Best Irish Musicians: Icons From The Emerald Isle
- Apr 4
- 15 min read
From Rory Gallagher to U2, Thin Lizzy to The Cranberries, the best Irish musicians have made a unique mark on music history.
A small but eminently big-hearted country right on the westernmost edge of Europe, Ireland has a turbulent history and has lived through its fair share of tragedy. Yet, by nature, the Irish are a proud and resilient people, and their passion for life goes hand in hand with their love of timeless songs. It’s no surprise, then, that the best Irish musicians often lead the field where contemporary music is concerned.
Rory Gallagher
Not just one of the best Irish musicians to have walked the planet, Rory Gallagher remains one of the most influential guitarists known to rock. Originally the frontman with pioneering late 60s power trio Taste, Gallagher later launched a sparkling solo career spanning the cusp of the 70s to his death in 1995. The fiery Cork man’s immaculate canon was reissued in 2018, giving us an ideal opportunity to revisit everything from his landmark early albums (Rory Gallagher, Deuce and the storming Irish Tour ’74) through to 1990’s magnificent, bluesy Fresh Evidence.
Thin Lizzy
Led by the legendary Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy rank among hard rock’s all-time greats. The Dublin band grafted relentlessly from the turn of the 70s on, but established their international reputation during a remarkable 18-month burst of creativity across 1976-77, which spawned classic albums Jailbreak, Johnny The Fox, and Bad Reputation. They followed up with two further essentials, Live & Dangerous and 1979’s Black Rose, both of which have all the Lizzy hallmarks: muscle, flash, poetry, and bags of charisma.
The Cranberries
n 1989, a group called the Cranberry Saw Us formed in Limerick. A year later, the band changed its name to The Cranberries after welcoming their new lead singer Dolores O'Riordan. They enjoyed huge international success in the early ‘90s thanks to hits like "Dreams,” “Linger,” "Zombie” and "Salvation." The band’s first three albums – 1993's Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, 1994's No Need to Argue and 1996's To the Faithful Departed – reached multi-platinum status, cumulatively selling more than 14 million copies in America. The Cranberries went on hiatus in 2003, as members pursued solo projects before coming back together in 2009. Then O'Riordan died tragically in 2018 after drowning in a hotel bathtub. The Cranberries released one final album with O’Riordan’s vocals, 2019’s In the End, before dissolving.
Van Morrison
Van Morrison’s restless muse has led the Belfast bard to assembling a behemoth of a back catalogue that comfortably places him among not only the best Irish musicians, but the best musicians in the world. Beginning in 1967 with the classic US Top 10 hit “Brown-Eyed Girl,” and hitting an early peak with the following year’s much-lauded Astral Weeks, his solo career has spanned five decades. While many of his most feted albums (Moondance, Tupelo Honey, Veedon Fleece) date back to the early 70s, his two 2017 studio albums, Roll With The Punches and Versatile, have again met with considerable critical acclaim.
U2
Also easily standing among the best musicians in the world, superstar Dublin quartet U2 began as earnest punk wannabes in 1976. Their precocious early titles, such as Boy and War, brought them to the verge of mass success, but 1987’s multi-million-selling The Joshua Tree turned them into household names. Their thirst for reinvention brought another career high courtesy of 1991’s Achtung Baby, and subsequent albums, including the recently-released Songs Of Experience, have ensured that U2 continue to rank among the most successful rock bands of all time.
Sinead O’Connor
She’s courted controversy, strongly expressed her opinions on everything from organized religion to women’s rights, and even been ordained a priest, yet Sinead O’Connor has also built up one of contemporary Irish music’s most singular catalogues. Originally staking her claim with 1988’s gold-selling The Lion And The Cobra, she went supernova when her second album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, was nominated for four Grammy Awards on the back of her sublime cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Her 2014 album, I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss, again topped the Irish album chart.
