Irish Music

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.

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.

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

• Podcast Directory: Irish Music Podcasts

• LiveIreland.com: Live Irish Internet Radio

• Irish Music Podcast: Celtic MP3s