Ireland's musical heritage has deep roots in folk traditions, with storytelling and music preserving the people's history, culture, and spirit. From traditional Irish bands' live jigs and reels to modern Irish folk bands, these are the bands and singers who have kept the flame of traditional Irish music alive through the generations.
Altan
Altan is one of the most influential Irish folk bands from County Donegal. The group was formed in 1987 and is known for its authentic representation of traditional Irish music.
The band's debut album, Horse with a Heart, was released in 1989 and showcased a mastery of traditional Irish tunes and ballads. Later albums, like 1990's Red Crow and 1993's Island Angel, cemented the band's place as one of the best traditional Irish bands.
As you'd expect, the sound includes lively jigs and reels, soulful ballads, and the incredible interplay of fiddles, accordion, and bouzouki.
While their music is typically Irish, they've sold out tours across Europe, North America, and Japan, where their live performances are loved for their vibrant energy.
Christy Moore
Christy Moore is an Irish folk singer from Newbridge, County Kildare. He began his musical career in the 1960s and became a key figure in Irish folk music.
Moore was initially a solo artist before co-founding the folk group Planxty in 1972 (more on them later). His solo albums, Ride On and Ordinary Man, featured his iconic songs "Ride On," "Lisdoonvarna," and "Nancy Spain."
Fans love the raw energy and intimate atmosphere of his live shows, and how he captures Irish folk music has made him one of the greatest Irish singers of all time.
Clannad
Clannad is one of the most influential Irish folk bands. Formed in 1970 in Gweedore, County Donegal, the band is known for blending an ethereal sound with traditional Irish folk, rock, and new-age elements.
The band's breakthrough came in 1982 with the song "Theme from Harry's Game", becoming an international hit and one of the most iconic Irish folk songs ever recorded.
Their albums, Magical Ring (1983) and Macalla (1985), even included collaborations with famous Irish artists, such as Bono from U2.
Clannad paved the way for Celtic music worldwide, including the famous Irish singer Enya, who was formerly in the group.
Dervish
Dervish is a world-famous Irish folk band from County Sligo. Formed in 1989, the band's lively performances helped them rise to prominence.
Their 1993 debut album, Harmony Hill, was a critical success and showcased their mastery of jigs, reels, and ballads.
Their follow-up album, Playing with Fire, was released in 1995 and cemented their status as one of the most dynamic traditional Irish bands.
On the international stage, the band represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, bringing the spirit of Irish folk to a global audience.
They're considered one of the best modern Irish folk bands, and many musicians and fans have been inspired by their commitment to preserving Irish musical traditions.
Goitse
Goitse are an award-winning contemporary Irish folk band from Limerick. They're known for energetic performances with a modern twist on traditional Irish tunes.
Their use of fiddle, bodhrán, guitar, and banjo, combined with powerful vocals, has made them a favourite at folk festivals worldwide and a standout in the modern Irish folk bands scene.
Kíla
Kíla is an innovative Irish folk band famous for their eclectic blend of traditional Irish music, world rhythms, and modern influences.
The band was formed in Dublin in 1987 and was noticed for high-energy performances and an experimental sound. Where else could you hear instruments like the bodhrán, uilleann pipes, and djembe alongside electric guitars and saxophones?
The 1993 debut album Handel's Fantasy introduced listeners to their unique take on Irish folk; subsequent albums showed everyone that they were one of the most innovative modern Irish folk bands.
Lúnasa
Known for their intricate arrangements and masterful musicianship, Lúnasa is one of the most celebrated Irish folk bands around. Formed in 1997, the band takes its name from the ancient Celtic festival Lughnasadh, which celebrates the beginning of the harvest season.
With their 1998 debut album, Lúnasa, the band made it clear they were one of the more innovative modern Irish folk bands. Later albums like Otherworld (1999), The Merry Sisters of Fate (2001), and Redwood (2003) showed how flute, fiddle, and pipes could be driven by a powerful rhythm section to give a modern edge to timeless tunes.
Planxty
The legendary Irish folk band Planxty is credited with revolutionising traditional Irish music. The group was formed in 1972 by Christy Moore and included Andy Irvine, Dónal Lunny, and Liam O'Flynn.
