Traditional Irish music was once simply the popular music of the Irish people. During the 20th century, new styles of music became more popular. In the 1960s, the word 'traditional' started to be used to describe the older styles of Irish music.
The -Four Star Trio-
Courtesy Terry Moylan
Courtesy Terry Moylan
Some of the earliest Irish music pieces are for the harp. These date to the 16th century. However, most of the traditional Irish music was created in the last three hundred years.
From one generation to the next
Photograph of Pat Cash and his son with Johnny Doran
Courtesy NPU ArchiveFrom one generation to the next
Courtesy NPU Archive
Courtesy NPU Archive
From one generation to the next
Photograph of Pat Cash and his son with Johnny Doran
Courtesy NPU Archive
The music was passed on from one generation to the next. Adults taught it to children and it was not usually written down. Edward Bunting was the first person to write down harp music as it was played at the Belfast Harper's Meeting in 1792.
A lot of traditional Irish music has roots in European music. For example, the dance tune of the reel originally came from Scotland. Other European music such as polkas, waltzes and mazurkas also became part of the traditional Irish music style.
Today, Irish music is very popular around the world.