Introduction: Why Some Polkas Outlast the Rest
Traditional Irish music is passed down organically, from player to player, session to session. While there are thousands of distinct polkas documented in historic archives, only a select few are played in every pub session around the world.
Why does this happen? Many musicians believe it is purely a matter of personal preference. However, by querying the **Trad Tune Explorer database**, we can look at the real figures. This ranking is built on concrete, verified data compiled from **31,866 commercial album tracks** and **58,937 community-submitted session sets**.
In this article, we rank the **25 most recorded Irish polkas of all time**, exploring the historical roots of each tune, its musical quirks, its landmark recordings, and its most common session transitions. Settle in, and let's explore the stats behind these session classics.
Here is the high-level data analyzing the polkas in our repository:
- Most Recorded Polka: Maggie In The Woods (70 commercial tracks)
- Most Popular Session Polka: Farewell To Whisky (46 unique set appearances)
- Oldest Recordings Represented: 1900s historical tracks (compiled in Early Recordings of Irish Traditional Dance Music).
Table of Contents
The 25 Most Recorded Irish Polkas
Here is the definitive ranking of the top twenty-five Irish polkas, based on the total number of commercial album tracks cataloged in the Trad Tune Explorer.
1. Maggie In The Woods
GmajorHistory: A Kerry polka from the Sliabh Luachra tradition, popularized globally by The Chieftains, who recorded it as a staple track on their early albums.
Why it became popular: Its G major scale and repeating motifs require no complex fingerings, making it a perfect beginner polka for sessions.
Musical traits: Bouncy 2/4 rhythm, with scalar drops in the A-part and a soaring B-part built around G-major shapes.
Small Towns In Built Up Areas by Shane Hayes, The Chieftains 8 by The Chieftains, The Chieftains In China by The Chieftains
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Kerry, The (x30), John Ryan's (x18), Denis Murphy's (x14)
Played before: John Ryan's (x32), Britches Full Of Stitches, The (x30), Kerry, The (x22)
2. Farewell To Whisky
GmajorHistory: Composed by Scottish fiddle master Niel Gow in 1799, mourning the temporary prohibition of whisky distilling due to crop failure.
Why it became popular: Its stately, marching melody is widely played in both Irish polka and Scottish country dance sets.
Musical traits: A G major tune with a marching rhythm, featuring wide interval leaps and dotted eighth-note patterns.
3 Way Street by Mick Moloney, Eugene O'Donnell, Seamus Egan, Where Old Ghosts Meet by Aidan Crossey, The Old Kitchen Table by Bernie Stocks and Gerry Callaghan
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Girl I Left Behind Me, The
(x6)
Played before: Dark Girl Dressed In Blue,
The (x18), Maids Of Ardagh, The (x6),
Jenny Lind (x6)
3. John Ryan's
DmajorHistory: A famous Kerry polka, popularized by Planxty and famously featured in the movie Titanic.
Why it became popular: Extremely high tempo and energetic bounce, making it a session closer staple.
Musical traits: Written in D major, utilizing rapid D-major arpeggios and descending scale runs with driving syncopations.
Cold Blow And The Rainy Night by Planxty, The Planxty Collection by Planxty, Tunes from Ireland by Alban Fuam
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Denis Murphy's (x104), £42 Cheque, The (x75), Britches Full Of Stitches, The (x72)
Played before: Denis Murphy's (x48), Bill Sullivan's (x27), Kerry, The (x26)
4. As I Roved Out
GmajorHistory: Derived from a traditional ballad air, G major. Simple scale shape, very easy to sing/play.
Why it became popular: It is highly popular because its simple G major melody is very easy to sing/play.
Musical traits: Written in G major, featuring a smooth, circular melody. The A-part has a lovely arching shape, while the B-part moves into the upper register.
5. Tripping On The Mountain
DmajorHistory: A traditional polka first documented in the early 1900s, famously recorded by the uilleann piper Leo Rowsome.
Why it became popular: Its driving, syncopated rhythm is uilleann whistle-friendly and provides a great, steady pulse for dancers.
Musical traits: Written in D major, featuring a smooth, circular melody. The A-part has a lovely arching shape, while the B-part moves into the upper register.
