Irish music has a rich and vibrant history, and female singers have played an important role in shaping the country’s musical landscape. From traditional folk music to contemporary pop and rock, Irish female singers have made a significant impact on the world of music, both at home in Ireland and around the globe. Many of these singers have gained international recognition for their distinctive voices, their powerful lyrics, and their ability to blend traditional Irish music with a range of other influences.
Some of the most famous female Irish singers include Sinead O’Connor, Enya, Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, and Andrea Corr of The Corrs. These artists have each made significant contributions to the world of music, with their unique voices and powerful lyrics inspiring and moving audiences around the globe. Other notable Irish female singers include Imelda May, Lisa Hannigan, Mary Black, and Moya Brennan, each of whom has made a significant impact on the world of music with their distinctive styles and powerful performances. Together, these women represent the rich and diverse history of Irish music, and their music continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.
1. Enya
Enya is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician who has become known for her ethereal, haunting music that blends elements of Celtic, new age, and ambient genres. Born Eithne Ni Bhraonain in County Donegal, Ireland, Enya began her musical career as a member of the Irish traditional group Clannad before embarking on a solo career in the late 1980s.
Enya’s music is characterized by her layered vocals, lush instrumentation, and rich harmonies, often featuring the use of synthesizers, harps, and other traditional Irish instruments. Her sound has been described as otherworldly and dreamlike, transporting listeners to a magical realm of pure emotion.
Enya’s music has enjoyed worldwide success, with her albums selling over 80 million copies worldwide. Her breakthrough album, “Watermark,” featured the hit single “Orinoco Flow,” which topped charts around the world and became an instant classic. Enya has also won numerous awards throughout her career, including four Grammy Awards, and has collaborated with many other artists and filmmakers on various projects.
Despite her success, Enya remains a private and enigmatic figure, rarely giving interviews or appearing in public. Her music continues to captivate audiences around the world, offering a unique and transcendent listening experience that transcends time and place.
2. Sinead O’Connor
Sinead O’Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter who first rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album “The Lion and the Cobra”. Known for her powerful voice and unique style, O’Connor’s music is often characterized by her raw emotion and her willingness to address difficult topics such as religion, abuse, and mental health.
O’Connor’s most famous single, “Nothing Compares 2 U”, was released in 1990 and topped charts around the world. The song’s emotional video, featuring O’Connor’s close-up face singing the lyrics with tears streaming down her face, has become an iconic image in pop culture.
Throughout her career, O’Connor has been praised for her uncompromising honesty and her willingness to speak out on social and political issues. She has been a vocal advocate for causes such as women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-racism, often using her music and her public platform to raise awareness and promote change.
Despite her many accomplishments, O’Connor has also faced her share of controversy and personal struggles, including battles with mental health and conflicts with the music industry. Nevertheless, she remains a respected and influential figure in music and a voice for social justice and human rights.
3. Dolores O’ Riordan
Dolores O’Riordan was an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band The Cranberries. Born in Limerick, Ireland, O’Riordan began her musical career in the 1990s, when The Cranberries became one of the most successful rock bands of the decade.
O’Riordan’s distinctive voice, which combined a powerful rock belting style with ethereal Celtic inflections, helped to define the band’s sound and make them stand out from their peers. The Cranberries’ music often dealt with themes of love, loss, and social justice, with hits like “Linger,” “Zombie,” and “Dreams” becoming anthems of the era.
After The Cranberries disbanded in 2003, O’Riordan embarked on a solo career, releasing two albums before reuniting with the band in 2009. Sadly, O’Riordan passed away in 2018 at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy of powerful music and a voice that will be remembered for years to come.
O’Riordan’s music continues to inspire fans around the world, offering a unique blend of rock, folk, and Celtic influences that speak to the universal themes of the human experience. Her influence on the rock and alternative music scene of the 1990s remains profound, and her impact on the world of music as a whole is undeniable.
