Whether you're a competitive dancer, a casual enthusiast, or just love the infectious energy of Irish dance music, the right tunes make all the difference. From centuries-old reels to contemporary remixes, here's our curated list of tracks that'll make your feet tap and your heart race.
Classic Traditional Tunes
These timeless melodies have fueled Irish dance for generations:
The Kesh Jig
The ultimate beginner-to-advanced jig, recognizable by its bouncing 6/8 rhythm. Perfect for light jigs and slip jigs.
Drowsy Maggie (Reel)
One of the most played reels in history, with a driving tempo that advanced dancers love for hard shoe performances.
The Blackbird (Set Dance)
A sophisticated 4/4 tune with dramatic pauses, often used for championship-level set dances.
Contemporary Bangers
Modern twists on Irish dance music that bring fresh energy to performances:
"Breathless" - The Corrs (Remix)
This pop-Irish fusion track gets remixed with faster tempos perfect for show dances.
"Galway Girl" - Ed Sheeran (Hard Shoe Remix)
DJs have sped up this crowd favorite to create an addictive hard shoe rhythm.
"Riverdance 2025" - Bill Whelan (Electro-Ceilí Version)
The classic with a thumping bass drop that's dominating feis competitions.
Choosing Your Perfect Track
- For competitions: Stick with traditional tunes played at precise tempos (e.g., 113 bpm for reels)
- For shows: Modern remixes with dynamic builds work best
- Practice sessions: Use slower versions first, then speed up gradually
Pro tip: Follow Spotify's "Irish Dance Energy" playlist, updated weekly with new traditional recordings and genre-blending tracks that are taking the dance world by storm. What's your go-to Irish dance tune? Share your favorites in the comments!
