Irish music has a rich history and tradition, and over the years, the country has produced a plethora of talented singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. From traditional Irish folk music to contemporary pop and rock, Irish singers have made their mark in every genre. The country’s musical heritage has been shaped by its landscape, culture, and history, making Irish music unique and distinct.
In this article, we will take a closer look at 20 famous Irish singers who have made significant contributions to the world of music. Each of these singers has a unique voice and style, and their music has captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. Some of the artists on this list have achieved global success, while others are revered in Ireland for their contributions to the country’s musical heritage.
From iconic figures such as Bono and Van Morrison to rising stars like Dermot Kennedy and Hozier, this list covers a diverse range of Irish singers who have made their mark on the music industry. Whether you are a fan of traditional Irish music or modern pop, you are sure to find something to enjoy in the work of these talented artists. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous Irish singers of all time.
1. Bono
Bono is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the iconic rock band U2. His powerful and distinctive voice, combined with his thought-provoking lyrics, has made him one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the music industry. Bono’s humanitarian work and activism have also made him a respected and influential figure in the wider world. He has been involved in a range of philanthropic projects, including the ONE campaign and the (RED) campaign, which aim to combat poverty, disease, and inequality around the world.
2. Enya
Enya, born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician known for her ethereal and atmospheric music. Her unique sound is characterized by layered vocals, lush orchestration, and a blend of traditional and modern instruments. Enya’s music has been used in films, television shows, and advertisements, and has been widely popular around the world. She has won four Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million records worldwide. Enya is known for her reclusive and private nature, rarely giving interviews or performing in public.
3. Hozier
Hozier is an Irish singer-songwriter known for his soulful and bluesy music. His breakout hit “Take Me to Church” gained widespread attention in 2014 and showcased his powerful vocals and poignant lyrics. Since then, Hozier has continued to release critically acclaimed albums and collaborate with other artists. His music often touches on themes of love, social justice, and spirituality. Hozier has also been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting the homeless and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
4. Sinéad O’Connor
Sinéad O’Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Her music is characterized by her distinctive voice and lyrics that touch on personal and political themes. O’Connor is known for her advocacy for social justice and activism on issues such as child abuse and women’s rights. She has won numerous awards for her music and has been recognized for her contributions to the music industry and activism. O’Connor’s music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.
5. Van Morrison
Van Morrison is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician who has been a major figure in the music industry for over five decades. He is known for his soulful voice and unique blend of R&B, soul, and folk music. Morrison has released numerous critically acclaimed albums throughout his career, including the iconic Astral Weeks and Moondance. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Morrison’s music continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians around the world.
6. Dolores O’Riordan
Dolores O’Riordan was an Irish singer-songwriter and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Cranberries. Her powerful and emotive voice, combined with her poignant lyrics, made her a beloved and influential figure in the music industry. The Cranberries’ music often touched on personal and political themes, including the Troubles in Northern Ireland. O’Riordan’s music career spanned over three decades, during which she released numerous successful albums and won multiple awards. She passed away in 2018, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most talented and inspiring Irish singers of all time.
7. Gilbert O’Sullivan
Gilbert O’Sullivan is an Irish singer-songwriter known for his soft rock and pop music. His music often features his distinctive voice and piano melodies, and his songs often touch on themes of love, heartbreak, and everyday life. O’Sullivan has released numerous albums over the course of his career, including the popular singles “Alone Again (Naturally)” and “Clair”. He has won multiple awards and has been recognized for his contributions to the music industry. O’Sullivan’s music continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.
8. Niall Horan
Niall Horan is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician who rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. After the band went on hiatus, Horan pursued a solo career and released his debut album Flicker in 2017. His music often features acoustic guitars and a blend of folk and pop influences. Horan has been recognized for his songwriting and vocal abilities, and has won numerous awards for his music. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting cancer research and promoting mental health awareness.
9. Danny O’Donoghue
Danny O’Donoghue is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Script. His powerful voice and emotive lyrics have helped the band achieve worldwide success, with hit singles such as “Breakeven” and “Hall of Fame”. O’Donoghue is also a talented songwriter, having written songs for other artists including Britney Spears and Boyz II Men. He has been recognized for his contributions to the music industry and continues to be a beloved and influential figure in Irish music.
10. Dermot Kennedy
Dermot Kennedy is an Irish singer-songwriter known for his soulful and emotive music. His music often features acoustic guitars and a blend of folk and hip-hop influences. Kennedy has gained widespread attention for his powerful live performances and poignant lyrics, which touch on themes of love, loss, and personal growth. He has released multiple successful albums and singles, including “Outnumbered” and “Giants”. Kennedy has also been recognized for his charitable work, including supporting mental health initiatives and advocating for refugee rights.
