Famous Irish Folk Singers

Hozier is an Irish musician, singer, and songwriter known for his folk, soul, and blues music infused with religious, literary, and social justice themes. With his debut single "Take Me to Church" (2013) reaching international success, he has continued to make a mark in the music industry. His albums, including the eponymous debut and Wasteland, Baby!, have achieved platinum certifications in various countries. Collaborating with artists like Bear McCreary, Hozier's music has resonated globally, culminating in the release of successful projects like "Unreal Unearth" and the EP "Unheard".

Christy Moore is an Irish folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist with a successful career as a solo artist and as a founding member of the bands Planxty and Moving Hearts. He released his first album, Paddy on the Road, in collaboration with Dominic Behan in 1969. Moore has achieved significant recognition for his contributions to Irish music and was honored as Ireland's greatest living musician in 2007. Throughout his professional life, Moore has been celebrated for his powerful performances and enduring influence on the folk music scene.

Mary Black is a prominent Irish folk singer renowned for her ability to interpret traditional folk songs and modern material. Her exceptional talent has established her as a leading recording artist in Ireland. With a career spanning decades, Black has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and emotive performances. She has released numerous albums that showcase her versatility and musical prowess, solidifying her reputation as a respected figure in the folk music genre.

Moya Brennan is an accomplished Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist. She began her professional music career in 1970 with the band Clannad and went on to release a successful solo album in 1992. Brennan has received a Grammy Award and an Emmy Award for her outstanding musical contributions. She is known for recording music for various soundtracks, including notable films like Titanic, To End All Wars, and King Arthur. Overall, she has made a significant impact in the music industry with her talent and versatility.

Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, known as Méav, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and recording artist focusing on traditional Irish music. She gained prominence as an original soloist in Celtic Woman, a musical ensemble with over six million album sales. Méav's solo albums have achieved success, reaching the Billboard World Music Top 10. With a versatile vocal range, she sings in various languages such as English, Irish, French, Latin, Italian, and German. Méav's professional life is defined by her musical talent, international appeal, and dedication to showcasing her heritage through music.

Mary Duff is an Irish country, pop, and folk singer who rose to fame in the 1990s after being discovered by Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell. She gained recognition by performing on O'Donnell's television show and touring with him. Duff quickly established herself as one of Ireland's most talented singers, expanding her popularity internationally. In 2019, Duff decided to part ways with O'Donnell to explore a wider variety of songs and musical styles beyond what suited his audience, emphasizing her desire for musical experimentation and growth.

Frances Black is an accomplished Irish singer and politician. She gained recognition in the late 1980s as a member of the Black Family band, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music. In 2016, Black was elected as an independent senator to Seanad Éireann, representing the Industrial and Commercial Panel. Her career showcases a successful transition from the music industry to politics, where she continues to make a positive impact through her advocacy and legislative work.

Éabha McMahon is an Irish singer known for her contralto voice. She gained popularity as a former member of the ensemble Celtic Woman. In 2020, she transitioned to recording music under the name AVA. Throughout her career, Éabha has showcased her vocal talent and versatility, captivating audiences with her powerful performances. With a focus on both traditional and contemporary music, she has established herself as a skilled and dynamic artist, leaving a lasting impression on the music industry.

Eleanor McEvoy is a renowned Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and poignant lyrics. She gained widespread recognition for composing the iconic song "Only a Woman's Heart," which became the title track of the best-selling Irish album in history, "A Woman's Heart." McEvoy's music resonates with audiences worldwide, showcasing her talent for storytelling and emotional depth. With a successful career spanning decades, she continues to captivate listeners with her unique blend of folk, rock, and contemporary music.

Mick Foster, as one half of the iconic Irish musical duo Foster and Allen, has had a prolific and successful professional career spanning nearly five decades. Alongside Tony Allen, he has released over 52 albums, many of which have charted in the UK and Ireland. Their signature tunes like "A Bunch of Thyme" and "Maggie" have achieved international success, with the latter reaching No. 1 in New Zealand. Foster and Allen have sold over 25 million albums and videos worldwide, toured extensively across several countries, and even had their own television series in Ireland.

