10 surprising covers of Irish songs

This article explores ten instances where international artists have covered Irish songs, ranging from unexpected pop renditions to folk tributes. It highlights the cultural influence of Irish music and the creative interpretations by artists like Hayley Williams and Olivia Rodrigo.
Why it matters
The piece underscores the enduring global reach and adaptability of Irish musical heritage in contemporary pop culture.
Freelance journalist and broadcaster, writing about music and the arts.
The cover song is a tricky art to fine-tune: get it right, and you'll earn the undying respect of an artists’ fanbase. Get it wrong, and you’ll be a complete laughing stock. No pressure.
We all know how influential Irish artists have been over the years, but now and again a cover version of a song pops up in surprising or unexpected places. Here, we take a look at ten of the most surprising...
1. Hayley Williams - Mandinka (Sinéad O'Connor)
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