Music of Ireland

Ireland is internationally known for its folk music, which has remained a vibrant tradition throughout the 20th century, when many traditional forms worldwide lost popularity to pop music. In spite of emigration and a well-developed connection to music imported from Britain and the United States, Irish music has kept many of its traditional aspects; indeed, it has itself influenced many forms of music, such as country and roots music in the USA, which in turn have greatly influenced rock music in the 20th century. It has occasionally also been modernised, however, and fused with rock and roll, punk rock and other genres. Some of these fusion artists have attained much mainstream success, at home and abroad.

Related Topics:
Ireland - 20th century - Pop music - Emigration - Britain - United States - Rock music - Rock and roll - Punk rock

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the 1970s and 1980s, the distinction between traditional and rock musicians became blurred, with many individuals regularly crossing over between these styles of playing as a matter of course. This trend can be seen more recently in the work of bands and individuals like U2,Horslips, Clannad, The Cranberries, The Corrs, CEILIRAIN,Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, Sinéad O'Connor, My Bloody Valentine, Rory Gallagher, and The Pogues.

Related Topics:
1970s - 1980s - U2 - Horslips - Clannad - The Cranberries - The Corrs - CEILIRAIN - Van Morrison - Thin Lizzy - Sinéad O'Connor - My Bloody Valentine - Rory Gallagher - The Pogues

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nevertheless, Irish music has shown an immense inflation of popularity with many attempting to return to their roots. There are also contemporary music groups that stick closer to a traditional sound, including Altan, Gaelic Storm, Déanta, Lúnasa, and Solas. Others incorporate multiple cultures in a fusion of style, such as Afro Celt Sound System and Loreena McKennitt.

Related Topics:
Altan - Gaelic Storm - Déanta - Lúnasa - Solas - Afro Celt Sound System - Loreena McKennitt

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In addition to folk music, Ireland also has a rich store of contemporary classical music.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~