25 Irish Reels Every Session Musician Should Learn

A data-backed guide ranking the ultimate reels by session frequency, popularity, and suitability for learners, with an interactive practice checklist.
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25 Irish Reels Every Session Musician Should Learn

Repertoire Guide • June 2026 • 18 min read
Methodology & Attribution: All statistical analyses, tune metrics, rankings, custom database queries, and algorithms were researched and engineered by Trad Tune Explorer using our custom session database. Article drafting and editorial refinement were completed with AI assistance.
Violin, wooden flute, tin whistle and a pint of stout on a warm pub table
The driving rhythm and flow of Irish reels form the core energy of traditional sessions worldwide.
Quick Answer: What is the best Irish reel to learn first?

For beginners, Cooley’s (E Dorian, ID: 1) is the ultimate session-starter reel, appearing in 1,670 unique sets. It lies beautifully under the fingers. Another excellent choice is Drowsy Maggie (E Dorian, ID: 27) with its famous open-E string bowing pattern, and The Silver Spear (D major, ID: 182) for its smooth, scalar layout.

Top Session Reel Cooley’s (Edor)
Top Recorded Reel Pigeon on Gate (Edor)
Top Starter Reel Silver Spear (D)
Database Standard Trad Tune Explorer

Data-Backed Repertoire: We analyzed session lists, user bookmarks, and album recordings to find the 25 reels actually played at real pub sessions, saving you from learning obscure tunes.

Top Recorded Reel Connaughtman's (D)
Top Starter Reel Out On The Ocean (G)
Database Standard Trad Tune Explorer

Data-Backed Repertoire: We analyzed session lists, user bookmarks, and album recordings to find the 25 reels actually played at real pub sessions, saving you from learning obscure tunes.

Table of Contents
Interactive Explorer Available: Dig deeper into this data with the Interactive Session Staples Finder Tool, pre-filtered for Reels.

1. Sourcing and Methodology

For any musician entering the traditional Irish music scene, reels represent the heart and soul of the session. While their fast-paced, driving 4/4 rhythm is intoxicating, the sheer size of the repertoire—comprising thousands of active tunes—can be incredibly daunting for learners. When seasoned players suggest learning the “standards,” it can be hard to know where to start without learning obscure or rarely-played tunes.

To address this, we ran a data analysis on the Trad Tune Explorer database. We filtered the database by two key parameters:

  1. Session Prevalence (Popularity): Ranked by how many custom setlists contain the tune, reflecting real-world popularity in local sessions.
  2. Playability (Melodic Simplicity): We analyzed the physical layout and fingerings on fiddle, flute, and tin whistle, grouping them into Easy or Intermediate categories based on scale jumps and string crossings.

The result is this curated list of 25 reels. By learning these, you build a repertoire that is 99% guaranteed to be recognized and welcomed at any traditional Irish session worldwide.

2. Interactive Practice Checklist & Side-by-Side Comparison

Learned Rank Tune Name Key Difficulty Session Sets Recordings
1
The Session Cooley’s Cooley’s
Edorian Easy 1,670 201
2
The Session Drowsy Maggie Drowsy Maggie
Edorian Easy 1,358 203
3
The Session Maid Behind The Bar, The Maid Behind The Bar, The
Dmajor Easy 909 203
4
The Session Banshee, The Banshee, The
Gmajor Easy 899 116
5
The Session Silver Spear, The Silver Spear, The
Dmajor Easy 880 230
6
The Session Mountain Road, The Mountain Road, The
Dmajor Easy 809 177
7
The Session Musical Priest, The Musical Priest, The
Bminor Intermediate 797 164
8
The Session Wind That Shakes The Barley, The Wind That Shakes The Barley, The
Dmajor Intermediate 702 195
9
The Session Cup Of Tea, The Cup Of Tea, The
Edorian Intermediate 693 105
10
The Session Merry Blacksmith, The Merry Blacksmith, The
Dmajor Easy 642 121
11
The Session Sally Gardens, The Sally Gardens, The
Gmajor Easy 620 194
12
The Session Wise Maid, The Wise Maid, The
Dmajor Intermediate 612 130
13
The Session Gravel Walks, The Gravel Walks, The
Adorian Intermediate 571 125
14
The Session Congress, The Congress, The
Adorian Easy 564 180
15
The Session Father Kelly’s Father Kelly’s
Gmajor Easy 518 83
16
The Session Saint Anne’s Saint Anne’s
Dmajor Easy 498 118
17
The Session Tarbolton, The Tarbolton, The
Edorian Intermediate 488 119
18
The Session Earl’s Chair, The Earl’s Chair, The
Dmajor Intermediate 430 131
19
The Session Spootiskerry Spootiskerry
Gmajor Intermediate 430 68
20
The Session Sporting Paddy Sporting Paddy
Gmajor Intermediate 407 145
21
The Session Pigeon On The Gate, The Pigeon On The Gate, The
Edorian Intermediate 396 280
22
The Session Tam Lin Tam Lin
Dminor Intermediate 393 110
23
The Session MacLeod’s Farewell MacLeod’s Farewell
Dmajor Intermediate 388 38
24
The Session Reconciliation, The Reconciliation, The
Amajor Intermediate 377 109
25
The Session Toss The Feathers Toss The Feathers
Edorian Intermediate 377 237

