Pints, Pogues, and partying: Curating the perfect St Patrick’s Day playlist

As the pints are poured, and the songs are blaring, what better time to make a playlist to commemorate the St Patrick’s Day celebrations? Whilst the day may be over, it is still important to acknowledge the influence of Irish artists and culture, and how they continue to shape and impact the music industry in more ways than one. This article has collated several artists and tracks to create a playlist that hopefully inspires you to create your own based on the St Paddy’s celebrations! 

‘Linger’, ‘Dreams’, and ‘Zombie’ – The Cranberries 

The Cranberries are synonymous with Ireland at this point, and are certainly a good starting point to your St Patrick’s Day playlist. ‘Linger’ and ‘Dreams’ are two of my favourite songs to sing with a group of friends, and both songs stir up feelings of joy and happiness that are essential in your celebrations (and certainly work well with a drink!). On the other hand, ‘Zombie’ offers a raw and angry protest of the violence conducted by the IRA bombing in 1994. It echoes the terrorism and violence of the Troubles that remain poignant within Ireland, and is an important period of Irish history to remember and discuss, especially during this time of the year.  

‘Almost (Sweet Music)’ – Hozier 

Hozier, originally from County Wicklow, certainly deserves a spot on your playlists. His connection with Irish culture is reflected in the earthy and mystical atmosphere created within his music, which is often associated with the romanticisation of Irish culture that make St Paddy’s Day such a big celebration across the UK (and the globe). Whilst I am certainly not limiting you to just one song, ‘Almost’ is undoubtedly one of my favourites – the upbeat and jazzy rhythm creates an energy that makes it impossible not to dance along to – reflecting the joyful energy that the Irish always bring to the function.  

‘Sally MacLennane’ – The Pogues 

It may have taken every ounce of me to not include ‘Fairytale of New York’ in this playlist, as it is arguably the best Christmas song, but seeing as it is now April, I feel like I needed to draw some sort of line … Instead, ‘Sally MacLennane’ encapsulates such a rowdy, chaotic pub crowd that I chose to include it in this playlist. The traditional Irish sound is distinctive throughout, and the chorus is built for crowds to sing and dance to. It certainly creates a vibrant atmosphere that is essential in your celebrations.  

‘Teenage Kicks’ – The Undertones 

This song holds such cultural credibility, that most people know the words, or at least the chorus, making it the perfect choice for St Paddy’s. The fast pace and joyful nature of the song will lift the energy of any crowd, and the youthful excitement conveyed throughout simply make it the perfect choice for sing-along moments.  

‘Galway Girl’ and ‘Nancy Mulligan’ – Ed Sheeran 

Whilst Sheeran may not be from Ireland, the Irish culture he grew up surrounded by is certainly echoed within these songs. ‘Galway Girl’ follows traditional instrumentation and upbeat lyrics, making it the perfect addition to any playlist, and I certainly think enough people know the words by now. ‘Nancy Mulligan’, on the other hand, will always hold particular resonance with me, as Sheeran mentions the Wexford border, which is where some of my family are from! The authenticity of this song is commonly associated with traditional Irish folk storytelling, making it a perfect choice for your playlists.  

‘N17’, ‘I Useta Lover’, and ‘Pied Piper’ – The Saw Doctors 

Growing up, one Irish band that was always played in my home was The Saw Doctors. Hits like ‘N17’, ‘I Useta Lover’, and ‘Pied Piper’ stand out to me when constructing this playlist, as they evoke memories of my childhood that are both joyful and bittersweet, serving as the epitome of nostalgia. This band delivers song after song that leave you with no other option but to dance along, and, in my eyes, are essential to any St Paddy’s Day playlist.  

‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ – U2 

U2 is an essential addition to any Irish playlist, demonstrating how Irish music continues to shape global rock history. ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ would fit methodically into your soundtrack, as the communal energy created through the lyrics and choir-like backing vocals encourages group singing that is important to end the night of celebrating with. Despite the repetitive lyrics, the song encapsulates a sense of hope that is a vital feeling after a night of drinking and partying. This, I feel, makes it the perfect concluding song to your soundtrack.