The Greatest Irish Artists

Nora Geoghegan

Staff Writer

With St. Patrick’s Day being so recent, let’s discuss some of the best Irish artists on the  music scene at the moment!

CMAT: Ciara Mary- Alice Thompson, professionally known as CMAT is an artist from Dunboyne in the Republic of Ireland. CMAT makes self-described “Euro-Country” music which is  a combination of indiepop and country. Her lyrics contain a blend of theatrical, humorous storytelling, and dramatic elements. Additionally, CMAT tends to sing about personal  experiences and performs with high-energy akin to Kate Bush.

Hozier: Andrew Hozier Byrne, or simply Hozier hails from Bray in the Republic of Ireland.  Hozier’s music contains elements of rock, blues, folk, and indie. His songs focus on a multitude  of topics ranging from religion, nature, politics, and literature. Hozier writes with a distinct poetic perspective that evokes poignant imagery within the listener. His live performances have an  ethereal setting around him and a strong sense of community binding everyone together.

Fontaines D.C: Fontaines D.C is a rock band that originates from Dublin city, hence the  D.C in their name. Their music focuses on themes of Irish identity as well as romance and  existential meaning. Their early work such as Dogrel (2019) and Skinty Fia (2022) focuses on the  band’s Dublin identity. Their more recent work such as Romance (2024) shifts to a romantic  theme as well as themes of finding one’s place in the world. Even though there is a distinct shift  from Irish identity, the band takes references from Irish writers such as James Joyce and W.B  Yeats.

Amble: Amble is an Irish folk band from the west coast of Ireland. Amble is the most  recently formed band, as they formed in 2022. The band focuses on themes of storytelling,  yearning, nostalgia, and Irish life. Amble opened for Hozier for his Unreal Unearth tour last year!

Ireland truly is the home to some of the most prolific artists of the moment!