Cillian Murphy’s Ultimate Irish Playlist: The Songs That Inspire Hollywood’s Best Actor

Cillian Murphy’s name has become synonymous with some of the most iconic performances in film and television. From his standout role as Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders to his collaborations with director Christopher Nolan, culminating in his Oscar-winning portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, Murphy has firmly established himself as one of the most respected actors of his generation. However, his talents don’t end on the screen. Behind the scenes, Murphy is an avid music lover with a deep connection to the vibrant sounds of his homeland.

Before the silver screen beckoned, Murphy’s life was once poised to take a different direction—one that involved music rather than acting. In his youth, Murphy played in a band with his brother, a venture that almost led them to a record deal. While acting eventually won out, Murphy’s love for music has remained a constant throughout his career. This passion shines through in his curations on BBC Radio 6, where he showcases his broad musical tastes, ranging from German electronica to contemporary indie.

However, it’s clear that Murphy holds a special place in his heart for Irish music. Over the years, he has regularly championed Irish artists on his radio shows, proving his status as a tastemaker. Whether it’s post-punk, folk, or indie, Murphy’s selections reflect both the richness and diversity of the Irish music scene.

Among his most frequent picks are Fontaines D.C., the post-punk band hailing from Dublin. With tracks like “Big” and “Liberty Belle,” Murphy highlights the band’s sharp, energetic sound that captures the essence of Irish life. Fontaines D.C.’s lyrics often delve into themes of youth, rebellion, and identity, making them a perfect fit for Murphy’s musical palate.

Murphy’s admiration for the Irish music scene doesn’t stop there. He’s also a fan of The Murder Capital, another Dublin-based band, with the track “Don’t Cling to Life” standing out in his rotations. The song’s driving guitars and poetic lyrics about the collapse of the world, paired with singer James McGovern’s emotional delivery, resonate with Murphy’s love for music that speaks to both the soul and the intellect.

Murphy also embraces softer, more folk-oriented sounds. Lankum, a folk group that won the prestigious Mercury Prize, has been featured on his radio show. Their haunting, atmospheric sound, coupled with lyrics rooted in Irish history and tradition, is a perfect complement to Murphy’s musical sensibilities. Other softer tracks include “Coast” by Participant, a poetic and melodic song that captures the beauty of Irish folk music.

The diversity in Murphy’s musical tastes extends to his love for artists such as Sinéad O’Connor, Denise Chaila, and Fionn Regan. From O’Connor’s powerful “Mandinka” to Chaila’s “Copper Bullet,” Murphy demonstrates a keen awareness of the range of genres flourishing in Ireland, from the deeply emotional to the politically charged.

In showcasing these songs and artists, Murphy highlights the incredible talent emerging from Ireland right now. From the electrifying sound of Fontaines D.C. to the introspective melodies of Fionn Regan, Murphy’s playlist serves as a reminder of the richness of Irish music, with its endless creativity and emotional depth.

For fans of both Murphy and Irish music, here’s a look at some of the songs that frequently make it onto his playlist:

A Collection of Cillian Murphy’s Favourite Irish Songs:

• Fontaines D.C. – ‘Big’
• Fionn Regan – ‘Put A Penny In The Slot’
• Maria Somerville – ‘All My People’
• The Frames – ‘Lay Me Down’
• Paul Brady – ‘Arthur McBride’
• Simple Kid – ‘Serotonin’
• Caoimhin O’ Raghallhaigh and Dan Trueman – ‘What What What’
• Fontaines D.C. – ‘Liberty Belle’
• Villagers – ‘Hold Me Down’
• Denise Chaila – ‘Duel Citizenship’
• Participant – ‘Coast’
• Powpig – ‘Mayday (Powpig)’
• The Murder Capital – ‘Green & Blue’
• A Lazarus Soul – ‘Black & Amber’
• Denise Chaila – ‘Copper Bullet’
• Arborist – ‘Taxi’ (Seamus Fogarty Remix)
• Sinéad O’Connor – ‘Mandinka’
• Lankum – ‘The Young People’
• Fionn Regan – ‘Collar Of Fur’
• Seamus Fogarty – ‘Carlow Town’
• The Murder Capital – ‘Don’t Cling To Life’
• The Divine Comedy – ‘Philip and Steve’s Furniture Removal Company’
• Jape – ‘We Threw A Dead Thing Overboard’
• Fontaines D.C. – ‘Roy’s Tune’

As Murphy’s career continues to soar, it’s clear that his musical tastes are just as influential as his on-screen performances. With his finger firmly on the pulse of Ireland’s music scene, Cillian Murphy is proving that his talents extend far beyond acting, and he’s more than capable of recommending a great playlist to accompany his cinematic triumphs.