3. The 25 Irish Reels to Learn

Here is the detailed breakdown of the 25 essential reels, ranked by their session occurrence. Each tune includes statistics from the database, landmark recordings to listen to, and specific tips for learning it.

1. The Session Cooley’s

REEL | KEY: Edorian | ID: 1
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 1,670 Album Recordings: 201 Bookmarks: 568

History: Composed by Galway accordion player Joe Mills in the 1940s while he was in the Aughrim Slopes Ceili Band. He named it after the legendary box player Joe Cooley, who popularized it. E Dorian is the standard key.

Why Learn It: This is the absolute king of Irish session reels. E Dorian is extremely ergonomic on the fiddle, whistle, and flute, making this tune a universal language across all sessions.

Musical Traits & Tips: The A-part features driving, repetitive low-register notes, while the B-part jumps up an octave. Fiddlers can use open E-string string crossings, and wind players should focus on solid breath control on the low E notes.

Landmark Recordings:

Across The Glen by Ailbe Grace & Liam Flanagan with Mick O’Connor (Track 7), Music From The Blind Fiddler by Cathal Hayden, Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Synnott and Seamus O’Dowd (Track 3), Ómós Do Joe Cooley by Frankie Gavin and Paul Brock (Track 1)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Drowsy Maggie (x226), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x110), Banshee, The (x74)
Played before: Wise Maid, The (x269), Drowsy Maggie (x171), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x124)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

2. The Session Drowsy Maggie

REEL | KEY: Edorian | ID: 27
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 1,358 Album Recordings: 203 Bookmarks: 636

History: A traditional E Dorian reel of Scottish origin that was quickly absorbed into the Irish repertoire. The name refers to the lazy or sleepy nature of the melody, though it is usually played at a blistering pace today.

Why Learn It: Along with Cooley's, this is the most common reel in the tradition. Its simple melody makes it highly accessible for beginners, and it is a fantastic set opener or closer.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features a distinctive open-E string drone pattern in the A-part that fidlers love for bowed double-stops. The B-part transitions into a bright D major feel. Keep the rhythm steady and emphasize the backbeat.

Landmark Recordings:

Best Of 1987-1993 by Altan (Track 1), Harvest Storm by Altan (Track 7), Once Again (1987-1993) by Altan (Track 17)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Cooley’s (x171), Morrison’s (x88), Wind That Shakes The Barley, The (x50)
Played before: Cooley’s (x226), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x49), Mountain Road, The (x42)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

3. The Session Maid Behind The Bar, The

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 64
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 909 Album Recordings: 203 Bookmarks: 299

History: A classic D major reel also known as 'The Green Mountain' or 'The Maid of Cherry Street'. Its current title likely stems from 19th-century music hall naming conventions.

Why Learn It: An essential D major session staple that flows wonderfully. It is particularly popular on the flute and whistle due to its scalar structure and natural breathing spots.

Musical Traits & Tips: Focus on the syncopated jump in the A-part (F-A-A-B). The B-part contains rapid finger movements in the upper register. Practice the transition between parts to maintain momentum.