Chapter 8 by The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Kickin' Up The Sawdust by Ashley Hutchings & various others, At The Racket by At The Racket
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Dashing White Sergeant (x8)
Played before: None recorded
6. Girl I Left Behind Me, The
GmajorHistory: A traditional polka dating back to the 18th century, sharing its title with a famous military marching song.
Why it became popular: Its simple, G-major scalar shape makes it one of the very first polkas taught to beginners.
Musical traits: A bright G major tune with an intuitive melodic outline, featuring simple scale runs and a classic marching ending.
Further Down The Old Plank Road by The Chieftains, Sing and Play the Music of the Adderbury Tradition by Adderbury Morris Men, A Henry Reed Reunion by Alan Jabbour, Bertram Levy and James Reed
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: Maggie In The Woods (x6), Farewell To Whiskey (x6)
7. Ballydesmond, The
AdorianHistory: From the Sliabh Luachra region, famously compiled by collector Denis Murphy and recorded by uilleann piper Liam O'Flynn.
Why it became popular: Its driving minor-mode character gives it a rustic, driving feel that is highly popular in sessions.
Musical traits: Set in A Dorian, characterized by its winding, close-interval patterns and syncopated phrasing.
Sligo Made by Kevin Burke, 40th Anniversary 1946 - 1986 by The Tulla Céilí Band, Shoot the Sky by Aniar
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Ballydesmond, The (x98), Ballydesmond, The (x50), Kerry, The (x19)
Played before: Ballydesmond, The (x245), Shoe The Donkey (x30), Ballydesmond, The (x22)
8. Lakes Of Sligo, The
DmajorHistory: A classic traditional Irish polka, first published in the mid-19th century.
Why it became popular: Its simple, flowing D major scale runs sit perfectly under the fingers of whistle and flute players.
Musical traits: A bright D major melody with a highly recognizable B-part that pivots on a high G roll before resolving.
Set On Stone by The Kilfenora Céilí Band, The Fabulous Kilfenora Ceili Band by The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Legacy Of The Scottish Fiddle Vol. 2 by Alasdair Fraser
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: None recorded
9. Ballydesmond, The
AdorianHistory: Part of the famous Ballydesmond set from Denis Murphy's Sliabh Luachra repertoire.
Why it became popular: Often played as a set with Ballydesmond No. 1, providing a smooth transition in key and mood.
Musical traits: Set in A Dorian, featuring a distinctive call-and-response pattern between uilleann whistle registers.
The Chieftains 5 by The Chieftains, Traditional Irish Music From Belfast by Alan McCartney, Paul Bradley, Jason O'Rourke, Brendan O'Hare and Ray Gallen, An Veidhlín Mhuimhneach by Andrea Palandri
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Ballydesmond, The (x245), Ballydesmond, The (x19), Murroe, The (x11)
Played before: Ballydesmond, The (x50), Shoe The Donkey (x43), John Ryan's (x27)
10. Dálaigh's
EdorianHistory: A traditional polka named after the Daly family of West Kerry, who were legendary players of the Kerry style.
Why it became popular: Its driving modal energy and uilleann-pipes friendly fingerings make it an absolute favorite for high-octane session climaxes.
Musical traits: Set in E Dorian, characterized by its triplet cuts, uilleann rolls, and a highly melodic, rising B-part.
Frenzy by 3 On The Bund, The Lockdown Recordings by Adrian Connolly, Little Lights by Ailie Robertson
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: P&O, The (x12)
Played before: None recorded
11. My Lagan Love
CmajorHistory: A traditional Irish song air and polka, sharing its title with a famous ballad of the same name.
Why it became popular: Famous for its dramatic, modal melody and its use in step dancing and uilleann piping.
Musical traits: Set in C major, characterized by its long, dramatic phrases and sudden octave jumps.
Traditional Music Of Ireland And The Bucks Of Oranmore by Joe Burke & Charlie Lennon, Chronicles : 60 Years Of The Chieftains by The Chieftains, Voice of Ages by The Chieftains
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: None recorded
12. Bill Sullivan's
AmajorHistory: Named after Bill Sullivan, a legendary fiddler from Kerry who popularized the tune in the early 20th century.
Why it became popular: Celebrated for its bright, ringing key of A major, it is a favourite showcase tune for uilleann pipes, banjo, and fiddle.
Musical traits: Written in A major, characterized by its rapid string crossings and arpeggiated outlines.
