How to Create a Playlist for an Irish Funeral or Wake – Classics and Modern Choices

In Ireland, music is woven into the fabric of farewell. Whether it’s a church funeral, a non-religious ceremony, or a wake in the family home or funeral parlour, songs help us express what words cannot. They bring comfort, evoke memories, and create moments of connection during times of grief.

This guide will help you:

• Approach creating a playlist for an Irish farewell
• Include Irish classics and contemporary tracks that resonate with remembrance

How to Approach Your Playlist

1. Consider the setting
   Is it a church funeral, a civil ceremony, or a wake at home? Religious services often include hymns, while wakes allow for traditional ballads and personal favourites.
2. Balance tradition and personality
   Include songs that reflect Irish heritage alongside tracks that were meaningful to your loved one.
3. Think about the flow
   Start with gentle instrumentals or reflective songs, move into pieces that celebrate life, and close with something hopeful or uplifting.
4. Keep it appropriate for the moment
   Wakes often feature live music or sing-alongs, while ceremonies may need recorded tracks played softly in the background.

Irish Songs to Include

Here are six thoughtful choices—a mix of classics and modern tracks that feel fresh and deeply comforting:

1. The Old Man – Phil Coulter

A tender tribute to fathers and family bonds. Its lyrics evoke gratitude and memory, making it a poignant choice for a funeral or month’s mind.

2. Ride On – Christy Moore

A haunting ballad about parting and moving on, full of quiet strength and emotion.

3. No Frontiers – Mary Black

A modern classic about love without limits—ideal for expressing enduring connection beyond life.

4. Black Is the Colour – Cara Dillon

A traditional song reimagined with ethereal vocals, evoking beauty and melancholy.

5. The Green Fields of France – The Fureys

A reflective song about sacrifice and remembrance, perfect for honoring a life well-lived.

6. Lakes of Pontchartrain – Paul Brady

A soulful ballad with themes of journey and longing, often played at wakes or memorial gatherings.

Related Reading:
8 Irish Songs That Bring Comfort After Loss