Landmark Recordings:

Wonderwaltz by De Dannan (Track 14), I Will If I Can by John Carty (Track 9), Twenty Irish Fiddle Tunes by Kevin Burke (Track 9)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Cooley’s (x124), Silver Spear, The (x63), Drowsy Maggie (x49)
Played before: Cooley’s (x110), Banshee, The (x48), Sally Gardens, The (x46)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

4. The Session Banshee, The

REEL | KEY: Gmajor | ID: 8
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 899 Album Recordings: 116 Bookmarks: 288

History: A traditional G major reel, named after the female wailing spirit of Irish folklore. It has been a core part of the session repertoire since the early 20th century.

Why Learn It: Its flowing, scalar melody has no awkward jumps, making it a perfect starter reel. Learning it helps students master G major finger patterns and smooth bowing transitions.

Musical Traits & Tips: The melody runs smoothly up and down the scale. Fiddlers should practice slurring across beats, and whistle players can add cuts on the high G and A notes to emphasize the pulse.

Landmark Recordings:

The Tailor’s Choice by Joe Burke (Track 14), 1975 by The Bothy Band (Track 14), The Best Of by The Bothy Band (Track 1)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Salamanca, The (x157), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x48), Merry Blacksmith, The (x43)
Played before: Sailor’s Bonnet, The (x147), Cooley’s (x74), Silver Spear, The (x56)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

5. The Session Silver Spear, The

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 182
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 880 Album Recordings: 230 Bookmarks: 216

History: A traditional D major reel that has become one of the most widely played tunes in the world. Its title evokes the spears of ancient Celtic warriors.

Why Learn It: It is incredibly easy to learn and lay out on any traditional instrument. Its popularity makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any level.

Musical Traits & Tips: Constructed primarily of ascending and descending scalar fragments. Watch out for the rhythmic drive of the long rolls in both parts. Keep the tempo steady without rushing the rolls.

Landmark Recordings:

Jiggin’ The Blues by Frankie Gavin, Rick Epping And Tim Edey (Track 14), The Leg Of The Duck by Joe Burke, Michael Cooney And Noreen Donoghue (Track 5), At It Again by John Carty (Track 7)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Sally Gardens, The (x98), Banshee, The (x56), Cooley’s (x56)
Played before: Earl’s Chair, The (x100), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x63), Sally Gardens, The (x55)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

6. The Session Mountain Road, The

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 68
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 809 Album Recordings: 177 Bookmarks: 203

History: Composed by the renowned Sligo fiddler Michael Gorman. He named it after the road between Tubbercurry and Gurteen in County Sligo. Played in D major.

Why Learn It: A magnificent example of the Sligo style of composition. It is a highly satisfying tune to play and is commonly used as a transition piece in sets.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features repetitive, swinging motifs in D major. Pay close attention to the phrasing of the B-part, which jumps up to the high B. Wind players should use clean cuts to define the rhythm.

Landmark Recordings:

Fiddle Duet by Andy McGann And Paddy Reynolds with Paul Brady (Track 14), Decade by Dervish (Track 5), Live In Palma by Dervish (Track 15)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Reconciliation, The (x92), Father Kelly’s (x45), Drowsy Maggie (x42)
Played before: MacArthur Road (x79), Greig’s Pipes (x34), Drowsy Maggie (x31)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

7. The Session Musical Priest, The

REEL | KEY: Bminor | ID: 73
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 797 Album Recordings: 164 Bookmarks: 328

History: A traditional B minor reel that has three parts instead of the standard two. Its modal B minor character gives it a haunting, driving sound.

Why Learn It: A great introduction to playing in B minor. The three-part structure adds variety to session sets, and the melody is highly dramatic and engaging.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features shifting registers between the parts. The third part has a wonderful descending run. Watch out for the C# and G natural fingering shifts on the whistle and fiddle.