The self-titled Planxty (1973) album is sometimes called the "Black Album". It includes tracks like "Raggle Taggle Gypsy", "The Blacksmith", and "The Jolly Beggar".
They disbanded and reunited several times, but their contribution to Irish music has been more consistent.
Sharon Shannon
Sharon Shannon is an Irish folk musician from Ruan, County Clare. Her career took off when she joined The Waterboys in the late 1980s and contributed to their album Room to Roam.
In 1991, Shannon released her self-titled debut album, which included tracks like "Blackbird" and "The Galway Girl".
Over the years, Shannon has collaborated with artists like Bono, Sinead O'Connor, and The Chieftains.
Stockton's Wing
Stockton's Wing is an Irish folk band from Ennis, County Clare. Blending traditional Irish music with folk, rock, and even jazz, they brought a fresh perspective to the genre.
The 1978 album Stockton's Wing was well-received, followed by Take a Chance in 1980 and Light in the Western Sky in 1984.
Go listen to their track "Beautiful Affair". It's a classic that's regularly played at festivals and events across Ireland.
The Bothy Band
The Bothy Band were formed in 1974 and released their debut album of the same name in 1975. Their bold, electrifying sound helped redefine Irish folk music.
Their blend of traditional jigs and reels with powerful arrangements has made them pioneers of Irish folk rock bands. It can be heard on their albums Old Hag You Have Killed Me (1976) and Out of the Wind, Into the Sun (1977).
The band disbanded in 1979, but their short lifespan influenced later Irish folk bands like Lúnasa and Dervish.
The Chieftains
The Chieftains stand as one of the most internationally acclaimed and influential traditional Irish musical ensembles in history. Founded in Dublin in 1962, the band became true pioneers by masterfully bringing the authentic, ancient sounds of Ireland to captivated global audiences across continents.
Over their remarkable multi-decade career spanning more than fifty years, this legendary band has released over 40 critically acclaimed albums and forged memorable collaborations with diverse artists such as The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Sting, and Sinéad O'Connor. Their groundbreaking work has earned them multiple Grammy Awards while preserving and celebrating Ireland's rich musical heritage for generations worldwide.
They're also known for contributing to soundtracks like the 1975 film Barry Lyndon. Their music is famous for its purity and authenticity and the use of traditional Irish instruments like the tin whistle, fiddle, bodhrán, and harp.
The Clancy Brothers
The Clancy Brothers are renowned throughout the folk music world for bringing traditional Irish ballads and beloved popular Irish songs to international audiences through their distinctive powerful vocal harmonies and memorably spirited, energetic performances that captivated listeners everywhere.
Remarkably, the band was formed during the 1950s in New York City by Irish immigrants, yet they remained deeply committed to playing authentic traditional Irish folk music with passionate reverence. Their influential breakthrough album The Rising of the Moon featured stirring renditions of timeless classics including "The Wild Rover", "Whiskey in the Jar", and "Brennan on the Moor", helping to spark the American folk revival movement.
The Dubliners
The Dubliners are probably one of the most famous Irish bands ever. As the name suggests, the band was formed in Dublin in 1962.
Their breakthrough came with the 1967 album A Drop of the Hard Stuff, which included classics like "Whiskey in the Jar", "The Wild Rover", and "Seven Drunken Nights".
Their music captured the spirit of Irish storytelling, and their songs often reflected the themes of rebellion, hardship, and celebration.
They inspired Irish folk rock bands like The Pogues and The High Kings. After the passing of founding members, they're still celebrated by fans of traditional Irish music worldwide.
The High Kings
Speaking of The High Kings, this band was formed in Dublin in 2008. One of the band's members, Finbarr Clancy, is the son of Bobby Clancy of The Clancy Brothers.
The 2008 The High Kings album helped introduce classic Irish songs to a new generation of fans. It featured classic tracks like "The Rocky Road to Dublin", "The Wild Rover", and "Fields of Athenry".
Their live performances with multi-instrumental setups, including guitar, banjo, mandolin, and accordion, have made them popular.
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