Irish dance is as much about the music as it is about the movement. Whether you're a competitive dancer, a performer, or just love the energy of a good céilí, the right tune can make all the difference. Here’s a mix of time-tested classics and contemporary bangers that’ll get your feet tapping.
Traditional Favorites
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"The Irish Washerwoman"
The ultimate jig—played since the 1700s, this lively tune is a staple for soft shoe dances. Its bouncing rhythm is instantly recognizable.
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"Drowsy Maggie"
A fiery reel that challenges even advanced dancers with its speeding tempo. Perfect for hard shoe performances.
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"The Kesh Jig"
With its cheerful melody, this one’s a crowd-pleaser for group dances and solo jigs alike.
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"The Blackbird"
A haunting slip jig in 9/8 time, often used for graceful, flowing performances.
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"Cooley's Reel"
Featured in Riverdance, this reel builds energy like no other—ideal for show-stopping finales.
Modern Showstoppers
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"Breathless" by The Corrs (Reel Remix)
This pop hit reimagined as a reel brings contemporary energy to traditional footwork.
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"The Foggy Dew" (Electronic Céilí Version)
DJs at Irish festivals love remixing this rebel song with heavy bass for fusion performances.
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"Galway Girl" (Instrumental)
Ed Sheeran’s hit stripped down to its fiddle bones works surprisingly well for modern set dances.
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"Runaway" by Aurora (Hard Shoe Tap Cover)
Viral on social media, this ethereal track gains punchy percussion when danced in hard shoes.
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"Blinding Lights" (Irish Bouzouki Cover)
Yes, really—The Weeknd’s synthwave anthem translated to trad instruments makes for an unforgettable performance.
Pro tip: Many competitive dancers now blend traditional and modern tunes in their sets—try pairing #3 with #9 for a dynamic contrast! What’s on your performance playlist?