Landmark Recordings:

Fiddle Duet by Andy McGann And Paddy Reynolds with Paul Brady (Track 3), Time to Dance 2 (disc one) by Cathal Hayden, Mark Mohan, Brian McGrath, Máirtín O’Connor, Alan Kelly & Arty McGlynn (Track 10), De Danann by De Dannan (Track 12)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Earl’s Chair, The (x67), Cooley’s (x32), Silver Spear, The (x29)
Played before: Silver Spear, The (x37), Gravel Walks, The (x30), Wind That Shakes The Barley, The (x18)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

8. The Session Wind That Shakes The Barley, The

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 116
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 702 Album Recordings: 195 Bookmarks: 295

History: A traditional D major reel whose title comes from a popular 19th-century patriotic ballad. It has strong roots in both Irish and Scottish traditions.

Why Learn It: A superb tune for developing finger agility and bowing control. It has a bright, uplifting character that infuses energy into any set.

Musical Traits & Tips: The A-part requires clean string crossings on the fiddle and precise finger placement on the whistle. Keep the B-part's high rolls crisp and well-articulated.

Landmark Recordings:

Doorways And Windowsills by Antoin Mac Gabhann And Mick O’Connor (Track 7), Frankie Gavin 2003-2004: Music For Peace - 3rd CD of 4 by Gary Hastings And Frankie Gavin (Track 10), Traditional Music Of Ireland by Joe Burke (Track 1)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Maid Behind The Bar, The (x43), Drowsy Maggie (x33), Rolling In The Ryegrass (x22)
Played before: Drowsy Maggie (x50), Musical Priest, The (x22), Cooley’s (x19)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

9. The Session Cup Of Tea, The

REEL | KEY: Edorian | ID: 20
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 693 Album Recordings: 105 Bookmarks: 216

History: A traditional E Dorian reel that has been popular in sessions since the 78 RPM recording era. The name refers to the cozy Irish hospitality of offering a cup of tea.

Why Learn It: A high-energy session staple. It features driving, syncopated phrases that make it a favorite for intermediate players looking to increase set momentum.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features a syncopated A-part and a rolling B-part. Players should master the rapid cuts in the first part and keep the tempo controlled to avoid tripping over the quick register changes.

Landmark Recordings:

Frankie Gavin & Alec Finn by Frankie Gavin And Alec Finn (Track 2), Ceol ar an bhfidil by Paddy Glackin (Track 10), Two Champions by Sean McGuire And Joe Burke (Track 9)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Cooley’s (x99), Wise Maid, The (x24), Ships Are Sailing, The (x17)
Played before: Wise Maid, The (x90), Banshee, The (x27), Cooley’s (x19)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

10. The Session Merry Blacksmith, The

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 72
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 642 Album Recordings: 121 Bookmarks: 172

History: Also known as 'Paddy on the Railroad', this D major reel is widely popular across Irish, Old-Time, and Bluegrass traditions. It celebrates the industrial era's blacksmiths.

Why Learn It: An excellent beginner-to-intermediate reel. The fingerings are highly logical, and it offers great practice for executing clean, rapid rolls.

Musical Traits & Tips: The melody contains straightforward arpeggiated chords in D major. Ensure the rolls in the B-part are performed cleanly. Maintain a strong, bouncy rhythm to reflect its blacksmith theme.

Landmark Recordings:

Ireland’s Harvest : A Tribute To The Golden Years Of Music In Irish America by Joe Derrane, Frankie Gavin And Brian McGrath (Track 8), Between the Jigs and Reels: A Retrospective by Planxty (Track 24), Aislingí Ceol/Music Of Dreams by Tony MacMahon, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Noel Hill (Track 10)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Miss McLeod’s (x54), Silver Spear, The (x38), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x33)
Played before: Sally Gardens, The (x78), Silver Spear, The (x45), Banshee, The (x43)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

11. The Session Sally Gardens, The

REEL | KEY: Gmajor | ID: 98
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 620 Album Recordings: 194 Bookmarks: 189

History: A traditional G major reel, sharing its name with the famous poem by W.B. Yeats set to music. It has a beautiful, song-like melodic quality.

Why Learn It: Its lyrical nature makes it popular in slow sessions, yet it drives beautifully at full session speed. A great tune for learning phrasing and ornamentation.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features long, melodic lines. Whistle and flute players should plan their breaths carefully during the long scalar runs. Fiddlers can use smooth slurs to emphasize the lyricism.

