-->

• Hundreds of years ago, when England conquered Ireland, the Irish felt that their culture was threatened by the English decree that the Irish could no longer speak their own language. Because theirs was an oral culture, they began to incorporate their stories and history into song.History.com: Symbols and Traditions

  Today the tradition of Irish music is still heavily steeped in culture and history. To learn more about Irish music, check out the links on this page.

• Fast Facts

  1. Traditional instruments of Celtic and Irish music often include the fiddle, flute, banjo, harp, the hammered dulcimer and pianoThe Ceolas: Celtic Music Instruments
  2. Three major types of Irish music are "hornpipes," "reels" and "jigs"Standing Stones: The Origins of Traditional Irish Music
  3. A keen is a death song, and can often be heard sung at funeralsIreland Fun Facts: Glossary of Irish Music Terms
  4. A gathering of Irish musicians are often called "Comhaltas"Ireland Fun Facts: Glossary of Irish Music Terms
  5. Traditional Irish jigs are played in 3/4 timeIreland Fun Facts: Glossary of Irish Music Terms
  6. Reels are played in 4/4 timeIreland Fun Facts: Glossary of Irish Music Terms
  7. A "blanxty" is a Song of patronage or praiseIreland Fun Facts: Glossary of Irish Music Terms
  8. Many popular music genres have "fused" with traditional Irish music to create new subgenres of music

• Popular Irish Music in Mainstream Culture

  A number of bands have integrated popular music with Irish folk music and achieved a great deal of success. Clannad, The Pogues, The Cranberries, U2, Moya Brennan and the Chieftains are only a few examples of successful artists paying tribute to their Irish heritage through popular music.

• Facts About Ireland

  1. Also known as Erin
  2. Capital: Dublin
  3. Languages spoken: English and Irish (Gaelic)National Geographic: Ireland Facts
  4. President: Mary McAleeseOfficial Site: President of Ireland
  5. Currency: Euro (€)Info Please: Ireland
  6. Has been inhabited for over 7,000 yearsNational Geographic: Ireland Facts
  7. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and is credited with bringing Christianity to the island

• Related Mahalo Pages

  U2 | Van Morrison | Thin Lizzy | The Pogues | Rory Gallagher | Enya | The Cranberries | Sinead O'Connor | Damien Rice | The Thrills | Saint Patrick's Day | Ireland | Ireland Vacation | Dublin | Dublin Vacation | Dublin Restaurants

Categories

• View History
• Discuss on the Message Board
• Embed this Page
• Share this page