Gary Moore
This Belfast-born guitar virtuoso spent time working with stellar artists ranging from Thin Lizzy to Colosseum II and Greg Lake, but he also amassed an enviable solo career which included 1978’s Back On The Streets (featuring his signature, Phil Lynott-assisted solo hit “Parisienne Walkways”) and 1990’s Still Got The Blues, which included contributions from George Harrison and Albert King. Gary Moore passed away in 2011, but his praises have been sung by stars as diverse as Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard’s Viv Campbell, and Metallica’s Kirk Hammett.
Stiff Little Fingers
Enduring Belfast outfit Stiff Little Fingers released one of punk’s touchstone albums courtesy of 1979’s aptly-titled Inflammable Material. Released by fast-rising indie Rough Trade, it became the first independently released album to chart inside the UK Top 20 and it led to a deal with Chrysalis, the results of which were 1980’s excellent Nobody’s Heroes and ’81’s underrated Go For It. SLF split temporarily during the mid-80s, but their second spell has resulted in several of their best albums, including 2014’s No Going Back.
The Saw Doctors
Hailing from Tuam, County Galway, The Saw Doctors formed in 1987 and initially built their following by gigging hard and playing support to acts such as The Waterboys and The Hothouse Flowers. Their 1991 debut, If This Is Rock And Roll, I Want My Old Job Back, topped the Irish charts for nine consecutive weeks and included two evergreen hits, “N17” and “I Useta Lover Her” – the latter still holding the record as Ireland’s all-time biggest-selling single. Officially taking their place among the best Irish musicians when they were presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at Ireland’s Meteor Music Awards in 2008, The Saw Doctors remain one of the country’s most popular live acts.
Tir na nÓg
Much-underrated Carlow/Dublin folk-rock duo Tir na nÓg consist of Leo O’Kelly and Sonny Condell. Formed around the turn of the 1970s, they recorded three immaculate albums for Chrysalis, their self-titled debut (1971), Tear And A Smile (1972), and 1973’s Strong In The Sun. Arguably their best, the latter title was produced by Procol Harum’s Matthew Fisher and included “Free Ride,” the duo’s inimitable cover of “Ride” from Nick Drake’s Pink Moon. Tir na nÓg are still a popular live draw and released a fine reunion album, The Dark Dance, in 2015.
The Pogues
Fronted by Shane MacGowan, the Pogues formed in 1982. The Celtic punk band cut its teeth playing clubs in London and eventually opened for the Clash on their 1984 tour. As the group's star continued to rise, Elvis Costello produced the Pogues 1985 album Rum Sodomy & the Lash, which became a commercial breakthrough, peaking at No. 13 on the U.K. chart. In 1987 they scored their first No. 1 on the hometown charts with “The Irish Rover,” which featured their countrymen the Dubliners. Still, the song most associated with the Pogues is "Fairytale of New York,” a timeless tune that remains a holiday standard decades after its release. MacGowan’s alcohol dependency forced the band to fire him in 1991. He was briefly replaced by Joe Strummer before Pogues member Spider Stacy took over vocal duties. The band broke up in 1996, then reunited in the 2000s. Along the way, the Pogues released seven studio albums across their influential career.
Boomtown Rats
The Boomtown Rats started strong when their debut single, 1977’s "Lookin' After No. 1" hit No. 2 in Ireland and No. 11 in the U.K. So began a string of hits for the Dublin-formed new wave band, which landed an additional eight songs in the U.K. Top 20 over the next three years. “I Don’t Like Mondays” eventually broke through to the U.S. market. The success of Boomtown Rats has somewhat been overshadowed by frontman Bob Geldof, whose charity work with Band Aid, the single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and Live Aid became worldwide phenomenons. Still, there’s no denying the Boomtown Rats’ lasting appeal. The band reunited in 2013, following more than 25 years apart, for a successful tour of the U.K. and Ireland. They remained active, releasing Citizens of Boomtown in 2020.
