dubliners - one of the most iconic Irish folk bands of all time, The Dubliners were known for their rousing performances and their ability to bring traditional songs to life.
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 4 of 10 in Most famous Celtic band
10

4
votes

Cindy Funk · CC BY 2.0

Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine is a singer and multi-instrumentalist who has been a member of both Planxty and Patrick Street, Irvine has a unique voice and a talent for storytelling through song.

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Ranking factors for famous singer

Cultural significance and impact

How influential has the singer been in preserving and promoting Irish folk music, and shaping the culture and identity of Ireland and the Irish diaspora?
Musical talent and innovation

How skilled is the singer as a performer and songwriter, and how have they contributed to the evolution and development of Irish folk music?
Vocal ability and range

How distinctive and powerful is the singer's voice, and how well do they convey the emotion and spirit of Irish folk songs?
Recording and performance history

How prolific and successful is the singer in terms of their recorded output, live performances, and collaborations with other artists?
Legacy and longevity

How enduring is the singer's influence and popularity, and how have they contributed to the ongoing vitality and relevance of Irish folk music?

About this ranking

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

Statistics

3401 views
209 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous irish folk singer

Irish folk music has a rich history and has produced some of the most iconic musicians in the world. When it comes to Irish folk singers, there are many talented artists who have made a name for themselves over the years. From the traditional ballads of the past to the contemporary sounds of today, Irish folk music has evolved over time and continues to captivate audiences around the globe. When it comes to the most famous Irish folk singer, there are several names that come to mind. Legends such as The Dubliners, Christy Moore, and Shane MacGowan have all made significant contributions to the genre and have earned their place in Irish music history. Others like Sinead O'Connor and Enya have brought a modern twist to traditional Irish music, gaining international fame and recognition. Despite the diversity of styles and sounds, Irish folk music remains an integral part of Ireland's cultural identity. It continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, keeping the tradition alive for years to come. So, who is the most famous Irish folk singer? That's up for debate, but one thing is for sure: Irish folk music will always hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.