5 Irish Christmas Songs to Listen to

By Melissa Ward

Miss Fogarty's Christmas Cake
composed by Frank Charles Horn, Pennsylvania; published in 1883 by W.F. Shaw, Boston.

This Christmas tune comes from 19th Century Irish humor and has been recorded by various Irish Folk musicians such as The McNulty Family and Mick Moloney.

Christmas in Killarney
written by Irish Americans John Redmond, James Cavanaugh and Frank Weldon in 1950.

The song became popular on American radio in 1954 when singer Dennis Day (of Irish descent) recorded it. Dozens of others have put their spin on the tune, including Bing Crosby.

Bells Over Belfast
written by Northern Irish/Canadian Singer-Songwriter George Millar (Co-Founder of the Irish Rovers) in 1999.

A Daisy in December
composed by Winifred Horan in 2006.

Winifred Horan, Co-Founder of the internationally acclaimed Irish-American band Solas, released a duo album Serenade with Mick McAuley (accordionist), featuring this original tune. She performed it live in 2012 on Brian O'Donovan's live concert radio program, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, based in Boston.

The Wexford Carol
12th Century

An Irish Christmas Carol, this tune dates back to the 12th century and is considered the oldest Irish carol on record. It is also known as "Enniscorthy Carol" and "Carul Loch Garman" which is the Gaelic translation.