I just downloaded a free app of Irish toasts from the Stout Pounders.  For some strange reason, I have the absolute worst memory when it comes to remembering toasts.  So I’m geeking out with this app.

I can imagine it now.  I’m standing on stage during my shows at Shamrockin’ in Five Points.  I raise my Guinness high and shout, “A TOAST!”  I shake my app.  Reading it, I shout above the raised pints, “We think of all the friends we know and drink to all worth drinking to”.  Then I’m back playing more of the best Irish drinking songs!

Free Irish Music

That’s what today’s article is all about.  Six years ago, I started an annual column for the Celtic Music Magazine–”17 free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick’s Day”.  Through it I share 17 Irish songs and tunes that you can download for free for St. Patrick’s Day.  I like to think of it as a special gift from the Celtic musicians of the world to you for celebrating this great day.

This is a highlight with my readers every year.  You get some great free Irish music.  With any luck these bands gain a few new fans.  So download the music.  Listen to it.  Enjoy.  Tell your friends to download the album too.  It’s all free and legal.  Our gift to you.

Please share!

How to Download Your Free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick’s Day

The music is all easily compiled into one large ZIP file.  To download, right-click the link below.  “Save as” to the folder you choose.  Then unzip the file.

Download: 17 Free St Patrick’s Day MP3s for 2012 (ZIP file, 91.1 MB)

Listen to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast St Patrick’s Day music specials for more great St. Patrick’s Day music.

If you enjoy the music, please show your support of the bands you enjoy.  See their shows.  Buy their CDs and swag.  You can also download music from all of these artists from Amazon, iTunes or CD Baby.

20 Great Celtic Bands Featured in This Year’s Free St Patrick’s Day MP3s

Yes.  I tricked you.  I’m sharing TWENTY MP3s this year instead of 17.  Click the band name to find out more about the artists.  Click the album name to buy from CD Baby.  Enjoy!

“Limpin Gobbler/Crippled Turkey” by Sean Orr
from Celtic Texas

“Where’s Pete?” by Burning Bridget Cleary
from Totes for Goats

“Cardiff Rose” by Rambling Sailors
from Ports of Call

“The Durty Konway/Hogans Hill” by Jameson’s Revenge
from While yer Up

“The Rocky Road to Dublin” by Jesse Ferguson
from The Parting Glass

“Whiskey in the Jar” by Tuatha Dea
from Tuatha Dea

“Flogging The Dolphin/The Succulent Maiden/Ye Bastards March” by Stout Pounders
from 3 Drinks Minimum

“A Drop of Nelson’s Blood” by Marc Gunn
from Songs of the Sea EP

“Flying To The Fleadh” by Leah Jorgenson
from Peace – Love – Harp

“St Patrick’s Day Anthem” by Danny O’Flaherty and Noel Nash
from St. Patrick’s Day Anthem

“Red Haired Boy/Kitchen Girl” by NeidFyre
from Anatidaephobia

“Pat and Bridget” by The Makem and Spain Brothers
from Up the Stairs

“Merry Sisters Set” by Vintage Wildflowers
from Lovely Madness

“Over Here Over There” by Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones
from On The One Road

“Happy Are the Dead” by Sons of Malarkey
from Sons of Malarkey

“Pass the Tankard, Wench” by Sylvia Platypus
from Sylvia Platypus

“Drill Ye Tarriers, Drill” by Trip McCool
from The Traveler

“Winnipeg Forger” by The Rogues
from 3 LBS. OF RAGE

“Six o’ Clock Swill” by Murder the Stout
from Murder the Stout EP

“Wild Mountain Thyme” by Abby Green
from Fig for a Kiss

 Marc Gunn “The Celtfather” is an award-winning acoustic Celtic folk musician.  He riotously combines Irish drinking songs and Sci Fi fanaticism into a satirical jam session between Weird Al and The Clancy Brothers.  It’s Celtic music, the Traditional and the Twisted.  Gunn hosts the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, the most-popular Celtic podcast online.  He also Chief Editor of the Celtic Music Magazine.  Find out more at www.celticmp3s.com.

