One of the best ways is to buy folk CDs. Sometimes they're dreadful but often they have great tunes. This has the benefit that you can listen to the style and look for the music once you know what you like. It also means that you get discover whole sets of tunes that go together. Try Altan for Irish fireworks and nice songs, Pete Clarke for Scottish, Martin Hayes - can't think of any more off hand.

As far as tunes go, I love ones with weight, drive and rhythm - particularly in minor keys. Try Drowsy Maggie, Man of the House, Cooley's Reel, The Red Crow (On Best of Altan), The Gravel Walks - all nice reels. For happier, major key reels, try Mason's Apron, Devil among the Tailors, Morpeth Rant, Flowers of Edinburgh, Sally gardens.

For weighty, exciting jigs try Tenpenny Bit, Rakes of Kildare, Dusty Windowsills, Lilting Banshee.

Hornpipes: Belfast Hornpipe, Boys of Bluehill, Off to California, Trumpet Hornpipe (AKA Captain Pugwash).

Airs: Ashokan Fairwell, Sheebeg and Sheemore, Floating across from Skerry, Niel Gow's lament for the death of his second wife.