Introduction: Why Some Slides Outlast the Rest
Traditional Irish music is passed down organically, from player to player, session to session. While there are thousands of distinct slides 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 slides 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 slides in our repository:
- Most Recorded Slide: Merrily Kiss The Quaker (98 commercial tracks)
- Most Popular Session Slide: Denis Murphy's (256 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 Slides
Here is the definitive ranking of the top twenty-five Irish slides, based on the total number of commercial album tracks cataloged in the Trad Tune Explorer.
1. Merrily Kiss The Quaker
GmajorHistory: A classic G major slide (which is a fast 12/8 jig typical of Sliabh Luachra). Its title comes from an old song. Planxty's 1973 debut album popularized it globally.
Why it became popular: It has a joyful, rolling lift that is incredibly fun to play. It is the absolute #1 most popular slide in sessions.
Musical traits: Features a highly syncopated 12/8 rhythm with three distinct parts that roll continuously, creating a sense of effortless lift.
Planxty by Planxty, The Planxty Collection by Planxty, The Chieftains Live by The Chieftains
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Blarney Pilgrim, The (x39), Road To Lisdoonvarna, The (x26), O'Keeffe's (x17)
Played before: Denis Murphy's (x40), Dingle Regatta, The (x21), Blarney Pilgrim, The (x17)
2. Denis Murphy's
DmajorHistory: Named in honor of the legendary Sliabh Luachra fiddler Denis Murphy (1910–1974), who did more to popularize the slide and polka repertoire than almost anyone else.
Why it became popular: It is a staple Clare and Kerry slide with a driving, bright D major melody that sits beautifully on the fiddle, concertina, and accordion.
Musical traits: Characterized by rolling leaps in D major and a highly rhythmic B-part that relies on strong accents on the offbeats to drive the dancers.
The Best Of Irish Piping: The Pure Drop & The Fox Chase by Seamus Ennis, The Chieftains 3 by The Chieftains, The Chieftains Live by The Chieftains
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: O'Keeffe's (x72), Merrily Kiss The Quaker (x40), Brosna, The (x19)
Played before: O'Keeffe's (x31), Brosna, The (x19), Star Above The Garter, The (x14)
3. Star Above The Garter, The
GmajorHistory: A beautiful G major slide of Munster origin. It has been a session staple in County Kerry for over a century and represents the lyrical side of 12/8 slides.
Why it became popular: Its sweet, lifting melody is highly memorable and flows naturally, making it a favorite for whistles and flutes.
Musical traits: Features a lyrical A-part and a soaring B-part that climbs up the register, creating a beautiful melodic arc before resolving.
In Ireland by James Galway And The Chieftains, The Chieftains 4 by The Chieftains, The Foxhunt : CD#2 by The Chieftains
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Road To Lisdoonvarna, The
(x35), O'Keeffe's (x28), Denis Murphy's (x14)
Played before: Lisheen, The (x42), Forget Your Troubles (x34), Road To Lisdoonvarna, The (x18)
4. Patsy Geary's
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
1975 by The Bothy Band, Live In Concert by The Bothy Band, Now Is The Hour by The Kilfenora Céilí Band
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Road To Lisdoonvarna, The (x6)
Played before: Coleman's Cross (x46), Teahan's Favourite (x7)
5. Eileen O'Riordan's
AmixolydianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Amixolydian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The 3rd Irish Folk Festival by Jackie Daly, Seamus Creagh, De Dannan, Andy Irvine, Treasa ni Mhiollain, Clannad, Achill Sound by Achill Sound, Flagstone Memories by Andrew Mac Namara, Orla Harrington And Jim Higgins
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Star Above The Garter, The
(x34), Toormore, The (x12), Lisheen, The (x7)
Played before: Kings Of Kerry (x51), Toormore, The (x6)
6. Barrack Hill
AdorianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Adorian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The Beat of the Breath by Brian Hughes, This Day 20 Years by Brian Hughes, Whistle Stop [Meascra] by Brian Hughes
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: None recorded
7. Going To The Well For Water
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The Humours Of Lewisham, Volume Three by Aidan Crossey, A Glass and a Mile by Alistair Russell & Chris Parkinson, Beyond the Green by Ashley Ashworth
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Dingle Regatta, The (x12), Scattery Island (x11), Teahan's Favourite (x10)
