Though we'll not claim to give Shane McGowan a run for his money, when it comes to drinking or knowledge of Irish music, we've put together some top tunes and videos.

So whether you are celebrating an Irish sports victory, a family occasion or simply toasting Ireland's health here is IrishCentral's collection of great Irish drinking songs.

Thin Lizzy - 'The Boys are Back in Town'


If you're looking for a tune to get Irish people to the dance floor then this is it. Thin Lizzy are truly masters of rock and have had a massive influence on bands in Ireland and further afield over the years.

Of course "Whiskey in the Jar" comes a close and well deserved second, in our opinion.

The Pogues and The Dubliners - 'The Irish Rover'

If it's a bit of madness and debauchery you're after The Pogues are the band for you. The up-tempo Irish madness of this band gets everyone in the party spirit. When Ronnie Drew's voice kicks-in in this tune there's nothing quite like it.

The Dubliners - "Seven Drunken Nights"

This one is for a moment of calm after the first couple of belters. The song tells the story of a week on the bottle and the delights that awaited the protagonist as he returned each night with a few too many in him. The last few verses are a bit saucy but then again you are meant to be 21 or older to having a few drinks so you should be old enough to handle it.

The Dubliners - "Dicey Riley"

Time to get the feet stomping and "Dicey Riley" is the way to go. A positive tune about someone who clearly has an alcohol problem, it gets you into the summer spirit while getting the spirits into you.

Dropkick Murphy's - "The Fields of Athenry"

The great thing about the Fields of Athenry is that it can be interpreted in many ways. Sing it as a mournful tune, or rock it up and make it into a mantra-like chant that fuels the soul and inspires you to get another round in.  A must if there is a sing-song during a session.

 

The Clancy Brothers - "Beer, Beer, Beer"

“Beer, Beer, Beer Tidily Beer, Beer, Beer” Although this song might not be historically accurate it's certainly fun to sing. Also, it's chorus is very easy to remember.


Dropkick Murphys - "Finnegan’s Wake"

This is a great example of how the energy of punk mixes so well with the traditional and songs like "Finnegan's Wake".


The Pogues with Kristy MacColl - "Fairytale of New York"

You have to have a stone heart if you don't love this song. Although this is usually considered a Christmas tune it's also one song that the Irish tend to break into after a couple of drinks.


The High Kings - "Rocky Road to Dublin"

This song tells the tale of a man traveling from him home in Tuam, County Galway to Liverpool. The song was partially recited several times in James Joyce’s “Ulysses” by Mr. Deasey.

The Dubliners - "Molly Malone"
"Molly Malone" is the official anthem of Dublin city. So much so that there is a statue of Molly at the end of Grafton Street in the city center and June 13 is Molly Malone Day.

It tells the story of a fishmonger named Molly and her admirer. She later dies of a fever but her ghost still wheels the barrow through Dublin.

*Originally published in 2013.