That said I bet you, like me, realize that St. Patrick’s Day is more than just green beer and drunkenness. The song “St. Patrick Never Drank” may not be historically accurate, but it reflects our understanding that St. Patrick’s Day is more about the celebration of our Celtic culture than of debauchery. One of the chief points that I like to celebrate is the music.

So once again, I am pleased to share with you our annual article highlighting seventeen great Celtic MP3s that you can download for free from seventeen amazing Celtic music artists.

I invite you to download a zip file featuring MP3s from all of these great Celtic Bands below. You are welcome to burn the MP3s to a CD or drop them in your MP3 player. Just enjoy them. As always, these Celtic artists share their music with the hope that you will become a fan and buy a Celtic CD. So if you find something you love, support the artist by buying an album.

Download “17 Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick’s Day” (86.9 MB)

To download, right-click the link and “save as” to the folder you choose. Then unzip the file.  (p.s. these MP3s will only be up for a month, so download them soon)

Listen to all of the songs in a podcast with the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #102 – St. Patrick’s Day Music.

17 Free St Patrick’s Day Songs

“The Reel Riot Session” by In Search of a Rose
from Kind of Green

“Siege of Ennis” by Dun Aengus
from Fortified

“Óró Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile” by The Canny Brothers Band
from One Drop of Whiskey

“Follow Me Home” by Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer
from Gleowein

“Beer, Beer, Beer” by Marc Gunn
from Kilted For Her Pleasure

“O’Carolan’s Welcome” by Alizbar & Ann’ Sannat
from Welcome into the Morning

“Donald MacGillavry” by Jasper Coal
from 1000 Feet Closer to Hell

“The Broom o’ the Cowdeknowes” by Jim Brannigan
from Jim Brannigan’s Favourites

“Is Trua Gan Peata” by Abby Green
from Fig For a Kiss

“Brian Montague’s/The Noisey Curlew/The Drake’s Neck/Free and Easy” by Three Mile Stone
from Three Mile Stone

“Various Verses” by John Byrne Band
from After the Wake

“Sister Selkie” by Pandora Celtica
from Out of the Box

“Men of Worth” by Nine-8ths Irish
from Out on the Ocean

“Devil’s in the Kitchen” by Prydein
from Heads Up

“Fanny Poer” by Harpnotic
from Harpnotic

“John Barleycorn” by Jack Montgomery
from Everywhere I Look

“Trip to Cullenstown” by The Flying Toads
from In Stitches

Every year for St. Patrick’s Day, I compile a new list of St Patrick’s Day MP3 downloads that are 100% free and legal. Many of these artists are played regularly in the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. And ALL of these artists are generous enough to offer their music for free in the Celtic MP3s Music  Magazine.

This year’s free downloads were featured in show #79 of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You can listen to the show as a podcast, download the ZIP file, add the MP3s to your MP3 player, or burn them to a CD. It’s your choice. But it’s totally free.

STOP! Now share this great music with your friends. That’s right. You have our permission to cross-post this article on your website or blog.

I write this article every year and compile these free MP3s is to help promote independent Celtic music. If you find an artist that you really love on this compilation, go to the artist website, drop them an email to let them know you found them through the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Then buy their CD.

Download “17 Celtic Music Downloadsfor St. Patrick’s Day” (98.5 MB)

To download, right-click the link and “save as” to the folder you choose. Then unzip the file.  (p.s. these MP3s will only be up for a month, so download them soon)

17 Free Irish & Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick’s Day

“Shoot The Mink (STM Jig For Brian, Lula’s Jig, Lula’s Reel)” by Kennedy’s Kitchen
from The Hotting Fire

“A Bucket Full of Mountain Dew” by Poitin
from Jiggery Pokery

“Eamonn an Chnoic (Ned of the Hill)” by Daphne Quigley-Freund & Tom Bradfish
from Aoibhneas (Bliss)

“The Saucy Sailor” by Burning Bridget Cleary
from Everything Is Alright

“Andy Broon’s” by Brad Reid
from The Conundrum

“The Pilgrim” by Stonecircle
from Metamorphosis

“Black Velvet Band” by Marc Gunn
from The Bridge

“Sally Gardens/Frank’s Reel” by Nine-8ths Irish
from Out on the Ocean

“Raglan Road” by Luke Daniels
from Art of Trio

“Gusty’s Frolics” by The Tea Merchants
from One Lump Or Two?

