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[Irish Folk Songs] Surprisingly Familiar Masterpieces and Standards of Ethnic Music
When you think of Irish folk songs, what tunes come to mind?
Many people may know “John Ryan’s Polka” as an Irish tune—the one used in the scene from the film Titanic where Jack and Rose dance in third class.
A hallmark of Irish folk music is the use of traditional instruments such as the uilleann pipes, a type of bagpipe, and the tin whistle.
Plenty of listeners are captivated by the nostalgic timbre of these sounds.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic Irish folk songs—from tracks that make you want to get up and dance to soothing melodies that bring you calm.
[Irish Folk Songs] Surprisingly Familiar Folk Music Masterpieces and Standards (1–10)
Londonderry Air（Danny Boy）
More people will probably recognize the tune if you say “Danny Boy” rather than “Londonderry Air.” An Irish folk melody—treated almost like a national anthem in Northern Ireland—“The Londonderry Air” has had many different sets of lyrics, with the best-known version being the one called “Danny Boy.” In Japanese, the rendition by Rei Nakanishi is particularly famous; its poignantly beautiful melody and lyrics infused with a longing for peace are in perfect harmony.
As an aside, there are many mysteries about this piece: its very origins, and even its unusually wide vocal range, which seems surprising for a folk song that ordinary people should supposedly find easy to sing.
Looking into such anecdotes can be quite fascinating!
Shule Aroon
Listening to this song’s melancholy yet beautiful melody, many of you may feel you’ve heard a version with different lyrics somewhere before.
You’re probably thinking of “Gone the Rainbow,” released in 1962 by the hugely popular American folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary.
Issued in Japan as a single under the title “Niji to Tomo ni Kieta Koi” (“A Love Gone with the Rainbow”), it was especially beloved here, and its musical foundation is this very “Shule Aroon.” The song expresses a woman’s heartbreaking plea to her lover departing for war, and Peter, Paul & Mary also performed their version as an anti-war song.
Groups renowned for Irish and Celtic music, such as Celtic Woman and Clannad, have covered it as well.
It’s worth noting that “Shule Aroon” exists in many lyrical variations, and the details of the original lyrics are unclear.
Auld Lang Syne
Auld Lang Syne, a poem by the Scottish poet Robert Burns that stirs nostalgia, is a classic song often sung when reuniting with old friends or saying farewell.
Its lyrics celebrate fond memories and reunion, evoking scenes of sharing a cup of friendship while looking back on days gone by.
Recorded in 1788, the song later spread worldwide and came to be performed on many occasions, such as New Year’s and graduation ceremonies.
In Japan, it is known as the original melody of Hotaru no Hikari.
It’s a recommended song for times when you want to reflect on memories with someone dear.
John Ryan’s Polka
It’s one of the classics of Irish folk music, but what truly made the tune “John Ryan’s Polka” famous worldwide was surely James Cameron’s 1997 film Titanic.
Many people will immediately think, “Oh, that tune,” when they hear it was one of the pieces used in the iconic scene where Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack and Kate Winslet’s Rose dance in the third-class quarters of the Titanic.
The lively, joyful rhythm and melody—so quintessentially Irish—beautifully conjure a dreamlike moment of fun and cheer, as if the tragedy to come were a lie.
It might also be worth rewatching Titanic with the knowledge that members of Celtic music bands actually performed in the dance scenes, including Eric Rigler—leader of the American band Bad Haggis, which draws on Celtic and Scottish music, and a world-renowned bagpiper.
The Minstrel Boy
A masterpiece that sings of Ireland’s proud spirit.
In the early 19th century, poet Thomas Moore penned lyrics that portray a deep love for his homeland and the courage of warriors yearning for freedom.
Through the Civil War and the World Wars, the song has been covered by many artists and cherished ever since.
It was also featured in the 2001 film Black Hawk Down, introducing its appeal to a new generation.
Accompanied by the nostalgic tones of traditional instruments, this is a recommended track for anyone who wants to connect with the heart of Ireland.
My Lagan Love
It’s a wonderful piece whose melody, gentle yet somehow sacred, carries a mysterious, ethereal resonance that truly moves the heart.
The Irish traditional folk song “My Lagan Love” remains a popular number, covered by many artists—especially Irish musicians such as Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor, and Celtic Woman—as well as by performers like Charlotte Church, famed for her crossover of classical and pop and her “angelic voice,” and the uniquely individual songstress Kate Bush.
In Japan, Yoko Ueno—well-known for her work with ZABADAK and Oranges & Lemons, and a renowned singer and music producer—released the album “SSS -Simply Sing Songs-” in 2003, which features this song.
As an aside, the “Lagan” in the title refers to the River Lagan, which flows through Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
Kerry Reel
In addition to songs, Irish folk music also includes a dance tradition known as Irish dance.
These dances are still popular locally today and are finely categorized into styles such as social dance, step dance, céilí dance, and set dance.
One classic tune often used for Irish dance is “Kerry Reel,” noted for its cheerful, dance-ready melody.
You’ve probably heard this kind of melody at least once in anime or video games.