St. Patrick’s Day is a few days away, so now is the perfect opportunity to add some Irish music to your playlist. Irish artists have enriched the cultural scene recently, cementing Ireland’s place in the arts; some of our favorite actors are Irish (I’m thinking of Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Andrew Scott, Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy, etc.), and the rich music that’s come out of the Emerald Isle is equally worth celebrating. So, here are some iconic or just particularly Irish songs by Irish artists. Don some green and use this playlist to liven up your St. Paddy’s Day or relax following any festivities.

1. “Yeats’ Grave” — The Cranberries (1994)

This probably isn’t a good party song, but it’s deeply tied to Irish heritage and a personal favorite of mine. A direct tribute to W.B. Yeats, its lyrics explore the Irish poet’s legacy and artistic influence. Singer Dolores O’Riordan reads Yeats’ poetry and references Maud Gonne, an Irish revolutionary and suffragette who was the muse of much of Yeats’ poetry and famously rejected his numerous marriage proposals. The Cranberries, in general, is a good band to turn to for Irish music gems.

2. “Whiskey in The Jar” — Thin Lizzy (1972)

Thin Lizzy plays on their signature rock style to switch up this classic, adapted-by-many Irish folk song (which has a cemented place in the Roud Folk Song Index at number 533). You’ll probably recognize the lyrics, which may date back to the 17th century and set the scene in Ireland’s Cork and Kerry Mountains. Phill Lynott’s signature vocals transform this Irish ballad, modernizing it (as far as ’70s rock goes) yet giving the classic its due.

3. “Beautiful Day” — U2 (2000)

With the near arrival of Spring, hopefully March 17 will be a beautiful day. This iconic anthem stays true to U2’s signature ’80s stadium rock sound, adding an extra ounce of optimism. The joyful track by the Dublin-based group is a perfect way to add some festive music to your St. Patrick’s Day rotation.

4. “Butchered Tongue” — Hozier (2023)

This track probably belongs in the wind-down part of your St. Patrick’s Day. Drawing on his own experience growing up surrounded by the Irish language, even through place names and road signs in passing, Hozier laments for the suppressed language and welcomes its lingering presence: “But feel at home, hearin’ a music that few still understand.” The song’s somber quality makes it a powerful expression of grief for fading languages, both in Ireland and indigenous communities worldwide.

5. “Starburster” — Fontaines D.C. (2024)

Okay, back to the upbeat stuff. Fontaines D.C.’s number one track on Spotify, “Starburster” is a gem off the Irish post-punk band’s latest album, “Romance.” According to interviews with vocalist Grian Chatten, this song was inspired by a panic attack on the London tube, hence the gasping breaths at the end of the song (so, maybe not that upbeat, but it’s energetic). Coupled with Chatten’s distinctive Dublin accent, the song’s strong, funky beat fuses punk rock and hip-hop for a satisfyingly edgy track.

6. “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” — Inhaler (2025)

A groovy new song by the Irish rock band, “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” is easy listening to lift your mood this March 17. The lyrics explore the complexities of modern relationships and commitment, and its melody has a nostalgic yet contemporary vibe that leans into Inhaler’s eclectic, indie rock sound. The Dublin-based group is one of Ireland’s newest groups to love.

7. “Snow Patrol” — Chasing Cars (2006)

I’m purely putting this song in here as a fun reminder that Snow Patrol is a Northern Irish-Scottish band. This moody song brought the group international acclaim and is recognizable for its appearance in a lot of American pop culture and media. If you’re ever in the mood for a melodramatic 2000s throwback, put on some Snow Patrol and think about Northern Ireland while you’re at it.

8. “The Emperor’s New Clothes” — Sinéad O’Connor (1990)

From Sinéad O’Connor’s sophomore album, this track is a defiant rock anthem about self-realization. Possibly making a jab at an ex-husband, this song’s lyrics seem deeply and powerfully personal. The raw and commanding vocals are typical of the Irish singer-songwriter and make for an energetic song to celebrate Irish rock.

9. “Oró, Sé Do Bheatha ’Bhaile” — The Dubliners (1987)

I wouldn’t be doing this 13 Beats justice if I didn’t include at least one folk song in the Irish language. While maybe a bit too melodic for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities, this song still has that classic Irish folk sound, making it worth a listen. This famous tune, whose title roughly translates to “oh, you are welcome home,” is a historical rebel song about Irish homecoming and heritage, with most of its prominence dating to the early 20th-century Irish War of Independence. Give it a go if your ear is curious about what Irish sounds like.

10. “The Rocky Road to Dublin” — The Dubliners (1964)

Sticking with a historical theme, The Dubliners get another spot on this playlist. As a ’60s Irish folk group, performing traditional songs with historical accuracy is what they do best. This narrative-heavy song is another famous folk tune (at Roud 3012) perfect for St. Paddy’s day: fast Banjo picking, flute and Irish brogue included.

11. “Sally MacLennane” — The Pogues (1985)

The Pogues curate a classic, fast-paced Irish sound with fiddle and accordion at the forefront of this song — it’s something you’d expect to hear in a pub on St. Patrick’s Day. The group layers that signature Irish sound with their slightly hardcore punk rock style, making for a vibrant song.

12. “The Real Old Mountain Dew” — The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem (1959)

Another folk song, this is one of the best examples of lilting, a traditional singing form common across Gaelic language-speaking areas (see the song’s “Hi di-diddly-idle-um, diddly-doodle-idle-um”). The Clancy Brothers are an influential Irish folk band who found fame through the American folk revival during the 1960s. This tune is a wholesome, cheerful classic.

13. “Irish Heartbeat” — Van Morrison, The Chieftains (1988)

Here’s yet another two-for-one of artists to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day. As its title alludes to, this song is a heartfelt ode to Irish identity, combining Morrison’s signature soulful vocals and The Chieftain’s mastery of traditional instrumentation.