“Heart of the Brave” by Maidens IV
from Celtic Fire

“Air and Jig (Fair Maid of Barra, Walking the Floor)” by Na’Bodach
from An Intelligent Design

“Ten Thousand Miles To Bedlam” by Ockham’s Razor
from Ten Thousand Miles to Bedlam

“Gladsheim” by John McGaha
from Exodus: An ElectroCelt Journey

“Pat Works On the Railway” by Paddy’s Pig
from Maple & Wire

“Down Where the Drunkards Roll” by Jiggernaut
from In Search of More

“Craigieburn Wood” by Anne Roos
from A Light in the Forest

I hope you have a brilliant St. Patrick’s Day.

Remember to share this article with your friends. Slainte!

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don’t just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

This compilation CD benefits the podcast as well as a Celtic non-profit. I’ve donated over $6,000 to Celtic non-profits around the United States. So when you buy a CD, you support both this podcast and your fellow Celts.

But please don’t stop there!

The main point of this compilation and these free MP3s is to help promote independent Celtic music. If you find an artist that you really love on this compilation, then head over to the artist website, drop them an email to let them know you found them through the CD. Then buy their CD.

While you’re at it, if you want to find out what it’s like getting an annual subscription to Song Henge, you’ll get a good idea when you download this free zip file of 17 Free St Patrick’s Day MP3s for 2009.

Download “17 Celtic Music Downloads
for St. Patrick’s Day” (64 MB)
(p.s. these MP3s will only be up for a month, so download them soon)

17 Free Irish & Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick’s Day

1. “Sweeney’s Buttermilk” by FIMM
   from Roiboos e Disappunti

2. “The Whiskey Never Lies” (Burns, ASCAP) by Sligo Rags
   from The Whiskey Never Lies

3. “The Girls Set” by Banshee in the Kitchen
   from Live at Painted Sky

4. “Star of the County Down”
   by Jed Marum with Hugh Morrison and Mason Brown
   from Sands of Aberdeen

5. “Hot Days” (Siegl/Brabec/Trad.) by Poitin
   from Hot Days

6. “Chi Mi Na Morbheanna/Sleepy Maggie” by MacTalla Mor
   from The New Colossus

7. “Almost Irish” (Halloran) by Ceann
   from Almost Irish

8. “Considine’s Grove” by Anne Roos
   from A Light in the Forest

9. “Boys Of Tandragee/Tuesday Morning/Checkered Blanket” (Trad./Lewin-Tiarks) by Athas
   from Athas

10. “Ye Jacobites By Name” (Burns) by Beth Patterson
    from Hybrid Vigor

11. “Loch Lomond” by Jesse Ferguson
    from New Old Songs

12. “The Mason’s Apron” by Rattle the Boards
    from The Parish Platform

13. “Jig Jag” by Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder
    from Zephyr in the Confetti Factory

14. “Rocks of Bawn” by Maidens IV
    from Emerald Fire

15. “Auld Triangle” (Behan) by Patrick’s Head
    from Arse Biscuits

16. “Ormond Sound/Liberty Joe’s/Broken” (O’Brien/Hurley/Trad.)
    by Pitch the Peat
    from Far From Home

17. “Wild Mountain Thyme” (McPeake) by Marc Gunn
    from Slainte!

Well, I hope you have a brilliant St. Patrick’s Day. Drink responsibly and Slainte!

And if you were ever wondering what Song Henge is like. Well, now you have a better idea. Every month, I compile MP3 submissions into one of these ZIP files and send it out to hundreds of subscribers. Oh! And remember, at the end of the month, I’m switching to an annual fee. So you still have time to take advantage of the lifetime subscription fee for under twenty dollars.