Landmark Recordings:

Many Happy Returns by Arcady (Track 16), Welcome to the Hotel Connemara by De Dannan (Track 3), Port Eireann by Frankie Gavin and Catherine McHugh (Track 14)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Merry Blacksmith, The (x78), Silver Spear, The (x55), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x46)
Played before: Silver Spear, The (x98), Sligo Maid, The (x37), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x35)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

12. The Session Wise Maid, The

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 118
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 612 Album Recordings: 130 Bookmarks: 155

History: Composed by the legendary tin whistle player Johnny Harling. Despite its 'traditional' sound, it is a relatively modern addition to the repertoire, played in D major.

Why Learn It: A beautifully structured tune that is highly respected by experienced musicians. It has a sophisticated melodic flow that makes it a joy to play.

Musical Traits & Tips: Contains interesting key jumps and a highly active B-part. Focus on clean ornamentation (cuts and strikes) and maintaining a smooth, legato flow throughout the transitions.

Landmark Recordings:

Music From The Blind Fiddler by Cathal Hayden, Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Synnott and Seamus O’Dowd (Track 3), Ómós Do Joe Cooley by Frankie Gavin and Paul Brock (Track 1), A Chapter in History: 30 Years of Joe ’Banjo’ Burke, Live. Volume II: Live from Eagle Tavern. by Joe Burke (Track 10)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Cooley’s (x269), Cup Of Tea, The (x90), Maid Behind The Bar, The (x27)
Played before: Cooley’s (x72), Bird In The Bush, The (x24), Cup Of Tea, The (x24)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

13. The Session Gravel Walks, The

REEL | KEY: Adorian | ID: 42
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 571 Album Recordings: 125 Bookmarks: 224

History: A famous four-part reel from County Donegal, popularized by the legendary band Altan. It shifts between A Dorian, A Mixolydian, and A major, reflecting the rugged Donegal style.

Why Learn It: One of the most exciting reels in the entire tradition. Its four parts and shifting modes provide a fantastic challenge for intermediate to advanced players.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features rapid, driving fiddle rolls and complex fingering on wind instruments. Focus on the modal shift between the minor-feeling first parts and the major-feeling third and fourth parts.

Landmark Recordings:

Ireland by Altan, De Danann, Frankie Gavin/Liam O’Flynn/Desi Wilkinson (Track 8), Stony Steps by Matt Molloy (Track 8), Ceol ar an bhfidil by Paddy Glackin (Track 15)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Boys Of Malin, The (x57), Musical Priest, The (x30), Tam Lin (x23)
Played before: Boys Of Malin, The (x24), Musical Priest, The (x22), Tam Lin (x21)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

14. The Session Congress, The

REEL | KEY: Adorian | ID: 208
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 564 Album Recordings: 180 Bookmarks: 198

History: A traditional A Dorian reel. Its name likely refers to the Irish National Congress or similar political gatherings of the late 19th/early 20th century.

Why Learn It: A hauntingly beautiful minor reel. Its simple, repetitive phrases lay very naturally on the whistle and fiddle, making it a great entry point to Dorian tunes.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features a rolling A-part and a lifting B-part. Whistle players can use tight cranns and cuts to ornament the repeated A notes. Keep the pulse steady and driving.

Landmark Recordings:

Live in New York 1977 by De Dannan (Track 7), The Boys Of Sligo by Dervish (Track 13), Frankie Gavin & Alec Finn by Frankie Gavin And Alec Finn (Track 11)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Silver Spear, The (x24), Banshee, The (x21), Concertina, The (x18)
Played before: Banshee, The (x23), Cooley’s (x20), Sally Gardens, The (x19)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

15. The Session Father Kelly’s

REEL | KEY: Gmajor | ID: 791
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 518 Album Recordings: 83 Bookmarks: 142

History: Composed by Father P.J. Kelly, a priest from County Galway renowned for writing beautiful, melodic tunes. It is played in G major and has become a session standard.

Why Learn It: A exceptionally sweet and fluid melody. Its logical finger patterns make it easy to memorize, and it pairs perfectly with other G major or C major tunes.

Musical Traits & Tips: The melody features smooth, flowing steps. Fiddlers can make use of open strings to add resonance, while wind players should focus on clean cuts to highlight the syncopations.

