Best New Irish Music: 10 Singles Released in October 2026
October has been another busy month for Irish music, with a steady stream of new singles landing throughout the past few weeks. From guitar-driven indie rock and catchy alternative pop to folk-inspired songwriting and a few more unusual offerings, there's been plenty to get stuck into.
We've picked out 10 tracks that caught our attention this month, featuring a mix of familiar faces and artists you might not have come across just yet. There's a bit of everything here, so whether you're after something loud, laid-back or somewhere in between, you should find something worth adding to your playlist.
Adam Loughran – White Flags
Louth singer-songwriter Adam Loughran has been keeping himself busy lately, and White Flags
follows September's God Save Him
. This time around, he's exploring the difficulties of trying to fix a relationship that keeps falling apart. With its dark pop sound, electronic beats and layered synths, it's another interesting release from an artist who isn't afraid to tackle complicated subjects.
READ FULL REVIEW | White Flags
telekura – hi-chew
Dublin's telekura have come up with a catchy little number in hi-chew
, a song that takes its name from the popular Japanese sweets. It's bright, playful and easy to get into, but there's a slightly bittersweet story underneath. Looking back at missed opportunities and wondering what might have been, the band manage to make regret sound surprisingly enjoyable.
READ FULL REVIEW | hi-chew
Mechanical Wonders – Mr Keeper
Blanchardstown indie band Mechanical Wonders take on a difficult subject with Mr Keeper
, a song about a final conversation between a son and his dying father. You might expect something fairly downbeat, but the jangling guitars give it a surprisingly upbeat feel. Richie McGrath's sombre vocals provide the contrast, making this a touching track that doesn't overdo the sentimentality.
READ FULL REVIEW | Mr Keeper
Pamela Tully – Don't Think You Own Me
Dublin singer Pamela Tully isn't holding back with Don't Think You Own Me
. It's a punchy pop-rock track about standing up for yourself and refusing to be talked over or pushed around. With booming drums, plenty of attitude and a powerful vocal performance, Tully gets her point across without much fuss. There's a proper singalong chorus in there too.
READ FULL REVIEW | Don't Think You Own Me
Ryan Flanagan – Rita's Road
Dublin-born singer-songwriter Ryan Flanagan makes his debut with Rita's Road
, a heartfelt track inspired by his grandmother and the realities of living thousands of miles from home. Now based in Australia, Flanagan reflects on the family moments he's missing back in Ireland. It's a gentle, folk-influenced song that should strike a chord with anyone who's spent time living abroad.
READ FULL REVIEW | Rita's Road
Mute The TV – Glitter On A Grey Day
Wicklow indie rockers Mute The TV have delivered another cracking guitar-driven track with Glitter On A Grey Day
. Starting quietly before bursting into a big, fuzzy chorus, it's got plenty of that early-2000s indie charm. Inspired by a touching tribute to a friend's late mother, there's a lovely story behind the noise. Their debut EP is due in early 2027.
READ FULL REVIEW | Glitter On A Grey Day
BÁD – Every Turn Is A Cutting Worth Taking
New Irish trio BÁD make their introduction with Every Turn Is A Cutting Worth Taking
, a track that brings together indie-rock guitars, gentle keyboards and some lovely vocal harmonies. Featuring Brigid O'Neill, Alan Daniel Tobin and Declan Legge, the song was written and recorded during a songwriting camp in just eight hours. Not bad going for a debut release.
READ FULL REVIEW | Every Turn Is A Cutting Worth Taking
LOBEPINE – Along My Ride
Dublin indie-pop artist LOBEPINE takes things down a notch with Along My Ride
, a laid-back track featuring backing vocals from Carol Lobo. Mixing acoustic and electric guitars with bass and synths, the song looks at moving forward while remembering what you've left behind. It's catchy without trying too hard, with a slightly melancholic feel that suits the subject matter nicely.
READ FULL REVIEW | Along My Ride
Jack O'Rourke – Samhain
Cork singer-songwriter Jack O'Rourke returns after three years away with Samhain
, a suitably eerie release for the Halloween season. Drawing on childhood memories, old traditions and the idea of taking on another identity, the song has a dark, old-fashioned storytelling feel. With touches of folk, blues and Americana, it's good to have that unmistakable voice back again.
READ FULL REVIEW | Samhain
Tom Gee – Better
Belfast-based singer Tom Gee has plenty to get off his chest with Better
, a song inspired by political frustration, environmental worries and the constant negativity online. Rather than simply having a moan, Gee offers a more hopeful message about making small changes for the better. It's a timely release ahead of his new EP, Doubting Thomas
, arriving in November.
READ FULL REVIEW | Better
Final Verdict
October 2026 has been another strong month for new Irish music, with plenty of variety across these 10 releases. From the big, fuzzy guitars of Mute The TV to the more personal storytelling of Ryan Flanagan and Jack O'Rourke, there's no shortage of good songs to get stuck into.
It's also encouraging to see newer names like telekura, BÁD and LOBEPINE putting out music that deserves a wider audience. There's plenty happening beyond the familiar names on the Irish music scene, and that's exactly why it's worth keeping an ear out for these releases.
If you've missed any of these tracks over the past few weeks, now's a good time to catch up. You might just find your next favourite Irish artist.
READ MORE | The Best Irish Music Right Now