The Undertones
Emerging from the Northern Ireland town of Derry in the mid-’70s, the Undertones enjoyed success throughout the U.K. and Europe. The punk group's 1979 self-titled debut featured "Jimmy Jimmy,” their first U.K. Top 20 hit. A year later, the Undertones landed their highest-charting single with “My Perfect Cousin,” which peaked at No. 9. They supported the Clash during a tour of America and later returned to the U.S. as headliners in the early ‘80s. Still, the Undertones were unable to forge a strong fanbase in the U.S., a fact which caused contention with their label. The Undertones disbanded in 1983, after touring in support of their fourth studio album, The Sin of Pride. Frontman Feargal Sharkey went on to a solo career, then transitioned into a very successful position working on the business side of music. Sharkey was later appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to music. The Undertones reformed in 1999 and remained active, but Sharkey never rejoined.
The Chieftains
If you like the haunting sounds of Irish Uilleann Pipes (like bagpipes) The Chieftains instrumental music is sure to appeal. The Chieftains formed in Dublin in 1962 and helped popularise Irish music internationally, quickly becoming one of the best Irish bands on the trad scene. In fact, in 1989 the Irish government awarded them the honory title “Ireland’s Musical Ambassadors”. They rose to fame playing the soundtrack to the film ‘Barry Lyndon’ and have since successfully collaborated with Van Morrision, Madonna, Sinead O’Connor and Luciano Pavarotti.
Flogging Molly
Flogging Molly may have formed in Los Angeles in 1995, but the punk-rock group's origins are most definitely in Ireland. Singer and founder Dave King was born in Dublin and got his first taste of success in the hard-rock band Fastway, playing alongside ex-Motörhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and ex-UFO bassist Pete Way. After relocating to L.A., King founded Flogging Molly, infusing Celtic influences with punk-rock power. The band went on to release more than a half dozen studio albums, while also fostering a passionate and devoted fan base.
The Dubliners
The Dubliners carved an impressive career over the years. Their original lineup included vocalist Ronnie Drew, banjo player Luke Kelly, multi-instrumentalist Barney McKenna and guitarist Ciarán Bourke. Together, the Dubliners spearheaded the popularization of Irish folk music in Europe and America, with a 1968 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show further endearing the band to U.S. audiences. Hits included "Seven Drunken Nights,” "Black Velvet Band" and their own rendition of "Whiskey in the Jar.” The Dubliners also collaborated on singles with many of their countrymen, including U2 and the Pogues. After releasing 17 studio albums, along with 13 live LPs, the Dubliners came to a close in 2012 following the death of McKenna, the last remaining original member.
Enya
With a unique blend of ethereal vocals, traditional Irish influences, and lush orchestral arrangements, Enya is an artist who truly embodies the spirit of Ireland. Born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin in County Donegal, Enya's incredible career took off in the mid-1980s as she carved her own niche within the New Age genre. Having sold over 75 million records worldwide, Enya's distinctive sound has captured the imaginations of millions, while also serving as an ambassador for the rich cultural tapestry that is Irish music. As a trailblazer for Celtic fusion and world music, Enya has undoubtedly made an indelible mark on the global music landscape.
Imelda May
Even Mystic Meg couldn't have envisioned a native of Dublin's Liberties as the person who would bring rockabilly to the mainstream masses. Imelda May has managed to avoid pastiche thanks to her astonishingly pliable voice and ferocious talent. Her excellent last record was another reinvention, sidestepping into soul and jazz-tinged soft rock with aplomb.
My Bloody Valentine
While My Bloody Valentine has only released three albums, they’re known for popularizing the shoegaze sub-genre of indie rock (and for really, really, really loud live shows.). Several popular alternative groups have referenced My Bloody Valentine as a core influence, including Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, and The Edge of fellow Irish group U2. Throughout the years they’ve built up a cult following, and after 21 years of waiting their fans were surprised with the release of a third album, 2013’s m b v. Their debut album, Isn’t Anything, was included in The Guardian’s list of “1,000 Albums to Hear Before You Die” and listed at #22 on Pitchfork’s “Top 100 Albums of the 1980s”.
The Corrs
The Corrs, one of the most beloved Irish pop bands, have made a lasting impact on the music world with their unique mix of pop rock and traditional Irish sounds. The band consists of siblings Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim Corr, who have successfully combined modern pop melodies with the beautiful melodies of Irish folk music. Their harmonies and musical unity are unmatched, resulting in a series of popular songs that resonate worldwide. The Corrs are known for their talent in blending traditional instruments like the tin whistle and fiddle into their music. This combination not only showcases their Irish roots but also adds a unique touch to their sound. Their skill in playing these instruments can be heard in songs like “Toss the Feathers,” where they seamlessly blend modern pop elements with traditional Irish melodies.
