Famous Irish Lyricists & Songwriters

Vote for Your Favourite Irish Lyricists & Songwriters

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 
Bono
(Lead Vocalist and Primary Lyricist of The Rock Band 'U2')
Bono
8
Birthdate: May 10, 1960
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
U2 frontman Bono he has earned more than 20 Grammys and has been named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with the band. An avid philanthropist, he has also been associated with projects such as the ONE Campaign and Product Red, to aid countries such as Africa.
 2 
Niall Horan
(Irish Singer-Songwriter - A Member of the English-Irish Boy Band 'One Direction')
Niall Horan
6
Birthdate: September 13, 1993
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Mullingar, Ireland
Niall Horan performed as part of the boyband One Direction, formed on The X Factor, till it went on a hiatus. He then launched his solo career with the album Flicker and hits such as This Town. He has marched for the BLM movement and has supported UNICEF's Soccer Aid.
 3 
Sinead O’Connor
(Irish Singer & Songwriter)
Sinead O’Connor
4
Birthdate: December 8, 1966
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Glenageary, Ireland
Died: July 26, 2023

Sinead O’Connor is an Irish singer and songwriter known for her controversial statements as much as for her work as a musician. Apart from releasing solo albums and singles, she has also collaborated with other artists and recorded songs for films. She often makes headlines for expressing views on subjects, such as women's rights, child abuse, sexuality, and organized religion.

Recommended Lists:
 4 
Hozier
(Irish Singer-Songwriter)
Hozier
4
Birthdate: March 17, 1990
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bray, Ireland
Irish blues/rock singer Hozier is best known for his track Take Me to Church, which became a Billboard Hot 100-charter and rocked the charts of several other countries apart from Ireland, such as Belgium and Canada. His songs exhibit religious imagery. He was previously part of the choral group Anúna.
 5 
Bob Geldof
(Lead Singer of The Irish Rock Band 'The Boomtown Rats')
Bob Geldof
4
Birthdate: October 5, 1951
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dún Laoghaire, Ireland
Irish singer Bob Geldof gained fame as part of the rock band Boomtown Rats, which delivered hits such as Rat Trap. He formed the charity supergroup Band Aid and organized concerts to eradicate poverty in Africa. He also appeared as Pink in the movie Pink Floyd – The Wall.
 6 
Phil Lynott
(Lead Vocalist of the Irish Hard Rock Band 'Thin Lizzy')
Phil Lynott
4
Birthdate: August 20, 1949
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England
Died: January 4, 1986
Phil Lynott was the frontman of the rock band Thin Lizzy, which delivered hits such as Whiskey in the Jar and Jailbreak. After the group disbanded, Phil had a successful solo career, published two poetry books, and led the band Grand Slam. He struggled with heroin addiction throughout his life.
 7 
Dolores O’Riordan
(Best Known as the Lead Singer of Alternative-Rock Band 'The Cranberries')
Dolores O’Riordan
5
Birthdate: September 6, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: County Limerick, Ireland

One of the best-known faces of Irish alternative rock, Dolores O’Riordan headed the band The Cranberries. Known for her international chartbusters such as Zombie, she later slipped into depression and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She died of accidental drowning due to intoxication at age 46 and was posthumously nominated for a Grammy.

 8 
Shane MacGowan
(Lead Singer and Songwriter of Celtic Punk Band 'The Pogues')
Shane MacGowan
4
Birthdate: December 25, 1957
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Pembury, Kent, England
Died: November 30, 2023

Shane MacGowan is an Irish-English recording artist and vocalist. He is credited with co-founding popular bands, such as The Pogues and Shane MacGowan and the Popes. He is also known for his collaboration with artists like Sinéad O'Connor, Kirsty MacColl, and Nick Cave. In 2018, he was honored with the Ivor Novello Inspiration Award for creating inspiring music. 

 9 
The Edge
(Lead Guitarist and Keyboardist of the Rock Band 'U2')
The Edge
3
Birthdate: August 8, 1961
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Barking, London, England

David Howell Evans, better known as The Edge, is a musician and songwriter. He first gained fame as the keyboardist, lead guitarist, and backing vocalist of the rock band U2. He is known for his signature style of guitar playing. Besides music, he is an advocate for human rights and is involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors. 

 10 
Brian McFadden
(Original Member of the Boy Band 'Westlife' From 1998-2004)
Brian McFadden
3
Birthdate: April 12, 1980
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Artane, Dublin, Ireland

Once the face of Irish boy band Westlife, Brian McFadden later went solo. Starting his career with live pop-RnB gigs in Dublin clubs, he later mastered soft rock, too. He was a judge on Australia's Got Talent and also participated in shows such as Dancing on Ice and The Jump.

