30 Best Irish Songs for a St. Patrick’s Day Soundtrack

Did you know that Snow Patrol is from Northern Ireland? (You do now!) Their biggest hit is one of the most popular songs of the 2000s and a must-have for any Irish playlist.

Want to feel like you're in a cozy Dublin pub, swaying with a pint in hand? This song will take you there! Originally written for a play in the 1950s, it's been adopted by every Irish folk group under the sun. It's mournful, it's melodic, and it's pretty much guaranteed to get a singalong going.

Christy Moore's haunting voice makes this slow and soulful ballad unforgettable. It's the kind of song that feels like it belongs on a rainy Irish afternoon, preferably with a cup of tea (or something stronger!) in hand.

For something a little more upbeat, The Corrs have you covered. This early 2000s hit is pop perfection, complete with soaring harmonies and a catchy chorus that'll have you dancing around the kitchen!

Few Irish songs tug at the heartstrings like this one! A staple at rugby and soccer matches over the pond, this ballad tells the story of a man sent to Australia during the Great Famine. It's a bit sad, but in a way that still makes everyone sing along at the top of their lungs. That's Irish music for ya!

This old folk song was actually written by an Englishman, but is most popularly associated with Irish singers like The Pogues. Which version are you familiar with the most? Bonus points if you already knew both of 'em!

This "rebel song" is sung by one of the most famous Irish rebels of all time: Sinéad O'Connor. It's a soft, beautiful song to play at the end of your evening.

Activism never sounded so good. "Zombies" by The Cranberries is a powerful alternative rock anthem that addresses the violence and political unrest in Northern Ireland during the period of time known as the Troubles. With Dolores O'Riordan's haunting vocals and lyrics, the song serves as a poignant commentary on the impact of conflict and the yearning for peace.

This Dubliners song is a cover of a historical song that dates back to the 1800s. It's also the unofficial anthem of Dublin! How's that for a history lesson?

This popular Irish song has been covered by several artists, including the Dubliners and Metallica, who won a Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy for their cover of the tune in 1999.

You'll find yourself rocking out all day to the lively tunes of this Irish-American punk band, Flogging Molly. With its catchy rhythm and punk rock vigor, it's a spirited anthem for those ready to embrace a night of revelry and reflection just like the Irish would.

This one by Kirsty MacColl is all about remembering those loved ones who have passed on. While Kirsty MacColl sings about their Irish cousin, anyone who finds themselves missing someone will relate to this Irish classic.

This moving ballad is actually a popular funeral song, so it may not be right for your St. Patrick's Day party—but it's an important part of Irish history. It definitely softens the mood, so keep that in mind when adding it to your playlist.

"Is this the kind of place you wanna live? Is this where you wanna be?" Stiff Little Fingers decided to call for some serious change in their homeland, making it a song with a powerful meaning. Put this one on to really drive those spirits!

Whether you knew them before they were mainstream or not, Dropkick Murphys has long been a passionate Irish group. This tune shows the band's style: eclectic, eccentric, and rugged all at once.

It might seem like every notable Irish singer and band has a rendition of this tune (which may or may not be true), but it really only adds to the icon status that it holds. The song in itself is adventurous, telling the story of a man's journey throughout the United Kingdom, ultimately seeing him return home to Ireland.

Whatever you think of this song when you first hear it, U2 wants to make one thing clear: This song is about peace. So, next time you play this aloud, take the sentiment with you!

"We had five million hogs, we had six million dogs, and seven million barrels of porter." Yes, we know that the lyrics to this one seem a bit exaggerated—but who's to say that matters? It's a catchy hit, and we won't be caught on St. Patrick's Day without singing this at least once.

If you feel the need to break out into an Irish jig after listening to this one, that might be for a reason. Paddy Moloney, the leader of this ensemble, was known for riling up crowds with his upbeat tunes, especially during live concerts. Play this hit in his memory on St. Patrick's Day!

"Jump Around" by the Irish-American group, House of Pain, may not particularly have anything to do with Ireland itself or St. Patrick's Day for that matter; however, it's played in many American versions of the celebration nonetheless. It clearly had to make this list!