The Dubliners made some of the best Irish folk songs that we know and love, and here are just a few of their best creations.
The Dubliners are an iconic Irish folk band that began to captivate traditional Irish music lovers in 1962.
Formerly known as the Ronnie Drew Ballad Group, The Dubliners garnered international success throughout their career, and the successes were centred around lead singers Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew, who remain the legends of Irish music to this very day.
The Dubliner’s songs captivate Irish culture, which has made them legendary throughout the years, and to reminisce a little, let’s look at some of their well-known classics.
Here are the ten best songs by The Dubliners of all time to reminisce on.
10. Mountain Dew – a song about Poitín
Dating back to 1882, this traditional Irish folk song, officially known as ‘The Rare Old Mountain Dew’, is one we all know and love.
This collaboration between The Dubliners and The Pogues gained international recognition, and many artists have covered the song over the years.
9. Dicey Reilly – a story of alcoholism
‘Dicey Reilly’ is a song written at the start of the 20th Century, and Ronnie Drew sang its most notable version by The Dubliners.
It tells the tale of an alcoholic Dublin girl who is off each morning to the pub and will never give up the drink.
8. Seven Drunken Nights – a song that RTE banned
This song, released in 1967, was banned by RTE for its raunchy content, making the song even more popular across Ireland and the UK.
The song revolves around a drunkard who comes home to new evidence that his wife is cheating, only to be taken in by her dumbfounded excuses.
7. Raglan Road – a poem turned song
One of the best songs by The Dubliners is certainly ‘Raglan Road’, which everyone in Ireland knows as it’s one of the best Irish songs of all time.
The song was originally a poem by Patrick Kavanagh, which was then put to music when he met Luke Kelly. They created the song we know and love in a Dublin pub called The Bailey and the rest is history.
6. The Irish Rover – a classic collaboration
This Irish folk song about a grand ship and its adventures has become one of The Dubliners’ most iconic songs ever sung.
This song was yet another collaboration of The Dubliners and The Pogues and reached number one in the Irish charts when it was released in 1987.
5. Moly Malone – Dublin’s unofficial anthem
‘Molly Malone’ is one of the best songs by The Dubliners and has become Dublin’s unofficial anthem since there is a statue of the lady herself in the heart of the city.
Even though the song was remade by many artists like Sinead O’Connor and Johnny Logan, The Dubliner’s version hits differently.
READ MORE about the legend with our article – Who was Molly Malone? What we know from Irish folklore and songs
4. The Wild Rover – a beloved Irish drinking song
Go to any Irish pub in Ireland, and you will hear ‘The Wild Rover’ being played on the sound system or live because it is an authentic Irish classic that everyone can sing along to.
This song is why The Dubliners are one of the best Irish bands of all time.
The song, which dates back to the 1600s, was given a new lease of life when it was released and has become an infectious drinking song.
3. Dirty Old Town – a top 10 hit of 1968
One of the most incredible things about the Dubliners is how they made classic songs so famous, including their rendition of Ewan McColl’s 1949 song ‘Dirty Old Town’, written about Salford, Lancashire.
The song was number ten on the Irish music charts in 1968 and remains a huge hit today.
2. Rocky Road to Dublin – a classic Dubliners song
This fast-paced and spiritual tune is one of the best songs by The Dubliners of all time. You’ll often hear it in pubs and households around the country.
The song showcases the band’s creativity, musical skills and storytelling abilities, which is the key to a successful Irish ballad.
1. Whiskey in the Jar – a world-famous song
‘Whiskey in the Jar’ is one of the most iconic songs ever, thanks to The Dubliners. Many artists have remade the song, including Thin Lizzy and Metallica, but the traditional version still uniquely captivates audiences.
As you can tell, The Dubliners have had massive success in their career, creating legendary music and memorable songs and inspiring many other artists.
So, if you fancy a little bit of nostalgia, listen to these ten best songs by The Dubliners of all time.
