​Top 10 Irish Country & Folk Songs to Play on Guitar (2026 Edition)

​Whether you’re playing in a local pub session or just strumming in the kitchen, these ten songs are the absolute "must-knows" for any Irish guitar player. They are beginner-friendly, high-energy, and guaranteed to get a sing-along started.
1. Wagon Wheel – Nathan Carter The undisputed king of the modern Irish country scene. It’s the ultimate floor-filler.

• Chords: G, D, Em, C
• Why Play It: It uses the same four chords throughout the entire song. It’s perfect for practicing a steady "country shuffle" strumming pattern.

2. It’s Friday – Derek Ryan As Derek mentioned in his Celebrity Radio interview, this song is all about that "get up and go" energy.

• Chords: G, C, D, Em, A
• Why Play It: It’s the perfect weekend anthem. The quick transition to the A Major in the chorus gives it a great musical lift.

3. Las Vegas (In the Hills of Donegal) – Goats Don’t Shave A massive favorite across Ireland, especially in the Northwest. It’s fast, witty, and incredibly fun to play.Chords: G, C, D, Em

• Why Play It: It challenges your speed! The verses move quickly, making it a great exercise for fast chord changes.

4. The Fields of Athenry – The Dubliners / Paddy Reilly The unofficial national anthem of Irish sports fans. No setlist is complete without it.Chords: G, C, D (Traditional)

• Why Play It: It’s a masterclass in storytelling. You can play it as a slow, haunting ballad or speed it up for a crowd.

5. God’s Plan – Derek Ryan This was the song that changed Derek’s career. It’s an original composition that feels like an instant classic.

• Chords: G, C, D, Em
• Why Play It: It’s a beautiful, mid-tempo song that focuses on melody. Great for vocalists who want to show off their range.

6. The Way I Am – The Tumbling Paddies One of the biggest trending bands in 2026. This track has a brilliant folk-rock energy.

• Chords: G, C, D, Em
• Why Play It: It represents the "New Wave" of Irish folk. It’s punchy and sounds great on an acoustic guitar.

7. Home to Donegal – Daniel O’Donnell / Nathan CarterA sentimental favorite that resonates with the global Irish diaspora.

• Chords: A, D, E, Bm
• Why Play It: It moves away from the G-Major "safe zone," introducing the Bm chord which is essential for intermediate players.

8. Galway Girl – Steve Earle / Mundy Not the Ed Sheeran version! This is the foot-stomping classic that everyone in an Irish pub knows by heart.

• Chords: D, G, A
• Why Play It: It’s only three chords! The rhythm is everything here—keep it driving and percussive.
• See chords below

9. Heave Away – CeolA high-octane sea shanty recently popularized by the band Ceol (founded by Nathan Carter).

• Chords: G, C, D
• Why Play It: It’s 2026's answer to the "Viral Sea Shanty" trend. It’s incredibly easy to learn and high impact for a live audience.

10. The Wild Rover – The Dubliners The ultimate "clapping song." If you don’t play this, were you even at an Irish session?

• Chords: G, C, D7
• Why Play It: It teaches you the 3/4 (Waltz) time signature and how to lead a crowd with those "No, Nay, Never" claps.

Heave Away Lyrics And Chords. Original chords

[F]Sometimes we're bound for Liverpool, some[Bb]times we're bound for Spain
Heave away, me jollies, heave [Eb]away
But [F]now we're bound for old St. John's where [Bb]all the girls are dancing
Heave away, me jolly boys, we're [F]all bound a[Bb]way

I [Bb]wrote me love a letter, I was on the Jenny [Eb]Lind
Heave a[Bb]way, me jollies, heave a[Eb]way

And [Bb]if we do return to you we'll make your cradles [Eb]rock
Heave a[Bb]way
Me jolly boys we're [F]all bound a[Bb]way

[Bb]
But [Bb]now we're bound for [F]old Saint John's where all the girls are dancing

I [Bb]wrote me love a letter and I signed it with a [Eb]ring

Heave a[Bb]way
Me jolly boys we're all bound a[Eb]way

Sometimes we're bound for Liverpool
Sometimes we're bound for Spain
Heave away
Me jollies heave away

But now we're bound for old Saint John's where all the girls are dancing
Heave away
Me jolly boys we're all bound away

So it's farewell Nancy darling 'cos it's now
I'm going to leave you
Heave away
Me jollies heave away

You promised that you'd marry me but how you did deceive me
Heave away
Me jolly boys we're all bound away

Sometimes we're bound for Liverpool
Sometimes we're bound for Spain

Heave away
Me jollies heave away
But now we're bound for old Saint John's where all the girls are dancing
Heave away
Me jolly boys we're all bound away

Sometimes we're bound for Liverpool
Sometimes we're bound for Spain
Heave away
Me jollies heave away

But now we're bound for old Saint John's where all the girls are dancing
Heave away
Me jolly boys we're all bound away
Heave away
Me jolly boys we're all bound away

Alternative chords in the key of G.

[D]Sometimes we're bound for Liverpool, some[G]times we're bound for Spain
Heave away, me jollies, heave [C]away
But [D]now we're bound for old St. John's where [G]all the girls are dancing
Heave away, me jolly boys, we're [D]all bound a[G]way

I [G]wrote me love a letter, I was on the Jenny [C]Lind
Heave a[G]way, me jollies, heave a[C]way

And [G]if we do return to you we'll make your cradles [C]rock
Heave a[G]way
Me jolly boys we're [D]all bound a[G]way

[G]
But [G]now we're bound for [D]old Saint John's where all the girls are dancing

I [G]wrote me love a letter and I signed it with a [C]ring

Heave a[G]way
Me jolly boys we're all bound a[C]way