It is St. Patrick’s Day! A day where people all across the world take a moment to exercise their Irish pride! It's time for green beer, jig's dinner, and stories about snakes in Ireland. All of it only loosely connected to the Irish heritage it claims to love.
While it’s been some 370 years since my family was first forced out of Northern Ireland, took a journey to Dublin, and eventually sought the sanctuary of a new world, I still find myself drawn to my ancestral home, the people, and the culture. It would be appropriation to call myself “real Irish” at this point, but somewhere in my blood still exists a small piece of the hardworking, battle worn, and beautiful people of the Emerald Isle. Today, on the Feast of Saint Patrick I will be listening exclusively to songs that celebrate the people, history, and culture of Ireland! Here’s 10 songs for your St. Patrick’s Day playlist!
Sláinte and Éirinn go Brách
“I.K.A.M.F” - Greywind
Look, if we’re going to do an Irish playlist, you need the new face of Irish Emo and Pop-Punk. Greywind’s new album Severed Heart City is a can’t miss and “I.K.A.M.F.” just happens to be my favorite.
“The Rocky Road to Dublin” - The Tossers
Alright let’s throw something a little more classic in here. There are a million versions of “The Rocky Road to Dublin” including the dark twist that recently captured attention in the movie Sinners. For me, I’d rather listen to the Tossers who turn this Irish tradional song into an aggressive anthem.
“Nobody’s Hero” – Stiff Little Fingers
A powerful pick that goes deeper than the usual St. Patrick’s Day fare, “Nobody’s Hero” tackles real-life violence and injustice in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. (Violence and injustice will be a re-occurring theme)
“Whiskey in the Jar” - The Dubliners
A cornerstone of Irish folk storytelling. It's got rebellion, betrayal, and a melody that’s been passed down through generations like a well-loved pub tale.
“Rose Tattoo” - Dropkick Murphys
I know all you basic bitches are wanting to play "I'm Shipping Up To Boston" on a loop today. And that song rules. But come on! Dig a little deeper. Dropkick Murphys wear their memories like a badge of honor with a rose tattoo.
“(the) Galway Girl” - Steve Earle & Sharon Shannon
Another song you could pick about ten different versions to listen to (just don't pick the Ed Sheeran one, that's a totally different song.) Fiddle-driven and infectious, this one feels like stumbling into the best night of your life in a Galway pub you never planned to find. Steve Earle's got the perfect amount of weather in his voice and this version features the actual Galway Girl, Joyce Redmond, playing the bodhrán.
“The Parting Glass” - The High Kings
Would you like to have a good cry today? "The Parting Glass" as song by the High Kings is a beautiful tribute to friends no longer here to raise a toast. Speaking deeply to the duty to carry on the memory of a loved one and continue the celebration in their name. Sing this after a night of drinking with friends and see if you don't get emotional.
"Sunday Bloody Sunday” - U2
Look, I understand that by 2026 standards U2 is viewed as soft and lame. Bono and The Edge lost their edge a long time ago, and we've never forgiven them for hacking our iPhones. It's easy to forget that U2 made a name for themselves as revolutionaries, protesting violence and injustice (told ya). The version of U2 we left in the 80s took the pain of Bloody Sunday and turned it into a driving call for peace.
“Zombie” - The Cranberries
Speaking of violence and injustice, (see what I mean?) The Cranberries "Zombie" has only gotten better with age. It seems more relevant every year. Originally a protest song in response to the IRA bombing of a shopping center in Warrington, England that killed two children, singer Dolores O'Riordan wrestled with the idea that while she herself was Irish, the cycle of violence didn't represent her. The same old theme since 1916 feels like the same old theme in 2026.
“What’s Left of the Flag” - Flogging Molly
Flogging Molly's lead vocalist Dave King penned this song as a farewell to his father. It's bittersweet, mourning, resilient, and hopeful. The song is steeped in Irish history and serves as a rallying cry that as long as some small beacon of hope remains, there's always a reason to raise the flag and carry on.
What songs would make your St. Patrick's Day playlist?