Irish music

In Ireland, traditional music is an integral part of the country’s soul and cultural identity. It alone symbolizes the island, its tradition, and bears witness to its troubled history. Proof of this is found when you step into an Irish pub: many bands offer live sessions, much to the delight of the patrons!

There, you discover festive tunes, sometimes joyful, sometimes darker, marked by both joy and melancholy. All are conveyed by traditional instruments full of emotion: bodhrán, fiddle, tin whistle, uilleann pipes… You can’t help but fall under their spell!

Music in Ireland

A way of life, omnipresent in the daily lives of the Irish

A bodhrán specialist at Roundstone Music and Crafts – © Chris Hill Photographic 2011

When traveling in Ireland, the observation is quick. Music is everywhere. In pubs, on the streets… It’s impossible to escape a traditional tune, a jig or a reel that won’t make you want to dance!

Many artists and musicians cross paths, offering impromptu concerts in the streets (they are called buskers). The greatest Irish artists actually started this way: from Bono to Damien Rice, many musicians and singers tried street concerts before achieving success!

Concert halls are also full, and the programming in cities and countryside is always lively.

A music long forbidden by the British
Although traditional music now coexists with more contemporary tunes broadcast on the radio (thanks to younger generations), “old-style” music remains a fundamental part of contemporary Irish society.

Regardless of the generation, the population remains strongly attached to its musical cultural heritage. And for good reason: Irish traditional music has a troubled history. It is believed that Irish music was born in the 9th century within local Gaelic clans. However, it was banned by the British from the 12th century, who sought to impose their culture on Irish soil.

The Irish then maintained their traditions clandestinely for centuries. They organized sessions in utmost secrecy. More than mere tunes, Irish music is thus for the people a militant and committed act, necessary to protect their Gaelic cultural identity.

Music carried by unique instruments
Irish music is fairly easy to recognize. It has the advantage of possessing a unique identity: its sounds, instruments, rhythms… all evoke a distinct soul and sensitivity.

It is recognized by its typical instruments:

• the bodhrán: a goat skin percussion instrument
• the uilleann pipes: a typical bagpipe inflated by the arm, not the mouth
• the Irish bouzouki: a guitar with a very particular sound,
• the fiddle: a typical violin
• the tin whistle: a small, piercing and charming flute.

Their combined play offers melodies of great intensity. Each song is an invitation to humor, poetry, or celebration. This is evidenced by the many Irish pubs that literally come alive in the evening after a few jigs! Everyone laughs, sings, and dances: you don’t have to be Irish to join the party. Irish music speaks to all hearts and souls!

Concerts to experience in the pub!
If a little trip to Ireland tempts you, we highly recommend experiencing a session in an Irish pub!

These are concerts usually held in the evening: bands revisit the traditional Irish repertoire and perform the country’s greatest classics.

You then enjoy sitting at a table, tasting a freshly poured pint, while listening to festive tunes that will make you want to sing and dance!

The pub then takes on a unique and warm atmosphere, where strangers enjoy chatting, smiling, clapping hands… This is what is called experiencing the “Irish craic”: a fun and unforgettable moment, full of simplicity and emotion!

Traditional artists… as well as more modern ones

Geniuses who have shone worldwide!

But beware: don’t be mistaken in thinking that Irish music is only traditional. Certainly, the country has great artists like The Chieftains, Altan, The Pogues, Planxty, and many others…

But Ireland also has its group of more modern artists: musicians and singers who have diversified into pop or rock. Among them, some have become international icons. Legendary figures like U2, Rory Gallagher, The Cranberries, The Corrs, Enya, Kodaline… and many more!

So yes, some are far from traditional Irish music, but others have managed to fuse musical heritage with new currents. This results in innovative melodies that have touched the hearts of millions.