Celtic music
music genre
Celtic music envelops you in a tapestry of rich melodies and haunting harmonies, transporting you to the misty hills and rolling landscapes of Ireland, Scotland, and beyond. With its lively jigs and reels infused with a sense of joy and celebration, it often swings between exuberance and deep-rooted melancholy. The interplay of fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns creates an inviting warmth, while the lyrics often tell stories steeped in myth and history. Whether it’s the gentle strains of a slow ballad or the foot-tapping rhythm of a dance tune, each piece feels like a conversation between the past and present.
Emerging from centuries-old traditions, Celtic music found its modern voice in the late 20th century. It was shaped by a resurgence of interest in folk traditions amidst changing cultural landscapes. Influential artists such as The Chieftains with their polished yet authentic arrangements, Clannad blurring the lines between traditional and contemporary sounds, and Altan bringing vibrant energy to Irish folk helped elevate this genre's profile during the 1980s. Each contributed to a renewed appreciation for the roots of Celtic culture while also pushing boundaries to resonate with new audiences.
For newcomers, starting with The Chieftains’ self-titled debut album offers a beautiful introduction to traditional Irish sounds. Planxty’s “The Woman I Loved So Well” showcases exquisite arrangements that evoke deep emotion. Donal Lunny’s work with Bothy Band is essential for understanding the energetic interplay typical of Irish sessions. Additionally, Loreena McKennitt’s “The Book of Secrets” presents a captivating fusion of Celtic themes with lush production. From here, exploring world music or folk revival genres can reveal even more musical riches that complement this journey into Celtic sounds.
162 artists in the catalog.
Guides for Celtic music artists
Top Celtic music albums
See essentials
All Celtic music artists
Enya
new age music, operatic pop
Van Morrison
blue-eyed soul, jazz fusion
Tri Yann
Breton song, Celtic folk music
The Waterboys
folk rock
Christy Moore
Dan Ar Braz
Celtas Cortos
Runrig
Charlotte Church
alternative rock, classical music
Celtic Woman
adult contemporary music, classical music
Loreena McKennitt
new age music, world music
Julie Fowlis
folk music
Milladoiro
contemporary folk music, music of Galicia
Carlos Núñez
Gaelic Storm
Luar na Lubre
contemporary folk music
About Celtic music
What is Celtic music?
music genre
Where should I start with Celtic music?
Start with "The Essential Van Morrison" by Van Morrison. It captures what makes Celtic music worth exploring.
What are the best Celtic music albums?
The Celtic music albums worth hearing first: "The Essential Van Morrison" by Van Morrison, "Wavelength" by Van Morrison, "Three Chords & the Truth" by Van Morrison, "Keep Me Singing" by Van Morrison and "Down the Road" by Van Morrison.
How many Celtic music artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 162 Celtic music artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.