Landmark Recordings:

Aggie Whyte by Aggie Whyte (Track 26), Band of Two by Banna De Dhá (Track 1), Between The Sets by Barefield Céilí Band (Track 11)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Silver Spear, The (x40), Cooley’s (x19), Merry Blacksmith, The (x18)
Played before: Reconciliation, The (x125), Mountain Road, The (x45), Miss Monaghan (x31)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

16. The Session Saint Anne’s

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 103
Difficulty: Easy ? Session Sets: 498 Album Recordings: 118 Bookmarks: 176

History: Of French-Canadian origin, this D major reel was brought into the Irish tradition and named after St. Anne's parish. It is now a universal staple in Irish and old-time sessions.

Why Learn It: Extremely popular and very easy to play. The melody is catchy, predictable in the best way, and acts as a wonderful set opener.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features simple D major arpeggios and scalar descents. Keep the bowing light and bouncy, and use cuts on the high F# to add an Irish lift to the Canadian melody.

Landmark Recordings:

Frankie Gavin 2003-2004: Music For Peace - 3rd CD of 4 by Gary Hastings And Frankie Gavin (Track 3), Aggie Whyte by Aggie Whyte (Track 7), Goin’ Across the Sea by Al Goll, Tim May, & Charlie Chadwick (Track 10)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Teetotaller’s, The (x46), Cooley’s (x26), Father Kelly’s (x22)
Played before: Sally Gardens, The (x15), Drowsy Maggie (x13), Musical Priest, The (x12)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

17. The Session Tarbolton, The

REEL | KEY: Edorian | ID: 560
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 488 Album Recordings: 119 Bookmarks: 124

History: A traditional E Dorian reel that is the first tune in the world-famous 'Tarbolton Set' (Tarbolton / Longford Collector / Sailor's Bonnet) recorded by Michael Coleman in the 1920s.

Why Learn It: Learning this tune grants you access to one of the most famous sets in Irish music history. It has a classic, driving Sligo rhythm.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features repeated high E notes and rolls in E Dorian. Pay close attention to the syncopations. Fiddlers should practice Coleman-style triplet rolls to capture the authentic Sligo swing.

Landmark Recordings:

De Danann by De Dannan (Track 7), Frankie Gavin 2003-2004: Live at Glór, Ennis - 2nd CD of 4 by Frankie Gavin, Joe Derrane and Carl Hession (Track 6), Ireland’s Harvest : A Tribute To The Golden Years Of Music In Irish America by Joe Derrane, Frankie Gavin And Brian McGrath (Track 3)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Sailor’s Bonnet, The (x10), Longford Collector, The (x7)
Played before: Longford Collector, The (x333), Sailor’s Bonnet, The (x16), James Kelly’s (x6)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

18. The Session Earl’s Chair, The

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 221
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 430 Album Recordings: 131 Bookmarks: 91

History: Composed by Pakie Duignan, a beloved flute player from County Roscommon. He named it after a scenic spot near his home. Played in D major.

Why Learn It: A Roscommon classic that has a wonderful, rolling lift. It is highly popular among flute and whistle players due to its composer's flute-player background.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features a distinctive opening jump and a syncopated B-part. Pay attention to the breathing points, which are natural but require control. Keep the rolls crisp and well-timed.

Landmark Recordings:

Live In Belfast by Cathal Hayden (Track 13), If The Cap Fits by Kevin Burke (Track 8), Kevin Burke In Concert by Kevin Burke (Track 10)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Silver Spear, The (x100), Tap Room, The (x39), Cooley’s (x27)
Played before: Musical Priest, The (x67), Frank’s (x37), Cooley’s (x17)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

19. The Session Spootiskerry

REEL | KEY: Gmajor | ID: 857
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 430 Album Recordings: 68 Bookmarks: 104

History: Composed by Shetland fiddler Ian Burns in 1980. The title refers to a small farm or cottage in Shetland. It quickly crossed over to become an Irish session classic in G major.

Why Learn It: An incredibly joyful and popular modern reel. Its bright, bouncy character makes it a favorite for dancers and musicians alike.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features large leaps and syncopated runs. Whistle players need good finger agility to hit the quick jumps cleanly. Keep the rhythm light and emphasize the Shetland 'bounce'.