17 Free Irish & Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick’s Day

1. “Seven Drunken Nights” by Brobdingnagian Bards
   Scottish and Irish folk songs combined with the Lord of the Rings music and a wee bit o’Celtic fun. The Brobdingnagian Bards are The Original Celtic Renaissance music duo from Austin, Texas. Their unique brand of folk music on the autoharp, recorder, and mandolin has made them one of the most-popular Celtic music groups online where they give away thousands of free Celtic MP3 downloads daily. The Brobdingnagian Bards perform coast-to-coast, and in a given month might be at a Lord of the Rings Oscar Party, a Celtic festival, or a Science Fiction Conventions. However, they are an absolute favorite at Renaissance Faires where they add high-energy and wit to make every show a memorable experience.

   Buy CD: “The Holy Grail of Irish Drinking Songs“
   
   

2. “Lord of the Pounce” by Marc Gunn
   This was the fourth release off my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD. It parodies “Lord of the Dance” and tells exciting tail of how cats were there since the beginning.

   Cats. Irish music. Drinking songs. Nowhere else but from the bright imagination of Marc Gunn would those three elements be so neatly integrated. Yet Gunn, sometimes called “the hardest working man in Celtic music” around his hometown in Austin, is an accomplished musician and entrepreneur who not long ago headlined at the Oscar party for Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

   Buy CD: “Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers“

3. “The Polka Set” by Wild Clover Band
   Don’t let the fact that The Wild Clover Band is based in Nebraska throw you from the fact that they play amazing music. Their CD was an instant favorite of mine when I got it last year. That was one of the reasons I decided to include them as the first track on my newly released Victims of Irish Music compilation CD.

   Because of this fusion of styles, The Wild Clover Band advertises themselves as “Irish Music and More.” Playing in a local pub, the group began primarily as an instrumental group focusing on Irish and American fiddle tunes. They have now evolved into a group that specializes in Irish dance tunes, pub songs, and ballads and has played festivals, community concerts, pubs, and private functions throughout the state of Nebraska, as well as Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota.

   Buy CD: “Behind the Blarney“

4. “Princess Royale” by Thomas “Doc” Grauzer
   “Doc” Grauzer is a harper and storyteller in the Irish tradition. He is fascinated with the traditional harp music of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. When performing live he throws in historical background, folklore or weird stories between the tunes.

   I first met Doc performing at Mother’s Cafe in Austin where he has played three times a week for eight years! The sad tragedy is that Mother’s recently had a fire. So for the first time in eight years there is no harp music there. So please help out an amazing Irish harper. Pick up a copy of this beautiful CD.

   Buy CD: “Infernal Harp Racket“

5. “Rakes of Mallow” from Men of Thunda
   Thundaing out of Kentucky, this group takes two of the earliest instruments known to man–the drums and the bagpipes–and pays tribute to an ancient form of Celtic musical entertainment.

   What makes Men of Thunda different from military pipe bands is that Men of Thunda is strictly a band of entertainers. They do not enter in competitions. What they do, however, is strive to bring fun to their audience through their music, composed of spirited renditions of traditional Highland bagpipe melodies accompanied by tribal drumbeats.
   It is a raucous good time for anyone who loves the pipes.

6. “Elevator” from Booze Brothers
   What emerges when you mix Irish music with punk rock? Shaken or stirred, the result is The Booze Brothers. Their sound is unlike other Celtic punk bands: more traditional than Flogging Molly and more rock than the Young Dubliners. Having heard a lot of Celtic rock groups, I always look for something exceptional and different. This band fits the bill!

   Buy CD: “Elevator“

7. “Alice’s Reels ” from The Tea Merchants
   The Tea Merchants were formed a few years ago by Chris, Charlie, and Rob as a method by which to procure grocery money and a free evening tab at the bar. They are my favorite band to watch here in Austin. And this year, they were honored as the second Celtic band in Austin (after the Brobdingnagian Bards) to win an Austin Music Award. In a town touted as the Live Music Capitol of the World, that is no easy task. A BIG congrats to these brilliant musicians and for the release of their brand new CD.

