10 Best Famous Irish Singers in Music History

Known for their distinctive voices and profound influence, many of the famous Irish singers have made an indelible mark on music history. From traditional folk tunes to modern pop hits, these artists have captivated audiences worldwide.

Join us as we journey through the Emerald Isle’s musical landscape to celebrate the top 10 most famous Irish singers of all time, whose voices continue to enchant and inspire generations.

List of 10 Most Famous Irish Singers

1: Bono

Date of Birth: 10 May 1960, Dublin, Ireland

Best Songs:

• Staring at the Sun
• New Year’s Day
• Until the End of the World
• Beautiful Day

Accolades:

• 22 Grammy Awards
• 2 Golden Awards

Born Paul David Hewson, Bono is the iconic lead singer of U2, a band he joined in 1976. Renowned for his powerful performances and impactful songwriting, Bono is also a noted activist. In 2003, his efforts in alleviating third-world debt and raising AIDS awareness in Africa earned him a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Bono was honored with the title of Chevalier dans l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur by French President Jacques Chirac. His Irish roots and volunteer work profoundly influences his activism in Africa and South America.

2: Enya

Date of Birth: 17 May 1961, County Donegal, Ireland

Best Songs:

• Caribbean Blue
• Evening in the Shadows
• Cursum Perficio
• I Could Never Say Goodbye
• Pax Deorum

Accolades:

• Grammy Awards
• World Music Awards
• Ivor Novello Awards

Enya, originally Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, embarked on her musical journey with the family band Clannad. However, in 1982, she made a pivotal decision to leave Clannad and venture into a solo career, a move that was encouraged by producer Nicky Ryan. This decision led to her gaining recognition with her score for “The Frog Prince” (1986) and the BBC series “The Celts” (1987). Her breakthrough came with the album “Watermark” (1988) and its hit single “Orinoco Flow,” which catapulted her to international fame.

Enya’s ethereal sound, characterized by multi-tracked vocals and synthesized backdrops, has made her a unique and influential figure in the music industry.

3: Hozier

Date of Birth: March 17, 1990, Bray, Ireland

Best Songs:

• Take Me to Church
• It Will Come Back
• Arsonist”s Lullabye
• Cherry Wine
• De Selby (Part 2)

Accolades:

• BBC Music Awards
• Billboard Music Awards
• European Border Breakers Awards

Hozier, born Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, is an acclaimed musician known for blending folk, soul, and blues with powerful themes of religion, literature, and social justice. His breakout hit “Take Me to Church” (2013) reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved multi-platinum status globally.

Hozier’s subsequent works like the “Nina Cried Power” EP and “Wasteland, Baby!” further cemented his reputation, with multiple chart-topping and gold-certified releases. Hozier’s 2023 album, “Unreal Unearth,” and the 2024 EP “Unheard” continued his success, featuring his first number-one single in Ireland, the US, and the UK, “Too Sweet.”

4: Sinéad O”Connor

Date of Birth: December 8, 1966, Dubblin, Ireland

Date of Death: July 26, 2023, London, England, UK

Best Songs:

• Nothing Compares 2 U
• Mandinka
• Black Boys on Mopeds
• The Emperor’s New Clothes
• Irish Ways and Irish Laws

Accolades:

• Billboard Music Awards
• Grammy Award

Sinéad O’Connor was a famous Irish singer and activist. She gained international fame with her debut album “The Lion and the Cobra” and achieved commercial success with “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” selling over seven million copies worldwide. O’Connor’s powerful voice and emotional performances made her a standout artist. She was also known for her activism, notably tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II on “Saturday Night Live” in 1992 to protest child abuse in the Catholic Church.

In 2018, she converted to Islam, adopting the name Shuhada’ Sadaqat. O’Connor’s memoir, “Rememberings,” released in 2021, provided an intimate look at her life and struggles.

5: Van Morrison

Date of Birth: August 31, 1945, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Best Songs:

• Brown Eyed Girl
• Into the Mystic
• Moondance
• Have I Told You Lately
• Sweet Thing

Accolades:

• Two Grammy Awards
• Brit Award
• Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award

Van Morrison, known as Van the Man to his fans, is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His career, which spans six decades, began in the late 1950s when he was just a teenager. He played guitar, harmonica, keyboards, and saxophone for Irish show bands, showcasing his dedication and passion for music from a young age.

Morrison’s unique musical style, which blends soul, R&B, Celtic traditions, jazz, and stream-of-consciousness narratives, has often been described as “Celtic soul.” He gained fame in the mid-1960s with the band Them, recording the classic “Gloria.” His solo career began in 1967 with the hit “Brown Eyed Girl.”

With over 40 albums in the UK top 40 and 18 in the US top 40, Morrison remains a major influence in the music industry and one of the most famous Irish singers.

