Liam Ward
Nov 6, 20202 min
Updated: Mar 17, 2022
Traditional Irish jigs, reels and airs sound great on the humble harmonica. Here are seven of my favourite Irish folk tunes to play on harmonica, with video lessons and free tabs. Enjoy!
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OK, so it's not strictly an Irish song (it was written about Salford by Ewan MacColl) but it's been adopted by Irish bands as one of their own for decades.
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'Danny Boy' is a ballad written by Frederic Weatherly in 1913, and set to the traditional Irish melody of 'Londonderry Air'.
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'Whiskey in the Jar' is about a highwayman who is betrayed by his lover, and it's one of the most widely performed traditional Irish songs.
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'Planxty Iwin' was written by blind Celtic harper, Turlough O'Carolan.
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This is an extremely popular jig and rarely gets missed out at Irish sessions.
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In Ireland the chorus usually refers to Belfast city and the song is also known there as 'The Belle of Belfast City' although it is also adapted to other Irish cities.
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'Molly Malone' is also known as 'In Dublin's Fair City' and 'Cockles and Mussels'.
What's your favourite Irish tune to play on harmonica? Let me know in the comments!
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