25 Irish Wedding Songs from Meaningful to Modern

Whether you’re planning an Irish wedding, or you simply want to acknowledge your heritage, incorporating an Irish wedding song or two into your big day is a beautiful way to celebrate your connection to Ireland.

It doesn't matter whether you want a moving, traditional ballad, or a fun and lively song to get everyone dancing and singing along, there are plenty of Irish wedding songs to choose from.

Irish wedding songs are full of emotion, history and soul - making them the perfect soundtrack for everything, from the walk down the aisle to the first dance. 

We’ve rounded up the most romantic, meaningful and popular Irish wedding songs - including Andy Cooney’s famous Irish Wedding Song - to inspire you. 

• The best Irish wedding songs
• Irish wedding songs to walk down the aisle to
• Why choose an Irish wedding song
• What to consider when choosing Irish wedding music
• Andy Cooney’s Irish Wedding Song’s best lyrics

The Best Irish Wedding Songs

These Irish wedding songs work beautifully across various parts of the day - from romantic moments like your first dance, to upbeat tunes for the reception.

• The Voyage - Christy Moore
• No Frontiers - Mary Black
• The Irish Wedding Song - Andy Cooney
• Grace - Jim McCann
• Raglan Road - Luke Kelly
• From Clare to Here - Ralph McTell
• The Rose of Tralee - Traditional
• Black is the Colour - Cara Dillon version
• Níl Sé'n Lá - Celtic Woman
• Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran (or the Steve Earle song!)
• You Raise Me Up - Westlife
• Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - The Script
• Only Time - Enya
• Runaway - The Corrs
• When You Say Nothing at All - Ronan Keating

Traditional Irish Songs to Walk Down the Aisle to

These songs are soft, melodic and deeply atmospheric - ideal for creating a romantic, meaningful entrance. 

Many are instrumental, so they won't overpower the emotion of the moment.

• She Moved Through the Fair 
• The Lark in the Clear Air 
• Planxty Irwin – Turlough O’Carolan
• Down by the Sally Gardens
• Give Me Your Hand (Tabhair Dom do Lámh) – Ruaidhrí Dall Ó Catháin 
• Si Bheag, Si Mhór – Turlough O’Carolan
• The South Wind (An Ghaoth Aneas) 
• Ag Críost an Síol
• Carrickfergus
• My Lagan Love 

All of the above can be played by a live harpist, violinist, or as pre-recorded tracks - and they’ll lend a timeless, sentimental feel to your ceremony.

Why choose an Irish wedding song?

Music is so powerful - it generates emotions, tells stories and can connect us to the past. Irish music in particular is known for its poetic lyrics and powerful melodies.

Whether you want a traditional Irish wedding song, played on a harp or fiddle, or a more modern love song by an Irish artist, you have plenty of options. 

Whether you want a beautiful instrumental piece, a classic folk song or a powerful ballad for your first dance, Irish music will have something for you. It’s a great way to honour your heritage, your homeland or your loved ones. 

How to Choose Your Irish Wedding Music

When it comes to picking the Irish wedding songs for your big day, think about the different moments you’ll need music for, and imagine how you want them to feel.

For example:

• Ceremony entrance - choose something slow and romantic like She Moved Through the Fair or Plantxy Irwin
• Signing the register - consider playing The Irish Wedding Song by Andy Cooney
• Exit music - choose something vibrant and uplifting like You Raise Me Up by Westlife
• First dance - you want something powerful, romantic and fun to dance to - an Irish pop song such as When You Say Nothing at All by Ronan Keating could work. 

Andy Cooney’s Irish Wedding Song’s Best Lyrics

For those looking for an Irish wedding song, Andy Cooney’s aptly named ‘Irish Wedding Song’ is a no brainer. It’s incredibly popular amongst couples who want to honour Irish roots, and for good reason.

The song is all about love and tradition, and it has an emotional, timeless feel to it, making it perfect for a range of different wedding moments. 

It’s a great idea to include the lyrics of your wedding music in your stationery - it ties everything in so nicely. The best lyrics from the Irish Wedding Song by Andy Cooney are:

Here they stand, hand in hand / They’ve exchanged wedding bands

This simple and romantic lyric is perfect for weddings - especially an Irish wedding!

Choosing an Irish wedding song is more than just picking music - it’s about weaving your heritage, your story, and your culture into your celebration. 

Whether you go for a traditional tune passed down through generations, or a modern Irish ballad full of feeling, these songs will help make your day even more meaningful.

Why not browse our favourite wedding venues in Northern Ireland for more wedding inspiration and ideas?