 11 
Siobhan Fahey
3
Birthdate: September 10, 1958
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland

Irish singer and musician Siobhan Fahey is best known as a founding member of the British/Irish girl group Bananarama. As part of the group, she delivered several top 10 hits. Later, she formed the musical act, Shakespears Sister, which went on to win an Ivor Novello Award. In her 60s now, she continues to be active in the music scene.

 12 
Stephen Gately
(Irish Singer-Songwriter & Co-Lead Singer of the Pop Group 'Boyzone')
Stephen Gately
3
Birthdate: March 17, 1976
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Died: October 10, 2009

Irish singer Stephen Gately, who soared to fame in the 1990s with the globally popular band Boyzone, was born to working-class parents in Dublin. He later revealed he was gay, when a friend black-mailed he would reveal Gately’s sexuality. He died of a heart condition at age 33.

 13 
Andrea Corr
(Singer-songwriter)
Andrea Corr
3
Birthdate: May 17, 1974
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Dundalk, Ireland

Andrea Corr is an Irish singer, musician, songwriter, actress, and author. She is part of the popular Celtic pop-rock and folk-rock group The Corrs, where she plays the ukulele, piano, and tin whistle apart from being the lead singer. Also a humanitarian, Andrea Corr takes part in several charitable activities to raise money for various causes.

 14 
Dermot Kennedy
(Singer-songwriter)
Dermot Kennedy
3
Birthdate: December 13, 1991
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland

Best known for his chartbusting singles such as Lost and Outnumbered, Irish singer Dermot Kennedy started his career with open mic shows in Dublin. Starting to play the guitar at age 10, he later studied classical music. He first major album, Without Fear, topped the UK charts.

 15 
Gilbert O'Sullivan
(Singer-songwriter)
Gilbert O'Sullivan
3
Birthdate: December 1, 1946
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Waterford, Ireland
 16 
Danny O Donoghue
3
Birthdate: October 3, 1979
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
The Script frontman Danny O Donoghue shocked his fans when revealed his struggle with the blood disorder Wilson’s disease and how he needs to pop pills daily to survive. The Irish singer is also a fan of Muay Thai, a martial art that has helped him overcome his depression.
 17 
Roisin Murphy
(Singer-songwriter)
Roisin Murphy
3
Birthdate: July 5, 1973
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Arklow, Ireland
 18 
Una Healy
(Pop Singer Best Known as a Member of Five-Piece Girl Group 'The Saturdays')
Una Healy
3
Birthdate: October 10, 1981
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: County Tipperary, Ireland

Una Healy initially rose to fame as part of the 5-member girl group The Saturdays. The Irish singer is the niece of country music star Declan Nerney. A talented swimmer, she gave up the sport at 13 to switch to music. She has also scored solo hits such as Stay My Love.  

 19 
Damien Rice
(Irish Multi-Instrumentalist and Singer-Songwriter)
Damien Rice
3
Birthdate: December 7, 1973
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Celbridge, Ireland
 20 
Imelda May
(Singer Known for Her Musical Style of Rockabilly Revival)
Imelda May
3
Birthdate: July 10, 1974
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland

Irish singer Imelda May, who has released chart-topping albums such as Love Tattoo, is also a talented multi-instrumentalist, well-versed in a wide range of instruments such as the guitar, the bodhrán, the tambourine. She also became a published poet with her volume A Lick and a Promise.

 21 
Kian Egan
(Irish Pop Singer Who Rose to Fame as a Member of the Boy Band 'Westlife')
Kian Egan
3
Birthdate: April 29, 1980
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Sligo, Ireland

Irish pop singer Kian Egan soared to fame as a member of the boy band Westlife. A skilled pianist, he is well-versed in other instruments, too. He has also coached contestants on The Voice of Ireland and was a regular presenter on This Morning's Hub. He is married to actor/singer Jodi Albert.

 22 
Nicky Byrne
(Irish Singer-Songwriter and Television Presenter Best Known for Being a Member of the Pop Group 'Westlife')
Nicky Byrne
3
Birthdate: October 9, 1978
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland

Once part of the popular Irish boy band Westlife, Nicky Byrne was initially a professional football player who was part of the Republic of Ireland junior team and the FA Youth Cup-winning team of Leeds United. He later also participated in shows such as Strictly Come Dancing.

 23 
Daniel O'Donnell
(Singer)
Daniel O'Donnell
3
Birthdate: December 12, 1961
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kincasslagh, Ireland
 24 
Sharon Corr
(Singer)
Sharon Corr
3
Birthdate: March 24, 1970
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Dundalk, Ireland

Best known as part of the Irish family band The Corrs, singer Sharon Corr is equally talented in instruments such as the violin and the guitar. Born to musician parents, she began playing for orchestras as a child. She opened up about her social anxiety disorder through her solo album.