   Buy CD: “One Lump Or Two?” (coming soon)

8. “Scottish Ballade” by Christiane Cargill
   I always appreciate bands who go for an “intimate” sound. When I saw that description on Christiane’s site, I had to explore further. An accomplished and agile pianist with a gift for melodies and a fluid, soulful voice, she begged to take piano and organ lessons at the tender age of 3, while her legs were still too short to reach the pedals. Later, she was classically trained only to be drawn to the music of Ireland and Scotland, with a gorgeous result.

   Buy CD: “Metamorphosis” (coming soon)

9. “The Skylark” from Culann’s Hounds
   I’m always looking for larger than life music for my magazine and podcast. Culann’s House is one of those bands. And the name is fitting to as they were named after one of the great warriors of Irish legend. They’re masters of the San Francisco Celtic scene and while they describe their style as a punk-Irish-hoedown. The music goes way beyond that with a solid traditional sound that connects with the listener like most music doesn’t.

   Buy CD: “The Year of the Dog“

10. “Bonnie Ship the Diamond” by Irish Stout
    This duo combines the Irish with piratey raucous Irish songs straight from the pub. They’re taking the internet by storm with their free podcast, called Your Weekly Irish Stout, featuring free Irish songs every week. So go out and pirate their music. This entry sponsored by the letter Rrrrrr!

    Buy CD: A Collection of Irish Pub Songs

11. “The Willows/Three Ashes” from Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer
    Since the days when Muckle Flugga tore up the charts on MP3.com, I’ve been a fan of this talented Celtic duo. Currently taking the folk world by storm, Vicki is one of the best pipers in the business, able to seamlessly veer from soulful airs to driving, up-tempo tunes to set every foot tapping, and this is all aided by Jonny’s brilliantly inventive, subtle yet strong guitar work.

    Although best-known for their instrumental skills, the duo have also added a healthy number of songs to their act, and have rightly established themselves as one of the best young duos around on the folk scene today!

    Buy CD: “Scatter Pipes“

12. “Maid on the Shore” from Ceili Moss
    Ceili Moss can be best described as “acoustic folk-rock with a Celtic-Pan-European edge that is not afraid of coloring a bit outside of the lines…” But if a band’s description doesn’t reel you in, then perhaps a personal testimony. I’ve been hearing people rave about this band for years. Sadly, it’s only now that I actually found time to listen. And wow! Beautiful arrangements. I’ll be listening to more of them in the future.

    Buy CD: “On the Shore“

13. “Madam I’m A Darlin’” by Queen’s Gambit
    Based out of Oklahoma, Queen’s Gambit not only performs in costume and in character, but also plays Celtic traditional folk music with a side of Renaissance Dance. Their style is appealing to people of all ages, and their on-site banter that flows during performances really brings their performances to life. But for me, it’s a joy to see this fun band grow musically as they have done since I first met them many long years ago.

    Buy CD: “Off the Board“

14. “Mrs. McGrath” by HOMELAND
    Since 1999, HOMELAND has been rockin’ the stage with their own style of music that is a conglomeration of new rock and old Celtic style, creating some “tricked out traditional” tunes since their origination. HOMELAND is one of those bands that will keep you on your feet, and keep your toes tappping.

    Buy CD: “We Never Got This Far Alone“

15. “Time Ticks Away” by Jigger
    Take a rowdy mandolin and guitar player who doesn’t like sleeves on any of his shirts, combine that with a singer-songwriter obsessed with the themes of time, love, boats and drinking; slot in a wailing fiddle player who can’t stay still; then add three part harmonies, a dash of larrikin humour and you get Jigger–an energetic three-piece who play spirited acoustic music. The music is lively with a hint of bluegrass and cool groove.

    Buy CD: “Time Ticks Away” EP

16. “Downtown Baghdad Blues” by Black 47
    They are a band that is best described as an unblinkingly political and thoroughly Irish form of rock ‘n roll. Their songs cover a range of topics from the Northern Ireland conflict to civil rights and unrest in contemporary New York. But what sets the band apart is that their music can be humorous, informative and always rockin’. They are by far one of my favorite Celtic bands of all time!

