Podcast Recommendations From An Irish Traditional Musician & Podcaster

At EarBuds, we love highlighting people who are deeply embedded in the communities they’re recommending podcasts from. On this St. Patrick’s Day, Tara Connaghan, host of In Tune with Tradition, brings a perspective that comes from inside the world of Irish traditional music.

Tara is a professional Irish traditional musician and the host of the award-winning podcast In Tune with Tradition – Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music. Through her work, she regularly connects with musicians around the world who are trying to understand not just the tunes of Irish music, but the culture and etiquette surrounding it.

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, Tara put together a list of podcasts that explore Irish music from within — focusing on its history, its communities, and the lived experiences of the musicians who carry the tradition forward.

Below are her recommendations.

5 Irish Music Podcast Recommendations

The following podcast recommendations and descriptions were selected and written by Tara Connaghan. She also closes out this post at the end with a note about St. Patrick’s Day.

In Tune with Tradition Podcast

Learning the Culture of Irish Music Sessions

In Tune with Tradition – Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music

Host: Tara Connaghan

An award-winning podcast helping musicians / newcomers understand the etiquette and group dynamics around joining Irish music sessions. I launched a questionnaire on my website www.sessionetiquette.com about the challenges, joys and queries musicians / newcomers had in relation to Irish music sessions. These directly link to the podcast content with guests being asked some of the questions at the end of their interview.

Listen: https://podlink.com/1824597652

Stories Behind the Tunes

Irish Music Stories

Host: Shannon Heaton

Shannon is a musician, a writer, educator, and a podcaster. Each episode features wild and wonderful lyrical connections between Irish music and various topics, whether pondering the name of an Irish tune or what goes on behind the scenes in Irish music. The podcast includes some guest appearances and music interwoven between the stories.

Listen: https://podlink.com/1199016494

Conversations with Legendary Musicians

Irish Music Memories

Host: Richie Piggott

Richie interviews Ireland's most well respected experienced musicians about their journeys through music and life. The interviews are archival in nature, allowing the musicians space to talk freely and safely about themselves.

I found the Irish Music Memories podcast when I met the host Richie Piggott at an Irish music festival in May 2025. He gave an archival talk about Irish music in Chicago and we both discussed our new podcasts, which we launched roughly around the same time. Richie is a sweetheart and his interviews feel so delicate, like he's holding a special cargo in his hands. And I guess he is. He's talking to some very well respected ageing musicians and they deserve respect for their years of contribution to Irish music.

Listen: https://podlink.com/1827484162

Music and Conversation from a Belfast Pub

Music in Maddens

Host: Lynette Fay at Madden's Bar

Guest interviews with musicians visiting Madden's Bar in Belfast, UNESCO City of Music. Insightful with lots of laughter.

Listen: https://podlink.com/1878108687

Investigating the History of Irish Songs

Fire Draw Near

Host: Ian Lynch

A podcast by Ian Lynch of the critically acclaimed band, Lankum, investigating the stories and history behind songs and Irish traditional music. Expect in-depth investigations into songs and tunes. No stone left unturned.

Listen: https://podlink.com/1532286691

Irish music beyond the stereotypes

For St. Patrick’s Day, these podcasts offer listeners a way to experience Irish music beyond the usual clichés. They explore the history, the musicians, and the community dynamics that make the tradition what it is today. Whether you’re a musician yourself or simply curious about the culture behind the tunes, these shows offer a deeper listen into the world of Irish traditional music.

5 Irish Music Podcasts for St. Patrick’s Day