The following are often-sung Irish folk ballads and folk songs. The songs are arranged by theme under the categories "Politics and soldiering" and "Non-political" and are not necessarily contemporary to the events to which they relate. Songs may fit into more than one category, but where possible, are grouped uniquely to where is most appropriate.

Politics and soldiering

Anti-war and anti-recruiting

16th and 17th centuries

18th century

1798 Rebellion

Songs relating to the Irish Rebellion of 1798 (though not necessarily contemporary):

19th century

Napoleonic Wars

The Great War 1914–1918

1916 Rising

War of Independence

Civil War and post-Treaty Republicanism (1922-1969)

The Troubles (1969–98)

Non-political

Miscellaneous and uncategorised

Work and industry

Love and romance

These songs can be grouped as: aislings, broken token songs, night visiting songs, modern songs, etc.

Places, emigration and travel

Songs of the Travelling People

Sport, play and fighting

Humorous songs

Murder ballads

Drinking

Hedge schoolmaster songs

Get-togethers