๐ Hi, Iโm Michael, Product Development & Operations Executive at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.
Whether you're cruising around Ireland with us, hanging out in a local pub or jus chilling out back home, there's nothing better than some Irish music.
I've already given you our top 10 Irish songs. Then we went and gave you 10 more songs to listen to.
While that should be enough to keep your toes tapping for a while, I thought why not give you the top songs of Northern Ireland? So that's what I did!
Get your dancing shoes on and check out some of the best songs to come out of Northern Ireland.
๐๏ธ Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Born and bred in East Belfast, Van Morrison is one of the most famous music stars to have emerged from Northern Ireland.
Van often uses his hometown for inspiration, referencing specific locations in song titles and lyrics. On Hyndford Street (where he grew up) and Cyprus Avenue (where he aspired to live) and are both well-known Van Morrison songs.
Brown Eyed Girl was is perhaps his most famous tune. It was Vanโs first release as a solo artist and still remains one of his most iconic hits. Van deserves a blog all of his own but, for now, enjoy this catchy classic...
๐ The Town I Loved So Well โ Phil Coulter
The worldโs greatest songs tell a story. Northern Ireland music is no different.
This classic ballad was penned by one of Irelandโs most prolific songwriters, Phil Coulter. The Town I Loved So Well song tells of growing up in the city of Derry/Londonderry. Inevitably, Coulter is forced to move away, only to return to a changed hometown. By the end of the song we look towards a better future and 'peace once againโ.
Our exciting 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour is a great way to explore Derry/Londonderry.
Luke Kelly of the Dubliners, does a particularly good version of this song.
๐ค๐ป Teenage Kicks โ The Undertones
A tune so good that BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel famously played it twice in a row, explaining to his listeners, โit doesnโt get much better than thisโ. He went one further, using some of the lyrics as his epitaph adorning his grave: 'Teenage dreams, so hard to beatโ.
Northern Ireland music of the 20th century features punk prominently. The Undertones were an influential punk band from Derry/Londonderry. They were prominent in the 1970s Northern Ireland punk scene. The lead singer of the band, Fergal Sharkey, went on to have a very successful solo career.
Check out that opening riff...
๐จ๐ปโ๐ค Alternative Ulster โ Stiff Little Fingers
โWhat we need, Is an Alternative Ulster.
Grab it and change it, it's yours.
Alter your native land โ
Prophetic words from a young punk band who captured the energy of a generation and the spirit of Northern Ireland music.
With its powerful opening riff and rapidly-sung lyrics, this song evokes the spirit of change and hope during times of trouble in 1970s Northern Ireland.
๐๏ธ The Island โ Paul Brady
The Island will stay with you long after the first listen. Released in 1985 by Tyrone native, Paul Brady, this song has stood the test of time.
A love song at face value, The Island is also a metaphor for the political situation in Northern Ireland with references to the contemporaneous conflict.
Brady's lyrics also evoke the living history of Belfast, with mention of her markets and shipyards, in stark contrast to the romance of โmaking love to the sound of the oceanโ
โI want to take you to the island.
And trace your footprints in the sandโ
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ Belfast Child โ Simple Minds
Selling over 60 million albums, Scottish rock band Simple Minds were one of the biggest groups of the 1980s and 90s.
The emotional song lyrics speak of The Troubles in Northern Ireland and dream of a brighter future for all. Clocking in at over 6 minutes long, it was not considered radio-friendly when released. It has since found an audience and become an important chapter in Northern Ireland music history.
โOne day we'll return here,
When the Belfast child sings againโ
๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ Girl from Mars - Ash
Inspired by sci-fi movies and the music of David Bowie, guitarist Tim Wheeler wrote this song when he was just 16 years old.
The song became Ashโs first top 40 hit single, reaching number 11 in the UK charts.
Tim grew up in Downpatrick, a town 20 miles south of Belfast. It's the resting place of its namesake, St. Patrick, and a highlight of our 6 Day Northern Island Driftwood Tour.
๐ฉ๐ป Mary โ The Four of Us
Try not to sing along to this addictive tune from Down band, The Four of Us.
Mary is based on a true story about lead singer Brendan (aged 15) falling in love with a girl from across the road.
Unfortunately she was an older woman (aged 17) and, even worse, her boyfriend owned a car. Brendan was so heartbroken he wrote this song, turning her boyfriend into a villian in a vain attempt to make himself feel better.
'I didnโt get the girl but I got a hell of a good song out of it.'
๐ Chasing Cars โ Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol are one of Northern Ireland music's most successful exports. Their massive hit Chasing Cars is currently sitting pretty at over 220 million views on YouTube.
The song peaked at number 6 in the UK Singles Chart, and number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was also featured in the popular medical drama, Greyโs Anatomy, and was even Grammy-nominated.
The song title came from Gary Lightbody's father, in reference to a girl that the lead singer was infatuated with: 'You're like a dog chasing a car.'
๐ป Carrickfergus โ Brian Kennedy
Brian Kennedy grew up on the Falls Road in the heart of West Belfast. He has gone on to perform with some of the world's greatest artists, like Joni Mitchell, Ray Charles, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan.
Northern Ireland music, just like elsewhere in Ireland, carries a heavy traditional influence. Carrickfergus is a well-known Irish folk song, dating back hundreds of years. While it has been performed by a variety of great artists over the years, Brian Kennnedyโs version is one of the best.
Here he explains why this song is so important to him...