4. Andrea Corr
Andrea Corr is an Irish singer, songwriter, and actress known for her work as the lead vocalist of the Celtic folk rock band The Corrs. Born in Dundalk, Ireland, Corr began her musical career in the early 1990s with her siblings Jim, Sharon, and Caroline, forming The Corrs and releasing their debut album, “Forgiven, Not Forgotten,” in 1995.
Corr’s distinctive voice, which combined a delicate and expressive tone with a natural Irish lilt, helped to define The Corrs’ sound, which blended traditional Irish folk music with pop and rock elements. The band went on to achieve international success with hits like “Breathless,” “Runaway,” and “So Young.”
In addition to her work with The Corrs, Corr has also released solo albums and acted in films, including “The Commitments” and “The Boys & Girl from County Clare.” She has been recognized for her contributions to music and the arts, receiving honors such as the Ivor Novello Award and the Freedom of the City of Dublin.
Corr’s music continues to inspire fans around the world, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern influences that showcase her skill as a vocalist and songwriter. Her impact on the world of Irish music and beyond is undeniable, cementing her status as one of the most talented and beloved artists of her generation.
5. Siobhan Fahey
Siobhan Fahey is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame as the founding member of the all-female pop group Bananarama. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Fahey began her music career in London in the late 1970s, where she met Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward, with whom she formed Bananarama in 1981.
As one of the primary songwriters and vocalists for Bananarama, Fahey helped to shape the group’s distinctive sound, which blended catchy pop melodies with punk and new wave influences. The group achieved massive success in the 1980s and early 1990s, with hits like “Cruel Summer,” “Venus,” and “Love in the First Degree.”
After leaving Bananarama in 1988, Fahey went on to pursue a successful solo career, releasing albums like “Songs from the Red Room” and “The MGA Sessions.” She also formed the trip-hop group Shakespears Sister with Marcella Detroit, achieving success with hits like “Stay” and “Hello (Turn Your Radio On).”
Fahey’s contributions to the world of pop music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including an Ivor Novello Award and a Brit Award. She continues to inspire fans around the world with her talent and creativity, showcasing the enduring power of her music and her impact on the industry.
6. Allie Sherlock
Allie Sherlock is a young Irish singer, songwriter, and musician who gained worldwide attention for her incredible talent and impressive vocal range. Born in Cork, Ireland in 2005, Sherlock began playing the guitar and singing at a very young age, and quickly developed a passion for music.
Sherlock first gained recognition for her incredible street performances, where she would busk on the streets of Cork and Dublin, impressing passersby with her powerful vocals and soulful renditions of popular songs. She gained a massive following on social media platforms like YouTube, where her videos showcasing her talents have amassed millions of views.
In 2018, Sherlock made her television debut on the Ellen Show, where she performed a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers,” wowing the audience and host Ellen DeGeneres with her talent. She has also performed at various events and venues around the world, including the Late Late Show in Ireland and the New York Subway.
Despite her young age, Sherlock has already achieved a great deal of success in her music career, and continues to inspire audiences around the world with her incredible talent and passion for music.
7. Eve Belle
Eve Belle is an Irish singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the music industry with her distinctive sound and powerful lyrics. Born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1998, Belle began writing songs at a young age and quickly developed a love for music.
Belle’s music is characterized by her soulful voice and introspective lyrics, which touch on themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Her music has been praised for its emotional depth and honesty, and her live performances have been described as captivating and mesmerizing.
In 2019, Belle released her debut EP, Things I Once Believed, which received critical acclaim and cemented her status as a rising star in the Irish music scene. The EP features songs that showcase Belle’s unique sound, including “In Between Days” and “Losing You.”
Belle has also collaborated with other artists, including Irish producer Kean Kavanagh, and has performed at various festivals and venues around Ireland and the UK.
With her soulful voice and raw, honest lyrics, Eve Belle has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the Irish music scene, and is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
8. Biig Piig
Biig Piig, born Jessica Smyth, is an Irish singer and rapper who has been making waves in the music industry with her genre-defying sound and unique style. Born in Cork, Ireland in 1999, Biig Piig moved to London at the age of 10 and began writing music at the age of 16.
