Irish Funeral Songs:
Traditional Irish Memorial Music
Irish families don't just mourn—they send people off properly. The wake with its music and whiskey, the songs that make you cry and laugh in the same hour, the insistence that grief and celebration belong together. If you're planning an Irish funeral, you're not just picking songs—you're honoring a tradition.
What Makes Irish Funerals Different
At an Irish funeral, "Danny Boy" will probably make everyone cry, and then someone will tell a story that makes everyone laugh, and both feel like the right thing. The wake isn't a somber viewing—it's a gathering with food, drink, and music where people actually talk about the person who died.
"The Parting Glass" closes out more Irish wakes than any other song. It's a goodbye that acknowledges you've had enough (literally and figuratively) and it's time to go. "Danny Boy" is the big emotional one—a parent singing to a child leaving for war or emigration, not knowing if they'll meet again. These songs stuck around because they do what Irish culture does best: name the hard stuff directly while somehow making it bearable.
Traditional Irish Funeral Songs
Most Irish families will expect at least one or two of these. "Danny Boy" and "The Parting Glass" are practically mandatory. The others depend on your family's particular traditions and the person being honored.
Caledonia
Dougie MacLean
Scotland's unofficial national anthem — a song of homesickness where 'home' becomes a metaphor for the afterlife.
Why it's meaningful: For a Scot dying anywhere in the world, the lyric about being called home is the most powerful sentiment available. Death reframed as homecoming.
Best moment: Main tribute moment or recessional. The Dougie MacLean original is tender; the Paolo Nutini cover is soulful.
Jealous of the Angels
Donna Taggart
An Irish singer's poignant ballad about being jealous of heaven for taking someone too soon.
Why it's meaningful: Honestly expresses the envy we feel toward heaven for taking our loved ones.
Best moment: Particularly moving with its Celtic arrangement and heartfelt delivery.
The Parting Glass
Traditional Irish/Scottish Folk
Traditional Scottish and Irish farewell song, often sung at the end of gatherings as a final toast.
Why it's meaningful: The tradition of raising a final glass to the departed creates a communal ritual of remembrance and farewell.
Best moment: Perfect for Irish/Scottish funerals or as a closing song for gatherings.
Loch Lomond
Traditional Scottish
Traditional Scottish ballad about two Jacobite soldiers — one to be executed, whose spirit will travel the 'low road' home before his living companion.
Why it's meaningful: The hidden meaning — the soul returning to Scotland via the fairy path — makes it a profound choice for a Scot's funeral, especially one who died far from home.
Best moment: Processional or reflection, especially for those with Scottish heritage or who died abroad.
Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns
Robert Burns' masterpiece about remembering old friendships and shared journeys. Played as a slow air at funerals rather than the New Year tempo.
Why it's meaningful: Asserts that death does not break the bond of acquaintance — the 'cup of kindness' is a pledge of eternal memory.
Best moment: End of service or committal. Must be played slowly to allow the poignancy of the lyrics to surface.
Highland Cathedral
Traditional Bagpipe
A majestic modern bagpipe composition that has become a de facto Scottish anthem. Regal, uplifting, and powerful.
Why it's meaningful: Its stately grandeur makes it perfect for honouring someone of great dignity. It frames the funeral as a coronation rather than a dirge.
Best moment: Entry of the coffin or processional. Excellent indoors if played on Scottish smallpipes.
Skye Boat Song
Traditional Scottish
Gentle waltz-time melody evoking the Jacobite journey — a safe passage 'over the sea' to another shore.
Why it's meaningful: The lullaby quality and imagery of a safe sea crossing makes it profoundly comforting, implying passage to the afterlife.
Best moment: Recessional or final farewell, especially for older generations or children.
The Greatest Flame
Runrig
Runrig's anthem about enduring love — a light that cannot be extinguished by death.
Why it's meaningful: The #1 choice for Runrig fans. Speaks of a flame that persists beyond death, bridging Gaelic folk and stadium rock.
Best moment: Main tribute or recessional for those who loved the Highlands and Scottish rock.
Danny Boy
Traditional Irish
An Irish ballad of farewell that has become a funeral standard.
Why it's meaningful: The haunting melody and words of parting resonate across cultures.
Best moment: Especially meaningful for those of Irish heritage.
Red Is the Rose
Traditional Irish Folk
Traditional Irish love song with tender melody about enduring love and the pain of separation.
Why it's meaningful: The simple beauty of this Irish folk song honors deep romantic love while acknowledging the heartbreak of parting.
Best moment: Beautiful for spouses or honoring Irish heritage with romantic themes.
The Dark Island
Traditional Scottish
A haunting air associated with the Hebrides. Less familiar than Amazing Grace but deeply, authentically Scottish.
Why it's meaningful: Evokes the Scottish landscape — mist, mountains, and sea. A sophisticated alternative to Amazing Grace for those wanting authentic heritage.
Best moment: Graveside lament or quiet reflection moment.
Mist Covered Mountains
Traditional Gaelic
Chi Mi Na Morbheanna — a Gaelic song of longing for the mountains of home. Ideal for the final departure.
Why it's meaningful: Captures the ache of separation from home and loved ones. For Highlanders or those who loved the Scottish landscape.
