Music does a lot of things – it connects us to places, memories, people. It makes us feel.
Now imagine you’re at a pub abroad – you’ve left your home in Ireland behind. No matter how great things are going, you can’t help but hear that call for home when the music starts.
You’ll start singing along with all the other Irish at the pub – and let’s be real, you might be trying to suppress those tears. The following ten songs can make any Irishman abroad cry. Grab your tissues.
10. Galway Girl – a pub classic
Probably an unexpected addition to the list. You might be thinking you’ve never cried to Galway Girl, but deep down, you feel it.
The song transports you back to the pub in Ireland, to fond memories with friends, and maybe even your own Galway Girl.
9. Spancil Hill – the longing for home
A song about emigration, the longing for home, the friends left behind. It’s all based on a true story.
It gets even sadder than that: The writer of the poem that the song is based on never got to see Ireland again – he died at the age of 23.
8. Rare Auld Times – the auld Dublin
A song that talks about what Dublin used to be like. It’s about change, but also about what it’s like seeing that change.
Any Dubliner abroad will certainly know it. Perhaps they’ve even said similar words when visiting their city after some time away.
7. Danny Boy – sadness in a song
Danny Boy is one of the saddest Irish songs. There are different interpretations of the song’s meaning.
Many see it as a parent saying goodbye to a son going off to war or emigrating. One thing is certain, though: It’s about love, pain, and parting.
6. Raglan Road – from road to poem to song
Named after the street in Dublin, Raglan Road started as a poem and then became a song.
One of the most famous versions is by Luke Kelly and The Dubliners. The song mentions unrequited love and heartache, and you feel it every time you hear it.
5. Song for Ireland – a modern classic
First recorded in 1977, Song for Ireland has become a modern classic, enjoyed by people all over the world.
It talks about Irish places like Galway and Dingle, about moments in pubs. It brings back images that every Irish person abroad can relate to.
4. Grace – based on a true story
The story behind the song is as emotional as the song itself. In 1916, Grace Gifford marries Joseph Plunkett hours before his execution in Kilmainham Gaol. It starts with “Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment linger” – and linger it does.
3. Fairytale of New York – a Christmas classic
Fairytale of New York is practically a Christmas staple. One of Ireland’s most favourite Christmas songs. Now, imagine you’re spending Christmas abroad. The song comes on, emotions flow, and trust us, you won’t stop singing along.
2. The Parting Glass – the song that gets everyone
While The Parting Glass is originally a Scottish song, it’s been very popular in Ireland. It’s often sung at the end of a gathering or at funerals.
As soon as the song starts, emotions will be stirred. It’s just that powerful of a song. “Good night and joy be with you all”.
1. The Fields of Athenry – an anthem
There could be no other song as the number one for this list. The Fields of Athenry is THE Irish song, telling the story of the Famine.
Any Irishman abroad will know what it feels like to leave. Everyone will feel the togetherness when an entire pub or stadium sings it.
Honourable mention: Zombie – a chorus that must be sung
While Zombie is not a sad song as such. It’s a song that will get everyone screaming at the top of their lungs. It’s one of the most famous Irish songs, and you just can’t stay silent – that feeling of just being Irish together is what might get a tear or two.
One of these songs alone can bring even the toughest man to tears, but all of them together – oh boy.
Songs that are connected to Ireland just hit differently – no matter where in the world you are, they transport you back to your home in just a few notes.
