Irish music has a rich and extensive history shaped by emigration, revivals, collaborations, and technological developments. Whether you visit an Irish folk festival or listen to live music at an Irish pub, you’ll experience the pride of these thriving communities firsthand. Here are five fascinating facts about Irish music to clue you in on the culture.

What You Might Not Know About Irish Music

1. Traditional Music

The inception of traditional Irish music was purely oral, passed down through the generations by listening, learning, and live music alone. The Celts, believed to be inspired by the music of the East, began spreading their musical traditions throughout Ireland and Europe thousands of years ago.

2. Step Dancers

Irish stepdance, a popular performance deeply rooted in traditional dance, is known for its use of intricate footwork contrasted by stiff upper body positions. These routines are accompanied by carefully selected music. Dancers follow the rhythm of the beats to create a lively and harmonized performance.

3. Instruments

Irish music features a plethora of instruments, including the fiddle, tin whistle, banjo, accordion, uilleann pipes, and bodhrán drum. By far the most popular instrument is the harp. For centuries, harpists would play for chieftains and make music for nobles. Harps are so valued in Irish culture that they are featured on their euro coins.

4. Spread & Influence

Emigration is a significant and long-standing part of Irish history that has resulted in numerous cultural exchanges. Traditional Irish music traveled the world and had a noteworthy revival in the 1920s. This was when recordings were brought to the United States for the first time. These recordings reminded Irish immigrants of their homeland and influenced many musicians in America. Today, many popular musicians blend traditional music with modern genres in a Celtic fusion.

5. Pub Gatherings

A common establishment to listen to traditional Irish music today is a pub. People from all backgrounds gather to listen to live music, share tunes, and learn from one another. It is through these collaborative communities that traditional Irish music, as well as its derivatives, continue to thrive.

If you’re looking forward to an evening of live music, delicious food, and great drinks, come to O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill. Located in Plant City and Wesley Chapel, FL, this restaurant and sports bar features an impressive selection of craft beer and Irish food. Their staff is dedicated to bringing you a fun, family-friendly experience, complete with excellent customer service and plenty of recommendations. To ask about their menu items, call (813) 764-8818. View their calendar online to browse events, music, and specials.