Christmas is a time for movies and music. Whether you’re home in Ireland or away for Christmas, songs in the Irish language can be extremely beautiful. Even if you haven’t spoken Irish since school, these songs will get you in the festive spirit. Here are some of the best Christmas songs as Gaeilge!
This Irish take on the classic song “Little Drummer Boy” is just as good as the English. The best-known version is perhaps this 2015 rendition by Róisín Elsafty, Ronan Browne & Tony Maher. It’s from the album Amhráin Na Nollag: Favourite Christmas Songs In Irish which will satisfy all your needs for Irish language songs. It’s one of the newer songs on the list, written in 1941. However, it has kept its popularity over the years and has been recorded by artists such as David Bowie and Bing Crosby. Listen to An Drumadóirín here.
2. Taraigí a Phobail
O Come All Ye Faithful is one of the oldest and best known Christmas carols there is. It’s a beautiful song about the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s original language was Latin, before it was translated to English. The great news is that there is now even an Irish language version. Check out Una ni Bhuachalla’s version of Taraigí a Phobail here.
3. Daidí na Nollag
Believe it or not, this is the Irish version of Jingle Bells – one of the most popular and commonly sung Christmas songs ever. The Irish rendition is just as catchy as the English and will easily get stuck in your head. Lyrics like, “Bualadh bos, bualadh bos / bualadh bos go léir / Tá Daidí na Nollag ag teacht anocht / Anuas an similéar,” you’ll easily pick it up. This is the perfect song for Christmas parties as it has just as much energy and fun as the original. Here’s the Irish language version of Jingle Bells.
4. Oíche Chiúin
This carol from 1818 has long since become a classic around the festive period. Bing Crosby’s 1935 version is the fourth best-selling single of all time. Many different artists have covered the song in over 140 different languages, including German. The Irish language version is just as beautiful as some of the other languages. Have a listen here.
5. Dhá Lá Déag na Nollag
Published in England in 1780 but thought to have French origins, this Christmas song details grand gifts that get better as the song goes on. There are many different variations of the lyrics, depending on the country. For example, Scotland, France and the Faroe Islands all have their own lyrics to the song. The Irish language version is no different. Check out the song’s lyrics here from songsinirish.com.