Luke Kelly was an Irish singer, folk musician, and actor known for his distinctive singing style and sometimes political messages. He moved to England in his late teens and became involved in a folk music revival. Returning to Dublin in the 1960s, he co-founded the band The Dubliners in 1962. Kelly is recognized as one of Ireland's greatest folk singers, with a career marked by his impactful contributions to the folk music scene and his powerful vocal performances that resonated with audiences.

Tom Clancy was a prominent figure in the Irish folk group the Clancy Brothers, known for his powerful voice. Prior to his music career, he was an accomplished actor, having appeared in various stage productions alongside notable figures like Orson Welles. His talent extended to television and film, where he made occasional appearances. With a strong presence both on stage and screen, Tom Clancy left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry through his multifaceted career in acting and music.

Lisa Lambe is a versatile Irish artist known for her talents in singing, acting, songwriting, and folkloric studies. With a rich and diverse professional background, she has garnered acclaim for her captivating performances on stage and screen. Her powerful and emotive vocals have won over audiences worldwide, while her songwriting skills showcase a deep connection to traditional Irish music. As a folklorist, she delves into the cultural heritage of Ireland, adding depth and authenticity to her artistic endeavors.

Damien Dempsey is a renowned Irish singer and songwriter known for blending traditional Irish folk music with contemporary lyrics that provide social and political commentary on Irish society. Singing in his native working-class accent, Damien primarily uses the English language in his music, occasionally incorporating the Irish language. With a unique and powerful voice, he has gained recognition for his thought-provoking songs that resonate with audiences, making him a prominent figure in the Irish music scene.

Dolores Keane is an Irish folk singer known for her contributions to traditional Irish music. She gained prominence as a founding member of the group De Dannan before embarking on a successful solo career. Keane's distinctive voice and heartfelt performances have captivated audiences worldwide, earning her a reputation as a highly respected artist in the folk music genre. Throughout her career, she has recorded numerous albums and embarked on extensive tours, showcasing her talent and passion for Irish music.

Declan O'Rourke is a renowned singer-songwriter hailing from Kinvara, Ireland. With a career spanning several decades, he has gained recognition for his emotive lyrics and captivating melodies. O'Rourke has released multiple albums, showcasing his unique blend of folk, rock, and traditional Irish music. His songs often delve into themes of love, loss, and social issues, resonating with audiences worldwide. O'Rourke has performed at prestigious venues and festivals, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and prolific musician.

Wallis Bird is an accomplished Irish musician currently based in Berlin. Since relocating in 2012, she has built a successful career in the music industry. With six studio albums under her belt, including notable releases like "Architect" in 2014 and "Home" in 2016, Wallis has established herself as a talented singer-songwriter. Her music showcases a unique blend of folk, rock, and pop influences, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics.

Paddy Reilly is a renowned Irish folk singer and guitarist known for his iconic renditions of traditional ballads such as "The Fields of Athenry," "Rose of Allendale," and "The Town I Loved So Well." He achieved chart-topping success with his single release of "The Fields of Athenry" and the Liam Reilly-penned song "Flight of Earls." Reilly joined The Dubliners in 1996 after a successful solo career, later relocating to New York City and owning several pubs before returning to Ireland.

Patsy Watchorn is an accomplished Irish folk singer known for his contributions to two prominent music groups, the Dublin City Ramblers and The Dubliners. With a career spanning decades, Watchorn has made a significant impact in the folk music scene through his powerful vocals and engaging performances. His versatile talent and passion for traditional Irish music have earned him a loyal following and cemented his reputation as a respected figure in the industry. Watchorn's music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing his enduring influence and legacy in folk music.

Tommy Fleming is an Irish singer who gained fame in the early 1990s when he toured the US with Phil Coulter. He later launched a successful solo career, specializing in traditional Irish music, both old and contemporary. Fleming has showcased his talent on tours across Ireland, the UK, United States, the Netherlands, and Australia. With a strong focus on Irish music, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his powerful vocals and impressive performances, establishing himself as a respected figure in the music industry.

