Top 5 Irish Drinking Songs

Here in Dublin, it is day 3 of the St. Patrick's Day festival. It began on Friday with the "Greening of the City," where green lights are cast on all of the downtown buildings, and was followed by music and food yesterday - complete with the added bonus of Ireland winning the 6 Nations rugby cup - continuing today, with the festival culminating in the gargantuan parade down Parnell and O'Connell street tomorrow. The streets will be rammed with people from all over the world who come here to celebrate an authentic St. Paddy's Day, where it is a national holiday on par with Christmas and Easter.





No one is surprised by how packed the pubs are here - I've spent St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, Dallas, and Vancouver, and even there the bars are crammed with festive celebrations, though you can assume that many of the party-goers don't have any Irish heritage. Here in Dublin, however, the spirit of the holiday is ramped up to 11 - the authenticity comes from the pride that the native Irish feel, a hard-won nationalism that permeates the jovial singing voices in the city this weekend.

With the help of some new Irish friends, I've compiled the top 5 most musically notable Irish drinking songs, listed in no particular order (mostly because no one could agree which one was the best):

5."Whiskey In the Jar," by The Dubliners: This catchy tune will get stuck in your head for HOURS. It is nothing like Metallica's "Whiskey In the Jar," which is probably a good thing.

4. "The Irish Rover," by The Pogues with The Dubliners: I'm not sure you get any more Irish than this song. This just sounds like pub down the street - on open mic Friday. Or when Ireland wins a rugby match. Or when everyone is feeling musical.

3. "Beer, Beer, Beer," by the Clancy Brothers: Even people who have zero Irish heritage know this song. It's hilarious and perfect, and perfect for all of the Guinness lovers out there! (Side note: the Guinness Storehouse is here in Dublin, and I can't wait to go!)

2. "Whiskey On A Sunday," by the Irish Rovers: I think it's impossible to be unhappy while listening to this song. This is my favourite - but I get less of a vote because I'm "a yankee." Whatever, it's still a fantastic song!

1. "Home Boys Home," by Luke Kelly: I love that this is more of a crowd participation song - nothing gets the spirits up (and the spirits in your glass) more than group singing. It's simple, it's fun, and it's a sing-a-long. What more could you possibly want?

Tomorrow we venture out into the masses to try and catch a glimpse of the parade and maybe grab a pint before heading back home. I can't wait to take pictures of the festivities and post them all over Facebook like that obnoxious friend who wont stop posting pictures of their beach vacation in January.

Happy St. Paddy's Day, everyone, and please imbibe your alcohol safely!