Discover the brilliance of the most famous Irish musicians, from Irish folk singers to rockstars and everything in between.
Ireland has a rich musical heritage stretching back thousands of years. As much a part of the culture as Guinness or the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland and music can not be separated. Which is why we bring you the most famous Irish musicians in this article.
Unsurprisingly, the country has produced a vast array of incredible musicians, stretching across generations and genres, that continue to put Ireland on the global music map.
Curious to learn more? Read on to discover our rundown of the ten most famous Irish musicians you need to know about.
- Discover the brilliance of the most famous Irish musicians, from Irish folk singers to rockstars and everything in between.
- MII’s fun facts about famous Irish musicians:
- 10. Thin Lizzy – an epic Irish rock band
- 9. Van Morrison – a Belfast boy born and bred
- 8. Rory Gallagher – an incredible Irish guitarist
- 7. Sinéad O’Connor – nothing compares to you
- 6. The Dubliners – one of the most iconic traditional Irish music bands
- 5. The Pogues / Shane MacGowan – one of the most famous Irish musicians
- 4. Bob Geldof / The Boomtown Rats – a singer-songwriter and organiser of Live Aid
- 3. U2 / Bono – one of Ireland’s most successful bands
- 2. The Cranberries – emotive and talented
- 1. Enya – a haunting voice with strong Irish influence
- Notable mentions
- Your questions answered about the most famous Irish musicians.
MII’s fun facts about famous Irish musicians:
- Music is a central part of Irish culture, with trad sessions and céilidhs being popular social events across the country.
- U2, Enya, Van Morrison, The Cranberries, and Westlife are the top five biggest-selling Irish musicians.
- Records of the Irish harp being played as long ago as the tenth century exist. It is still an integral part of Irish music today and even features on euro coins in Ireland.
- Traditional Irish musical instruments include the fiddle, the tin whistle, the flute, the harp, and the uilleann pipes.
10. Thin Lizzy – an epic Irish rock band
Kicking off our list of most famous Irish musicians is the globally renowned 1970s rock band, Thin Lizzy. The band, which was formed in Dublin in 1969, was led by bass guitarist and lead singer-songwriter Phil Lynott, drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell, and organist Eric Wrixon.
The band is well-known worldwide for hits such as ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’ and ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’.
9. Van Morrison – a Belfast boy born and bred
Known worldwide for his unique voice and bluesy style, Van Morrison is undoubtedly one of the most iconic names in Irish music. With hits such as ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ and ‘Moondance’, it’s no surprise that Van Morrison has become such a globally renowned musician.
Born in Belfast in 1945, Morrison boasts an impressive music career that spans seven decades.
8. Rory Gallagher – an incredible Irish guitarist
With roots in Cork and Donegal, Rory Gallagher is another one of the most well-known names in 20th-century Irish music. Gallagher is often named among the best guitarists of all time.
Known for his virtuosic style of guitar playing, Gallagher has been cited as a major influence by big names such as Alex Lifeson, Brian May, and Eric Clapton.
7. Sinéad O’Connor – nothing compares to you
The late Sinéad O’Connor was much more than an Irish singer-songwriter. She was also a vocal activist who made her voice heard on important matters, from child abuse to racism to women’s rights.
Her most famous hit, ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’, highlights her vocal talent. She is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most talented singers and songwriters of all time.
6. The Dubliners – one of the most iconic traditional Irish music bands
If you’re in the mood for traditional Irish music, check out The Dubliners. Founded in Dublin in 1962 as The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group, The Dubliners rose to fame to become one of the most iconic names in Irish folk.
They are most well-known for hits such as ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ and ‘The Irish Rover’.
5. The Pogues / Shane MacGowan – one of the most famous Irish musicians
Perhaps most widely known for their iconic Christmas hit ‘Fairytale of New York,’ The Pogues were an Anglo-Irish Celtic punk band fronted by Shane MacGowan.
Born in England to Irish parents, MacGowan was known for his gruff and raspy voice that portrayed a unique depth of emotion that perfectly matched the band’s music and lyrics.
4. Bob Geldof / The Boomtown Rats – a singer-songwriter and organiser of Live Aid
Perhaps even more well-known for organising the 1985 benefit concert Live Aid, Bob Geldof is a famous Irish singer-songwriter and prominent political activist.
He rose to prominence in the 1970s as the lead singer of the Irish new wave pop band The Boomtown Rats, which was known for hit songs such as ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’.
3. U2 / Bono – one of Ireland’s most successful bands
Having won numerous Grammys throughout their 40-year career, U2 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Irish bands you need to know about. With albums such as The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby topping the charts, they are one of the most globally renowned names in music.
Frontman Bono gained global renown for having a powerful singing voice that captivates listeners. Plus, the band’s unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics gained them a huge following.
2. The Cranberries – emotive and talented
Known for their haunting lyrics and memorable sound, The Cranberries are one of the most inspiring names in Irish music. Formed in Limerick in 1985, the band originally consisted of lead singer Niall Quinn, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan, and drummer Fergal Lawler.
Dolores O’Riordan joined the lineup in 1990, replacing Quinn as lead singer, and from here, the band reached the next level. Known for haunting hits such as ‘Zombie’ and ‘Dreams’, they have a distinct sound that has gained a huge following in Ireland and globally.
1. Enya – a haunting voice with strong Irish influence
Enya is at the top of our list of most famous Irish musicians. Known for her modern Celtic-style music and beautifully haunting voice, Enya gained global renown for her inspiring musical talent and ability.
Raised in the Gaeltacht region of Gweedore, the Irish influence in her music is undeniable. Hits such as ‘Only Time’ and ‘Orinoco Flow’ gained her international renown throughout her 40-year career.
Notable mentions
The Irish Rovers: A group of Irish musicians formed The Irish Rovers in Canada in 1963 to bring traditional Irish music across the pond.
Snow Patrol: Formed in Bangor, Northern Ireland, in 1994, Snow Patrol is an Irish rock band known for hits such as ‘Chasing Cars’ and ‘Run’.
Niall Horan (One Direction): A member of the X-Factor-formed boy band One Direction, Niall Horan is one of the most famous names in Irish music in recent years.
Luke Kelly: Luke Kelly is an Irish singer and folk musician from Dublin. He is known as a central figure in the revival of Irish folk music in the 1960s.
Imelda May: A singer-songwriter from Dublin, Imelda May is an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist. She plays various instruments, including the bodhrán, guitar, bass guitar, and tambourine.
Christy Moore: An Irish folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Newbridge, County Kildare, Christy Moore is a huge name on the Irish folk scene.
Your questions answered about the most famous Irish musicians.
Who is the most famous Irish band?
Many would say that U2 is the most famous Irish band globally.
Who is the most successful Irish musician?
Enya is the biggest-selling Irish solo artist of all time.
What is the biggest-selling Irish single of all time?
‘I Usedta Lover’ by the Saw Doctors is the biggest-selling Irish single of all time.