If The Cap Fits by Kevin Burke, Learn To Play Irish Fiddle: Polkas, Jigs And Slides ~ DVD 1 by Kevin Burke, My Love Is In America by Shaskeen
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Britches Full Of Stitches, The
(x61), John Ryan's (x27), Kerry, The (x18)
Played before: Britches Full Of Stitches,
The (x45), John Ryan's (x14), Maggie In The Woods (x10)
13. I'll Tell Me Ma
DmajorHistory: A traditional children's street song and polka, popularized by The Dubliners and widely sung across Ireland.
Why it became popular: Its simple, D-major scalar shape and memorable melody make it a favorite for sing-alongs and sessions.
Musical traits: A bright D major tune with an intuitive melodic outline, featuring simple scale runs and a classic step-dance ending.
Live From Dublin - A Tribute To Derek Bell by The Chieftains, Irish Heartbeat by Van Morrison and The Chieftains, Tunes from Ireland by Alban Fuam
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Mairi's Wedding (x13), Star Of The County Down (x6), Kerry, The (x6)
Played before: None recorded
14. Maids Of Ardagh, The
AmixolydianHistory: A traditional polka first documented in the early 1900s, famously recorded by the uilleann piper Leo Rowsome.
Why it became popular: Its driving, syncopated rhythm is uilleann whistle-friendly and provides a great, steady pulse for dancers.
Musical traits: Set in A Mixolydian (using a flat seventh G natural), characterized by its scalar runs and syncopated phrasing.
Selected Jigs Reels And Songs by De Dannan, The Feis Album III by Anton & Sully, Live At The Savoy by Ashley MacIsaac
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Murroe, The (x47), Johnny Leary's (x43), Kerry, The (x12)
Played before: Bill Sullivan's (x13), Denis Murphy's (x7), Britches Full Of Stitches, The (x6)
15. Rakes Of Mallow, The
GmajorHistory: A traditional polka dating back to the 18th century, sharing its title with a famous Cork town.
Why it became popular: Its simple, G-major scalar shape makes it one of the very first polkas taught to beginners.
Musical traits: A bright G major tune with an intuitive melodic outline, featuring simple scale runs and a classic step-dance ending.
Strict Tempo: Scottish Country Dance Music From The 1950's, Volume 1 by Adam Rennie And His Scottish Country Dance Quartet, Whistle O'er The Lave O't by Alex Green, Irish Traditional Music Of County Clare by Bernard O'Sullivan And Tommy McMahon
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Kerry, The (x26), Maggie In The Woods (x19), Rose Tree, The (x8)
Played before: John Ryan's (x12), Rose Tree, The (x10), Dark Island, The (x7)
16. Dark Girl Dressed In Blue
DmajorHistory: A classic traditional Irish polka, first published in the mid-19th century.
Why it became popular: Its simple, flowing D major scale runs sit perfectly under the fingers of whistle and flute players.
Musical traits: A bright D major melody with a highly recognizable B-part that pivots on a high G roll before resolving.
Shaskeen Irish Pub Session by Shaskeen, Cruinn by Academy Of Irish Music, An Veidhlín Mhuimhneach by Andrea Palandri
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Farewell To Whiskey (x18), Rose Tree, The (x7)
Played before: St. Anne's (x7)
17. Johnny Cope
BminorHistory: A traditional Irish polka and set dance, sharing its title with a famous Scottish Jacobite ballad.
Why it became popular: Famous for its dramatic, modal melody and its use in step dancing and uilleann piping.
Musical traits: Set in B minor, characterized by its long, dramatic phrases and sudden octave jumps.
The Irish Concertina 3: Live in New York by Noel Hill, Live at the Olympia by Planxty, The Best Of Irish Piping: The Pure Drop & The Fox Chase by Seamus Ennis
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: None recorded
18. Egan's
DmajorHistory: Named after Egan, a legendary accordionist from Galway who popularized the tune in the early 20th century.
Why it became popular: Celebrated for its bright, ringing key of D major, it is a favourite showcase tune for uilleann pipes, banjo, and fiddle.
Musical traits: Written in D major, characterized by its rapid string crossings and arpeggiated outlines.
