[2026] The Wonderful Irish: Popular Bands from Ireland
The music that comes from the historic nation of Ireland is incredibly captivating, and many music lovers probably feel intrigued the moment they see the word “Irish.”
There are even genres like Irish folk and Irish punk performed by musicians who aren’t Irish themselves, including Japanese artists.
In this article, we’re highlighting some of the outstanding rock bands and musical groups that Ireland has produced.
From world-famous bands to promising young acts, we’ll introduce a wide-ranging lineup!
Even if you’re a fan of Western music, you might discover that a band you like is actually Irish without realizing it.
Enjoy the read!
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[2026] The Wonderful Irish: Popular Bands from Ireland (61–70)
Blister on the MoonTaste
The legendary blues rock band Taste, born in Ireland, was formed in Cork in 1966.
They released two studio albums in 1969 and 1970, building a brief yet influential career.
They even had a number-one hit in Germany, but frontman Rory Gallagher grew dissatisfied with the band’s commercial direction and left after their legendary performance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival.
He went on to achieve success as a solo artist.
Taste’s live shows were electrifying, and Gallagher’s guitar playing influenced many musicians.
If you’re into blues rock or hard rock, this is a band you should definitely check out.
Never Too LateTHE ANSWER
Since their formation in 2000, The Answer—a four-piece from Northern Ireland—have continued to captivate fans worldwide with their no-nonsense hard rock sound.
Their debut album, Rise, released in 2006, received high praise across Europe and in Japan, and they have steadily raised their profile ever since, including serving as the opening act on AC/DC’s world tour.
With Cormac Neeson’s powerful vocals and Paul Mahon’s striking guitar riffs, their music overflows with the allure of classic ’70s rock.
Old Hag You Have Killed MeThe Bothy Band
The Bothy Band, the legendary folk group from Ireland, was formed in 1975 as a seven-piece.
Although they were active for only three years, they brought innovation to Irish traditional music, and their influence remains undiminished to this day.
Their 1976 album, “Old Hag You Have Killed Me,” received widespread acclaim that transcended genres.
Their tight playing and energetic sound influenced many musicians and set a new standard for Irish music.
They reunited in 2023 and embarked on a full Irish tour in 2024.
Breathing new life into traditional music, their work is recommended not only for fans of Irish music but also for those seeking innovative sounds.
Napoleon ComplexThe Divine Comedy
The Divine Comedy, which boldly took its band name from Dante Alighieri’s epic poem and a cornerstone of world literature, was formed in Northern Ireland in 1989.
That said, it functioned as a band only in its early days; from the second album, Liberation (1993), it has effectively been the solo project of its central figure, Neil Hannon.
In Japan, the name is well known among fans of genres like guitar pop and neo-acoustic, though its general name recognition may not be particularly high.
Built around a daring orchestral sound and chamber-pop sensibilities, Neil’s dandyish vocals, assured songwriting, and lyrics steeped in British irony are endlessly dramatic, and the refined, intellectual musicality—evoking even a sense of nobility—belongs uniquely to The Divine Comedy.
From their bearing to their music, everything feels quintessentially European, and it’s no wonder that The Divine Comedy, still active in the 2020s, enjoys immense popularity across Europe.
They may not be immediately accessible, but once you’re hooked, you might find it hard to escape.
Another RoundThe Scratch
The Scratch are a four-piece from Dublin, a rock band gaining attention for their unique style that fuses acoustic guitar with metal.
They released their debut album, ‘Couldn’t Give A Rats,’ in 2021, followed by the well-received live album ‘Couldn’t Leave Our Gaffs.’ In 2023, the music video for ‘Another Round’ won two awards at the EDA Awards.
Sharply depicting Irish pub culture, the video brilliantly captures their live energy.
Rapidly expanding their popularity while focusing on the local scene, The Scratch are highly recommended for anyone interested in a fusion of traditional Irish sounds and hard rock.
The Bullet In The BrickThe Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock
The Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock, an Irish band, is an experimental folk-rock group based in Dublin.
They are known for lyrical works that explore complex themes such as alienation as well as Irish history and mythology.
Another Year OverTurn
Turn is an Irish indie rock band formed in 1998.
They released three albums early on, one of which was nominated for a Meteor Award.
This song is included on their second album, Forward, released in 2003.