11. Bob Geldof
Bob Geldof is an Irish musician, actor, and political activist born on October 5th, 1951. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the Boomtown Rats, a punk rock band that rose to fame in the late 1970s. Geldof gained international recognition for organizing the charity supergroup Band Aid and the Live Aid concerts in 1984 and 1985, which raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia. In addition to his music career, Geldof has been a prominent activist for human rights and anti-poverty causes. He was awarded an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986 for his charitable work.
12. Phil Lynott
Phil Lynott was an Irish singer-songwriter and bassist best known as the frontman of the rock band Thin Lizzy. Born on August 20th, 1949, Lynott formed Thin Lizzy in 1969 and led the band through various lineup changes and musical shifts until his death in 1986. He was known for his powerful vocals, lyrical storytelling, and unique blend of rock and Irish folk influences. Lynott’s songwriting and stage presence made him a beloved figure in the music industry, and his influence can be heard in the work of many artists who followed in his footsteps. He died tragically at the age of 36 due to complications from drug and alcohol abuse.
13. Rory Gallagher
Rory Gallagher was an Irish blues and rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter born on March 2nd, 1948. He first gained recognition as the founder and frontman of the power trio Taste, before embarking on a successful solo career in the 1970s. Gallagher was known for his passionate and virtuosic guitar playing, as well as his gritty vocals and thoughtful songwriting. He was widely respected by his peers and influenced many guitarists who followed in his footsteps. Gallagher’s music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, and he is remembered as one of the greatest musicians to come out of Ireland.
14. Christy Moore
Christy Moore is an Irish folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist born on May 7th, 1945. He first gained fame as a member of the band Planxty, before embarking on a successful solo career in the 1980s. Moore’s music often deals with political and social issues, and he is known for his powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. He has been a prominent voice in the Irish music scene for over four decades, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary folk musicians. Moore continues to tour and record music, and is widely regarded as a national treasure in Ireland.
15. Imelda May
Imelda May is an Irish singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist born on July 10th, 1974. She first gained attention in the UK with the release of her debut album “Love Tattoo” in 2009, which blended rockabilly, blues, and jazz influences. May’s powerful vocals and energetic stage presence quickly earned her a devoted fanbase, and she has since released several more successful albums. Her music has been praised for its authenticity and raw emotion, and she is regarded as one of the most exciting performers to come out of Ireland in recent years.
16. Maria Doyle Kennedy
Maria Doyle Kennedy is an Irish singer, songwriter, and actress born on September 25th, 1964. She first gained recognition as an actress, appearing in films like “The Commitments” and “The Tudors,” before embarking on a successful music career in the 2000s. Kennedy’s music blends folk, rock, and pop influences, and she is known for her haunting vocals and introspective songwriting. She has released several albums and has collaborated with many notable musicians throughout her career. Kennedy is regarded as one of Ireland’s most versatile and talented performers, and continues to be a prominent figure in both the music and entertainment industries.
17. Shane MacGowan
Shane MacGowan is an Irish musician and songwriter born on December 25th, 1957. He is best known as the frontman and primary songwriter for the punk rock band The Pogues, which fused traditional Irish folk music with punk rock sensibilities. MacGowan’s songwriting and distinctive vocals made him a beloved figure in the music industry, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary musicians. He has also collaborated with various artists throughout his career, and has released several solo albums. Despite struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, MacGowan continues to be a revered figure in Irish music.
18. Luke Kelly
Luke Kelly was an Irish folk singer and musician born on November 17th, 1940. He first gained fame as a member of the group The Dubliners, and went on to have a successful solo career in the 1970s. Kelly’s music often dealt with political and social issues, and he was known for his powerful vocals and passionate performances. He is regarded as one of Ireland’s most important folk singers, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists. Kelly died tragically at the age of 43 from complications related to a brain tumor, but his music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
19. Ronnie Drew
Ronnie Drew was an Irish folk musician and singer born on September 16th, 1934. He was best known as the founder and lead singer of the Irish folk group The Dubliners, which formed in the 1960s and went on to become one of Ireland’s most beloved and influential bands. Drew’s gravelly vocals and charismatic stage presence made him a beloved figure in the Irish music scene, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary folk musicians. He continued to perform and record music throughout his career, and is remembered as one of Ireland’s most iconic and important folk singers. Drew passed away on August 16th, 2008, at the age of 73.
20. Mary Black
Mary Black is an Irish folk singer born on May 23rd, 1955. She first gained recognition in the 1980s with the release of her debut album “Mary Black,” which featured a mix of traditional Irish folk songs and contemporary covers. Black’s pure and powerful vocals quickly earned her a devoted fanbase, and she has since released over a dozen successful albums. Her music often deals with themes of love, loss, and family, and she is known for her ability to convey deep emotion through her performances. Black is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most beloved folk singers, and her influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary musicians.
Macey West 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.
