The Ultimate Playlist of Irish Christmas Songs From The Past Decade

Have you ever yearned for Christmas songs that aren’t from the 80s? Or for ditties that don't have over forty million views on YouTube? Well, kick back and slip on your newly gifted Penney’s slippers, because these Celtic crooners deserve top spot on your Spotify Christmas playlist this year.

1. Ryan Sheridan ‘Walking in The Air’ // November 25, 2011

Back in 2011, the Monaghan folk-rocker caroled us with mighty vocals in his cover of ‘Walking in The Air’ - a version lost unfairly in the wash of all things Mariah Carey and The Pogues. Also worth mentioning, is that Sheridan recently hit the studio to release another seasonal track, ‘Frozen in Time’, which can be listened to here.

2. Hozier ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ // December 8, 2015

Two years ago, the Wicklow musician sexed up a Christmas Purist’s ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ with soul and funk twists. Only Hozier could create a Yuletide tune perfect for year round listening.

3. Picture This ‘This Christmas’ // December 1, 2016

Was it last year's 'This Christmas' single that caused the Kildare duo’s 2017 gig in the 3Arena to sell out after three minutes? Supported by a backing choir, heavy guitar strums, and with twiddly notes - it's a festive pop ballad that sings to an ex lover, asking about whether their Christmas dreams have changed since last year.

4. Mick Flannery ‘Christmas Past’ // The Recording of December 29, 2014

Originally sung as a duet with Lisa Hannigan at Other Voices in 2008, Cork native Mick Flannery gave the EP a solo outing in 2014 at Christchurch Cathedral. Not shy of heartfelt strings and soft piano chords, it’s a pensive number. And no matter what version, it never fails to showcase Flannery’s emotive voice box. Check out another ‘Christmas Past’ cover here, with Irish singer Kate Walsh in 2008.

5. Declan O’Rourke ‘White Christmas’ // 2012

Five years ago, Declan O’Rourke recorded Irving Berlin’s 1942 ‘White Christmas’ with an RTE chamber choir. The folk singing Dubliner burst with merriment and donned his best smoozy American voice for the occasion. On the back of other seasonal classics such as ‘The Start of Christmas’ (2015) and ‘Christmas Wine’ (2008), O’Rourke has staunchly proven himself as the go-to man for Christmas music. Both singles can be heard here and here.

6. Lisa Hannigan ‘The Christmas Waltz’ // December 2, 2014

In 2014, Lisa Hannigan teamed up with An Post to help raise funds for homelessness via the Dublin Simon Community. She recorded a lullaby version of 'The Christmas Waltz' - originally written by Sammy Cahn and Julie Styne for Frank Sinatra. He recorded it in 1954.

7. Dropkick Murphys ‘The Season’s Upon Us’ // December 3, 2012

The Dropkick Murphys gave us a brutally honest Christmas cracker of a tune back in 2012. Such lyrics read: My sisters are whack jobs/ I wish I had none/ Their husbands are losers/ and so are their sons. Behind the words, a comical music video illustrates all things cynically Irish-American. Band members don't spare on the high-dee-diddlys, either.

8. Finnegan's Hell ‘Drunken Christmas (An Irish Christmas Song)’ // November 15, 2013

Finnegan's Hell is a Celtic punk band from Sweden and they’re allegedly known for popularising “The New Wave of Swedish Celtic Punk”. In ‘Drunken Christmas’, a bowzy of a father sings about his lack of sobriety while his children take chorus with traumatised facial expressions. It’s an unorthodox Irish Christmas anthem.

9. Imelda May ‘The Wexford Carol’ // December 22, 2010

Imelda May - the Noel belle of Dublin - has been giving us goose bumps for years at Christmas concerts. ‘The Wexford Carol’ karate chops the heart open. Pinata style. Until all the Christmas spirit comes out.