Ireland has produced several great poets including two Nobel prize winners in WB Yeats and Seamus Heaney.
Here we present Ireland’s 100 favourite poems as voted for by readers of the Irish Times. We have added notes and analysis on some of the most popular.
Scroll to the end of the list to read an analysis of the unique characteristics of Irish poetry as characterised in these first 100 poems. Jump to the article.
1. The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W. B. Yeats
2. He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by W. B. Yeats
3. Mid-Term Break by Seamus Heaney
4. The Song of Wandering Aengus by W. B. Yeats
5. Raglan Road by Patrick Kavanagh
6. Easter, 1916 by W. B. Yeats
7. When You are Old by W. B. Yeats
8. Canal Bank Walk by Patrick Kavanagh
9. Stony Grey Soil by Patrick Kavanagh
10. The Stolen Child by W. B. Yeats
T11. An Old Woman of the Roads by Padraic Colum
T11. In Memory of my Mother by Patrick Kavanagh
T11. Sailing to Byzantium by W. B. Yeats
T11. The Wild Swans at Coole by W. B. Yeats
15. The Deserted Village by Oliver Goldsmith
T16. The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde
T16. September, 1913 by W. B. Yeats
T18. Digging by Seamus Heaney
T18. A Christmas Childhood by Patrick Kavanagh
T18. The Wayfarer by Padraic Pearse
T21. Advent by Patrick Kavanagh
T21. I See His Blood upon the Rose by Joseph Mary Plunkett
23. The Great Hunger by Patrick Kavanagh
T24. Lament for Thomas McDonagh by Francis Ledwidge
T24. The Mother by Padraic Pearse
T26. The Planter’s Daughter by Austin Clarke
T26. Caoineadh Áirt Úi Laoghaire by Eibhlín Dubh Ní `Chonaill
T26. Among Schoolchildren by W. B. Yeats
T26. The Second Coming by W. B. Yeats
30. Inniskeen Road, July Evening by Patrick Kavanagh
T31. Lines Written on a Seat on the Grand Canal, Dublin, ‘Erected to the Memory of Mrs Dermot O’Brien’ by Patrick Kavanagh
T31. An Irish Airman Foresees his Death by W. B. Yeats
T33. Clearances by Seamus Heaney
T33. Epic by Patrick Kavanagh
T35. Another September by Thomas Kinsella
T36. The Lost Heifer by Austin Clarke
T36. A Disused Shed in Co Wexford by Derek Mahon
T38. June by Francis Ledwidge
T38. Snow by Louis MacNeice
T40. Personal Helicon by Seamus Heaney
T40. Mise Raifteirí an File by Antoine Ó Raifteirí
T42. Mirror in February by Thomas Kinsella
T42. Cuírt an Mheán Óiche (The Midnight Court) by Brian Merriman
T42. Cill Chais by Aodhagán Ó Rathaille
T42. The Fiddler of Dooney by W. B. Yeats
T46. The Blackbird of Derrycairn by Austin Clarke
T46. Blackberry-Picking by Seamus Heaney
T46. Spraying the Potatoes by Patrick Kavanagh
T46. A Pint of Plain is Your Only Man(The Workmans Friend) by Flann O’Brien
T46. Anois Teacht an Earraigh by Antoine Ó Raifteirí
T46. The Circus Animals’ Desertion by W. B. Yeats
T46. The Fisherman by W. B. Yeats
T53. Ecce Puer by James Joyce
T53. Incantata by Paul Muldoon
T53. Cúl an Tí by Seán Ó Ríordáin
T53. To a Child Dancing in the Wind by W. B. Yeats
T53. The Tower by W. B. Yeats
T58. Night Feed by Eavan Boland
T58. She Moved Through the Fair by Padraic Colum
T58. Death of a Naturalist by Seamus Heaney
T58. Requiem for the Croppies by Seamus Heaney
T58. Autumn Journal by Louis MacNeice
T58. Dublin by Louis MacNeice
T58. Dark Rosaleen by James Clarence Mangan
T58. The Meeting of the Waters by Thomas Moore
T58. Bean Sléibhe ag Caoineadh a Mhac by Padraic Pearse
T58. The Ballad of Father Gilligan by W. B. Yeats
T58. Red Hanrahan’s Song about Ireland by W. B. Yeats
T69. The Faeries by William Allingham
T69. Pangur Bán Anonymous
T69. Follower by Seamus Heaney
T69. Padraig Ó Conaire, Gaelic Storyteller by F.R. Higgins
T69. To My Darling Daughter Betty by Tom Kettle
T69. The Fool by Padraic Pearse
T69. The Splendour of God by Joseph Mary Plunkett
T69. Sheep and Lambs by Katharine Tynan
T69. Broken Dreams by W. B. Yeats
T69. Down by the Salley Gardens by W. B. Yeats
