[2025] The Wonderful Irish: Popular Bands from Ireland

Superfamous SupertuneMessiah J and the Expert

Messiah J and the Expert – Superfamous Supertune

Messiah J and the Expert are a Dublin, Ireland–based rapper–producer duo who originally performed as part of a seven-member group called The Stonecutters.

They were also nominated for the Choice Music Prize in 2007.

PrayerSECRET GARDEN

Secret Garden – Prayer

Secret Garden is a duo whose Irish and Norwegian musicality blends into a beautiful, soul-stirring sound.

Born from a chance encounter in Dublin in 1994, the group quickly drew widespread attention after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1995.

Their debut album, Songs from a Secret Garden, released the following year, became a major hit with over one million copies sold.

Their music, woven from crystalline, fresh tones and a Nordic, mystical atmosphere, is the epitome of healing music—something you can feel with your heart even without any knowledge of classical music.

Loved around the world, their pieces are perfect for moments when you want to calm your mind or spend some quiet time.

Blister on the MoonTaste

Taste – Blister On The Moon

The legendary blues rock band Taste, born in Ireland, was formed in Cork in 1966.

They released two studio albums in 1969 and 1970, building a brief yet influential career.

They even had a number-one hit in Germany, but frontman Rory Gallagher grew dissatisfied with the band’s commercial direction and left after their legendary performance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival.

He went on to achieve success as a solo artist.

Taste’s live shows were electrifying, and Gallagher’s guitar playing influenced many musicians.

If you’re into blues rock or hard rock, this is a band you should definitely check out.

Never Too LateTHE ANSWER

Never Too Late

Since their formation in 2000, The Answer—a four-piece from Northern Ireland—have continued to captivate fans worldwide with their no-nonsense hard rock sound.

Their debut album, Rise, released in 2006, received high praise across Europe and in Japan, and they have steadily raised their profile ever since, including serving as the opening act on AC/DC’s world tour.

With Cormac Neeson’s powerful vocals and Paul Mahon’s striking guitar riffs, their music overflows with the allure of classic ’70s rock.

DownmarketThe Blades

The Blades – Downmarket

Influenced by the mod revival and new wave, The Blades are a band formed in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, in 1977.

Incorporating elements of post-punk into their distinctive sound, they brought a fresh breeze to Dublin’s music scene.

In the early 1980s they scored hits with the singles “Hot For You” and “The Bride Wore White.” Their album The Last Man in Europe, released in May 1985, remains highly regarded as their signature work.

Reuniting in 2013, they are recommended not only for longtime fans but also for music listeners interested in UK rock and post-punk.

Trust Me I’m A DoctorThe Blizzards

The Blizzards – Trust Me I’m A Doctor

The Blizzards are a ska-pop band formed in 2003 in County Westmeath, Ireland.

They have released multiple platinum records and won numerous awards.

This song was released as a single in 2008 and reached No.

2 on the Irish Singles Chart.

I Don’t Like MondaysThe Boomtown Rats

The Boomtown Rats – I Don’t Like Mondays (Official Video)

The Boomtown Rats are a new wave band formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1975.

Active across a wide range of genres, including pop/rock and punk, the group—fronted by lead vocalist Bob Geldof—achieved major success, including a UK No.

1 single in 1979.

That song was inspired by a tragic shooting in the United States and carries a strong social message.

Although their activity waned in the 1980s, they later reunited and released their first new album in 36 years in 2020.

Beyond music, Geldof has contributed to global famine relief efforts and is known as a socially conscious musician.