30 Of The Best Irish Funeral Songs

Music makes up a huge part of Irish culture, especially funerals and wakes. Irish music has the ability to tell stories and convey messages that grief often stops us from putting into words. Which is why Irish funeral songs are so popular across the world. Storytelling through music is common in Ireland. Which is why playing an Irish song at a funeral can be the perfect way to send off your loved one.

Below we have listed 30 Irish songs which each have their own message and story and we hope you find one that resonates with you and your loved ones.

Below we have put together 20 other popular Irish funeral songs which can be played at your loved ones funeral, wake or memorial service. These Irish funeral songs are rooted in Irish history, offering themes of love, loss and resilience. We have selected a variation of upbeat and haunting songs to hopefully help you find the right fit for your loved ones funeral service.

“The Parting Glass”:

“The Parting Glass” is a song that speaks about bidding farewell and parting ways, which makes it a popular Irish farewell song.

The lyrics of the Parting Glass express sentiments of farewell, longing, and the hope for future reunions. The song reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of separation, whether it be due to distance, death, or the end of an event or gathering.

The lyrics often convey a sense of nostalgia and reflection. This invites listeners to contemplate the memories and experiences shared with loved ones. It acknowledges the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye, recognizing the sadness of parting while also embracing the hope of meeting again someday.

Overall, “The Parting Glass” is the perfect Irish funeral song. It captures the universal emotions associated with farewell and departure, making it a timeless and cherished Irish farewell song. It resonates deeply with listeners, particularly in the context of farewells, funerals, and other moments of parting.

The Parting Glass Lyrics

The Parting Glass is a popular song to sing at Irish funerals. Below we have included the lyrics to The Parting Glass. You can copy and use these Parting Glass lyrics for your loved one’s funeral;

Of all the money that e’er I had
I have spent it in good company
Oh and all the harm I’ve ever done
Alas, it was to none but me

And all I’ve done for want of wit
To memory now I can’t recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all

So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

Of all the comrades that e’er I had
They’re sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e’er I had
They would wish me one more day to stay

But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

Good night and joy be to you all

“Mná na hÉireann” (Women of Ireland):

“Mná na hÉireann” is melodic and soothing that can provide a peaceful and comforting atmosphere during a funeral. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics can evoke feelings of nostalgia and reflection, allowing mourners to remember and honor the life of the deceased.

“Mná na hÉireann” celebrates the beauty and strength of Irish women meaning that this song is fitting for women’s funerals. “Mná na hÉireann” sings about themes of love, resilience, and legacy which are often feelings present at funeral services. The song’s lyrics may serve as a tribute to the deceased, particularly if they were of Irish heritage or had a connection to Ireland, honoring their identity and cultural heritage.

The version sung by the late Sinead O’Connor is especially melodic and is sung beautifully, making it the perfect Irish funeral song.

“The Fields of Athenry”:

“Fields of Athenry” is an Irish song that tells the story of a character named Michael, who is facing hardship and exile during the Great Irish Famine. The song is set against the backdrop of Athenry, a town in County Galway, Ireland, and depicts the struggles and suffering endured by the Irish people during this devastating period of history.

“Fields of Athenry” resonates deeply at funerals for several reasons. Firstly, its lyrics can evoke feelings of sadness, longing, and reflection, which are often experienced during times of grief and loss. The song’s themes of hardship, resilience, and the longing for home can strike a chord with mourners as they reflect on the life of the departed and their own emotions surrounding their loss.

While the themes sung in “Fields of Athenry” are often sad at Irish funerals and wakes Irish people will sing this song loudly and proudly. It is a song that often stirs up feelings of resilience and patriotism. “Fields of Athenry” is a song that all Irish people know and often will get people singing. If you are looking to bring people together and get a sing-song going at a wake, then Fields of Athenry is a good Irish farewell song.

“She Moved Through the Fair”:

“She Moved Through the Fair” is often chosen for Irish funerals because of its hauntingly beautiful melody and poignant lyrics that touch upon themes of love, loss, and longing.

The song narrates a tale of lost love and separation, where the protagonist mourns the passing of their beloved who has moved away or has possibly died. It remembers loved ones moving through the fairgrounds and is a song about missing what once was. The song is reflective and touches on the same feelings mourners will feel at a funeral, remembering their loved ones as they once were.

“She Moved Through the Fair” is an emotional Irish song that resonates with mourners, capturing the universal experience of grief and the longing for the departed. Its mournful melody and sad lyrics provide a space for contemplation and remembrance during funeral services, allowing mourners to reflect on their own feelings of loss while honoring the memory of the deceased.

“Carrickfergus”:

“Carrickfergus” is an Irish song that originated in the town of Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a narrator who reflects on their longing for a lost love and their memories of Carrickfergus, a town they miss and long for. Throughout the song, the narrator expresses a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when they were happy and in love. They reminisce about the town’s landmarks, such as the castle and the sea, which serve as reminders of their past experiences and the love they once shared.

