Irish folk music might not be the first genre that comes to mind when you think about kids’ music, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem your family is going to adore. Like many, my journey into the world of Irish tunes began unexpectedly, sparked by my husband and his deep-rooted Chicago Southside Irish heritage. What I found was a world of music that was both surprising and utterly captivating, and it turns out, perfect for children.
Initially, I was taken aback by the themes in Irish folk songs. While there are beautiful songs about love and even whimsical unicorns, many delve into tales of battles, brawls, sporting victories, shipwrecks, and the humorous side of life’s misfortunes, often with a good dose of whiskey-fueled escapades and run-ins with the law. Whiskey, in fact, seems to be a recurring character in many of these stories!
But amidst the apparent chaos and sometimes rowdy narratives, I discovered a genuine charm and infectious energy. This music, with its storytelling and vibrant melodies, has become a beloved part of our family life. My children have grown up with these songs, and their enthusiastic, if slightly off-key, renditions of classics like Whiskey You’re the Devil are legendary in our household.
What makes Irish folk music so wonderful for kids? It’s a mix of things. Firstly, the songs are often incredibly funny and engaging. Kids love the lively rhythms and the often comical stories. Secondly, while some themes are mature, they’re generally presented in a way that’s both entertaining and, surprisingly, often carries a moral compass. Bad behavior, outside of perhaps enjoying a bit too much whiskey, usually has its consequences within the song’s narrative. And despite the frequent lyrical mentions of strong drink, we haven’t noticed any sudden urges for whiskey in our little ones – yet!
If you’re looking to add some unique and spirited music to your family’s life, Irish folk songs are a fantastic choice. To help you get started, I’ve put together a playlist of some of our absolute favorites. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, family gatherings, or simply adding a bit of fun to your everyday. And once your family falls in love with these tunes as much as we have, you might just find yourself wanting to create your own Irish pub-themed playroom!
To make it even easier to bring the spirit of Irish music into your home, I’ve also created printable decorations featuring lyrics from some of our top picks. These are perfect for adding a festive touch to any room.
You can access our playlist directly on Spotify. If you’re already a user, just hit play and let the Irish musical journey begin. If you’re new to Spotify, it’s free to sign up and enjoy music with occasional ads, or you can opt for a premium, ad-free experience.
Spotify playlist cover for Irish kids songs, featuring album art with text “Hooley Soundtrack”.
If the embedded player isn’t working, you can also access the playlist directly via this link: Hooley at the Tierneys’: the soundtrack
This playlist is packed with over two hours of music – and it’s always growing thanks to suggestions from our community! While we love every song on it, I wanted to share a few of our absolute, can’t-live-without Irish Kids Songs, and I’ve made printable lyric sheets for each of them.
The Wild Colonial Boy
Printable lyric art for the Irish kids song “The Wild Colonial Boy” featuring decorative Celtic knot design.
Whiskey You’re the Devil
Downloadable lyric sheet for “Whiskey You’re the Devil”, a popular Irish folk song for children, with ornate border.
Tim Finnegan’s Wake
Printable image of Irish song lyrics for kids, “Tim Finnegan’s Wake”, designed for home decoration.
Courtin’ in the Kitchen
Irish kids song “Courtin’ in the Kitchen” printable lyric art for St. Patrick’s Day or Irish themed playroom decor.
Bould Thady Quill
Decorative printable lyrics for the Irish children’s song “Bould Thady Quill”, ideal for home crafting projects.
Black Velvet Band
Free printable lyric poster for the Irish folk song “Black Velvet Band”, suitable for kids and family enjoyment.
Feel free to save and print these images for your personal use, gifts, or even to upload to photo labs for creating prints or fun items like pillows! You’re also welcome to use them on your blog, with a link back to my site, of course. For commercial use in products for sale, please get in touch.
So, are you ready to introduce your kids to the wonderfully wacky world of Irish folk music? Dive into the playlist, download the printables, and let the Irish musical adventure begin!
