[2026] The Wonderful Irish: Popular Bands from Ireland

Whiskey In The JarTHIN LIZZY

Thin Lizzy – Whiskey In The Jar (official music video)

Thin Lizzy, the great legendary rock band born in Ireland.

Formed in 1969 around Phil Lynott—who handled bass, vocals, and most of the songwriting—they remain a nationally beloved presence in the 2020s as “heroes of Ireland.” In their early days they blended Irish music with rock, but they shifted toward a harder, more melodic style and, from 1974, established their own unique rock as a four-piece featuring their hallmark twin-lead Les Paul guitars.

Phil’s vocal delivery brimming with songful expression, melodies that showcase his sure talent as a composer, bass with exemplary rhythmic feel, solid drums capable of dynamic contrast, and the lustrous beauty of the twin leads… It’s only natural that their sound was reappraised during the so-called NWOBHM boom that swept the UK from the 1980s onward.

If you’re new to Thin Lizzy, start with the masterpieces from Jailbreak (1976) through Black Rose (1979)!

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My LoveWestlife

Westlife – My Love (Official Video)

When it comes to British and Irish acts that debuted in the 1990s and achieved massive success, names like Take That, Boyzone, and the group featured here, Westlife, are likely to come to mind first.

Formed in Ireland in 1998, Westlife is a male vocal group that enjoys immense popularity, particularly across Europe.

Managed by a member of their Irish seniors, Boyzone, they shot straight to No.

1 on the UK charts with their 1999 debut single “Swear It Again.” Their self-titled debut album, released the same year, sold six million copies worldwide, catapulting them into the top tier of pop groups.

Although their name recognition in Japan lagged somewhat behind popular groups like the Backstreet Boys, their talent and strong material were beyond question.

They hold several world records, including achieving seven consecutive UK No.

1 singles.

Although they sadly disbanded in 2012, they reunited in 2018 to mark their 20th anniversary and showcased their continued vitality with the release of their comeback album “Spectrum” the following year.

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BreathlessThe Corrs

The Corrs – Breathless [Official Video]

The band that evolved traditional Irish folk into contemporary pop and achieved overwhelming worldwide success is The Corrs, formed by three sisters and their brother.

Their 1995 debut album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten—also known in Japan by the title Harukanaru Omoi—was produced by the masterful David Foster and instantly became a global hit.

Their subsequent albums, Talk on Corners (1997) and In Blue (2000), were also major successes, establishing them as a band Ireland can proudly present to the world.

Their music is characterized by a uniquely Irish sense of clarity and freshness, the folk-infused tones of violin and tin whistle, and the beautiful, catchy melodies woven by their exceptional sisterly harmonies.

These elements fuse at a high level with the distinctly ’90s digital pop sound to create a style that is uniquely their own.

I guarantee that spending a leisurely morning on a sunny day with The Corrs as your background music will put you in the happiest of moods!

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WHAT YOU KNOWTwo Door Cinema Club

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB | WHAT YOU KNOW

Two Door Cinema Club are now regulars on the main stages of rock festivals around the world and a top-tier, drumless trio from Ireland.

Formed in 2007, they drew attention by signing with KITSUNÉ, the French label that helped lead 2000s music culture, and even made their first trip to Japan for an event in 2009 before releasing an album.

Even then, their performance skills and songwriting were startlingly mature for newcomers, and their 2010 debut album, Tourist History, surpassed expectations and won widespread acclaim.

Their follow-up, 2012’s Beacon, hit No.

1 on the UK charts, cementing their status as a top band in both name and reality.

Their sound is a hybrid that distills the best elements of indie rock, dance-pop, and 2000s emo, featuring a tender vocal delivery and wistful melodies that particularly resonate with Japanese listeners.

Expressive guitar lines and bass parts that are both danceable and melodic are also highlights.

If you’re new to their music, starting with their classic first album is highly recommended!

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Teenage KicksThe Undertones

The Undertones – Teenage Kicks (Official Video)

Ireland has produced many great punk bands, to the point that there’s even a genre called Irish punk, which fuses traditional Irish folk with punk.

The Undertones, whom we’re featuring this time, are a straight-ahead, catchy punk-to-power-pop band.

They’re well known among fans of ’70s punk, and their original vocalist, Feargal Sharkey, later found success as a solo artist and became a venerable figure in British rock.

The Undertones reunited in 1999 with a new vocalist, and above all, their indelible achievement is creating the eternal anthem “Teenage Kicks.” It’s known as the song BBC Radio 1’s legendary DJ John Peel loved most in his lifetime; its greatness is evident from the fact that Green Day covered it under a pseudonym, and even The Killers—and, surprisingly, One Direction—have performed it live.

In Japan, Thee Michelle Gun Elephant also covered it.

It’s a magical classic that lets anyone, anytime, feel like they’re back in their teens.

Of course, many of their other songs also feature simple, catchy melodies!

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LawmanGilla Band

Gilla Band – Lawman [offical video]

Formed in 2011 and hailing from Dublin, the capital of Ireland, Gilla Band is a group that has drawn attention for its distinctive sound blending post-punk and noise rock.

They released their debut album, Holding Hands with Jamie, in March 2015, achieving success on the charts in Ireland and the UK.

Marked by Dara Kiely’s dramatic vocals, distorted guitar riffs, and intense rhythms, the band is highly regarded for pushing the boundaries of music.

On their 2022 album, Most Normal, they showcased an even greater spirit of musical adventure.

Their powerful live performances are another major draw.

It’s a band well-suited to listeners seeking challenging music.

HEAVYSprints

SPRINTS – HEAVY (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

The rising band Sprints, hailing from Dublin, Ireland’s capital, are drawing attention with a sound rooted in punk and grunge.

Formed in 2019, the four-piece released their debut album, Letter to Self, in January 2024 to strong critical acclaim.

They earned an astonishing score of 84 on Metacritic, and quickly became a hot prospect, reaching No.

11 on the Irish charts and No.

20 in the UK.

Known for their live performances, their 2023 tour drew praise as “electrifying.” Their fierce yet delicate musicality—evoking influences like Patti Smith and PJ Harvey—captures the hearts of punk rock fans and doesn’t let go.