Biig Piig’s music is characterized by her soulful voice and eclectic sound, which combines elements of hip-hop, R&B, and jazz. Her lyrics touch on themes of love, loss, and personal growth, and her music has been praised for its emotional depth and honesty.
In 2018, Biig Piig released her debut EP, “Big Fan of the Sesh, Vol. 1,” which received critical acclaim and showcased her distinctive sound. The EP features songs that showcase Biig Piig’s unique sound, including “Perdida” and “Liahr.”
Biig Piig has also collaborated with other artists, including Irish rapper Kojaque, and has performed at various festivals and venues around the UK and Europe.
With her unique sound and powerful lyrics, Biig Piig has quickly become a rising star in the music industry, and is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
9. Una Healy
10. Imelda May
Imelda May is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician who has made a name for herself in the world of rockabilly and blues music. Born in Dublin in 1974, May grew up listening to a variety of musical genres, from punk and rock to traditional Irish folk music. She began performing at a young age, and by the time she was in her twenties, she was already a seasoned performer, having played in bands and on the streets of Dublin.
May’s breakthrough came in 2008 with the release of her second album, “Love Tattoo,” which earned critical acclaim and launched her onto the international stage. Her unique blend of rockabilly, blues, and jazz, combined with her powerful vocals and striking image, quickly made her a fan favorite.
Since then, May has continued to release successful albums and tour extensively, both as a solo artist and with her band. Her music has been featured in films and TV shows, and she has collaborated with a variety of other musicians, including Jeff Beck and Jack Savoretti.
Despite her success, May remains down-to-earth and true to her roots, incorporating elements of Irish folk music into her songs and celebrating her heritage through her music. With her powerful voice, catchy melodies, and unforgettable style, Imelda May has established herself as one of the most exciting and talented musicians to come out of Ireland in recent years.
11. Nadine Coyle
Nadine Coyle is an Irish singer and songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the pop group Girls Aloud. Born in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1985, Coyle showed an early interest in music and performing, and was discovered by a talent scout at the age of just 16.
In 2002, Coyle auditioned for the TV show “Popstars: The Rivals,” which aimed to create two pop groups – one male and one female – who would compete for the Christmas number one spot. Coyle made it onto the show, and was ultimately selected to be a member of Girls Aloud, alongside Cheryl Tweedy, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh.
Girls Aloud went on to become one of the most successful girl groups in UK history, with a string of hit singles and albums, and Coyle’s distinctive vocals and stage presence were a key part of their success. After the group went on hiatus in 2009, Coyle pursued a solo career, releasing her debut album “Insatiable” in 2010.
In addition to her music career, Coyle has also appeared on various TV shows, including “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” She is known for her bubbly personality and infectious energy, and remains a beloved figure in the world of pop music.
12. CMAT
CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, is an Irish singer-songwriter known for her humorous and irreverent take on pop music. Born in Mullingar, County Westmeath, in 1994, CMAT began writing songs at a young age and was performing in bands by the time she was a teenager.
In 2019, CMAT released her debut single, “Another Day (kfc),” which quickly went viral and earned her a following online. Her catchy, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and upbeat melodies soon caught the attention of music industry insiders, and she signed a record deal with Chess Club Records in the UK.
CMAT’s music draws on a wide range of influences, from country and folk to 90s pop and girl groups. Her lyrics are often satirical and self-aware, poking fun at contemporary culture and societal norms. She has been praised for her ability to turn everyday situations into catchy pop anthems, and her songs have struck a chord with audiences around the world.
In addition to her music, CMAT is also known for her unique sense of style, which often incorporates vintage clothing and bold colors. She is a rising star in the Irish music scene, and her infectious energy and playful spirit make her a force to be reckoned with in the world of pop.
