Ireland is famous for producing incredible musical talent. Here, we've put together the 15 best Irish bands, including everything from Celtic rock to 90s pop. You're bound to find something you like!
Aslan
Aslan was formed in 1982 in Dublin, Ireland. Known for their emotive lyrics and powerful melodies, their debut album Feel No Shame included the hit single "This Is".
Despite challenges and lineup changes, the band is celebrated for raw and heartfelt live performances, and their influence on Irish rock remains undeniable.
Clannad
Clannad is an Irish band from Gweedore, County Donegal. The band is famous for its ethereal blend of folk, Celtic, and new-age music. It sings in both English and Irish.
Their haunting vocal harmonies and mystical instrumentation have set them apart in the global music scene. Their 1982 album, Magical Ring, featured the hit single "Theme from Harry's Game".
The song was featured on television and film and helped the band become famous outside of Ireland.
Even if you haven't heard of Clannad, you may have heard of Enya, the famous singer who was a member before taking on her solo career.
Horslips
Horslips is a band famous for fusing traditional Irish music and hard rock to create "Celtic rock". The band wasn't solely responsible for Irish rock music, but by integrating folklore and myth into more modern music, they helped shape the genre.
Their breakthrough was the 1973 concept album The Táin, based on the Irish epic. This album innovatively blended electric guitars with more traditional Irish folk instruments like the fiddle and tin whistles. Their follow-up album, The Book of Invasions in 1976 firmly cemented their place in Irish music history.
They disbanded in 1980 but inspired future generations of Irish musicians.
Hothouse Flowers
Hothouse Flowers was formed in Dublin in 1985. Thanks to their powerful vocals and energetic performances, the band quickly made a mark on the Irish music scene.
Their 1988 debut album, People, was hugely successful. It went to number one in Ireland and found some success internationally. It featured the hit single "Don't Go."
In their live shows, Hothouse Flowers incorporate elements of soul and gospel and continue to release music with a strong connection to their Irish roots. They blend rock, folk, and Celtic influences in their music.
Kodaline
Kodaline is an indie rock band from Swords, Dublin. Originally formed in 2005 under the name 21 Demands, the group changed its name in 2012.
Their 2013 debut album, In a Perfect World, featured hit singles like "All I Want", "High Hopes", and "Love Like This".
Their live performances are famed for their raw emotion and audience connection. After multiple albums and worldwide tours, the band continues to be a key part of the Irish indie music scene and a wonderful example of Dublin's ability to keep producing great musicians.
The Corrs
The Corrs are a pop-rock and Celtic band from Dundalk, County Louth. The band was formed in 1990 by Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim Corr, siblings.
Their unique blend of pop, rock, and traditional Irish music helped them rise to prominence in the 1990s after launching their 1995 debut album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten. However, the album, which included hits like “Runaway” and the title track, was just the beginning.
Their second album, Talk On Corners, released in 1997, made them internationally famous and was one of the best-selling albums in Ireland.
Their music regularly features violin, tin whistle, and piano. Their classic family-band dynamic has made them a beloved act in Irish and international music scenes.
The Cranberries
The Cranberries were one of Ireland's most iconic alternative rock bands. Hailing from Limerick, the group was formed in 1989 and consisted of Dolores O'Riordan, Noel Hogan, Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler.
Their blend of alternative rock, indie, and Celtic influences set them apart from many of the other bands at the time. Their 1993 debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, was an international success. The album included hit songs like "Linger" and "Dreams."
The follow-up album, No Need to Argue, included the song that would make the band global superstars, "Zombie". This powerful anti-war anthem featured O'Riordan's unmistakable voice and emotive delivery.
O'Riordan tragically died in 2018.
The Dubliners
The Dubliners are one of Ireland's most influential folk bands. As the name suggests, the band originated in Dublin.
The group was formed in 1962 and quickly became synonymous with traditional Irish folk music and powerful vocal storytelling.
They popularised Irish songs like “Whiskey in the Jar”, “The Wild Rover”, and “Seven Drunken Nights”.
Their early albums, like A Drop of the Hard Stuff in 1967, helped capture the raw energy of their live performances while also bringing Irish folk music to a wider international audience.
The band's lineup changed over the years, but their commitment to Irish folk didn't. Their music remains a timeless celebration of Irish musical culture.
The Frames
The Frames are an indie rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1990, they are famous for their blend of indie rock, folk, and alternative.
Popular albums include their 1991 debut Another Love Song and later works like 2001's For the Birds and 2004's Burn the Maps.
They have a dedicated fan base in Ireland and around the world. Their introspective lyrics, soaring vocals, and dynamic instrumental style resonate with listeners.
The Pogues
The Pogues are arguably one of the most popular Irish bands, particularly at certain times of the year. The band was formed in London in 1982, but its Irish roots and influence are evident.
The band, fronted by the iconic Shane MacGowan, featured music full of raw energy, poetic storytelling, and a sound that combined punk rock with traditional Irish folk music.
Their debut album, Rum Sodomy & the Lash, was produced by Elvis Costello. It includes tracks like "A Pair of Brown Eyes" and "Sally MacLennane".
The 1987 If I Should Fall from Grace with God brought them international fame with "Fairytale of New York", a holiday staple worldwide.
The Script
The Script is a world-famous pop-rock band from Dublin. It was formed in 2007 and is known for emotional ballads and pop-rock.
Their self-titled debut album in 2008 featured chart-topping singles like “The Man Who Can't Be Moved” and “Breakeven”.
With heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and a blend of pop and rock, the band enjoyed consistent success with the follow-up albums Science & Faith in 2010 and #3 in 20212.
One of Ireland's most successful modern bands, The Script's live performances have made them a staple on global stages.
The Stunning
The Stunning is one of Ireland's legendary rock bands. Hailing from Galway, the band was formed in 1987 and quickly became one of the country's most beloved bands.
Their infectious rock sound, powerful live performances, melodic hooks, and relatable lyrics captured the spirit of Irish rock at the time.
The 1990 debut album Paradise in the Picturehouse was a huge success, spending five weeks at number one in the Irish charts.
The Stunning created anthems that resonated with Irish and international audiences until they disbanded in 1994. The band would reunite in 2003 for a 14-date tour, and in 2017, they released their first original single in 24 years. In 2018, this was followed up by the album Twice Around the World.
Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy is one of the most famous Irish rock bands. Formed in 1969, this band is considered one of the greatest rock bands ever and easily one of the best from Ireland.
Combining hard rock, blues, and traditional Irish sounds, they found a place in the global rock scene with their 1976 album Jailbreak, which featured the iconic tune “The Boys Are Back in Town”.
Despite frontman Phil Lynott's death in 1986, Thin Lizzy's music still inspires today, and their influence on rock music is undeniable.
U2
One of, if not the, most famous Irish bands, U2 was formed in 1976 and consists of legendary Irish singer Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
Known for its anthemic sound, powerful lyrics, and social consciousness, the band's breakthrough success came with the 1983 album War, which included "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day".
The 1987 album The Joshua Tree featured the hits “With or Without You”, “Where the Streets Have No Name”, and “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For”.
U2's blend of rock, post-punk, and alternative has influenced artists around the world. In addition to selling over 150 million records worldwide, the band has also earned 22 Grammy Awards.
Westlife
One of the most successful Irish boy bands, Westlife, was formed in 1998. They rose to fame with their powerful ballads and harmonious vocals.
Their debut album, Westlife, was a huge commercial success and included tracks like "Sweat It Again", "If I Let You Go", and "Flying Without Wings".
Westlife had over a dozen number-one singles in the UK and became one of the best-selling boy bands in history.
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