10 Top Irish Christmas Songs

Are you looking for the most popular Irish Christmas songs? 

Ireland boasts a vibrant musical heritage, with many Christmas songs that are no less impressive.

Irish Christmas music offers a diverse range of options, spanning from traditional carols to contemporary tunes. Whether you prefer the timeless melodies of classic carols or the upbeat rhythms of modern hits, there is no shortage of Irish Christmas songs to suit your taste.

Below is a comprehensive list of the best Irish Christmas songs that are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood.

Take a break from your busy schedule, make yourself comfortable, and indulge in a warm cup of cocoa while you prepare to enjoy some of the most delightful Christmas melodies that are popular in Ireland.

10 Top Irish Christmas Songs

1. “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl

The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” is a cherished Yuletide melody hailing from Ireland, featuring the dulcet tones of Kirsty MacColl. In the year 1987, a tale was spun about a couple’s poignant Christmas Eve spent in the bustling metropolis of New York City.

With its melancholic lyrics and lively melody, this song has become a timeless holiday classic, and one of the most beloved and recognizable Christmas tunes in both Ireland and the UK.

The Celtic charm of this piece is further enhanced by the incorporation of traditional Irish instruments such as the tin whistle and accordion.

Despite the contentiousness surrounding some of its lyrics in recent times, the melody remains a beloved component of Irish Yuletide customs.

Check out the video here.

2. “The Wexford Carol”

“The Wexford Carol” has its roots in County Wexford, Ireland, in the 12th century. Many famous performers, such as Irish tenor John McCormack and American singer Bing Crosby, have recorded versions of this Christmas song, making it one of the oldest in the Irish tradition.

The song’s ethereal tune and solemn lyrics relate to the tale of the birth of Jesus and capture the majesty and magic of the holiday season. It has been a popular part of the festive repertoire for decades, and its straightforward beauty and spiritual undertones have made it a favorite among Irish and Celtic music fans.

Check out the video here.

3. “In the Bleak Midwinter”

Even though “In the Bleak Midwinter” isn’t technically an Irish Christmas tune, it’s a popular carol that Irish artists frequently sing and is very well-liked throughout the country.

Several composers, including Gustav Holst and Harold Darke, have put music to the lyrics of this poem, which was written by the English poet Christina Rossetti in the 19th century. Its soothing tune and heartfelt lyrics have made it a classic Christmas staple because they capture the purity and wonder of the Nativity tale.

The high regard with which traditional carols are held in Ireland may contribute to the song’s success there.

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4. “The Holly and the Ivy”

For many years, the Irish have cherished the traditional Christmas carol “The Holly and the Ivy”. The genesis of the song can be traced back to the medieval era, and its verses and tune have undergone a gradual transformation through the ages.

The title of the song pays homage to two of the most emblematic symbols of the Christmas season: the holly, adorned with its vibrant red berries, and the ivy, which symbolizes everlasting life. The delightful tune and uplifting verses of the song exalt the splendor and awe of the festive period.

The reason behind its popularity in Ireland could be attributed to the nation’s profound affinity towards nature and the great outdoors, coupled with its rich Christian legacy.

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5. “Christmas in Killarney”

“Christmas in Killarney” is a joyous Christmas song honoring the holiday season in the Irish county of Kerry and its namesake town of Killarney.

The song was composed in 1950 by John Redmond, James Cavanaugh, and Frank Weldon, and its bouncy tune and merry lyrics capture the spirit of the Killarney winter season with its depiction of sleigh rides, snowball battles, and carol singing.

The song’s upbeat mood and carefree tone have made it a standard at Irish and international Christmas parties for decades. Its memorable melody and nods to Irish customs have made it a staple of Christmas music for decades.

Check out the video here.

6. “Good King Wenceslas”

The beloved Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas” has its roots in 19th-century Ireland and continues to be a cherished holiday tune. The melody narrates the tale of King Wenceslas, a noble Duke of Bohemia from the 10th century who valiantly faces the harsh winter elements to bring nourishment and wine to a destitute peasant on the auspicious occasion of St. Stephen’s Day, which falls on December 26th.

The melody of the carol is both simple and catchy, while its lyrics exalt the virtues of generosity and kindness. The timeless carol “Good King Wenceslas” has been immortalized by countless musicians and has cemented its place as a beloved holiday classic in various English-speaking nations, most notably in the United Kingdom.

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7. “Once In Royal David’s City”

The beloved Christmas carol “Once In Royal David’s City” boasts Irish roots and has been cherished since the 1800s. Cecil Frances Alexander, an Irish hymn writer, and poet penned the song which was initially published in 1848.

The melodious carol narrates the enchanting tale of the birth of Jesus Christ, starting from the modest manger in Bethlehem to the reverence of the shepherds and the wise men. The melody is elegantly uncomplicated yet deeply moving, while the lyrics beautifully capture the awe-inspiring magnificence of the Christmas narrative.

“Once In Royal David’s City” has endeared itself to the Christmas canon and is a cherished melody that resonates in churches and schools alike during the festive season.

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8. “Don Oíche Úd I MBeithil”

The enchanting melody of “Don Oíche Úd I MBeithil” transports us to the heart of the Irish Christmas spirit, as we relive the timeless tale of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This melodious tune is performed in the enchanting Irish language and aptly titled “That Night in Bethlehem”.

The verses portray the shepherds’ arrival at the stable where the birth of Jesus took place and their exultant proclamation of the news to the entire world. The hauntingly beautiful melody of “Don Oíche Úd I MBeithil” has captured the hearts of many, making it a cherished component of Irish Christmas customs.

It is a common feature in church services and Yuletide musical events across the nation.

Check out the video here.

9. “Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake”

A jolly Irish Christmas tune, “Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake” gained popularity in the early 1900s and is sure to bring a smile to your face. The melody narrates the tale of a festive gathering hosted by the illustrious Miss Fogarty, who delights in presenting an array of peculiar and unappetizing delicacies, including a cake concocted with dubious components. Although the cuisine may have been peculiar, the attendees relished the festivities and the convivial ambiance.

The upbeat melody is incredibly catchy, boasting a lively rhythm that simply begs for singing and dancing. “Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake” has earned a cherished spot in the Irish Christmas repertoire, frequently gracing holiday gatherings and pubs during the festive season.

Check out the video here.

10. “Whilst keeping vigil over their flocks by night”

“Whilst keeping vigil over their flocks by night” is a classic Yuletide melody penned by the esteemed Irish wordsmith and hymnodist Nahum Tate, hailing from the fair city of Dublin. This illustrious poet was later bestowed with the prestigious title of Poet Laureate in the year 1692.

The melody narrates the tale of the humble shepherds who bore witness to the miraculous birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and were graced with a visit from celestial beings who proclaimed the joyous tidings. The lyrics exude the sheer delight and awe of the Christmas tale, while the melody is elegantly uncomplicated and stunning, boasting a catchy tune that rolls off the tongue with ease.

The classic Christmas carol, “Whilst Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night,” has earned a special place in the hearts of many. It is a cherished addition to the holiday repertoire and is frequently showcased in churches, as well as at festive concerts and gatherings.

Check out the video here.