Irish Country Stars Unite for Stirring Rendition of “Country Roads” on The Late Late Show
It was a night to remember on RTÉ’s Late Late Show Country Special when the biggest names in Irish country music came together for a heartfelt performance of John Denver’s classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The moment captured the spirit of community and nostalgia that has long defined Ireland’s relationship with country music.
The stage was filled with a star-studded lineup — Daniel O’Donnell, Philomena Begley, Nathan Carter, Cliona Hagan, and a host of other beloved voices — each taking their turn on the verses before joining in for the soaring chorus. Their harmonies blended seamlessly, creating a wall of sound that had the studio audience clapping, swaying, and singing along.
For Irish audiences, “Country Roads” carries a special resonance. Its themes of home, belonging, and the pull of familiar landscapes echo deeply in a nation where emigration and rural traditions are woven into collective memory. The choice of song was no accident; it was a symbolic nod to the roots of country music and its enduring place in Irish hearts.
Host Ryan Tubridy looked on with visible pride as the performers lit up the studio, transforming the stage into something resembling an old-style dance hall. Viewers at home flooded social media with comments, many calling the performance a “goosebumps moment” and a highlight of the Country Special.
What made the rendition remarkable was not only the individual star power of the singers but the unity they displayed on stage. Icons like O’Donnell and Begley, who have been carrying the torch for decades, stood shoulder to shoulder with younger stars like Carter and Hagan, signaling both the preservation and renewal of Irish country tradition.
The performance underscored the Late Late Show’s unique role in celebrating Ireland’s love affair with country music. Each year, the Country Special has become a television event — a rare moment where generations of fans come together to honor a genre that has long been a cultural lifeline, from rural parish halls to international concert stages.
As the final chorus of “Country Roads” filled the studio, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation. Smiles, tears, and a sense of shared pride radiated across the room. One fan summed it up best in a post-show interview: “That’s more than a song — it’s our story, too.”
The night proved once again that Irish country music is not just about individual stars, but about community, heritage, and the joy of singing together. And with “Country Roads,” those values were on full display — carried on the voices of legends and newcomers alike.