    Buy CD: “Elvis Murphy’s Green Suede Shoes“

17. “Ar Sorserez (La Sorciere)/Muneira” by Rowan
    Rowan’s music not only takes the listener through a spiritual journey through time, but also transcends genres. From the 17th Century English Faire to an 18th Century Jacobite uprising to the American Civil War to the 20th Century Belfast, their music calls forth what human beings share down through the ages and across borders. With a balanced mix of ballads and jigs, this band’s music reflects their roots in the deep spiritual resonance of the Celtic lands, they acknowledge, praise, and validate all folk music from all lands in all periods. It will take you on a journey through time and leave you wanting more.

    Buy CD: “Tales Through Time“

    And just because I got carried away, here’s one more bonus MP3…

18. “Lark in the Morning” by Maidens IV
    With the heartbeat of the bodhran, the spirit of the violin and viola, and the soft tunings of the guitar, Maidens IV is bringing a youthful vigor and class to Celtic and Folk sounds. These four sisters, Havilah, Heather, Abigail and Tabitha Justice have been performing classical and baroque music wih their nine siblings. With a new sound of their own, they formed Maidens IV, bringing a new sound and genre to the mix as they stoke the fire of the Celtic and Folk scene. I always loved this song and they execute it beautifully!

    Buy CD: “Four Aflame“

Well, I hope you have a brilliant St. Patrick’s Day. Drink responsibly and Slainte!

Oh! And don’t forget some of these MP3s are time sensitive. They are exclusive to this magazine for ONE MONTH ONLY!

17 Free Music Downloads for St. Patrick’s Day

1. “Jedi Drinking Song” by Brobdingnagian Bards
   Everyone loves a good drinking song, right? Well, here’s one that every Irish person or geek can get behind.

   The Brobdingnagian Bards are The Original Celtic Renaissance. They combine traditional Irish and Scottish drinking songs with Lord of the Rings music, original songs, and filk for an eclectic mix that is as at home in an Irish pub as it is in a gathering of Irish Americans. They were called “The Godfathers of Celtic MP3s” with good reason–over six million of their MP3s have been downloaded making them one of the most-popular Celtic groups online.

   Buy CD: Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales

2. “The Holy Ground” by Marc Gunn
   Sure, I thought about featuring “Wild Kitty” or “Furagone’s Wake” from my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD, but I sooo wanted to feature the “Jedi Drinking Song” from my band and I thought at least one Irish song to start off was a good idea.

   The song was recorded for my Irish Song Lyrics website. I am slowly trying to record more and more songs with The Bards and solo to have a site where people can go to learn Irish songs like I learn them, by ear.

   Buy CD: Irish Whiskey Pub Songs

3. “All for Me Grog” by Leperkhanz
   The LeperKhanz are bringing a new sound to Irish music, much heavier and deeper than most new Irish bands dare to go, they have a clear rock sound, and yet have mastered traditional Irish music, both vocally and on the Violin. Like Insane pirates on steroids or Angus Young jamming with the Chieftains, they tear huge hunks of history out and throw it in your face, loud and in a fun way.

   Buy CD: Tiocfaidh Ar La

4. “Rocky Road to Dublin/Tam Lin” by Irish Experience
   Driving Celtic and Appalachian music played by electrifying fiddler, rock guitarist, downright doghouse bassist, and master drummer. A “Blarney Phoenix”, that rises up on Saint Patrick’s Eve to bring bountiful cheer to all the little people at heart?

   Buy CD: Irish Experience

5. “Rakes Medley” by Green Tea
   Green Tea performs a collection of High-Energy Irish Dance Music with a strong infusion of Celtic World-Beat and contemporary improvisation. Such is the distinctiveness of Green Tea’s sound (the traditional blended with the new), that Green Tea’s world-beat sound can sometimes defy categorization. In any case, Green Tea will knock your socks off! And that includes socks of all ages: college students, children, and parents may be found dancing on the same eclectic dance floor when Green Tea plays. Even grandma and grandpa enjoy the traditional style from which much of their music derives. Their first album’s name? ALL AGES, of course!