 25 
Lisa Hannigan
(Irish Folk Pop and Indie Singer and Voice Actor)
Lisa Hannigan
3
Birthdate: February 12, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Kilcloon, County Meath, Ireland
 26 
Christy Moore
(Irish Folk Singer and Guitarist )
Christy Moore
2
Birthdate: May 7, 1945
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Newbridge
 27 
Janet Devlin
(Singer)
Janet Devlin
2
Birthdate: November 12, 1994
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Gortin, Northern Ireland
 28 
Keith Duffy
(Pop Rock Singer, Drummer and Actor Best Known as the Former Member of the Irish Boy Band 'Boyzone’)
Keith Duffy
2
Birthdate: October 1, 1974
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Donaghmede, Dublin, Ireland

Keith Duffy is an Irish singer-songwriter, drummer, television and radio presenter, and actor. He is best known for his association with the now-defunct Irish boy band, Boyzone. Apart from being a celebrity, Keith Duffy has also been an awareness campaigner for autism. He also organizes fundraising events to benefit a charity organization called Irish Autism Action.

 29 
Chloe Agnew
(Singer)
Chloe Agnew
2
Birthdate: June 9, 1989
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Knocklyon, County Dublin, Ireland
 30 
Eden
(Singer, Songwriter, Record producer)
Eden
1
Birthdate: December 23, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
 31 
Moya Brennan
(Singer)
Moya Brennan
2
Birthdate: August 4, 1952
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
 32 
Edele Lynch
(Singer-songwriter)
Edele Lynch
2
Birthdate: December 15, 1979
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland

Once the face of the Irish pop group B*Witched, Edele Lynch also won Celebrity Apprentice Ireland in 2013. She reportedly lost all her investments in property and disappeared during the Celtic Tiger recession. She now lives in Manchester with her 3 children that she had with her former husband.

 33 
Dave King
(Irish Musician and Singer-Songwriter)
Dave King
2
Birthdate: December 11, 1961
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Limerick, Ireland
 34 
Noel Hogan
(Irish Record Producer and Musician)
Noel Hogan
3
Birthdate: December 25, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Moyross, Limerick, Ireland
 35 
Ryan O'Shaughnessy
(Singer-songwriter)
Ryan O'Shaughnessy
2
Birthdate: September 27, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Skerries, Ireland
 36 
Rea Garvey
(Irish Guitarist and Singer-Songwriter)
Rea Garvey
2
Birthdate: May 3, 1973
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
 37 
Michael Graham
(Actor)
Michael Graham
2
Birthdate: August 15, 1972
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Raheny, Dublin, Ireland
 38 
Keavy Lynch
(Singer)
Keavy Lynch
2
Birthdate: December 15, 1979
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
 39 
Howard Leese
(American Guitarist, Musical Director, and Record Producer)
Howard Leese
2
Birthdate: June 13, 1951
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States
 40 
Rejjie Snow
(Rapper and songwriter)
Rejjie Snow
0
Birthdate: June 27, 1993
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
 41 
Méav Ní Mhaolchatha
(Singer)
Méav Ní Mhaolchatha
2
Birthdate: January 26, 1975
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Donnybrook, Ireland
 42 
Éabha McMahon
(Singer)
Éabha McMahon
2
Birthdate: December 9, 1990
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
 43 
Gavin James
(Singer-songwriter)
Gavin James
2
Birthdate: July 5, 1991
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
 44 
Gavin Friday
(Singer-songwriter)
Gavin Friday
2
Birthdate: October 8, 1959
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 45 
Damien Dempsey
(Irish Folk Singer and Songwriter)
Damien Dempsey
2
Birthdate: July 9, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Donaghmede, Dublin, Ireland
 46 
Dominic Behan
(Writer)
Dominic Behan
1
Birthdate: October 22, 1928
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Died: August 3, 1989
 47 
Dónal Lunny
(Musician)
Dónal Lunny
1
Birthdate: March 10, 1947
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tullamore, Ireland
 48 
Lisa Lambe
(Irish Singer, Actress and Songwriter)
Lisa Lambe
2
Birthdate: August 1, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
 49 
Órla Fallon
(Singer)
Órla Fallon
2
Birthdate: August 24, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Knockananna, Ireland
 50 
Bernie Tormé
(Irish Singer, Songwriter, Rock Guitarist, and Recording Studio Owner)
Bernie Tormé
2
Birthdate: March 18, 1952
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Ranelagh, Dublin, Ireland
Died: March 17, 2019