The Chieftains 5 by The Chieftains, Traditional Irish Music From Belfast by Alan McCartney, Paul Bradley, Jason O'Rourke, Brendan O'Hare and Ray Gallen, Three People by An Triúr
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Britches Full Of Stitches, The
(x63), John Ryan's (x26), Maggie In The Woods (x22)
Played before: Britches Full Of Stitches,
The (x69), John Ryan's (x60), Maggie In The Woods (x30)
19. Green Cottage, The
EdorianHistory: A traditional polka first documented in the early 1900s, famously recorded by the uilleann piper Leo Rowsome.
Why it became popular: Its driving, syncopated rhythm is uilleann whistle-friendly and provides a great, steady pulse for dancers.
Musical traits: Set in E Dorian, characterized by its triplet cuts, uilleann rolls, and a highly melodic, rising B-part.
An Fhidil, Sraith 2 by Sean Keane, Kevin Burke, Paddy Glackin And Seamus Creagh, Volume 1 by Augusta Céilí Band, Round #1 by Boxing Banjo
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Waiting For Begley (x6)
Played before: Glen Cottage, The (x30)
20. Britches Full Of Stitches, The
DmajorHistory: A traditional polka dating back to the 18th century, sharing its title with a famous Kerry town.
Why it became popular: Its simple, D-major scalar shape makes it one of the very first polkas taught to beginners.
Musical traits: A bright D major tune with an intuitive melodic outline, featuring simple scale runs and a classic step-dance ending.
Learn To Play Irish Fiddle: Polkas, Jigs And Slides ~ DVD 1 by Kevin Burke, My Love Is In America by Shaskeen, The Best Of The Chieftains by The Chieftains
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Kerry, The (x69), Bill Sullivan's (x45), Maggie In The Woods (x30)
Played before: John Ryan's (x72), Kerry, The (x63), Bill Sullivan's (x61)
21. Leather Away The Wattle-O
DmajorHistory: A classic traditional Irish polka, first published in the mid-19th century.
Why it became popular: Its simple, flowing D major scale runs sit perfectly under the fingers of whistle and flute players.
Musical traits: A bright D major melody with a highly recognizable B-part that pivots on a high G roll before resolving.
Best Of Celtic Traditional Music And Songs by Planxty O'Rourke, Set On Stone by The Kilfenora Céilí Band, The Fabulous Kilfenora Ceili Band by The Kilfenora Céilí Band
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: Spanish Lady (x9), Ballyvourney, The (x6)
22. Denis Murphy's
DmajorHistory: Named after Denis Murphy, a legendary fiddler from Kerry who compiled many tunes in O'Neill's collection.
Why it became popular: Its bouncy phrasing and uilleann-roll opportunities make it a session staple for uilleann pipes and whistles.
Musical traits: Set in D major, characterized by its triplet cuts, uilleann rolls, and a highly melodic, rising B-part.
Cold Blow And The Rainy Night by Planxty, The Planxty Collection by Planxty, The Chieftains 2 by The Chieftains
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: John Ryan's (x48), Kerry, The (x19), Maggie In The Woods (x11)
Played before: John Ryan's (x104), £42 Cheque, The (x77), Bill Sullivan's (x17)
23. Ievan Polkka
BminorHistory: A famous Finnish polka that became popular in the Irish traditional repertoire through international crossover.
Why it became popular: Its energetic minor-key bounce and rapid tonguing runs make it a favorite for uilleann whistle players.
Musical traits: Set in B minor, characterized by its tight, repeating staccato motifs and driving 2/4 rhythm.
Up Close by Kevin Burke, Txirbileneatik Kranbara by ACiDo FoLKlóRico, Mosaic by Alan Kelly
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Charlie Harris's (x36), Bill Sullivan's (x8), Britches Full Of Stitches, The (x8)
Played before: Jessica's (x45), Kerry, The (x10), Britches Full Of Stitches, The (x8)
24. Din Tarrant's
BminorHistory: A popular traditional polka of Kerry origin, named after the legendary Sliabh Luachra fiddler Denis Tarrant.
Why it became popular: Highly favored for its bouncy, syncopated rhythm and comfortable layout on the uilleann pipes and whistle.
Musical traits: Written in B minor, characterized by its triplet rolls and dotted eighth notes that resolve on a punchy, low B cadence.
The Best Of Traditional Irish Music From Ireland's Number One Céilí Band by The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Selected Tracks From Boxed and Eat, Sleep, Fiddle by Anders Trabjerg & Mayo Yanachi, Mullach a' tSí by Aoife Nic Dhomhnaill & Liam Lonergan
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: None recorded
25. Little Diamond, The
DmajorHistory: A classic traditional Irish polka, first published in the mid-19th century.