13. Ailbhe Reddy
Ailbhe Reddy is an Irish singer-songwriter known for her emotive and introspective indie folk music. Born in Dublin in 1993, Reddy began writing songs at a young age and developed her musical skills by performing in various venues around the city.
In 2014, Reddy released her debut EP, “Flesh & Blood,” which received critical acclaim and helped to establish her as a rising star in the Irish music scene. Her music is characterized by her distinctive voice, haunting melodies, and introspective lyrics, which often explore themes of love, loss, and identity.
Reddy’s music has been featured in a number of films and TV shows, and she has toured extensively throughout Ireland and Europe. In 2019, she released her debut album, “Personal History,” which received widespread praise and cemented her reputation as one of the most talented and promising musicians in Ireland.
In addition to her music, Reddy is also known for her activism and advocacy work. She has been outspoken about issues such as gender inequality and mental health, and has used her platform to raise awareness and inspire change.
With her powerful voice, thoughtful lyrics, and engaging stage presence, Ailbhe Reddy is a force to be reckoned with in the world of indie folk music.
14. Mary Black
Mary Black is an Irish singer known for her soulful and heartfelt interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk songs. Born in Dublin in 1955, Black grew up in a musical family and began performing in pubs and clubs around the city as a teenager.
In the early 1980s, Black’s music began to gain wider recognition, and she signed a record deal with the independent label Dara Records. Her 1983 debut album, “Mary Black,” was a critical and commercial success, and established her as a leading figure in the Irish folk music scene.
Black’s music draws on a wide range of influences, from traditional Irish ballads to American country and bluegrass. Her voice is warm and expressive, and her interpretations of classic songs are imbued with a deep sense of emotion and authenticity.
Over the course of her career, Black has released more than a dozen albums and has collaborated with a number of other musicians, including Emmylou Harris and Joan Baez. She has also been recognized for her contributions to Irish music, and has received numerous awards and accolades.
With her powerful voice and soulful delivery, Mary Black has earned a reputation as one of the most talented and beloved folk singers of her generation, and her music continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.
15. Chloë Agnew
Chloë Agnew is an Irish singer and actress known for her ethereal and emotive interpretations of traditional and contemporary Celtic music. Born in Dublin in 1989, Agnew grew up in a musical family and began performing as a child.
In 1998, Agnew was recruited to join the Irish music ensemble Celtic Woman, which went on to achieve international success and helped to establish her as a rising star in the world of Celtic music. Her powerful voice and emotive delivery quickly earned her a devoted fan base, and she went on to perform with the group for over a decade.
Agnew’s music draws on a wide range of influences, from traditional Irish ballads to modern pop and classical music. Her voice is rich and expressive, and she has a talent for infusing even the most familiar songs with a sense of emotional depth and nuance.
In addition to her music career, Agnew has also pursued acting, appearing in a number of films and TV shows. She has been recognized for her contributions to Irish culture and music, and has received several awards and accolades over the course of her career.
With her stunning voice and captivating stage presence, Chloë Agnew continues to be one of the most talented and beloved performers in the world of Celtic music.
16. Lisa Kelly
Lisa Kelly is an Irish singer known for her powerful and versatile voice, which has earned her a devoted following in the world of Celtic and folk music. Born in Dublin in 1977, Kelly began singing at a young age and honed her skills through years of performing in various venues around Ireland.
In the late 1990s, Kelly joined the Irish music ensemble Celtic Woman, which went on to achieve international success and helped to establish her as one of the leading voices in the world of Celtic music. Her voice is capable of conveying both delicate emotional nuances and soaring, dramatic power, and she has a talent for bringing a sense of authenticity and depth to everything she sings.
In addition to her work with Celtic Woman, Kelly has also pursued a solo career, releasing several albums that showcase her versatility and range as a vocalist. Her music draws on a wide range of influences, from traditional Irish ballads to contemporary pop and rock, and she has a talent for infusing even the most familiar songs with a sense of originality and freshness.