Played before: Si Bheag Si Mhor (x9), Scattery Island (x7)
8. Scully Casey's
DmixolydianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmixolydian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Casey In The Cowhouse by Bobby Casey, Maestro by Bobby Casey, Taking Flight by Bobby Casey
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: None recorded
9. O'Keeffe's
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Sligo Made by Kevin Burke, Phosphorescence by Alys Howe, Bümpliz Süd by An Lar
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: Clog, The (x12), Bill The Weaver's (x6)
10. Cuil Aodha, The
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Boil The Breakfast Early by The Chieftains, The Best Of The Chieftains by The Chieftains, From Galway to Dublin by Alban Fuam
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: O'Keeffe's (x6)
Played before: Star Above The Garter, The
(x7)
11. Toormore, The
BminorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Bminor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Live At Johnny Fox's by Dervish, Phoenix by Any Old Time, Volume 2 by Augusta Céilí Band
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Road To Lisdoonvarna, The (x9),
Forget Your Troubles (x6), Brosna, The (x6)
Played before: Forget Your Troubles (x12),
Star Above The Garter, The (x10), Lisheen, The (x7)
12. O'Keeffe's
AdorianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Adorian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Over The Sea To Skye: The Celtic Connection by James Galway And The Chieftains, The Chieftains 4 by The Chieftains, The Foxhunt : CD#2 by The Chieftains
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Road To Lisdoonvarna, The
(x86), Brosna, The (x82), Denis Murphy's (x31)
Played before: Denis Murphy's (x72), Star Above The Garter, The (x28), Road To Lisdoonvarna, The (x23)
13. Brosna, The
GmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Gmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The Stonemason by Sharon Shannon, Kevin Griffin, Eoin O'Neill, Michel Bonamy, Niall Sheedy, Selected Tracks From Boxed and Eat, Sleep, Fiddle by Anders Trabjerg & Mayo Yanachi, Volume 1 by Augusta Céilí Band
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Road To Lisdoonvarna, The
(x23), Denis Murphy's (x19), O'Keeffe's (x18)
Played before: O'Keeffe's (x82), Denis Murphy's (x19), Donal O'Connor's (x19)
14. Cnoc Na gClarac
AmixolydianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Amixolydian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The Winkles Tapes 1989 by Sharon Shannon, Reunion Concert by All-Ireland Céilí Band Champions, Bohola (3) by Bohola
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Donal O'Connor's (x7)
Played before: None recorded
15. Dinny Delaney's
DmixolydianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmixolydian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
If The Cap Fits by Kevin Burke, Old Hag You Have Killed Me by The Bothy Band, The Best Of by The Bothy Band
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Old Hag You Have Killed Me
(x30)
Played before: Morrison's (x38), Yellow Wattle, The (x9)
16. Bill The Weaver's
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The Chieftains 4 by The Chieftains, The Foxhunt : CD#2 by The Chieftains, The Portland Bow by Aidan Connolly
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Merrily Kiss The Quaker (x8), O'Keefe's (x6), Denis Murphy's (x6)
Played before: None recorded
17. Dingle Regatta, The
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The Best Of Irish Piping: The Pure Drop & The Fox Chase by Seamus Ennis, The Fabulous Kilfenora Ceili Band by The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Reunion Concert by All-Ireland Céilí Band Champions
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Merrily Kiss The Quaker (x21),
O'Keeffe's (x18), Brosna, The (x12)
Played before: Going To The Well For Water
(x12), Sweets Of May, The (x8), Hundred Pipers, The (x8)
18. Palm Sunday
AdorianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Adorian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Eavesdropper by Kevin Burke And Jackie Daly, Lúnasa with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra by Lúnasa, The Merry Sisters Of Fate by Lúnasa
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Come In From The Rain (x6)
Played before: An Seanduine Doite (x12), Humours Of Kilclogher, The (x9), Clancy's Secret (x7)
19. Bedford Cross
