Darragh’s Soapbox: What is Waterford’s favorite Christmas carol? – Meaning

The Christmas season is in full swing and one of the best ways to set the magical mood is with Christmas soundtracks.

Virgin Media Ireland recently analyzed Spotify streaming data, artist earnings and Google search volume to reveal the Christmas hits Ireland just can’t stop listening to.

Unsurprisingly, Fairytale of New York by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl tops the list with 12,100 monthly searches. The song has been streamed over 401 million times on Spotify and has earned an impressive €1.4 million for the artists.

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole is next. Known for its signature opening line “Chestnut’s roasting on an open fire” – this song is searched 6,600 times a month in Ireland. With over 504 million Spotify streams, it has raised €1.8 million for the late Nat King Cole’s brand.

Also high on the list were Last Christmas, Silent Night, Jingle Bells, All I Want for Christmas is You and Somewhere Only We Know.

This week we asked the people of Waterford what their favorite party tune is. Local reaction certainly backed up the research, with nearly everyone we met saying The Pogues’ holiday classic is the best Christmas song ever.

Shelly Phelan and Aoife Phelan said they even went to see a concert adaptation at the Gaiety Theatre.

“We like the Irish,” they said, “and when you hear it playing, you know it’s Christmas!”

A number of others, such as Rebecca Cummins and Bridget Phelanagree that traditional carols are their preferred choice, and some say that childhood nostalgia is what makes a seasonal tune all the more special.

Others chose more modern takes, with Ciara Ní Cheallacháin says: “‘All I want for Christmas Is You’ is the first song that comes to mind, but ‘Snowman’ by Sia is actually a song that I listen to all year round.”