Despite the beauty of Carrickfergus, the narrator acknowledges the pain of their lost love and the impossibility of returning to the past. The emotional lyrics of “Carrickfergus” make it a good Irish song choice for funeral ceremonies. Its mournful melody and introspective lyrics provide a space for mourners to reflect on their own feelings of loss and longing while honoring the memory of the departed.

The song speaks of longing to see Carrickfergus but accepting that they never will. This can resonate with mourners as they grieve their loved one and come to the acceptance that they will never see them again.

“Down by the Salley Gardens”:

The song is based on the poem “The Salley Gardens” by W.B. Yeats, and it tells the story of a narrator who reflects on a past love and the inevitability of change and loss.

The song has a gentle melody and introspective lyrics create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, providing mourners with a space for reflection and remembrance during funeral services.

The themes of love and longing expressed in the song resonate with the emotions experienced by those grieving the loss of a loved one, offering a sense of solace and connection.

“Isle of Innisfree”:

“The Isle of Innisfree” is a song based on a poem by Irish poet William Butler Yeats. It expresses a deep yearning for peace, tranquility, and a return to nature. The narrator longs to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and retreat to a small, idyllic island called Innisfree.

The song expresses a longing for peace, tranquility, and a return to nature, making it resonate deeply with themes of reflection, solace, and the passage from life to rest. The lyrics evoke a sense of yearning for a serene and idyllic place, away from the worries and cares of the world, which can provide comfort to mourners as they bid farewell to their loved ones.

The song has a gentle melody that creates a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, allowing mourners to find moments of solace and reflection during the funeral service

“The Lark in the Clear Air”:

“The Lark in the Clear Air” is an Irish song that expresses themes of love, beauty, and the wonders of nature. The lyrics depict the serene image of a lark singing joyously in the clear, open sky.

The song’s melody is often described as ethereal and uplifting, creating a gentle and contemplative atmosphere that allows mourners to reflect on the life of the departed and find moments of solace and connection during the funeral service. The lyrics have expressions of love and admiration for the beauty of nature which can also serve as a poignant tribute to the deceased, celebrating their life and legacy making it the perfect Irish funeral song.

“Be Thou My Vision” (Traditional hymn):

“Be Thou My Vision” is a Celtic song that is often played at funerals or wakes.

The lyrics of “Be Thou My Vision” express a profound devotion to God. It offers a plea for divine presence and guidance in every aspect of life, including times of sorrow and transition. The hymn conveys themes of faith, trust, and surrender to a higher power. This offers solace and reassurance to mourners as they bid farewell to their loved ones.

This is a melodic but uplifting Celtic hymn. This can bring comfort, strength, and spiritual solace to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one at a funeral or funeral wake.

“The Last Rose of Summer”:

The Last Rose Of Summer is an Irish song that reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change and ultimately the circle of life. Using the metaphor of the last rose blooming in late summer to evoke feelings of nostalgia and reflection.

The lyrics of “The Last Rose of Summer” express a sense of melancholy as the narrator contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the loss of loved ones. The imagery of the fading rose serves as a powerful symbol of mortality, reminding listeners of the impermanence of life. This is a popular Irish funeral song to play at funerals or wakes as it touches on a lot of aspects around life and death.

“Grace”:

“Grace” is a sad Irish song that recounts the story of Grace Gifford, who married Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Gaol hours before his execution for his involvement in the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland.

The song reflects on themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of adversity. While it’s a beautiful and deeply moving song, it might not be the most conventional choice for a funeral due to its historical and political context. However, if the deceased or the family is Irish or have strong Irish heritage then it can be the ideal Irish funeral song for a funeral or a wake as it touches on themes of love, loss and death.

“The Mountains of Mourne”:

“The Mountains of Mourne” is a traditional Irish song that tells the story of a man who reflects on his longing for the beauty of the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of an Irish emigrant who has left Ireland and settled elsewhere, likely due to economic hardship or seeking better opportunities.

Throughout the song, the narrator reminisces about the lush greenery, flowing rivers, and picturesque landscapes of the Mourne Mountains.

Despite being far away from his homeland, the narrator expresses a deep longing to return to the beauty and tranquility of the mountains. The lyrics of “The Mountains of Mourne” express a sense of longing for home and the simple joys of life. It uses vivid imagery to evoke the rugged beauty of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland making it a beautiful Irish farewell song.

The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics create a reflective and peaceful atmosphere. This Irish funeral song provides solace and comfort to mourners during a time of grief. It touches on themes around loss and grief and is a good choice for an Irish song at a funeral or wake.

“The Rare Old Times”:

“The Rare Old Times” by The Dubliners is often chosen for funerals because of its emotional resonance and nostalgic portrayal of Dublin’s past. The song reflects on the changes that have occurred in the city over time and the longing for a return to simpler, happier days.

“The Rare Old Times” can provide comfort to mourners by reminding them of the enduring connections they shared with the deceased. The song’s poignant melody and heartfelt lyrics create a reflective atmosphere. This allows mourners to honor the life of the departed and find solace in their memories.

This song is a song that many Irish people know and sing along to. If you are looking to create a sing-song at a funeral or a wake then this could be a fitting choice.

