If you’ve ever tried learning a new language, you’ll know the importance of immersion—hearing, reading, and speaking the language in real-life contexts. For learners of Irish, pop music offers an engaging and foot-tapping way to deepen your skills.
With a new generation of gaeilgeoirs, Irish-language pop music is flourishing, providing a soundtrack for learners that’s not only catchy but also incredibly useful for building vocabulary, understanding grammar, and developing a natural rhythm for the language.
The TG Lurgan Phenomenon
One of the most exciting movements in this fledgling Irish-language pop music comes from TG Lurgan, a YouTube channel that has captured the imagination of language learners and music lovers alike. TG Lurgan is part of Coláiste Lurgan, a summer school in Connemara that has taken an innovative approach to promoting Irish through music.
The channel is famous for its Irish-language covers of popular English songs, ranging from Ed Sheeran to Billie Eilish. By translating global hits into Irish, TG Lurgan creates an accessible bridge for learners familiar with the original versions. This familiarity helps you focus on understanding the Irish lyrics and comparing them to the English equivalents.
Take their rendition of “Someone You Loved” (“Duine ar Strae”) or their vibrant cover of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” (which, dare I say, sounds even better than the original). These tracks are expertly produced and often come with subtitles (or, at the very least, lyrics in the description), making it easier to follow along and grasp the language. The benefit here is twofold: you’re improving your listening skills while enjoying the process of learning.
Beyond YouTube, many of their tracks are also on Spotify, so you can playlistify your favourites to work with (and to).
Other Artists to Explore
Beyond TG Lurgan, there’s a growing pool of talented Irish-language artists creating original music across various genres. Here are a few worth adding to your playlist:
– Seo Linn: Known for their collaborations with TG Lurgan, Seo Linn also release their own upbeat, original tracks in Irish. Songs like “Ár nAmhrán” (Our Song) and “Tú” are great for learners seeking modern and melodic material.
– KNEECAP: If you’re looking for something edgier, this Belfast-based hip-hop group combines Irish with English in a bold and irreverent way. Their music introduces slang and colloquial expressions that you won’t find in traditional textbooks. They’re likely already on your radar thanks to the eponymous drama which proved a recent hit!
– Clare Sands: Mixing traditional Irish elements with contemporary sounds, Clare Sands’ music is both atmospheric and accessible. Her bilingual tracks are particularly good for learners who are easing into Irish.
Why Pop As Gaeilge Matters
Pop music is a fantastic way to bring Irish out of the classroom and into your daily life. It reminds learners that Irish isn’t just a language of the past but a vibrant, living tongue with relevance in the modern world. By engaging with Irish-language pop, you’re not only improving your skills but also supporting a thriving cultural movement.
So plug in, sing out, and let Irish music bring your learning journey to life!