7 Irish Bands You Should Know

Last year, for the EntertainmentHOP I shared about my favorite Irish actors / actresses. This year I thought it might be fun to highlight some awesome Irish bands or musicians along with a favorite song of each. Maybe you’ll find someone new to enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day!

Enjoy music from Irish bands featuring a variety of styles and instruments.

8 Irish Bands to Play for St. Patrick’s Day

By no means is this an exhaustive list of Irish bands. Rather, it is pulling from family favorites.

Boomtown Rats

Originally from Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, the band formed in 1975 and quickly left for England the next year with a record deal in their sights. By 1977, they were opening for Tom Petty and The Ramones. Disbanding in 1986, they are reformed in 2013 and can be found on tour. Boomtown Rats (Non Explicit Lyrics) on Amazon.

I Don’t Like Monday’s is the one I’ve chosen to share.

DropKick Murpheys

This group is an American Celtic punk band founded in Boston.

I won’t call this a particularly family-friendly band as they do have language interspersed in their music.

But, we love them anyways.

DropKick Murpheys (Exclude Explicit Lyrics) on Amazon.

I’m Shipping Up To Boston has that Irish flair and was used in The Departed as well as subsequent sports and media.

The Cranberries

This is a group that might be familiar to you, only the name never stuck as to who sang that song.

At least that’s how it was for me when my husband shared he liked the group and I couldn’t recall a single piece by them.

Horray for YouTube being there to remind me that I do enjoy their songs.

Find The Cranberries on Amazon.

Here’s one favorite in particular: Linger.

Enya

Unlike others on this list, Enya tends to be classified as New Age. Her songs and voice just have that soothing rhythm to it and make for wonderful background music while working or trying to relax.

You can find Enya‘s music on Amazon. I know that a LOT of her music is available through Amazon Prime Music.

Shepherds Moons is one that we enjoy in our house:

The Pogues

This Celtic band formed in London back in 1982 and soon found a footing with fans. Their music blended backgrounds in punk music with traditional Irish instruments like the tin whistle, banjo, cittern, mandolin and accordion.

Lorelei is a favorite song of ours from their album, The Pogues: Peace & Love. (Personally, we own and LOVE that album ~ it gets a lot of air-time in our house!)

The Pogues (Excluding Explicit Lyrics)

Van Morrison

Back in the 1950s, Van Morrison (aka “Van the Man”) began his musical career by playing a variety of instruments including guitar, harmonica, keyboards and saxophone for various Irish showbands. The release of Brown Eyed Girl in 1967 marked the start of his solo career and was then followed a few years later with the song Moondance in 1970.

Van Morrison on Amazon.

While I like a lot of his songs, I definitely have a special place in my heart for Brown Eyed Girl as I’m a girl…with brown eyes. Besides, when it plays I can’t help but dance and sing!

U2

Were you wondering if Bono was going to make an appearance here?

Well, it just wouldn’t be a list of Irish bands if U2 was left off!

I remember listening to The Joshua Tree over and over again as a teen. Lucky for me you can find several of U2‘s songs on Amazon, many available with my Prime Membership.

One of my favorites is I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. This is a recording of a live concert event.

Rory Gallagher

New to us is Irish musician is Rory Gallagher. I stumbled across his name a few times while pulling things together for this post.

If you enjoy Jimi Hendrix, definitely look him up. Hendrix once said Rory was the BEST guitar player around. Here’s a 35 song playlist of his bests work:

Are any of these Irish bands or musicians unfamiliar to you?

Get Your Irish On with These Bands