With her stunning voice and dynamic stage presence, Lisa Kelly has earned a reputation as one of the most talented and beloved performers in the world of Celtic music, and her music continues to inspire and move audiences around the globe.
17. Lisa Hannigan
Lisa Hannigan is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician known for her unique voice and poetic lyrics. Born in Dublin in 1981, Hannigan began her music career as a member of the indie rock band The Frames, with whom she performed as a backing vocalist and occasional soloist.
In 2007, Hannigan embarked on a solo career with the release of her debut album, “Sea Sew,” which showcased her eclectic musical tastes and her ability to blend elements of folk, pop, and indie rock into a distinctive and compelling sound. Her music is characterized by her intimate and introspective lyrics, which explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.
Over the course of her career, Hannigan has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Passenger” and “At Swim,” and has collaborated with a number of other artists, including Damien Rice and Glen Hansard. She has also been recognized for her contributions to Irish music, and has received several awards and accolades.
With her evocative voice and poetic songwriting, Lisa Hannigan has established herself as one of the most unique and compelling voices in contemporary Irish music, and her music continues to resonate with fans around the world.
18. Moya Brennan
Moya Brennan, also known as Máire Brennan, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and harpist who is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in the world of Celtic music. Born into a musical family in County Donegal in 1952, Brennan began playing the harp at a young age and went on to develop a talent for singing and songwriting.
In the 1970s, Brennan joined the Irish music group Clannad, which went on to achieve international success and helped to establish her as a rising star in the world of Celtic music. Her distinctive voice and haunting melodies quickly earned her a devoted fan base, and she has gone on to release several acclaimed solo albums over the course of her career.
Brennan’s music draws on a wide range of influences, from traditional Irish folk music to modern pop and rock, and she is known for her ability to blend these disparate elements into a cohesive and captivating sound. Her songs are characterized by their introspective lyrics and her emotive, ethereal voice, which have made her one of the most beloved and influential performers in the world of Celtic music.
With her remarkable talent and enduring popularity, Moya Brennan continues to be one of the most important and influential figures in Irish music, and her music continues to inspire and move audiences around the globe.
19. Laura Izibor
Laura Izibor is an Irish singer, songwriter, and pianist, who is best known for her soulful and bluesy voice, and her ability to blend R&B, gospel, and folk influences into her music. Born in Dublin in 1987, Izibor grew up in a household steeped in music, and began playing the piano at a young age.
In 2006, Izibor signed a record deal with Atlantic Records, and released her debut album “Let the Truth Be Told” in 2009. The album was a critical and commercial success, and established her as a rising star in the world of soul and R&B music. Her music is characterized by her powerful and emotive vocals, and her thoughtful and introspective lyrics, which explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Over the course of her career, Izibor has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and has collaborated with a number of other artists, including The Roots and John Legend. She has also been recognized for her contributions to Irish music, and has received several awards and accolades.
With her soulful voice and her unique blend of musical influences, Laura Izibor continues to be one of the most exciting and dynamic performers in the world of contemporary R&B and soul music, and her music continues to inspire and move audiences around the globe.
20. Mary Duff
Mary Duff is an Irish country singer who has been performing for over three decades. Born in County Meath in 1963, Duff grew up in a musical family and began performing at a young age. In the late 1980s, she was discovered by Irish country music superstar Daniel O’Donnell, who invited her to perform as his opening act on tour.
Duff quickly established herself as a talented performer in her own right, and went on to release a string of successful albums over the course of her career. Her music is characterized by her sweet and soulful voice, and her ability to bring a contemporary sensibility to traditional country music.
Over the years, Duff has become one of the most beloved and respected performers in the world of Irish country music, and she has won a devoted fan base both at home in Ireland and abroad. She has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Daniel O’Donnell, and has been recognized for her contributions to Irish music with several awards and accolades.
With her warm and engaging stage presence, and her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Mary Duff continues to be one of the most beloved and enduring figures in Irish country music, and her music continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
