well seeing as im Irish! I can mention a few for ya,Planxty,Christie Hennessey (really like him nice easy listening always has great lyrics with stories,he paints vivid pictures with his words check out the songs "The Quest" "The Vision" and "Sheila Doran" which has no music just him singing a story! amazing song!) another one you could have is Boomtown Rats with ol Bob Geldof.The Dubliners,The Pogues,The Furies,Damien Dempsey (Maybe it doeasnt have to be a band??) Horslips,The Saw Doctors, thats all i can think of for now that hasnt already been said!!
Thanks.
Bohs Man.