Irish carols and hymns to get you in the Christmas spirit - VIDEOS

Some of IrishCentral’s favorite tunes to spread the warmth of the holiday season

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I Saw Three Ships
 
Although British in origin this has been and Irish favorite for a very long time. The song originates from the 17th century in Derbyshire. It’s thought the song refers to three ships which brought the purported relics of the Biblical magi to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century.
 
This has also been recorded by several artists including Craig Duncan, on the album “Irish Christmas” and “Narada Presents: The Best of Celtic Christmas."

Fairy Tale of New York
 
This has officially been voted the best Christmas song of all time by various television, radio and magazine polls in Ireland and abroad. The Pogues released this tune back in 1987 and it took the world by storm. Featuring Shane McGowan and Kristy MacColl it featured in the album “If I Should Fall from Grace of God.”

 

Don Oíche Úd I MBeithil
 
This is a wonderful haunting Irish carol. The title roughly translated means That Night in Bethlehem. Recently it was performed and recorded by the group Celtic Woman.

 

Rebel Jesus
 
This song was featured on The Chieftain’s Christmas album “The Bells of Dublin”. The tune by Jackson Browne was just one of many rerecorded with the Chieftains. Other artists that worked with them on their Christmas music included Elvis Costello, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Marianne Faithfull, Nanci Griffith, Rickie Lee Jones and the actor Burgess Meredith.
 
At the time Paddy Moloney said “These recording sessions hold special memories for The Chieftains and myself, and bring together all the colors of this festive season."

Whilst Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night
 
This is another famous Christmas carol which was written by and Irishman Nahum Tate, back in 1692. He went on to become poet laureate of England. The carol tells the tale of the Annunciation to the Shepherds.

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