   Buy CD: All Ages

See the rest of the 17 Free Music Downloads for St. Patrick’s Day at the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Let me tell you, it was no easy task. I picked a bunch of amazing MP3s from some of my favorite Celtic bands. If you’re a regular subscriber, some will be familiar like Ed Miller, Paisley Close, Emerald Rose, and of course, the Brobdingnagian Bards. But you won’t find music from Cluan, 3 Pints Gone, The McCabes, and Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer many anywhere online. And boy are you missing out!

Don’t worry. You can download the music for the next month only. If you wait too long, you’ll only be able to sample the music on their websites.

That said, I hope you enjoy all this great music and had a Happy St Patrick’s Day.

1. "Finnegan’s Wake" by Brobdingnagian Bards
The Brobdingnagian Bards are the number one Celtic music group online offering free Celtic music downloads. You can download an album of Celtic MP3s and then scan a list of ten albums to choose from featuring The Bards music. Also, download “Whiskey in the Jar” and “Danny Boy”.

Buy CD “Songs of Ireland (St Patrick’s Day music)”

2. “Paddy’s Day” by The McCabes
The McCabes take their name from singer songwriter, Sean McCabe. His laid back singing style is energized by the frenetic fiddle of Mazz Swift. Paddy’s Day takes a fast paced, but ironic, look at March 17 – when the crowd is "Celebrating they don’t know what."Not only are there new quirky lyrics and fun, laid-back music; but also the rhythm section of Daniel Paccione, electric bass and Steve Holloway, drums, provide a driving force that propels the band. A great fun album with thought provoking lyrics.

Buy CD “Dark Before the Dawn”

3. “Castle of Arianrhod” by Emerald Rose
Emerald Rose is a high energy Celtic folk rock band that blends harmony vocals, pennywhistle, world percussion and driving guitars and bass. Their music ranges from traditional jigs and reels to original folk rock and pop songs. Emerald Rose successfully draws from Celtic myth and legend to create a unique and accessible sound.

Buy CD “Bending Tradition”

4. “Staten Island & Cooley’s Reel” by Heidi, Stef, & Bow Triplets Here’s very Celtic music played by a dedicated Band. Traditional songs and tunes plus original compositions combining their own multinational backgrounds whith the Celtic styles to which this band is deeply comitted. They can be heard live in various countries in Europe.

Buy CD “Never Too Early”

7.”La Ta Tee Da” by Brendan O’Loughlin
Brendan O’Loughlin’s music plays part Country, Rock, Irish, Folk, Pop, and he does it so well, he satisfies the mood of his every audience. Originally from Limerick in Ireland, Brendan moved to America in 1986 to expand his career as an Irish entertainer. Performing not only Irish, but popular, rock n’ roll, country and folk music in restaurants and clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada. His musical style is new, his musical experience is not. He reached his teenage years during the high point of the Irish showband era. He joined the showband circuit and played with a string of popular Irish showbands and excelled on vocals, bass and rhythm guitars. Brendan came into his own right as a songwriter in August 1993 and has been writing about his experiences ever since.

Buy CD “Between Two Shores”

6. “Banish Misfortune & The Cliffs Of Moher” by Dempsey’s Lot
Dempsey’s Lot is a traditional irish music band for irish nights, ceilidhs, folk clubs and weddings. Based in the UK Midlands we travel throughout the UK and overseas. Their repertoire mainly comprises well-known Irish folk songs to get the audience singing and lively jigs and reels to set the toes tapping.

no CD currently available

7. “The Rocky Road to Cashel” by Shantalla
Based in Belgium and signed to the Belgian label Wild Boar Music, four members of Shantalla are Irish, while singer Helen Flaherty is Scottish. The band’s debut CD, ‘Shantalla’, was released in Europe in late 1998. Shantalla has performed regularly around Europe and the band has shared stages in double bills and festivals with the likes of Altan, Dervish, Lunasa, Liam O’Flynn, Sharon Shannon, Niamh Parsons, Sean Keane, Dave Munnelly, Jim McCann and many more.