Best moment: Final moment as curtains close or coffin is carried out.
Griogal Cridhe
Traditional Gaelic
A 1570 lullaby/lament by Marion Campbell after her husband's execution — sung to their orphaned child.
Why it's meaningful: The oldest type of sorrow — raw, protective, and fierce. Extremely powerful for the funeral of a father or an untimely death.
Best moment: Quiet, intimate moment. The Gaelic carries emotional weight even without translation.
Fear a' Bhata (The Boatman)
Traditional Gaelic
18th-century Gaelic song of longing — watching the sea, waiting for a reunion. The rocking melody evokes the waves.
Why it's meaningful: In a funeral context, the waiting transforms into hope for reunion in the afterlife. Speaks to the island experience of loss.
Best moment: Reflection moment, especially for those connected to the sea or Scottish islands.
Traditional Irish Funeral Instruments
Uilleann Pipes
Irish bagpipes with softer, sweeter sound than Scottish Highland pipes. Played sitting down with bellows. Considered the most authentic Irish funeral instrument.
Best for: Processionals, traditional Irish funerals, honoring heritage
Tin Whistle
Simple metal flute with haunting, pure tone. Can play both mournful slow airs and lively jigs. Accessible and deeply traditional.
Best for: Any funeral moment, wakes, intimate gatherings
Celtic Harp
Traditional Irish harp (smaller than concert harp) with ethereal, angelic sound. Symbol of Ireland itself. Creates peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
Best for: Reflection, meditation, celebrating Irish heritage
Fiddle & Bodhrán
Irish fiddle plays both slow laments and lively dance tunes. Bodhrán (Irish drum) adds rhythmic heartbeat to traditional music, especially at wakes.
Best for: Wakes, celebration of life, traditional Irish music lovers
Common Questions
What are the most popular Irish funeral songs?
The most popular Irish funeral songs include "Danny Boy," "The Parting Glass," "May the Road Rise to Meet You," "The Fields of Athenry," "On Raglan Road," and "Mo Ghile Mear." These traditional Irish songs combine beautiful melodies with themes of farewell, journey, and blessing that resonate deeply at Irish funerals and wakes.
What is the difference between Irish and Celtic funeral music?
Irish music is specifically from Ireland (songs like "Danny Boy," "The Parting Glass") while Celtic encompasses Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Breton traditions. Irish funeral music often features specific cultural elements like tin whistles, uilleann pipes, bodhrán drums, and Gaelic language. Celtic funeral music is broader, including Scottish bagpipes and other regional variations. Irish funerals also have unique traditions like wakes with music and storytelling.
Should Irish funeral songs be sung or instrumental?
Both work beautifully! Traditional Irish funerals often feature congregational singing of beloved songs like "The Parting Glass" or "Danny Boy." Instrumental versions on tin whistle, harp, uilleann pipes, or fiddle create atmospheric beauty. Many families combine both - instrumental for processionals, vocal for participation. Irish wakes traditionally feature group singing and music-making as part of the celebration and mourning process.
Are bagpipes appropriate for Irish funerals?
While often associated with Irish funerals in American culture, bagpipes are actually more Scottish than Irish. Authentic Irish funerals traditionally use uilleann pipes (quieter, sweeter-sounding Irish pipes), tin whistle, fiddle, or harp. However, if the deceased or family has Scottish heritage or simply loves bagpipes, they are certainly appropriate. Many Irish-American funerals do incorporate Highland bagpipes.
What are Irish wake traditions and music?
Traditional Irish wakes are social gatherings before funerals featuring storytelling, music, food, and drink to celebrate the deceased's life. Music at wakes includes both sad farewell songs and lively tunes celebrating life. "The Parting Glass" is the quintessential wake closing song. Wakes create space for community mourning through music, laughter, and shared memories. Modern Irish and Irish-American families often incorporate some wake elements into funeral receptions.
Can non-Irish families use Irish funeral music?
Yes! Irish funeral music's universal themes of farewell, journey, and blessing resonate across cultures. "Danny Boy," "The Parting Glass," and other Irish songs are beloved worldwide for their beautiful melodies and emotional depth. If Irish music moves you or honors the deceased's musical preferences, it's entirely appropriate regardless of heritage. Irish music's emphasis on community, storytelling, and emotional honesty appeals universally.
What are traditional Irish funeral blessings?
Irish funeral blessings combine music and spoken word. "May the Road Rise to Meet You" is the most famous blessing, often sung. Other traditional blessings include "Deep Peace," "May you be in Heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead," and various Gaelic blessings. These blend Catholic faith with ancient Irish spirituality, offering both religious comfort and cultural connection.
Should Irish funeral songs be in Gaelic or English?
Both languages work beautifully and can be mixed. Traditional songs like "Mo Ghile Mear" or "The Foggy Dew" sung in Gaelic honor linguistic heritage and create powerful atmosphere, even if attendees don't speak Irish. English versions or English songs in Irish tradition ("Danny Boy," "The Parting Glass") ensure everyone can connect with the lyrics. Many families use Gaelic for one special song and English for others.
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Sarah Mitchell
Funeral Music CuratorFormer church music director with 15 years of experience helping families choose meaningful funeral music. Created YourFuneralSongs after losing her mother in 2019.