T69. Under Ben Bulben by W. B. Yeats
T80. Valparaiso by Pádraig de Brún
T80. A Cradle Song by Padraic Colum
T80. A Drover by Padraic Colum
T80. Woodman by Patrick Deeley
T80. Christmas Day by Paul Durcan
T80. Going Home to Mayo by Paul Durcan
T80. Death of an Irishwoman by Michael Hartnett
T80. Postscript by Seamus Heaney
T80. Station Island by Seamus Heaney
T80. Father and Son by F.R. Higgins
T80. For Rita With Love by Pat Ingoldsby
T80. Pegasus by Patrick Kavanagh
T80. An Bonnán Buí by Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna
T80. ‘Tis the Last Rose of Summer by Thomas Moore
T80. An tEarrach Thiar by Máirtín Ó Direáin
T80. Oíche Nollag na mBan by Seán Ó Ríordáin
T80. Mise Éire by Pádraig Mac Piarais(Padraic Pearse)
T80. The Host of the Air by W. B. Yeats
T80. Leda and the Swan by W. B. Yeats
T80. A Prayer for my Daughter by W. B. Yeats
100. All Legendary Obstacles by John Montague
T = Tied
.
The Soul of Irish Poetry: A Reflection on “Ireland’s 100 Favourite Poems”
A Deep Connection to the Land and Its People
One defining feature of Irish poetry is its connection to the natural world and the Irish landscape. Throughout history, the island’s poets have found inspiration in the green hills, rugged coastlines, and ancient bogs that define the country. This landscape is not merely a backdrop but a living, breathing character that interacts with the emotions and thoughts of the people.
Seamus Heaney, one of the most prominent poets featured in the list, exemplifies this approach. His work often reflects a deep bond with the land, as seen in poems like “Digging,” where the act of digging the earth serves as a metaphor for exploring memory, history, and self.
This intimacy with the natural world is not limited to romantic pastoral scenes; it is also tied to themes of identity, struggle, and continuity. The landscape is where ancient myths and contemporary experiences converge, making it a potent source for exploring themes of belonging and loss, love and resilience. W.B. Yeats, too, often imbued the land with mythic significance, seeing in it the embodiment of Ireland’s soul and spirituality.
The Voices of a Nation: Love, Loss, and Identity
The selection of poems showcases not just the beauty of nature but also the complexities of human emotion. Themes of love, longing, and heartbreak appear frequently throughout the list, reflecting the universal human experience through an Irish lens. Many of these poems dwell in the bittersweet space between joy and sorrow, celebrating love’s depth while acknowledging its fragility. This emotional richness is characteristic of Irish poetry—a blend of sensitivity and passion that resonates with readers across time.
While love is a central theme, so too is loss. Ireland’s history is marked by struggles for independence, periods of famine, and waves of emigration, all of which have left indelible marks on its cultural consciousness. The poems on this list do not shy away from exploring the pain of separation, exile, and grief.
Yet, even in lamentation, there is often a sense of hope and resilience. The act of writing and sharing poetry becomes, in itself, an act of defiance and survival—a means of asserting identity and bearing witness to the endurance of the human spirit.
The Irish Wit and Love for Language
Irish poetry is known not just for its lyricism and emotional depth but also for its sharp wit and playful use of language. A tradition that dates back to the days of the ancient bards, poetry in Ireland has long been a craft of wordplay, humor, and storytelling. The use of rhyme, rhythm, and meter is more than technical mastery; it’s a way of engaging with the audience, of bringing the spoken word to life. The poems on this list reflect that tradition, balancing the solemnity of deep emotion with moments of levity and joy.
