With a history of rousing ballads and heartfelt harmonies, Celtic Thunder is no stranger to commanding the stage. But during their live performance of the Irish folk classic Seven Drunken Nights in Dublin, the group leaned into pure comedy and the result had the audience laughing just as hard as they were singing along.

Throughout the set, each member took on the role of a wayward husband clumsily trying to explain himself to his wife, complete with silly acting, exaggerated gestures, and cheeky improvisation. The song’s famously humorous verses became even funnier as the singers threw in ad-libbed lines and spontaneous antics, reminding fans that not all great performances need to be serious — sometimes they just need to be joyful.

Audience reactions online captured just how much delight the number brought. One fan called the lineup the “☘️Best LineUp Ever☘️,” while another praised the group’s balance of comedy and talent, writing, “Corny is what makes it excellent! You have to be very talented to act so silly.” Others chimed in from around the world, sharing how the performance “never fails to lift my spirit” and likening it to “waking up to the morning birds singing gleefully.”

For longtime fans, the song also carried a touch of nostalgia. “Another favorite, and extra special with George in it,” wrote one viewer, a heartfelt nod to the late George Donaldson, whose presence remains beloved in the Celtic Thunder family.

Whether you tuned in for the music or the laughs, the charm of Seven Drunken Nights was undeniable. From the playful banter to the powerful harmonies, Celtic Thunder reminded the world that their artistry goes beyond soaring vocals — it’s about the joy of sharing music that connects, amuses, and uplifts.

What to know about Seven Drunken Nights

Seven Drunken Nights is a traditional Irish folk song that tells the story of a husband returning home night after night in a drunken state, each time offering a new excuse to explain suspicious items in the house to his wife. The humor comes from the husband’s increasingly ridiculous explanations and the wife’s deadpan responses.

The version most widely known today was popularized by The Dubliners in the 1960s, who turned the centuries-old tune into a global hit. The song became a staple of Irish pub culture, often sung with audience participation and plenty of laughter.

While the traditional ballad has many verses — often bawdier than those sung in public — most performances stop at five, keeping the humor playful without crossing into the more risqué territory of the original. Celtic Thunder’s rendition honors this tradition while adding their own theatrical flair, proving why the song has endured as both a comedic gem and a beloved part of Irish music heritage.