Snow Patrol
Originally from Northern Ireland, Snow Patrol achieved worldwide fame with their melodic rock sound, producing hits like ‘Chasing Cars’ and ‘Run’. Discovered while playing in Glasgow, their breakthrough came with the album Final Straw, which went multi-platinum. ‘Chasing Cars’ was named the most-played song of the 21st century on UK radio. Snow Patrol’s melodic anthems have left a lasting mark.
Westlife
Westlife, one of the most successful Irish boy bands, has left an indelible mark on the pop music landscape. Formed in 1998, this group quickly rose to fame with their harmonious vocals and catchy melodies. he band’s relationship with their fans is notable. Their loyal followers have supported them through numerous tours and album releases, cementing their status as pop icons. Westlife has achieved significant milestones, such as breaking records for the most consecutive number-one singles in the UK.
Hozier
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, better known by his stage name Hozier, is Ireland’s latest music star. His debut EP, featuring the hit single Take Me To Church, was released in Ireland in 2013 before being released globally in 2014. At the time, it was getting more than 70,000 downloads per week on iTunes. In his short career, Hozier has been nominated for a Grammy award, performed at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and Saturday Night Live, and performed at a variety of festivals, including Glastonbury. His music is part indie rock, part blues, and part folk, making him a highly accessible artist for fans of all genres.
Fontaines DC
Dublin five-piece Fontaines DC have strong ties to their native city, which they translate into abrasive vocals, driving percussion, and a healthy dose of melody. If you'd written them off as one-trick-ponies or a flukey confluence of timing and hip influences, their second album thumbed its nose at the naysayers in glorious fashion. Not only is A Hero's Death one of the best albums of the year, but it positioned the Dublin five-piece as potentially one of the most important Irish bands of their generation.
Two Door Cinema Club
Northern Irish indie band Two Door Cinema Club gained international recognition with their debut album Tourist History, which featured hits like ‘What You Know’ and ‘Something Good Can Work’. The band was discovered through their MySpace page, which led to a record deal and a speedy rise to fame. Their infectious melodies and lively rhythms made them a hit among teenagers at the time who continue to cherish their music for the nostalgia it brings.
The Script
Blending pop rock with songs about love, Dublin band The Script has enjoyed widespread success with hits like ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’, ‘Breakeven’, and ‘Hall of Fame’. Their debut album went multi-platinum in several countries, making them international music stars. The Script’s emotional and catchy tunes have won them fans worldwide. Sadly, their guitarist Mark Sheehan died suddenly aged 46 in 2023, leaving the future of the band in doubt. Hopefully, the band can produce more hits in the future and continue their legacy.
CMAT
She served her apprenticeship in ill-fated indie duo Bad Sea, but Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson – or CMAT to you and me – is a pop connoisseur, as her solo material shows. The Dubliner's sense of humour has been evident in both of her thrilling singles to date: the ravishingly self-deprecating Another Day (KFC) and the finger-clicking soda fountain pop of Rodney.
Just Mustard
Noise rock band Just Mustard was formed in Dundalk, Ireland in 2016. Shoegaze lives again thanks to this Gen Z reboot of the early 1990s aesthetic of gauzy guitars and low-hanging fringes. The quintet's debut album Wednesday was a peerless introduction, recently followed up with a storming live EP.
Róisín Murphy
Hailing from Arklow in County Wicklow, Róisín Murphy first rose to prominence as the lead singer of the electronic duo Moloko. Known for her avant-garde style and daring approach to music, Róisín's distinctive voice and bold artistic choices have made her a formidable force in the Irish music scene. Her innovative blend of electronic, dance, and alternative music has captured the attention of fans all over the world, showcasing the creativity and versatility of Irish artists. As a solo artist and influential figure in the world of electronic music, Róisín Murphy continues to defy expectations and break boundaries.