Landmark Recordings:

Crossing To Scotland by Abby Newton (Track 13), Out Of The Blue by Alan Kelly (Track 10), Just As It Was 1 by Alasdair Fraser and Muriel Johnstone (Track 8)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Willafjord (x25), Dashing White Sergeant, The (x19), Flowers Of Edinburgh, The (x17)
Played before: Willafjord (x169), High Road To Linton, The (x17), Banshee, The (x12)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

20. The Session Sporting Paddy

REEL | KEY: Gmajor | ID: 430
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 407 Album Recordings: 145 Bookmarks: 96

History: A traditional G major reel (with strong Mixolydian and Dorian elements). The title refers to a gentleman who enjoys sports or country pursuits.

Why Learn It: A highly energetic, modal reel that is a favorite for mid-set transitions. It has a driving, hypnotic quality that sounds fantastic on pipes and fiddle.

Musical Traits & Tips: Contains repetitive, rhythmic motifs. Focus on the driving backbeat. Fiddlers can employ triplets and cuts on the repeated A notes, while wind players should use strong glottal stops.

Landmark Recordings:

Blackwater by Altan (Track 8), Hibernian Rhapsody by De Dannan (Track 3), Happy To Meet And Sorry To Part by Joe Burke, Michael Cooney And Terry Corcoran (Track 11)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Fermoy Lasses, The (x68), Rathlin Island (x15), Teetotaller’s, The (x13)
Played before: Hamish The Carpenter (x22), Fermoy Lasses, The (x20), Reel Of Sceachóg, The (x19)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

21. The Session Pigeon On The Gate, The

REEL | KEY: Edorian | ID: 517
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 396 Album Recordings: 280 Bookmarks: 121

History: A traditional E Dorian/Mixolydian reel with countless regional variations. The title is a common old metaphor for card-playing or pub entertainment.

Why Learn It: A masterclass in modal playing. It is a highly respected tune that is commonly played by intermediate and advanced musicians in long, driving sets.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features complex variations and shifting modes. Watch out for the sharp/natural C note transitions. Keep the rhythm driving and use cuts to highlight the off-beats.

Landmark Recordings:

The Gap of Dreams by Altan (Track 7), It’s A Hard Road To Travel by Andy McGann And Paul Brady (Track 9), Many Happy Returns by Arcady (Track 7)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Mountain Road, The (x27), Congress, The (x11), Flogging, The (x6)
Played before: Glen Of Aherlow, The (x54), Silver Spear, The (x11), Mountain Road, The (x11)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

22. The Session Tam Lin

REEL | KEY: Dminor | ID: 248
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 393 Album Recordings: 110 Bookmarks: 259

History: Also known as 'The Glasgow Reel', this D minor tune was composed by Davey Arthur of The Fureys. It is named after the legendary Scottish ballad of Tam Lin.

Why Learn It: A hauntingly beautiful and popular D minor reel. It provides a striking contrast in sets that are otherwise dominated by major keys.

Musical Traits & Tips: The A-part features an arpeggiated D minor chord starting from the low A. Whistle players should practice clean tonguing, and fiddlers should use strong, short bow strokes.

Landmark Recordings:

Txirbileneatik Kranbara by ACiDo FoLKlóRico (Track 3), Flying On Home by Airdance (Track 1), Alan Pipes - The Warm Up by Alan Roberts (Track 7)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Julia Delaney’s (x31), Tongadale (x25), Gravel Walks, The (x21)
Played before: Julia Delaney’s (x33), Catharsis (x28), Gravel Walks, The (x23)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

23. The Session MacLeod’s Farewell

REEL | KEY: Dmajor | ID: 518
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 388 Album Recordings: 38 Bookmarks: 136

History: Composed by Donald Shaw, the accordionist and founding member of the Scottish band Capercaillie. It is played in D major and has become a massive session favorite.

Why Learn It: A modern classic with a fantastic driving energy. It is highly popular in contemporary sessions and fits perfectly into modern set-building.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features scalar runs and syncopated chord transitions. Pay close attention to the timing of the rolls in the B-part. Maintain a strong, pulsating beat.