This love for language is evident in the way poets manipulate words to evoke images, convey mood, and explore complex ideas. The Irish penchant for storytelling shines through, as the poems often weave narrative elements that invite the reader to partake in a shared experience. The poems are not just to be read silently on a page but are meant to be spoken aloud, performed, and experienced in community—echoing the oral traditions of Irish folklore and myth.
Embracing the Ordinary and the Mystical
A striking aspect of Irish poetry is its ability to elevate the everyday while simultaneously embracing the mystical. The poems on this list range from explorations of the simple pleasures and challenges of daily life to contemplations on spirituality and the supernatural. There is a duality at play—a reverence for the mundane, rooted in reality, and a fascination with the fantastical, drawing from myth and legend.
This interplay between the ordinary and the mystical allows Irish poetry to navigate a broad spectrum of human experience. A walk through a field, a lover’s embrace, a moment of solitude—all can transform into profound reflections on life, death, and what lies beyond. At the same time, mythological themes weave throughout, with figures from Irish folklore, ancient gods, and legendary heroes serving as both literal and metaphorical guides.
Poets as Chroniclers and Visionaries
The list of “Ireland’s 100 Favourite Poems” serves as a testament to the role of poets as both chroniclers of their time and visionaries for the future. From the nationalist fervor of Yeats and Patrick Pearse to the meditative introspection of Heaney and Eavan Boland, each poet captures a piece of the cultural and historical landscape of Ireland. The poems provide a window into different eras and viewpoints, offering commentary on social issues, personal struggles, and the evolution of Irish identity.
Poets like Boland have reshaped the poetic narrative to include more diverse perspectives, particularly that of women’s experiences. Her poetry addresses themes of domestic life, motherhood, and the complexities of gender, carving out a space for voices that were often overlooked in traditional Irish poetry.
Similarly, poets from Northern Ireland, such as Michael Longley and Derek Mahon, bring to the fore the political turmoil and nuanced realities of life during the Troubles, offering poignant reflections on conflict, peace, and reconciliation.
A Legacy of Resilience and Hope
The enduring popularity of the poems on this list speaks to the power of Irish poetry to connect across generations. The poems continue to resonate because they speak to universal themes through a distinctly Irish perspective. The blending of humor and heartache, of the personal and the political, creates a body of work that is both deeply individual and widely accessible.
Above all, Irish poetry is characterized by its resilience—a resilience that mirrors the country’s history and the strength of its people. Whether exploring themes of love, identity, spirituality, or social justice, these poems offer a celebration of life in all its complexities. They reflect a hope that endures even through hardship and a joy that is found even in the smallest of moments.
In its multifaceted beauty, Irish poetry stands as a testament to the power of words to shape, reflect, and inspire. The collection of “Ireland’s 100 Favourite Poems” offers a glimpse into this legacy, inviting readers to explore the richness of a tradition that continues to grow, evolve, and captivate hearts worldwide.
It’s not just a list of poems; it’s a journey through the many voices and visions that make up the fabric of Ireland’s poetic soul. From the ancient bards to modern voices, each poem is a thread in the larger tapestry of Ireland’s story, woven together by a love for language and a passion for life.
Other favourite Irish poems
The Angel’s Whisper by Samuel Lover
The Banshee by John Todhunter
The Battle of Benburb by Robert Dwyer Joyce
Come to me, Dearest by Joseph Brenan
Distance by John Boyle O’Reilly
The Famine Year by Jane Wilde
Flowers I Would Bring by Aubrey Thomas de Vere
The Irish Peasant Girl by Charles Kickham
Lay Him Away on the Hillside traditional ballad adapted for Private James Daley
Let Me Carry Your Cross For Ireland, Lord by Thomas Ashe
Richard Pigott the Forger by William Topaz McGonagall
A Lost Friend by John Boyle O’Reilly
A Mother’s Love’s a Blessing by Thomas Keenan
My Mother Dear by Samuel Lover
On the Death of Jim Larkin by Patrick Kavanagh
A Place in Thy Memory by Gerald Griffin
Remembered Joy – Irish funeral poem
St Patrick’s Breastplate by St Patrick
Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral by James Royce Shannon
What a Friend We Have in Jesus by Joseph Scriven
When Erin First Rose by William Drennan
The Workman’s Friend by Brian O’Nolan
My Land by Thomas Osborne Davis