Fair warning – listening to the below is likely to make you long for a hooley in the local hall.
The Irish. One of the most musical nations on the face of the earth. Our passion for song and dance has been documented through the ages by visitors from far and wide. In the words of those masterful songsmiths The Vengaboys: we like, we like to party.
Whatever the party, though, there’s a chance you’ll notice some consistent benchmarks on the playlist. Wedding, GAA victory, 21st or even the odd wake that goes a bit mad in the local… here are the 25 songs you’re likely to hear at every Irish celebration.
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All Night Long
We have a serious grá for Lionel on these shores. He’s responsible for teaching us other words for “party” too, which is nice.
Dancing in the Dark
Every time this song comes on, in your mind it is you, not a young Courtney Cox before she met a stylist, who is pulled on stage with the boss for a dance.
Last Night
One of the rare noughties songs your parents will stay on the dance floor for. This tune is simply epic.
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good. (So good, so good, so good)
Kung Fu Fighting
You have two moves. You wait patiently for the chorus every time so you can use them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzPcMzy4WI8
Daydream Believer
And it’s the circle dance! RULE: Your arms must be awkwardly lugged around someone either side of you. Various points of the circle will take turns rushing into the centre. Just because.
Is This the Way to Amarillo?
March. March forth to Amarillo! Sweet Marie is there and she waits for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx8l5l1g0wA
Brown-Eyed Girl
Do you remember when, we used to sing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AsvlJSU6qE
Mr. Brightside
There’s a manic gleam in our eyes when this one comes on. Stand back lads, she’s going hell for leather.
Rock The Boat
Arses on the floor. No questions asked.
Single Ladies
Fact: your mother and aunties like this song more than you do. Never have left hands been shaken to and fro with such glee.
The Gambler
More for the singsong when the DJ finally gives up, but by God if there isn’t a swell of volume for the chorus. All together now: You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, (WHEN TO HOLD ‘EM!)…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj4nJ1YEAp4
Friends in Low Places
Another singsong favourite. Particularly the rude “secret” third verse.
Give it Up
Na na na na na na na na na na na!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psFQMKcsIF8
Cotton Eye Joe
This is your chance to root out the lessons learned in those oh-so-90s line-dancing lessons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcDy8HEg1QY
There’s A Whole Lotta Lovin’ Going On
Mock it all you want – we made this the most successful Irish single of all time. That’s on all of us.
Livin’ Next Door to Alice
Look, they let us curse in the chorus. What do you expect?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbY0cohHZ3w
Maniac 2000
And suddenly, the air smells of teenage discos and broken promises.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY17nDW-CX0
Put Em Under Pressure
Sorry Italy. Olé, olé, olé is ours now. That’s just how this works.
Congratulations
Cheesier than a four-cheese pizza, but what’s a celebration without saying Congratulations in song?
Summer of 69
You’ll never be able to share a floor with your parents and this song when you realise it’s about the sexual position, not the year 1969. Sorry about that.
We’ve Got The World Tonight
Mikey Joe before he dropped the “Joe”. Notions.
Galway Girl
One for the mammies and sons to get on the floor. If you can’t jive you don’t belong here.
Wagon Wheel
Oh, mama rock me.
Don’t Stop Believing
And the air guitars come out. And the hair is let down. And we’re all just a small-town girl, living in a lonely world.
Magic.
