From timeless folk ballads sung at 3am on the night of a wedding, to symphonic masterpieces inspired by Ennis royalty, County Clare’s cultural footprint punches far above its weight.
Music isn’t just entertainment — it is a living archive of our history, our heartbreaks, and our pure sporting obsession.
Here is our updated definitive countdown of the Top 10 songs related to County Clare, starting at number 10 and building down to our ultimate Banner anthem at number 1.
10. Symphonie Fantastique (Hector Berlioz)
An unusual choice, but this song was composed by French Romantic icon Hector Berlioz, inspired by his passion for Ennis-born actress Harriet Smithson. Born on Chapel Lane in Ennis in 1800, Harriet Smithson became the toast of Paris theater. Her influence on Berlioz created a direct link between County Clare and classical music history. For anyone interested in classical music, this is a masterpiece that actually once formed part of the Leaving Cert music curriculum.
9. The Banner Roar
Composed by Kieran McDermott to celebrate County Clare’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship victory in 1995, this was taught in schools and is still sang today. Ending an 81-year drought, the 1995 win sparked an unprecedented emotional wave across the county. The Banner Roar remains the ultimate soundtrack to that unforgettable summer.
8. Lisdoonvarna (Christy Moore)
Penned by Christy Moore, this song is in tribute to the famous music festivals held in the North Clare spa town during the 1970s and 80s. The song immortalized a chaotic, magical chapter in North Clare history, capturing the local humor, hospitality, and festival madness with brilliant wit.
7. My Lovely Rose of Clare
Written by Chris Ball as a direct tribute to the landscape and people of County Clare, it serves as an unofficial county anthem. This song is heard everywhere from parish halls to pub sessions and post-match celebrations across the county, and in terms of ‘Rose’ songs it’s infinitely better than the Rose of Tralee!
6. Blackbird (Sharon Shannon)
This arrangement by Ruan native Sharon Shannon, one of Clare’s most famous musical ambassadors, helped to revolutionize concertina and accordion playing on the world stage. Her performance of this traditional set dance tune invokes immense local pride and embodies the joy of Banner musicianship.
5. Samhradh Samhradh (The Gloaming)
County Clare claiming this song as our own might be a stretch – however, hear us out. Revived by Irish-American supergroup The Gloaming, this song is brought to life by Cork singer Iarla Ó Lionáird. And while Iarla provides the soul, Feakle’s fiddle maestro Martin Hayes provides the song’s heartbeat.
The trance-like build-up and tender fiddle-playing make this an iconic Clare performance. Listen to this, and it’ll fill your heart with enough hope to get you through to May 1st!
4. Brewing Up a Storm (The Stunning)
Band leaders Steve and Joe Wall may have formed The Stunning in Galway, but they’re Claremen.
Having Ennistymon brothers at the helm gives this rock classic deep local roots. Steve Wall’s soaring delivery backed by a driving guitar hook makes it an undeniable, floor-shaking anthem which had a recent resurgence thanks to its appearance on Netfilx show House of Guinness.
3. A Long Way from Clare to Here
This song was composed by Ralph McTell after conversing with a Clare labourer named Michael on a 1960s London construction site. McTell captured the bittersweet reality of mid-century emigration. Hearing our county named against the backdrop of grey London streets resonates with generations of local families.
2. West Coast of Clare (Dervish Version)
This song was written by Andy Irvine about his time spent in West Clare haunts including Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, and Quilty. Sligo group Dervish — with an appearance from pop star David Gray — brought an extra layer of ocean-swept depth to this tribute. It names landmarks along our coastline, weaving love and landscape into a single embrace.
1. Spancill Hill
It could only be Spancill Hill. Written by Michael Considine, who was born in Spancillhill near Ennis in 1835 before emigrating to California. Spancill Hill stands as Ireland’s quintessential emigration song. Written by Considine as he lay dying of consumption, dreaming of returning home for the famous horse fair, it hits a deeply emotional nerve for the global Clare diaspora. It’s a love letter to County Clare and a County Clare woman – and who doesn’t love Clare women!?
Honorable Mentions: Songs That Just Missed the Cut
Narrowing down County Clare’s musical archive to just ten tracks is a nearly impossible task. Here are a few outstanding contenders that narrowly missed the top 10:
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Isobel (Dido): A standout track on pop superstar Dido’s multi-platinum album No Angel, written about her time spent escaping to her family’s roots in County Clare and named after her grandmother Isobel, who hailed from the county.
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Clare, My Heart My Home (PJ Murrihy): A cherished favorite written by Kilfenora’s own PJ Murrihy. This gentle country-folk ballad expresses a deep personal devotion to the County Clare landscape, namedropping local places with warmth and sincerity.
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The Cliffs of Dooneen: Though often associated generally with the Shannon estuary, this iconic folk ballad paints a striking picture of West Clare’s coastal beauty and remains a staple of pub sessions throughout the region.