“The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”:

“The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” by The Pogues is often chosen for funerals because of its emotional depth and portrayal of the human cost of war. The song captures the devastating impact of conflict on individuals, families, and communities. Thus, making it resonate deeply with mourners as they reflect on the loss of their loved ones, making it an appropriate Irish farewell song.

This may be a good song for a veterans funeral or a person who was involved in the army. The song’s narrative reflects on themes of sacrifice, loss, and the futility of war. This invites listeners to contemplate the human cost of conflict and the enduring scars it leaves behind.

The haunting melody and heartfelt delivery of the song by The Pogues enhance its emotional impact, creating a somber and reflective atmosphere that is conducive to mourning and remembrance, making it a good choice as an Irish funeral song.

“My Lagan Love”:

“My Lagan Love” is a traditional Irish folk song that tells the story of unrequited love along the banks of the River Lagan. The song’s lyrics express the narrator’s longing and devotion to their beloved. It also describes nature in terms of natural imagery such as flowers, birds, and the river itself.

The haunting melody and evocative lyrics of “My Lagan Love” create a somber and reflective atmosphere. This can provide comfort and solace to mourners during a time of grief, making it a great choice as an Irish farewell song.

This contemporary version, sung by Irish artist Hozier, can be a great choice for funerals looking for a contemporary version of an Irish song for a funeral or wake.

Raglan Road

“Raglan Road” is a beautiful and poignant Irish song, famously sung by Luke Kelly of The Dubliners. The song’s lyrics were adapted from the poem “Dark Rosaleen” by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh.

The song is filled with vivid imagery and rich symbolism, capturing the narrator’s deep sense of longing and despair. The imagery of autumn leaves, wild birds, and the moonlight on Raglan Road adds to the song’s melancholic tone and sense of longing.

While it’s considered a song about unrequited love, Raglan Road touches on themes of loss and mourning. This traditional Irish song has strong roots in Irish heritage and is the perfect choice as an Irish funeral song.

“The Green Fields of France”:

While not strictly Irish, “The Green Fields of France” carries a message of remembrance and reflection, honoring the memory of those who have lost their lives in conflict or hardship making it a beautiful choice for an Irish farewell song. Its heartfelt lyrics and haunting melody create a solemn and contemplative atmosphere, allowing mourners to pay their respects and reflect on the profound impact of war on individuals and communities.

“Black Velvet Band” an upbeat Irish funeral songs

Black Velvet Band is an upbeat Irish song that could be chosen for funerals looking to pick an up beat Irish songs for a funeral. “Black Velvet Band” is a traditional Irish folk song that tells the story of a man who is deceived by a woman and falsely accused of a crime, ultimately leading to his imprisonment and transportation to Australia. While the song’s upbeat melody and catchy chorus may not seem like an obvious choice for a funeral, its themes of betrayal, injustice, and longing for freedom could resonate with mourners in certain contexts, making it the perfect Irish funeral song.

“Baidin Fheilimi”:

“Baidin Fheilimi,” also known as “The Boatman’s Song” or “Felicia’s Boat,” is a traditional Irish song that tells the story of a boatman who is longing to reunite with his beloved, Felimí. The Irish song reflects themes of love, separation, and longing, which may resonate with mourners at a funeral, particularly if the deceased had a connection to Irish culture or if the song holds personal significance to their life.

Its themes of love and longing, combined with its traditional Irish roots, can make it a meaningful Irish funeral song for honoring the memory of a loved one.

Picking the right Irish farewell song

Music holds a significant place in Irish culture, particularly in the context of funerals. Irish farewell songs are poignant, deeply emotional, and often reflective of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. They play a crucial role in commemorating the deceased, providing comfort to the bereaved, and celebrating the life and legacy of the loved one. Choosing the right Irish farewell song can set the tone for the farewell and help encapsulate the emotions and memories of those in attendance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Irish Funeral Songs & Farewell Songs

Personal Significance of Irish funeral songs

The most fitting Irish farewell song is one that held personal significance for the deceased. This could be a favorite song, a tune that resonates with their life story, or one that captures their personality and spirit. Consulting with close family members and friends can help identify songs that were meaningful to the departed.

Lyrical Content of Irish farewell songs

The lyrics of the song should be considered carefully. Many Irish farewell songs contain themes of love, loss, hope, and remembrance. Ensure that the lyrics are appropriate for the occasion and reflect the sentiments you wish to convey.

Musical Style and Mood of Irish funeral songs

Irish music encompasses a wide range of styles, from traditional tunes to contemporary ballads. The mood of the song should match the tone of the funeral service you want to organize. A more somber and reflective tune may be suitable for traditional services, while a lively, celebratory song might be fitting for a wake or memorial that focuses on celebrating life.

Cultural and Religious Considerations

If the funeral service includes religious elements, it may be important to choose a song that aligns with the spiritual beliefs and practices of the deceased. Traditional Irish hymns and sacred songs can add a layer of cultural and religious reverence to the service. This is what makes them the perfect Irish farewell song.