[2025] The Wonderful Irish: Popular Bands from Ireland

New YorkSnow Patrol

Snow Patrol – New York (Official Video)

If you’re an avid listener of UK rock, you might think Snow Patrol are a Glasgow band.

In reality, they’re a mixed lineup of members from Northern Ireland and Scotland.

In any case, Snow Patrol—who achieved major success in the 2000s—are now a five-piece indie rock band formed in 1994.

They released their debut album in 1998 and their second in 2001 on an indie label, but neither met with significant success.

That said, I personally remember they were quietly talked about among Japanese UK-rock fans who frequently haunted record shops.

In 2003, their third album and masterpiece, Final Straw, became the turning point that propelled them into the spotlight.

It’s a treasure trove of gorgeous melodies, and many people first discovered them through this record.

In 2006, they reached even greater heights with their fourth album, Eyes Open, and the track Chasing Cars became a huge hit in the United States.

If you’re new to their music, the two albums mentioned above are highly recommended, but be sure to check out their first two indie-era records as well—their unadorned, homespun feel is quintessentially indie.

When It BreaksInhaler

Inhaler – When It Breaks (Official Video)

Since the late 2010s, many noteworthy young rock bands from Ireland have made their debut, and Inhaler—a four-piece set to release their debut album, “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” in July 2021—is one of them.

Inheriting the aesthetics of the so-called New Wave-style British rock of the 1980s, they’ve drawn attention with songs featuring flowing guitar work, solid rhythms, and beautiful melodies.

Even before their album debut, they toured Japan and sold out advance tickets, making them a highly anticipated act among Japanese fans of UK rock.

Some listeners may immediately recognize the clear, youthful quality and the expansive, powerful vocals of Elijah Hewson.

He is, in fact, the son of Bono, the frontman of U2.

Given that background, some might be tempted to dismiss him as riding on his father’s coattails, but actually listening to their music will blow away such trivial criticisms.

Incidentally, Bono reportedly did not encourage his son Elijah to pursue a life as a musician—perhaps because Bono himself knows all too well how difficult it is to sustain a career in music.

OxygenJJ72

JJ72 – Oxygen (Official Video Remastered)

JJ72 is an alternative rock band formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1996.

The band disbanded in 2006.

This song is included on their self-titled debut album, released in 2000.

It was written by vocalist and guitarist Mark Greaney.

DúlamánAltan

Altan – Dúlamán

Altan is a band that represents traditional Irish folk and Celtic music.

Formed in County Donegal in 1987 and centered around lead vocalist and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, they are known for Irish-language songs and their dynamic twin-fiddle sound.

They gained attention with their 1992 album Harvest Storm, and went on to release a number of acclaimed records, including The Red Crow and Island Angel.

Although they paused activity during the 2020 pandemic, they later resumed with renewed energy.

Expressing traditional Irish melodies with a contemporary sensibility, their music is embraced not only by fans of Irish music but also by a new generation.

Wheres me JumperSultans of ping F.C.

Sultans of ping F.C Wheres me Jumper

Sultans of Ping F.

C.

is a band formed in 1988.

The band’s name was inspired by the Dire Straits song “Sultans of Swing.” This track was released as a single from their debut album, “Casual Sex in the Cineplex,” and reached No.

8 on the Irish charts.

Big SurThe Thrills

The Thrills – Big Sur

The Thrills are an Irish rock band formed in 2001.

They released two albums between 2003 and 2004, and after their 2007 album, the band disbanded in 2008.

This song was released as a single in 2003 and reached No.

17 on the UK charts.

Fairytale Of New YorkThe Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl

The Pogues – Fairytale Of New York (Official Video)

A song by The Pogues, formed around Shane MacGowan, an Irish vocalist from the UK.

It was released as a single in 1987.

The title is taken from J.

P.

Donleavy’s book A Fairy Tale of New York.