11 Best Irish Female Singers

Are you looking for the best Irish female singers?

The Irish music scene boasts a plethora of exceptionally talented female vocalists who have mesmerized audiences worldwide and made an unforgettable impact on the industry.

The domain of Irish female singers is replete with extraordinary talent and boundless creativity. From the captivating harmonies to the fearless performances of these famous singers, each artist contributes a unique flavor to the music scene and will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that their voices endure for generations to come.

Let’s check out the best Irish female singers who have gained recognition for their unparalleled abilities and captivating vocals.

11 Best Irish Female Singers

1. Enya

Enya hails from Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland, where she was born on May 17, 1961 and spent her early years in. She is renowned for her otherworldly vocals and evocative melodies, has established herself as one of the most accomplished female musicians from Ireland. Her unique fusion of new age, Celtic, and pop influences has propelled her to international stardom.

Enchanting listeners with her captivating voice, she transports them to a world beyond the ordinary, conjuring an enchanting and mystical ambiance.

With a career spanning almost four decades since 1986, Enya has attained remarkable success in the music industry with worldwide album sales exceeding 80 million units. Her accomplishments have cemented her status as the most commercially successful female Irish singer to date.

2. Sinead O’Connor

Sinead O’Connor’s unwavering vocals and audacious character have solidified her status as an iconic figure in the sphere of Irish music. Her fervent live shows, combined with her perceptive songwriting, have left a deep mark not only on the music business but also on society itself.

Born on December 8, 1966 in Glenageary, Ireland, Sinead O’Connor underwent a legal name change and adopted the moniker Magda Davitt in 2017. The following year, she further changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat.

From her debut chart-topper “Nothing Compares 2 U” to her ongoing artistic evolution, O’Connor continues to wield considerable influence even following her unforeseen passing in July of 2023.

READ MORE: Interesting Facts About Sinead O’Connor

3. Dolores O’Riordan

The late lead singer of the Irish alternative rock band, The Cranberries, Dolores O’Riordan, possessed an unparalleled vocal range that easily fused fragility with resilience.

With her signature style of singing and poignant lyricism, O’Riordan propelled The Cranberries to become one of the most popular bands during the 1990s. Today, her legacy serves as a beacon for emerging musicians across the globe.

Dolores O’Riordan, a native of Ballybricken in County Limerick, Ireland, passed away at the age of 46 in 2018 in London, England.

READ MORE: Fascinating Facts About Dolores O’Riordan

4. Imelda May

Imelda May, a talented Irish singer-songwriter born as Imelda Mary Clabby on July 10, 1974, in Dublin, Ireland, is also proficient in playing various musical instruments such as the guitar, bass guitar, bodhrán, and tambourine.

Imelda May’s mellifluous vocals and rockabilly-infused melodies have garnered her a loyal following. With her contagious exuberance and genuine emotiveness, May adeptly displays her vocal prowess and adaptability. Her music strikes a chord with audiences, cementing her status as a prominent figure in the landscape of Irish music.

5. Lisa Hannigan

Lisa Hannigan, an Irish musician, singer, composer and voice actress, was born on February 12, 1981, in Kilcloon, County Meath. She started her musical journey as a member of Damien Rice’s band before embarking on a solo career in 2007. Hannigan has released three albums since then.

Hannigan’s music has been recognized with award nominations both in Ireland and the United States. In addition, she gained attention for her role as Blue Diamond on Steven Universe, an American animated TV series.
Lisa Hannigan enjoys a devoted following from fans around the globe.

6. Roisin Murphy

Roisin Murphy is an Irish singer, songwriter, and producer known for her unique and eclectic style. She was born in Arklow, Ireland, on July 5, 1973, and moved to England when she was twelve.

Murphy became famous as the lead vocalist of the succesful Irish-English electronic music duo called Moloko. After Moloko, she pursued a solo career in 2005.

With theatrical performances and a fashion-forward image, Roisin Murphy remains an influential artist in the music industry, inspiring fellow musicians and fans with her creative vision.

7. Andrea Corr

Andrea Corr is a famous singer-songwriter hailing from Dundalk in County Louth, Ireland. She has gained much recognition for her role as the lead vocalist of The Corrs – an immensely popular Celtic folk-rock band made up of four Corr siblings.

The band’s fusion of traditional Irish music with contemporary pop and rock influences catapulted them to global acclaim during the 1990s. In addition to her work with The Corrs, Andrea Corr has also ventured into a solo career, debuting with her album in 2007.

Andrea Corr’s beautiful voice coupled with The Corrs’ unique sound continues to have an indelible impact on the musical world scene thus earning her immense respect as well as influence within the Irish music industry.

8. Mary Black

Mary Black, an Irish singer born in Dublin, Ireland, on May 23, 1955, hails from a family of musicians with three of her siblings also active in the industry. Her musical journey started during the late 1970s and she achieved stardom in the following two decades owing to her commanding vocal prowess.

Black’s repertoire consists predominantly of traditional Irish melodies as well as contemporary folk and pop compositions, often exploring themes of love and grief.

Mary Black has garnered countless accolades for her exceptional talent coupled with emotionally charged renditions which have resulted in a steadfast fan base. Her impact on Ireland’s music landscape is indelible having inspired upcoming generations of artists.

9. Moya Brennan

Moya Brennan, born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin on August 4, 1952, in Dublin, Ireland, is a celebrated Irish singer, songwriter and musician.

Brennan gained global recognition as the lead vocalist of Clannad – a Celtic band that achieved remarkable success and popularity. The band has made significant contributions to Celtic music’s prevalence on a global scale.

Moya Brennan also embarked on an accomplished solo career releasing numerous albums that showcased her versatile vocal prowess while exhibiting remarkable songwriting skills.

10. Wallis Bird

Wallis Bird is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician renowned for her unique folk-rock style and commanding vocals. She was born on January 29, 1982, in Wexford, Ireland. Wallis also plays the guitar, violin, and percussion instruments during live performances.

Her music fuses diverse genres such as folk, rock, and indie to produce a distinctively captivating sound that resonates with audiences. Throughout her illustrious career thus far, Wallis has released several albums to critical acclaim while amassing a loyal fanbase.

Wallis Bird’s poignant lyrics delve into personal experiences alongside social issues of significance along with matters of the heart. Consequently her music deeply touches listeners’ hearts at their core.

11. Eleanor McEvoy

Eleanor McEvoy, a gifted singer-songwriter and musician hailing from Dublin, Ireland, was born on January 22, 1967. Her evocative voice and deft guitar playing have earned her recognition as an accomplished performer.

Her music is a fusion of folk, pop and rock genres with lyrics that often explore personal experiences and social issues. Throughout her career spanning several decades Eleanor McEvoy has remained an influential figure on the Irish music scene.

She is highly respected for her unwavering commitment to crafting heartfelt songs that engage audiences not only within Ireland but also internationally which has helped build a dedicated fanbase over time.