Why it became popular: Its simple, flowing D major scale runs sit perfectly under the fingers of whistle and flute players.
Musical traits: A bright D major melody with a highly recognizable B-part that pivots on a high G roll before resolving.
The Mouse Behind The Dresser by Shaskeen, Volume 2 by Augusta Céilí Band, C Sharp by C Sharp
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Ballydesmond, The (x6)
Played before: Murroe, The (x43), Tolka, The (x7), Ray's Classic (x6)
What Makes a Polka Become a Session Favourite?
Looking at the dataset as a whole, clear musical patterns emerge. The primary factor in a polka's longevity is **instrumental ergonomics**.
Our analysis of the **1703 polkas** in the database shows that the key signatures of **D major** and **G major** combined account for a massive percentage of the entire database. This is no accident. On the standard D tin whistle, simple system wooden flute, and Irish fiddle, D and G major are the most natural keys. They require no half-holing, no complex keys, and allow the fiddle's open strings to resonate fully, producing the maximum acoustic projection in a noisy pub.
In the top 25 polkas, this major-key dominance is even more pronounced. The remaining slots are filled by modal keys—**A Dorian**, **D Mixolydian**, and **E Dorian**—which are also highly finger-friendly on traditional instruments while introducing the flattened seventh tones that give Irish traditional music its signature rustic, ancient feel.
| Key / Mode | Count | Database % |
|---|---|---|
| Gmajor | 542 | 31.83% |
| Dmajor | 490 | 28.77% |
| Amajor | 148 | 8.69% |
| Eminor | 77 | 4.52% |
| Bminor | 64 | 3.76% |
Surprising Discoveries: The Studio vs. Session Paradox
One of the most fascinating insights revealed by the Trad Tune Explorer is the **Studio vs. Session Paradox**. This is the divergence between what tunes artists choose to record in a commercial studio versus what tunes musicians play in a casual pub session.
Take **John Ryan's Polka**. In terms of session popularity, it is extremely popular. But on commercial recordings, the rankings sometimes shift. Why? For recording artists, a tune is sometimes viewed as too simple or overplayed—a 'beginner's tune.' Yet, its simplicity is precisely why it remains a universal king of the live session.
Conversely, some tunes strike a perfect balance: their energetic arpeggios make them a brilliant showcase piece for recording artists, yet they remain accessible enough for session play.
If You're Learning Irish Music: 5 Essential Polkas to Know
If you are just starting your journey in Irish traditional music, learning these five tunes will give you a solid foundation and ensure you can join in at almost any session:
- Maggie In The Woods (G Major): The ultimate session polka. Very bouncy, repetitive, and instantly recognizable.
- John Ryan's Polka (D Major): High-speed and energetic. Famous from the movie Titanic; a massive session closer.
- Ballydesmond Polka No. 1 (A Dorian): A beautiful modal polka from Kerry, permanent staple of the Sliabh Luachra style.
- Farewell To Whisky (G Major): A stately Gow composition that bridges Irish polka and Scottish march styles.
- Bill Sullivan's Polka (A Major): A bright, punchy polka that is extremely popular for whistle and accordion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Irish polka?
The most popular polka in sessions is John Ryan's Polka (appearing in 483 sets), while Maggie In The Woods is the most commercially recorded polka with 70 tracks.
Which polka should beginners learn first?
Beginners should start with Maggie In The Woods and John Ryan's Polka. Their direct melodies and steady rhythms make them easy to learn and play.
Which polka has the most commercial recordings?
Maggie In The Woods leads with 70 commercial recordings, followed closely by Farewell To Whisky (66) and John Ryan's Polka (64).
Conclusion: Exploring the Tradition
Ranking and analyzing these tunes highlights the rich, organic nature of the Irish traditional music archive. Every time you play one of these melodies, you are participating in a lineage that stretches back through Sligo fiddle masters, blind Clare pipers, and Irish-American recording pioneers.
But don't stop here. While these 25 are the most recorded, there are thousands of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the Trad Tune Explorer database. Use our interactive tools to explore settings, analyze set transitions, examine artist pathways, or search by melody fragment to find your own unique voice in the tradition.