The top ten greatest Irish drinking songs - VIDEOS

The perfect selection of songs to accompany an Irish pint

By: BERNIE MALONE | Published Monday, August 22, 2011, 7:41 AM | Updated Monday, August 22, 2011, 8:29 AM

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.

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 tune and their videos.

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.

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The Dubliners - "Seven Drunken Nights"

This one is for a moment of calm after the first coupled of belters. The song tells the story of a week on the bottle and the delights that awaited to 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 in to 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.

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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 travelling 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.