6 Biggest Irish Rock Songs to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and we’re ready to get the celebrations started! We’ve rounded up some of the biggest Irish and Celtic rock bands, with a spotlight on their most-viewed music videos to date.

Whether you’re hoping to connect with your heritage, want to discover more about Ireland’s punk rock scene, or are maybe in the mood for a céilí to mark the occasion, we’ve got you covered. Happy St. Patrick’s Day — or, as they say in Ireland, Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh!

“Don’t Believe A Word” — Thin Lizzy (1976)

With 2.7 million views on YouTube, Thin Lizzy’s 1976 song “Don’t Believe A Word” surprisingly outperforms their other hit from that year, “The Boys Are Back In Town.” Formed in Dublin in 1969, Thin Lizzy consisted of members from both sides of the Irish border, and frontman Phil Lynott is considered one of the most successful Black Irishmen in rock music. So, the group was groundbreaking on multiple fronts, as well as putting out some killer tracks. Who better to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with than the boys, right?

To get a different take on a Thin Lizzy classic, listen to Bright Eyes’ cover of “Running Back” over on SiriusXM’s YouTube channel.

 

“Teenage Kicks” — The Undertones (1978)

The Undertones really nailed it with their debut single, didn’t they? Released in 1978, four years after the Derry band first got together and only one year after they began performing outside their home city, “Teenage Kicks” has remained popular all these years later — racking up nine million views online. In fact, it has endured so well that One Direction even used the song for a charity mash-up back in 2013, combining “Teenage Kicks” with Blondie’s “One Way Or Another.” Written by the band’s rhythm guitarist John O’Neill, the nostalgic joy that the song encapsulates makes it a great throwback anthem to listen to any time of year. Though, we especially suggest playing it loud this St. Patrick’s Day!

For an eclectic mix of rock, hang out with us at The Loft (Ch. 710).

 

“Rose Tattoo” — Dropkick Murphys (2012)

Dropkick Murphys are a bit of a curveball on this list. The band is actually American, but singer and bassist Ken Casey is of Irish descent and embraces his roots through Celtic punk music. Of the genre blend, Casey said: “Punk is a kind of sing-along music with a rousing energy. And Irish music is the same thing.” Ultimately, if you’re looking to really amp up the punk vibe of your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, you can’t go wrong with a bit of Dropkick Murphys. “Rose Tattoo” is their top hit on YouTube with an impressive 178 million views, so get rocking out!

Watch the band perform their songs “Never Git Drunk No More” and “Two 6’s Upside Down” live in the SiriusXM studio.

 

“Zombie” — The Cranberries (1994)

Formed in Limerick in 1989, The Cranberries would eventually come to be one of the defining alternative rock bands of the 1990s. Far and away their biggest song with 1.3 billion views, “Zombie” still hits just as hard today as it did back when it was initially released in 1994. The song is also a testament to experimentation and trying something new, as it was considered a slight departure from their usual sound. Taking a step away from their more alt-rock and pop-rock beginnings, “Zombie” was penned to be grungy and raw — and it definitely succeeded in that regard.

To listen to more bands like The Cranberries, check out Alt Nation (Ch. 36).

 

“Devil’s Dance Floor” — Flogging Molly (2000)

Formerly of the hard rock bands Katmandu and Fastway, Dublin-born vocalist Dave King helped put Flogging Molly together in 1993. Seven studio albums have followed, and the band has developed a devoted fan base who follow them anywhere — including the sea! That’s right, Flogging Molly hosts annual cruise-and-concert getaways where you can rock out at sea. A classic Celtic punk track, “Devil’s Dance Floor” is the perfect high-energy song to jam to this St. Patrick’s Day, even if you’re not out on the ocean. With 28 million views on an audio upload of the raucous track, it’s Flogging Molly’s biggest song so far. So, we’ve included a killer live performance of it below. Are you ready to swing a little more? Hit play!

For more Flogging Molly, watch their live performance of “Don’t Shut ‘Em Down” at SiriusXM.

 

“Beautiful Day” — U2 (2000)

How could we possibly not include U2 on this list? They’re one of the biggest Irish rock bands in the world! Formed in Dublin in 1976, U2 has had a massive career with 22 GRAMMY wins to their name. Over time, “Beautiful Day” has proven itself to be their most popular song with 177 million views on YouTube. We can confirm that if you listen to this legendary anthem on repeat, you’ll be sure to have a Beautiful (St. Patrick’s) Day!

Check out U2 X-Radio (Ch. 32) for more of the band’s discography!

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Keep the festivities going with all the St. Patrick’s Day playlists and pop-up channels available on SiriusXM!