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is a versatile musician and singer hailing from County Kerry, Ireland. With a rich background in traditional music, she showcased her talent as the lead singer of the renowned group Danú until 2016. Transitioning into a new genre, she embarked on a new musical journey as one-half of the electronica duo Aeons. Through her diverse musical endeavors, Muireann continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable vocal abilities and innovative collaborations, solidifying her status as a respected figure in the music industry.

Finbarr Clancy is an accomplished Irish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist known for his contributions to the music industry. He began his career by performing with The Clancy Brothers, showcasing his talent and passion for traditional Irish music. Later on, he joined the popular group The High Kings, where he continued to captivate audiences with his musical skills and charismatic stage presence. Throughout his professional life, Finbarr Clancy has established himself as a prominent figure in the folk music scene, earning recognition for his remarkable performances.

Patrick Clancy, known as Paddy Clancy or Pat Clancy, was an Irish folk singer renowned for his role in the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem group. He played a significant part in popularizing Irish traditional music in the United States and revitalizing it in Ireland. Clancy was a talented harmonica player and also founded Tradition Records, a folk music label that recorded influential figures of the American folk music revival. His professional life was dedicated to music, storytelling, and preserving Irish musical traditions.

Jimmy MacCarthy is an accomplished Irish singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and emotive melodies. He is revered for his ability to capture the essence of Irish life and landscapes through his music. With a career spanning several decades, MacCarthy has written numerous well-known songs that have been performed by popular artists both in Ireland and internationally. His songwriting skills have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, solidifying his place as one of Ireland's most respected musicians.

Maura O'Connell is a renowned Irish singer known for her contemporary interpretations of Irish folk songs infused with American country music influences. With a career spanning several decades, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry. O'Connell's powerful and emotive vocals have captivated audiences worldwide, earning her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. She has released numerous albums, collaborated with various artists, and performed at prestigious venues and music festivals, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility.

Noel Ó Dúgáin was a talented Irish musician who, alongside his twin brother Pádraig, formed the renowned musical duo, The Duggans. They gained fame in the 1970s as part of the folk group Clannad and later achieved international success, winning a Grammy Award for their album Landmarks in 1998. Following a ten-year hiatus, they continued their musical journey by touring with their band Norland Wind. Noel's professional career also saw the release of the critically acclaimed studio album Rubicon in 2005, featuring collaborations with various artists and achieving commercial success in Ireland.

Derek Warfield is a prominent Irish figure known for his multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, and historian. He gained recognition as a former member of the renowned musical group The Wolfe Tones, contributing significantly to their success. His powerful vocals and poignant songwriting have resonated with audiences, establishing him as a respected artist in the Irish music scene. Additionally, his expertise as a historian further enriches his work, adding depth and authenticity to his performances and contributions to Irish cultural heritage.

Tara Blaise is an Irish singer known for her versatile talent in pop, folk, and rock music. She began her professional career in music and gained recognition for her powerful vocals and emotive performances. Blaise's music resonates with audiences, showcasing her ability to connect on an emotional level through her songs. With a career spanning genres, she has established herself as a dynamic artist with a unique sound that sets her apart in the music industry.

Róisín O is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician who is signed to independent label 3ú Records. She gained recognition with the release of her debut album The Secret Life of Blue in 2012, which entered the Irish charts at number 21. The album, produced by David Odlum, received critical acclaim for evoking the styles of Joni Mitchell, Joanna Newsom, and Kate Bush. With her musical talent and connections within the industry, Róisín O has established herself as a notable figure in the Irish music scene.

Lisa O'Neill is an acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of folk and traditional music. She has gained recognition for her emotive storytelling and powerful vocals, captivating audiences with her raw and honest performances. O'Neill has released several albums that have received critical acclaim, showcasing her songwriting prowess and distinctive musical style. She has also toured extensively, performing at various music festivals and venues around the world, further establishing herself as a prominent figure in the folk music scene.