37 Best Irish Songs Ever, Perfect For St. Patrick’s Day

13. “The Spinning Wheel” by Delia Murphey

Song Year: 1950

What sets ‘The Spinning Wheel’ apart from some of the other St. Patrick’s Day songs on this list is its cheekiness.

Lots of Irish songs are love songs. But none of them flirt as candidly with the machinations of youth attempting to outwit age as this song does.

The interplay between grandmother and granddaughter is delightful. Set against their inter-generational story of teasing familial love is the spinning wheel.

It makes an unlikely cover for the off-screen lover’s overtures to his sweetheart, as well as a soothing noise to lull granny to sleep.

Even more delightful, as any spinner will tell you, is that you can hear the whir of wheel and pedal in the song's rhythm. Listen, and you’ll hear it speed up and slow down to match the needs of the young woman in the song.

14. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

Song Year: 1967

It would be impossible to talk about the best Irish songs without mentioning Van Morrison. “Brown Eyed Girl” is one of his best-loved songs.

It’s an evocative, nostalgic song that reflects on times past. Despite this, it’s catchy and, like so many Morrison songs, it's optimistic. That makes it ideal for St. Patrick’s Day.

15. “Star of the County Down” by The Irish Rovers

Song Year: 2015

“Star of the County Down” is the perfect song for St. Patrick’s Day for several reasons. It’s fast, even raucous, it’s about Ireland, and it’s got a melody that sticks in your head for days.

The use of a bodhran in the background, combined with the county-specific allusions to County Down, Ireland, make this song inescapably Irish.

It’s also energetic and lively, so more ambitious celebrators can try burling in time to it at their peril.

16. “Black Velvet Band” by Eanair

Song Year: 2012

“The Black Velvet Band” shows its age through the speaker's deportation to Australia for his misdemeanors.

Despite this, it’s an excellent song for St Patrick’s Day. It features trickery, charming rogues, and hefty amounts of alcohol.

There are many versions of the “Black Velvet Band” from around the British Isles. What tips its hand as distinctively Irish is the lilting rhythm. It doesn’t snap like a Lombardie rhythm, but rocks, the way the Irish brogue does.

17. “This Is a Rebel Song” by Sinead O’Connor

Song Year: 1997

Sinead O’Connor can be divisive because of her politics. But it’s impossible to discuss the best Irish songs without mentioning her contributions.

“This Is A Rebel Song” came about partly as a response to the inherent pacifism of other Irish artists, especially U2.

As the title suggests, “This Is A Rebel Song” is unrepentantly political. But when it gets around to damning the English for their part in the Irish Troubles, and the country’s complicated history, it isn’t a heat-of-the-moment rant.

Instead, it’s a thoughtful argument for Ireland’s cause that justifies some of that inherited generational hurt.  

18. “Phil the Fluter’s Ball” by Sir James Gallaway

Song Year: 2008

That said, not all the best Irish songs are about politics. “Phil the Fluter’s Ball” is the musical personification of that old word, “craic.”

There’s a bit of conniving by the eponymous Phil, some canoodling among the various couples, and a thorough night of dancing.

On top of all that, it’s a whirlwind of a song. You need to spit the words out quickly if you want anyone to understand them. Luckily, no one cares much about diction when selecting St Patrick’s Day songs.

19. “Riverdance” by Bill Wheelan

Song Year: 1995 

No list of the best Irish songs would be complete without “Riverdance.” This song began as part of a Eurovision act and then expanded into a national favorite.

It showcases a blend of traditional Irish music and dance, and it’s aged well. As of writing, it still holds the record for the most weeks spent on the top of the Irish song charts.

20. “Only Time” by Enya

Song Year: 2000

What’s remarkable about many of the best Irish songs is how high their melodies soar. “Only Time” by Enya is an excellent example. It’s ethereal-sounding and floats at the top of the artist’s register.

Enya is best known for the part her lyrics played in instilling hope in people after 9/11. But many Enya pieces also make excellent songs for St. Patrick’s Day.

21. “Here We Are in New South Wales” by The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem

Song Year: 1997

Don’t be fooled by the title. “Here We Are in New South Wales” is another of the best Irish songs there is. You can tell because of the distinct Irish use of the flute in the background.

As for the lyrics, they refer to a time in Irish history when many impoverished Irish left the country to make their fortunes in other parts of the Commonwealth. Because so many Irish people experienced deportation to Australia and New Zealand, it was the natural choice for these migrating families.

However, they were unprepared for the experience of living abroad. The song talks about the struggle to make a living somewhere new while also being homesick for Ireland.

Despite that, it’s rollicking and quick-moving, making it perfect for St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

22. “Rose of Tralee” by Jim McCann

Song Year: 1930

Roses feature with surprising prominence in some of the best Irish songs. “The Rose of Tralee” is an excellent example. Written in the nineteenth century, many people still debate who composed it.

But the accepted opinion is that it was the work of Edward Mordant Spencer, using a tune by Charles Glover. It’s featured or been mentioned in several films, including:

• Son o’ My Heart
• The Informer
• Daughter of Rosie O’Grady
• Caddyshack

23. “An Irish Pub Song” by The Rumjacks

Song Year: 2010

That high Irish whistle is again on display in yet another of the best Irish songs there is.

Surprisingly, the band behind the song isn’t Irish. “An Irish Pub Song” was written by an Australian band that wanted to pay tribute to the conviviality of the pubs they enjoyed while holidaying in Ireland.

Despite its foreign origins, the song demonstrates an excellent understanding of Irish musicality. There’s that soaring background flute and the ribald, giddy pace of the melody.

24. “Sunday, Bloody Sunday” by U2

Song Year: 1983

No list of the best Irish songs would be complete without “Sunday, Bloody Sunday.” Famously, U2 insisted that this song was not a rebel song.

Despite that, the song deploys a militaristic snare drum rhythm in the background. It’s the lyrics that prove deceptive. They commemorate a mass civilian killing at the height of the Irish Troubles dubbed “Bloody Sunday.”

But even as they commemorate it, this isn’t a patriotic call to war and uprising. Rebel song or not, it’s a deeply moving song.