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The Groves of Gneeveguilla by Aidan Connolly and Bryan O'Leary, Mullach a' tSí by Aoife Nic Dhomhnaill & Liam Lonergan, Dancing with the Celts by Ardan
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: She Hasn't The Thing She Thought
She Had (x7)
Played before: Abbey's Green Isle (x8), O'Keeffe's (x8)
20. Kerry Jig, The
AdorianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Adorian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Tears Of Stone by The Chieftains, Water From The Well by The Chieftains, The Best Of Traditional Irish Music From Ireland's Number One Céilí Band by The Kilfenora Céilí Band
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: None recorded
21. Scattery Island
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Féidhlim Tonn Rí's Castle Or The King Of Ireland's Son by Seamus Ennis, Cooley's House by Conor Keane, Land Of Sunshine by Dan Possumato
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Going To The Well For Water
(x7)
Played before: Going To The Well For Water
(x11)
22. Cat Rambles To The Child's Saucepan, The
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Three Colours Ginger by Brongaene Griffin With Gerry O'Beirne And Kevin Burke, Afterhours by The Bothy Band, Out Of The Wind Into The Sun by The Bothy Band
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Priest, The (x34), O'Keeffe's (x6)
Played before: This Is My Love, Do You Like
Her? (x28), Star Above The Garter, The
(x6)
23. Gullane, The
DmajorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Dmajor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
The Story So Far... by Lúnasa, The Irish Concertina Two by Noel Hill, Sharon Shannon by Sharon Shannon
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Abbey's Green Isle (x6), Toormore, The (x6)
Played before: Happy One-Step, The (x26)
24. Teahan's Favourite
EminorHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Eminor, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Live in New York 1977 by De Dannan, Boil The Breakfast Early by The Chieftains, Meeting Place by Arise & Go
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: Patsy Geary's (x7)
Played before: Going To The Well For Water
(x10), Star Above The Garter, The (x6)
25. Worn Torn Petticoat, The
AdorianHistory: A legendary traditional Irish slide that has been passed down through generations of Irish musicians.
Why it became popular: It lies comfortably on the fingerings of all standard melody instruments and has a highly danceable rhythm.
Musical traits: Characterized by its classic structure, typical for tunes in the key of Adorian, offering a satisfying lift in its melody.
Promenade by Kevin Burke And Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Away On Up The Road by Aidan Connolly & John Daly, Cuas by Cuas
Common Session Pairings:
Played after: None recorded
Played before: None recorded
What Makes a Slide Become a Session Favourite?
Looking at the dataset as a whole, clear musical patterns emerge. The primary factor in a slide's longevity is **instrumental ergonomics**.
Our analysis of the **470 slides** 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 slides, 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 % |
|---|---|---|
| Dmajor | 162 | 34.47% |
| Gmajor | 131 | 27.87% |
| Adorian | 41 | 8.72% |
| Amajor | 32 | 6.81% |
| Eminor | 15 | 3.19% |
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 **Merrily Kiss The Quaker**. 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 Slides 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:
- Merrily Kiss The Quaker (G Major): The definitive Irish slide. Features a highly cheerful, rolling three-part melody.
- Denis Murphy's Slide (D Major): A classic driving slide named after Kerry's fiddle icon. Very ergonomic.
- The Star Above The Garter (G Major): A sweet, lyrical slide with a gorgeous rising melody in G major.
- Patsy Geary's Slide (D Major): A bright, bouncy slide that flows easily on flutes and whistles.
- O'Keeffe's Slide (D Major): A beautiful modal Kerry slide, typically paired with Denis Murphy's.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Irish slide?
The most popular slide in sessions and commercial recordings is Merrily Kiss The Quaker, appearing in 355 sets and 98 commercial tracks.
Which slide should beginners learn first?
Beginners should learn Merrily Kiss The Quaker. Its simple, scalar G major phrases flow very naturally on all instruments.
Which slide has the most commercial recordings?
Merrily Kiss The Quaker is the most recorded slide with 98 commercial tracks, followed by Denis Murphy's Slide with 67.
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.