Landmark Recordings:

Yeh, That’s All It Is by John Carty (Track 9), Lúnasa with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra by Lúnasa (Track 5), The Merry Sisters Of Fate by Lúnasa (Track 11)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Jig Of Slurs, The (x10), Mountain Road, The (x6)
Played before: Good Morning To Your Nightcap (x75), Earl’s Chair, The (x16), I Buried My Wife And Danced On Her Grave (x10)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

24. The Session Reconciliation, The

REEL | KEY: Amajor | ID: 1977
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 377 Album Recordings: 109 Bookmarks: 114

History: Composed by Hal Collins, a traditional musician. Played in A major. Its sweet and bright melody has made it a universal session favorite.

Why Learn It: A great tune for learning A major fingerings. Its bright and cheerful nature makes it a perfect tune to lift the mood in the middle of a set.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features repeated leaps to high E and F#. Fiddlers should practice clean fourth-finger extensions or shifts. Whistle players must control breath pressure in the second octave.

Landmark Recordings:

Live In Belfast by Cathal Hayden (Track 7), Contentment Is Wealth by Matt Molloy And Sean Keane (Track 14), Best Of Celtic Traditional Music And Songs by Planxty O’Rourke (Track 3)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Father Kelly’s (x125), Dave Normaway MacDonald’s Wedding (x14), Frank’s (x13)
Played before: Mountain Road, The (x92), MacArthur Road (x37), High, The (x9)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

25. The Session Toss The Feathers

REEL | KEY: Edorian | ID: 113
Difficulty: Intermediate ?? Session Sets: 377 Album Recordings: 237 Bookmarks: 112

History: A traditional E Dorian reel that has been recorded by everyone from Planxty to The Corrs. The title refers to an old traditional dance figure.

Why Learn It: A classic session closer that is guaranteed to get people stamping their feet. Its driving tempo and repetitive structure make it ideal for building a climax.

Musical Traits & Tips: Features a highly repetitive A-part and a wild B-part. Whistle players can use tight cranns, and fiddlers can use slides and double-stops to enhance the driving, wild character of the tune.

Landmark Recordings:

Many Happy Returns by Arcady (Track 5), Live in New York 1977 by De Dannan (Track 17), Frankie Gavin 2003-2004: Music For Peace - 3rd CD of 4 by Gary Hastings And Frankie Gavin (Track 13)

Common Session Pairings:

Played after: Drowsy Maggie (x34), Toss The Feathers (x34), Glass Of Beer, The (x24)
Played before: Toss The Feathers (x34), Glass Of Beer, The (x20), Drowsy Maggie (x19)

Tune Settings • Recordings Overview • Follow-on Transitions

4. Summary & Next Steps

Learning traditional Irish music is a social, communal journey. The tunes listed here are more than just notes on a page; they are the shared vocabulary of session musicians across the globe. Learning these tunes will not only build your finger strength and rhythmic drive, but it will also open the doors to pubs and sessions wherever your travels take you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most popular Irish reel?

According to session set list analysis, Cooley’s is the most common session reel with 1,670 unique set configurations. Pigeon On The Gate is the most commercially recorded reel with 280 album tracks.

What key is most popular for Irish reels?

The most popular keys/modes for traditional Irish reels are D major (like Silver Spear, Wise Maid), G major (like The Banshee, Sally Gardens), and E Dorian (like Cooley's, Drowsy Maggie) due to their perfect layout on whistle, flute, and fiddle.

What is the standard meter of an Irish reel?

Traditional Irish reels are written in 4/4 time (or cut time, 2/2) and are characterized by a driving, continuous stream of eighth notes with a steady rhythmic pulse and subtle accents on the backbeat.

How should beginners practice learning reels?

Beginners should start by practicing reels slowly to focus on finger accuracy, steady rhythm, and clean ornamentation (like cuts, double-stops, and rolls), gradually building speed while maintaining the backbeat drive.

Musician Resources:

Ready to start practicing? Check out these vital tools across the Trad Tune Explorer:

Fast Tune Recall (offline audio previews) Interactive Visual Search Hub Advanced Tune Settings Search