Lankum
A National Disgrace, Lankum's recent one-off live-streamed performance at the Abbey Theatre, perfectly exhibited their significance: the Dubliners are duteous to the past but, importantly, not bound to it. Progression is everything, as their last album The Livelong Day so pointedly emphasised. They have almost single-handedly redefined Irish trad for a new generation.
Pillow Queens
Catchy and politically outspoken, Pillow Queens have been deservedly hailed as the future of Irish guitar music. The Dublin/Kildare/Wicklow four-piece blend punk fervour with lyrics addressing such hot-button topics as body image and millennial friendship. Astounding from every angle, Pillow Queens are a shin-kicking rock band, with just a whiff of 1990s indie disco.
Damien Rice
Born in Celbridge, County Kildare, Damien Rice's emotive songwriting and captivating live performances have solidified his status as a leading figure in the contemporary Irish music scene. With his debut album O, Damien captured the hearts of fans worldwide, blending folk, rock, and soulful melodies with deeply personal and introspective lyrics. His intimate performances and unique approach to music draw heavily on the rich tapestry of Irish musical culture, which inspired him to pursue a career in the arts. By continually pushing the boundaries of singer-songwriter conventions, Damien Rice has left an indelible mark on both the Irish and international music scenes.
The Murder Capital
The Murder Capital's (deserved) reputation as a live tour de force preceded them; before they had even officially released a single, they were being hailed as saviours of guitar music. Thankfully, their tremendous 2019 debut lived up to expectations. Although dogged by comparisons to Joy Division (that'll be frontman James McGovern's brooding intensity), the Dublin-based quintet carved out their own gloomy niche.
The Mary Wallopers
Irish folk music group The Mary Wallopers have rapidly established themselves as a captivating force in Irish music with their trademark combination of charm, irreverence, staggering talent and a fiercely DIY ethos.
Orla Gartland
Irish singer and songwriter Orla Gartland combines folk and elements of traditional Irish music with bedroom pop sensibilities. She released her fourth EP, Freckle Season in 2020.
Sharon Shannon
A widely respected and deeply talented Irish musician, Sharon Shannon became known for broadening the horizons of traditional music in the 1980s and '90s. Thoroughly versed in Irish music, she has not been afraid to mix her playing on accordion and fiddle with all manner of different styles, from reggae to country.
Kneecap
Belfast trio Kneecap make rowdy, satirical hip-hop in support of Irish republicanism and independence from British rule. Rapping in both English and Irish, they largely focus their lyrics on political protest as well as everyday living conditions in Northern Ireland. Kneecap has released two albums, 3CAG (2018) and Fine Art (2024).
M(h)aol
Irish feminist post-punk band M(h)aol combine wit, skill and primal music that is vulnerable, triumphant and cathartic in equal measure.
Bambie Thug
Hyperpunk singer and songwriter Bambie Thug is smashing through gender and socio-political stereotypes to create an era-defining sound that borders on elements of pop, rock, electronic and more. Self-coining the term ‘Ouija-pop’ to describe their sound, Bambie Thug has made serious waves with a series of genre-defying singles and a critically acclaimed EP Cathexis. Bambie Thug represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with "Doomsday Blue".
VNV Nation
Irish alternative electronic project VNV Nation was created in 1990 and led by Ronan Harris in the roles of singer, songwriter, and producer. VNV Nation are one of the most popular EBM and industrial acts, and the leading name associated with the futurepop scene. Their style has been described as synth-pop, futurepop, EBM, industrial dance, and progressive trance.
Dea Matrona
Rock band Dea Matrona was formed in Belfast, N. Ireland in 2017. They fuse unruly retro-inspired riffs and Beatlesque harmonies with a contemporary rock n’ roll aesthetic and an undeniably badass female energy.
Soda Blonde
Alt-pop band Soda Blonde was formed in 2019 in Dublin, Ireland. The band is known for their atmospheric synths, glassy guitars, dynamic rhythms, and introspective lyrics that explore identity, relationships, and self-discovery. Soda Blonde have released two studio albums, Small Talk (2021) and Dream Big (2023).
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