Some songs are reminiscent of time spent in Ireland, often outlining the beautiful landscapes, the people, and the craic.
There are many beautiful songs about time spent in Ireland, so it’ll be a difficult task to narrow the list down to just ten.
However, the ten songs we have chosen we think are perfectly reminiscent of time spent in Ireland, and we can guarantee one or two will make you feel nostalgic about time spent on the Emerald Isle.
Whether you’re native to Ireland or have strong affiliations to your Irish heritage, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful songs about time spent in Ireland to kick your memories into gear.
10. The Island, Paul Brady – don’t forget the beauty of Ireland amidst The Troubles
‘The Island’ by Paul Brady is a song about The Troubles in Northern Ireland – “Up here we sarifice our children, to feed the worn out dreams of yesterday”.
He makes reference to the markets and the shipyards in Belfast, and the strife that the city has undergone. However, he reminds himself, “But hey, don’t listen to me, cause this wasn’t meant to be no sad song”, and goes on to tell his love about the beauty of “the island”.
9. The Fields of Athenry, Paddy Reilly – one of the most famous Irish songs
‘The Fields of Athenry’ is a beautiful Irish love song written by Peter St John. Athenry is a town in County Galway, and the song tells the story of a young couple’s love before the Great Famine devastated Ireland and its people.
The most successful version of the song was recorded by Paddy Reilly in 1982, and at the time of its release, it remained in the charts for 72 weeks. See where this ranks on our list of the most famous Irish songs of all time.
8. Song for Ireland, The Dubliners – reminiscent of times in Dingle
Song for Ireland was written by Phil Colclough, an English contemporary folk singer and songwriter, and his wife, June Colclough.
‘Song for Ireland’ has been recorded by many incredible Irish acts, like The Dubliners, Luke Kelly, and Mary Black. It was inspired by a trip the family took to the Dingle Peninsula.
“Drinking all the day in old pubs, where fiddlers love to play”. This is a song as reminiscent as any of time spent in Ireland. The Dubliners, unsurprisingly, also find themselves on the list of the best Irish drinking songs.
7. Old Town, Philip Lynott – a song about Dublin
‘Old Town’ was released by Thin Lizzy frontman Philip Lynott in 1982. It’s a reminiscent love song about time in Dublin with the one the singer loves.
Thus, he says it’s not the same without her as he mills around the “old town”. In the music video for the song, Lynott can be seen on Ha’Penny Bridge, Herbert Park, and the Long Hall on South George’s Street, to name a few locations in the capital.
6. Cyprus Avenue, Van Morrison – dreams of how the other half live
Cyprus Avenue is a well-to-do area of east Belfast, only a short distance from the modest home Van Morrison grew up in.
He used to walk up and down the tree-lined streets to have some time with his thoughts, and the song speaks of the peace and tranquillity he would feel during these times.
5. The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee, Seán Ó Sé – an ode to Cork
This is a beautiful song for anyone with links to the ‘Rebel County’ Cork. Referred to as a Cork anthem, it details the splendid times of life growing up around the River Lee that runs through the county.
4. Whiskey in the Jar, The Dubliners/ Thin Lizzy – one of the most beautiful songs about time spent in Ireland
‘Whiskey in the Jar’ has been performed famously by The Dubliners before it was given hints of rock n’ roll by Thin Lizzy.
Heard around the world on St Patrick’s Day, it is one of the most widely performed traditional Irish songs and will almost certainly make you reminisce about time spent on the island.
3. Belfast, Boney M. – a shared experience with Belfast
Originally entitled ‘Derry’, ‘Belfast’ is a song by the German band Boney M. It outlines how the divide in the city during the height of The Troubles. Written in 1977, Germany was going through a political divide of its own.
2. Falling Slowly, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová – an emotive love song
‘Falling Slowly’ is a beautiful indie folk song about love. This love song features famously in the 2007 Irish musical romance movie, Once.
A beautiful tale of love, the song is also very emotive of beautiful times spent in Ireland and memories of being there.
1. Dreams, The Cranberries – one of the greatest Irish songs of all time
‘Dreams’ is one of the most beautiful songs about time spent in Ireland. The song made a famous return in recent years with the hit series Derry Girls.
Based on the singer’s first time falling in love, you can’t not think of the Emerald Isle when you hear this anthem.
