Essential music of ireland listening

The albums that define music of ireland.

Our picks for where to start with music of ireland — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The music of ireland essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Horse with a Heart

Altan

Horse with a Heart

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with spirited instrumentation and heartfelt vocal performances.

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Songlines

Karan Casey

Songlines

A tapestry of traditional Irish melodies woven with contemporary arrangements and Karan Casey's hauntingly ethereal vocals.

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Shots

Damien Dempsey

Shots

A blend of folk-infused melodies and poignant storytelling that captures the struggles and joys of everyday life in Ireland.

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Seize the Day

Damien Dempsey

Seize the Day

A fusion of raw folk melodies and poignant lyrics, exploring the struggles and resilience of contemporary Ireland.

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Harvest Storm

Altan

Harvest Storm

Energetic traditional Irish melodies intertwine with lively instrumentation, creating a vibrant tapestry of folk music.

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Lúnasa with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Lúnasa

Lúnasa with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Lúnasa's intricate melodies intertwine with orchestral arrangements, creating a lush tapestry of contemporary Irish folk music.

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The Edge of Silence

Solas

The Edge of Silence

A rich tapestry of traditional Irish sounds interwoven with modern sensibilities, creating an immersive listening experience.

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Sé

Lúnasa

Sé

Intricate melodies intertwine with rhythmic precision, embodying the vibrant spirit of contemporary Irish folk music.

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For Love and Laughter

Solas

For Love and Laughter

An uplifting blend of traditional Irish melodies and contemporary arrangements, inviting listeners into a vibrant world of folk storytelling.

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Abocurragh

Andy Irvine

Abocurragh

A tapestry of traditional Irish folk, woven with storytelling and intricate instrumentation that evokes both nostalgia and celebration.

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Rain on the Roof

Andy Irvine

Rain on the Roof

A rich tapestry of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with contemporary storytelling and heartfelt instrumentation.

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No Frontiers

Mary Black

No Frontiers

A seamless blend of traditional Irish folk and contemporary songwriting, rich with emotive storytelling and lush instrumentation.

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Shine

Mary Black

Shine

A rich tapestry of folk melodies intertwines with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Mary Black's emotive vocal prowess.

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Cold Blow and the Rainy Night

Planxty

Cold Blow and the Rainy Night

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with contemporary arrangements and spirited performances.

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After the Break

Planxty

After the Break

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies and modern folk sensibilities woven together by intricate arrangements and spirited performances.

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The Given Note

Liam O'Flynn

The Given Note

A harmonious blend of traditional Irish melodies and intricate arrangements, evoking a deep sense of cultural heritage.

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The Piper's Call

Liam O'Flynn

The Piper's Call

Intricate Irish tunes intertwine with emotive melodies, showcasing masterful uilleann piping and a deep cultural resonance.

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Aoife

Aoife Ní Fhearraigh

Aoife

Traditional Irish melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an ethereal soundscape steeped in cultural heritage.

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The Turning of the Tide

Aoife Ní Fhearraigh

The Turning of the Tide

A rich tapestry of Irish folk and contemporary ballads, woven with emotive vocals and lush instrumentation.

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Flatfish

Flook

Flatfish

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish music interwoven with intricate melodies and spirited rhythms, showcasing masterful flute work.

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Rubai

Flook

Rubai

Intricate melodies weave through lively jigs and reels, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish music with contemporary flair.

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Dirty Rotten Shame

Ronnie Drew

Dirty Rotten Shame

A blend of folk-infused storytelling and raw, emotive vocals that echo the struggles of everyday life in Ireland.

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Nightnoise

Mícheál Ó Domhnaill

Nightnoise

A serene blend of Celtic melodies and contemporary instrumentation creates an atmospheric soundscape that invites introspection.

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Moving Hearts

Moving Hearts

Moving Hearts

A vibrant fusion of traditional Irish folk and rock, laced with politically charged lyrics and dynamic instrumentation.

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