6: Dolores O”Riordan

Date of Birth: September 6, 1971, Caherelly, Ireland

Date of death: January 15, 2018 · London, England, UK

Best Songs:

• Linger
• Zombie
• Dreams
• Salvation
• Animal Instinct

Accolades:

• 14 Platinum album certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) (In the US)
• 10 Platinum certifications (In Canada)
• Ivor Novello International Achievement award

Dolores O’Riordan, the youngest of seven children, grew up in a challenging environment with her father in a wheelchair. In the late 1980s, Dolores joined Feargal Lawler, Mike Hogan, and Noel Hogan to form The Cranberries, where she was the lead vocalist. Their debut album, “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We,” was a significant success, especially in the U.S., setting the stage for their subsequent work. O’Riordan’s lyrics often addressed personal and social issues, blending her advocacy for children’s rights with her musical career.

Despite early struggles, over three decades of her career, she left a lasting impact on the music world, making her one of the most famous Irish singers.

7: Gilbert O”Sullivan

Date of Birth: December 1, 1946, Waterford, Ireland

Best Songs:

• Alone Again (Naturally)
• Clair
• Get Down
• Matrimony
• Happiness Is Me and You

Accolades:

• 3 Ivor Novello Awards

Raymond Edward “Gilbert” O’Sullivan is renowned for his distinctive piano-driven melodies and poignant lyrics. His career soared in the early 1970s with chart-toppers like “Alone Again (Naturally)” and “Clair.” O’Sullivan’s music, marked by its introspective storytelling and percussive piano style, resonated globally, earning him acclaim and numerous accolades, including three Ivor Novello Awards.

Even in the face of legal battles that could have derailed his career, O’Sullivan’s influential contributions to pop and ballad music remain celebrated. His hits, which continue to evoke emotive connections worldwide, are a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft, maintaining a loyal following.

8: Niall Horan

Date of Birth: September 13, 1993, Westmeath, Ireland

Best Songs:

• What Makes You Beautiful
• Slow Hands
• This Town
• Nice to Meet Ya
• What a Time

Accolades:

• American Music Awards
• Billboard Music Awards
• New Artist of the Year
• Multiple BMI and iHeartRadio Awards

Niall Horan grew up with a passion for music from a young age. His guitar became his trusted companion at the age of 12, and his talent soon gained local recognition through various talent shows. This early start laid the foundation for his future global success. In 2010, Niall’s journey took a significant turn when he joined One Direction on The X Factor, a platform that would catapult him to international stardom.

The band”s debut single, What Makes You Beautiful and album Up All Night, marked their successful start. After One Direction in 2016, Horan launched a solo career, releasing three albums: Flicker (2017), Heartbreak Weather (2020), and The Show (2023). Known for his vocal abilities, his solo work has continued to top charts and received critical acclaim, showcasing growth from a talented young musician to a famous Irish singer.

9: Danny O”Donoghue

Date of Birth: October 3, 1980, Dublin, Ireland

Best Songs:

• Hall of Fame
• The man Who Can”t Be Moved
• Six Degrees of Separation
• Rain

Accolades:

• 3 Meteor Ireland Music Awards
• 2 World Music Awards

Danny O’Donoghue, the Irish singer-songwriter and musician, is best known as the lead vocalist of The Script, a rock band. Born and raised in Dublin, he began his music career with the boy band Mytown before co-founding The Script with Mark Sheehan and Glen Power. The band’s self-titled debut album achieved significant success, topping the Irish charts and establishing O’Donoghue as a prominent figure in music. He also gained recognition as a coach on The Voice UK in its first two series, a role in which his guidance led his team members to notable success, a feat that we can all be proud of.

More recently, O’Donoghue has been focusing on The Script’s music and his personal growth. He has made a conscious shift towards a more disciplined lifestyle, a testament to his dedication to his craft. His emotive songwriting and powerful voice have always been instrumental in his musical journey, and this personal growth only adds depth to his artistry.

10: Dermot Kennedy

Date of birth: 13 December 1991, Dublin, Ireland

Best Songs:

• Paradise
• Power Over Me
• Kiss Me
• Better Days
• Dermot (See yourself in my eyes)

Accolades:

• RTÉ Choice Music Prize
• Brit Awards

Dermot Joseph Kennedy’s journey from busking to international acclaim is a testament to his talent and perseverance. His distinct blend of folk and hip-hop influences has resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling his career to new heights. Hits like “Outnumbered” and “Power Over Me” have solidified his place in the music industry. His debut album, “Without Fear”, released in 2019, marked a significant milestone, followed by his introspective second album, “Sonder”, in 2022.

Notably, Joseph earned a Brit Awards nomination for his impactful contributions to music. Kennedy continues to evolve his sound, resonating with audiences globally through his emotive lyrics and powerful performances, making him one of the most famous Irish singers.