Whether you enjoy a little background music while you are having a pint or you like to swing your arms and sing full blast at the local pub, it can help to know some of the top Irish drinking songs out there. After all, you may want to put in a request if there is a band, or play something off of a jukebox in an Irish tavern or other establishment. Although the top Irish drinking songs are truly a matter of opinion, there are some staples out there that are fairly well-known.
Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Whiskey In The Jar – versions of this fine Irish tune have been performed by everyone from The Dubliners to Metallica and there is a reason—it’s a classic! There are a number of different iterations of this song, but each is infused with the energy and spirit of the Irish. It’s also a well-known tune, and although the lyrics may not be at the top of the list for easy memorization, the song itself is easy enough to hum along with.
Finnegan’s Wake – Filled with the typical Irish sense of humor, this fun ballad is one of the best Irish drinking songs out there. This much-covered and beloved Irish ballad is one that you will hear again and again in pubs and at picnics. It’s familiar to many, and a fun sing-along worth learning—if you don’t already know the words!
Beer, Beer, Beer – I can assume I don’t need to tell you why this is on the list of top Irish drinking songs! It’s a lively little tune with a chorus that no matter how many you’ve had—you can remember the words to sing along. Versions have been recorded by both The Clancy Brothers and the Brobdingnagian Bards, and it’s likely to be around for a long, long time to come.
No list of top Irish drinking songs would be complete without an entry for “The Wild Rover.” This is an extremely popular song, and it is often performed by Irish bands in pubs and taverns across the world. If you’d like to request a song from an Irish group—chances are pretty darn good that they’ll know this one!
Do you have a tune that you consider the best Irish drinking song? If so, do share!
Check out these Top 20 Irish Drinking Songs. You're just in time for your St Patrick's Day party!
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Catherine L. Tully specializes in writing about the arts, lifestyle and travel. She is the Owner of 4dancers, a blog for those who love dance, and Editor for Freelance-Zone, an award-winning site for freelance writers. Catherine also reviews music for Irish & Celtic Music Magazine.
