[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 (11–20)
I’m In the Mood for DancingThe Nolans
If you spent your youth during the heyday of Western pop from the 1970s to the 1980s, you might find yourself narrowing your eyes with nostalgia.
The Nolans, known in Japan for “I’m in the Mood for Dancing” under the Japanese title “Dancing Sister,” are a sister group from Ireland.
They originated from a family act called The Singing Nolans; after the parents left, the remaining daughters relaunched as the Nolan Sisters and made their full-fledged debut in 1974.
The aforementioned “I’m in the Mood for Dancing” was released in 1979 and became a major hit across Europe.
The following year, they changed their name to The Nolans, and in Japan, “I’m in the Mood for Dancing,” released as “Dancing Sister,” astonishingly reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
They earned the distinction of being the first overseas group to top the Oricon comprehensive singles chart with a domestic debut single, and the first overseas female group to reach No.
1.
Their quintessentially era-defining, danceable pop-disco sound gives the sense that, in the 2020s—when retro disco is surging in popularity—if someone were to cover it again, it could become a massive hit.
A Life Less OrdinaryAsh
Ash are the ultimate rock trio who debuted in 1995 while still in high school—the “enfants terribles” born of Northern Ireland.
Formed by two childhood friends and an older schoolmate two years their senior, Ash rode the Britpop wave to prominence with disarmingly youthful, romantic lyrics, irresistibly catchy melodies, and a simple yet thunderous alternative rock sound.
There’s a famous anecdote from that time: they turned down the honor of opening for Green Day’s tour because they had exams.
In 1996 they released their debut album, 1977, achieving the extraordinary feat of hitting No.
1 on the UK charts while still in their teens.
In 1998, guitarist Charlotte Hatherley joined, making Ash a four-piece; with their third album, Free All Angels, in 2001, they achieved global success.
Hatherley left in 2006, and since then Ash have continued as a trio.
They’re devoted Japanophiles who visit the country regularly.
Listening to their music—so straightforwardly “great songs”—makes you want to grab an instrument and start a band!
Not Your SummerThe Academic
The Academic is an indie rock band from Ireland, a four-piece formed in 2013.
They released their debut album, Tales from the Backseat, in January 2018, which reached No.
1 on the Irish Albums Chart.
Their music, inspired by 2000s retro rock, is heavily influenced by The Strokes.
In 2020, they signed with Capitol Records, and in 2023 they released their second album, Sitting Pretty.
While embracing innovative ideas, they’ve built a strong connection with their fans.
Prioritizing live performance, they have expanded their international presence, including serving as the opening act for Louis Tomlinson’s North American tour.
Their music, weaving in themes of youth experiences and growth, is sure to resonate.
The Morning DewThe Chieftains
The Chieftains are a national treasure born of Ireland—a living legend still in motion—renowned worldwide for updating traditional Irish trad and Celtic music with a modern sensibility.
Formed in 1962, their original six-member lineup has since dwindled to three, yet with the help of younger supporting musicians they continued to mount energetic world tours well into the 2010s—an achievement that is remarkable in itself.
Their name spread overnight when they provided songs such as “Women of Ireland” for Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece Barry Lyndon, earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Since then, they’ve collaborated across genres with numerous artists in rock, pop, and classical music, and have been honored with six Grammy Awards.
They have released over 45 albums, making it difficult to cover their entire catalog, but a good place to start is with a best-of compilation.
From there, you might try Irish Heartbeat, their collaboration with fellow Irishman Van Morrison, which brought them global success.
When It BreaksInhaler
Since the late 2010s, many noteworthy young rock bands from Ireland have made their debut, and Inhaler—a four-piece set to release their debut album, “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” in July 2021—is one of them.
Inheriting the aesthetics of the so-called New Wave-style British rock of the 1980s, they’ve drawn attention with songs featuring flowing guitar work, solid rhythms, and beautiful melodies.
Even before their album debut, they toured Japan and sold out advance tickets, making them a highly anticipated act among Japanese fans of UK rock.
Some listeners may immediately recognize the clear, youthful quality and the expansive, powerful vocals of Elijah Hewson.
He is, in fact, the son of Bono, the frontman of U2.
Given that background, some might be tempted to dismiss him as riding on his father’s coattails, but actually listening to their music will blow away such trivial criticisms.
Incidentally, Bono reportedly did not encourage his son Elijah to pursue a life as a musician—perhaps because Bono himself knows all too well how difficult it is to sustain a career in music.
The Whole of the MoonThe Waterboys
Although formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, The Waterboys are highly popular for their sound that fuses Irish traditional music and rock.
In 2016, when frontman Mike Scott married Japanese artist Rokudenashiko, the band’s name became known even among people unfamiliar with their music.
The Waterboys, veterans formed in 1983, released outstanding works early in their career after moving to Ireland and embracing Irish music, growing into a popular band especially across Europe.
Though they were effectively inactive from the mid-1990s, they rebooted in the 2000s with a revamped lineup and resumed vigorous activity.
In recent years, amid a wave of reevaluation, they’ve been releasing albums regularly, delighting fans worldwide.
Since the band is led by Mike Scott, renowned as one of rock’s great lyricists, when you listen to their music, be sure to pay attention not only to the sound but also to the lyrics.
[2026] The Wonderful Irish: Popular Bands from Ireland (21–30)
Love Will Set You FreeKodaline
Kodaline are a four-piece band from Ireland that follows in the lineage of heavyweights like their illustrious Irish seniors U2 and COLDPLAY, the pinnacle of lyrical UK rock since the 2000s.
Hugely popular in their home country, they are a rock band beloved in Japan as well, thanks to their grand soundscapes that draw arena crowds into sing-along swells, their overwhelming melodic beauty, and superb choral work—all while maintaining an unpretentious presence.
Their debut album, In a Perfect World, released in 2013, topped the charts in Ireland and debuted at No.
3 in the UK, marking major success right out of the gate.
The four albums they released through 2020 all boast a high level of craftsmanship, and anyone with a weakness for lyrical UK rock woven from beautiful melodies and vocals is sure to fall in love with them.
The harmony between their expansive scale and a delicate yet powerful band ensemble creates a flavor distinct from American stadium rock, and their melodies—resonating deeply with Japanese sensibilities—can move listeners to tears.