Buy CD “Shantalla”

8. “Irish Reels” by Cantiga
North America’s quintessential Renaissance Festival Band. Childlike and haunting, these ancient Celtic and Medieval tunes weave a spell both soulful and ethereal. Cantiga’s 1995 album “Once Upon a Time…” is loved by thousands for its childlike simplicity and the haunting blend of Celtic and Medieval melodies which truly evoke a magical realm. Cantiga’s music should strike a familiar chord with anyone who loves Tolkein’s “Lord of the Rings”.

Buy Cantiga Music

9. “The Leprechaun” by Marc Gunn
Marc Gunn performs Celtic songs and offers folk music downloads from a wide array of Irish, Scottish, and old-time American folk music styles, in addition to his original music. He performs a capella and on America’s folk instrument, the autoharp. He won the award for Best Cover Art in the 2004 Austin Music Awards.

Buy CD “Soul of a Harper”

10. “Sovay” by Paisley Close
Paisley Close takes an energetic Celtic Pop feel and soars with it to fresh, lyrical heights. Their material covers a broad spectrum, including traditional and modern songs arranged in the group’s unique idiom; timeless poetry set to original music; and new compositions written by the band. Uncommon musicianship and storytelling are the common threads that run through the music of Paisley Close.

Buy CD “All On A Day”

11. “Where Are You Tonight I Wonder” by Queen’s Gambit
Queen’s Gambit is an Oklahoma-based Celtic band specializing in Irish and Scottish traditional music, with a side order of English Folk, dance, and Renaissance music for entertainment at any function. You can find them performing at Renaissance Faires, Irish/Scottish Pubs, Educational Assemblies, Historical Re-enactments, Scottish Games, Weddings, and even Corporate Christmas Parties.

Buy CD “Pawn to King Four”

12. “The Blacksmith” by Cluan
CLUAN is five Austin-based traditional musicians promoting and supporting the Celtic heritage and community in Central Texas through traditional dance music and song. They received rave reviews for their latest studio release "The High Road" and played the 2004 Austin Music Awards after being recognized in the Best New Album and Best World Band categories in 2003 & 2004

Buy CD “High Road”

13. “Geordie Lad” by Vicki Swan & JonnyDyer
Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer have been carving out a reputation for delivering innovative new slants on traditional tunes and fascinating originals in festivals and folk clubs around the country over the last seven years. Vicki’s unique style of playing the Scottish Smallpipes; that is at once spell-bindingly beautiful and haunting is perfectly complimented by Jonny’s driving guitar playing. On stage the two create a performance that is skilled, funny and never dull! Vicki and Jonny’s strong educational background makes their workshops as powerful for a festival event as their performances.

Buy CD “Thumb Twiddling”

14. “Follow Me Up to Carlow” by 3 Pints Gone
One more round. 3 Pints Goneplays Celtic traditional-style folk songs at bars, Celtic fairs and events around the United States. Their distinctive sound is full of high energy and harmony-rich arrangements. They entertain by telling stories through the songs, that leave the audience feeling like old friends.

Buy CD “Health to the Company”

15. “The Gypsy Rover” by Keltic Kaleidoscope
Keltic Kaleidoscope began performing in 1995 and has since grown to four members, Mary Behan Miller (keyboard, guitar and bodhrán), Matt Cassidy (banjo, guitar, and electric bass), Dave Lymanstall (Fiddle and bodhrán), and Sally Hayes Makulinski (keyboard, flute and tin whistle). A fifth musician, Tim Galvin, sometimes plays with the group and is on a number of the tracks available here. The band performs a variety of Celtic and American folk songs using two- and three-part harmonies along with some songs from the sixties.

Buy CD “Keltic Beginnings”

16. “Ferry Me Over” by Ed Miller
Ed, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, now living in Austin, Texas, is a product of the 1960s folk revival in Scotland. He moved to the United States in 1968 to complete his graduate work in Geography, and later Folklore, at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to his singing career, Ed is the host of a folk music program on Austin’s NPR station, KUT-FM.

Buy CD “Generations of Change”

17. “Both Sides of the Tweed” by Rise
Rise has swept the independent Celtic music world with a tasteful blend of traditional and original songs with an airy scent of haunting effervencese. Enchanting and personable band that you can expect to hear a lot more of in the future.

Buy CD “Posing As Human”