Whether you're practicing in your kitchen or performing on the world stage, the right music can transform your Irish dance routine. Here's your essential collection of jigs, reels, and hornpipes that every dancer should know.
The Classic Jigs
Jigs are the heartbeat of Irish dance, with their distinctive 6/8 time signature that makes you want to bounce. These are the ones you'll hear at every feis and session:
- The Irish Washerwoman - The quintessential beginner jig that's stood the test of time
- The Blarney Pilgrim - A lively jig perfect for practicing your trebles
- The Kesh Jig - A favorite for slip jigs with its flowing melody
- Morrison's Jig - A must-know for competitive dancers
- The Hag With the Money - A slightly slower jig great for technique work
Pro Tip: When practicing jigs, focus on maintaining that "up" feeling in your jumps - the music should lift you!
Reels That Make You Fly
With their driving 4/4 rhythm, reels are where Irish dancers really show their speed and precision. These classics will get your feet moving:
- The Silver Spear - A reel so popular it's practically the national anthem of Irish dance
- The Mason's Apron - A showstopper reel with incredible energy
- The Musical Priest - Perfect for working on your crossover steps
- Drowsy Maggie - A reel with attitude that challenges your timing
- The Sally Gardens - A beautiful, lyrical reel for expressive dancing
Modern Takes on Tradition
Contemporary bands are breathing new life into traditional tunes while keeping them danceable:
- Gaelic Storm - "Johnny Jump Up" (a jig that's become a crowd favorite)
- The High Kings - "The Rocky Road to Dublin" (perfect for a hard shoe set)
- Lúnasa - "The Floating Crowbar" (a reel with modern energy)
- The Chieftains - "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" (a hauntingly beautiful reel)
- Altan - "The Humours of Andytown" (a jig with incredible drive)
Did You Know? Many top Irish dancers create custom mixes of these tunes at different speeds (slow for technique, fast for stamina training).
Hornpipes for Hard Shoe Mastery
No playlist would be complete without these hard shoe essentials (all in classic 4/4 time with that distinctive swing):
- The Boys of Bluehill - The first hornpipe most dancers learn
- The Harvest Home - A slightly faster hornpipe great for competitions
- The Liverpool Hornpipe - A challenging tune with great rhythmic variations
- The Belfast Hornpipe - A favorite for showpiece performances
Building Your Practice Playlist
When assembling your ultimate Irish dance playlist, consider these categories:
- Warm-up tunes (slightly slower versions of jigs and reels)
- Technique tracks (clear, steady rhythms for perfecting steps)
- Speed drills (fast-paced versions to push your limits)
- Performance pieces (dynamic recordings with full instrumentation)
- Cool-down melodies (slip jigs or airs to stretch to)
