Irish Singing?

Question

My grandfather is from Ireland and often sings little nonesense tunes. I saw some irish men on the tv do the same thing in a bar and was wondering what it was called. The best I can tell he sings; A diddle I dum, a diddle I dum, dum de diddle I day, a diddle I dum a diddle I dum, dum dee diddle I day.

Answer 1

This form of singing is called 'Portaireacht Béil' or just 'Portaireacht' (mouth music) in Irish or 'Lilting'.  There are competitions held at a music festival each year called 'Fleadh Cheoil' to find the champions in Irish dancing, music, singing  and in Portaireacht.

Answer 2

not sure if there is a proper name for that but it is quite common all over Ireland tho there is a system of Irish/Celtic singing known as son nois (sp?)

Answer 3

ive heard it on some of christy moores songs

Answer 4

I've heard it called 'mouth music', and yes, it's very common still.