Celtic punk is punk rock mixed with traditional Celtic music. The genre was founded in the 1980s by The Pogues, a band of punk musicians in London who celebrated their Irish heritage. Celtic punk bands often play covers of traditional Irish folk and political songs, as well as original compositions. Although the plight of the Irish people is often a topic of their songs, it's not considered an overtly political genre. Prevalent themes in Celtic punk songs include Ireland, Irish Republicanism, the Irish diaspora, drinking, and working class pride.
More recently, Celtic punk has gained popularity with the success of bands such as Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and The Real McKenzies. Three media outlets of Celtic punk include Paddy Rock Radio, the webzine Shite 'n' Onions(which releases compilation CDs), and a podcast called The Scallywag Show With Barnacle Brian.