Popular Irish folk songs? - popular in the tourist bars perhaps or maybe in Irish-American bars. However you're unlikely to hear them in folk clubs in Ireland or at any of the traditional festivals; Willie week, fleadhanna ceoil etc. They are all pretty good songs, whether Irish or not, but have become a little hackneyed here on the oul sod. Apologies if I'm a bit negative, Ray. Best of luck with your research anyway. You should get plenty info in the archives as others have suggested.

Beir Bua.