Celtic Rock/Celtic Punk, Where do I start?

If I was to build a Starter Kit, what bands and albums would I putt in it?

Traditional Celtic Rock Bands - Wolfstone, Runrig

Punk/Modern Celtic Rock Bands - Black 47, Enter the Haggis, Bad Haggis

For Punk you could ad Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and The Real MacKenzies.

afro celt sound system?

I would go with the first three Afrocelt cd especially volume three with the first four or five songs.. They have gotten kind of mellow after those. I believe they are currently searching for a label. You might be able to toss in a few U2 songs.

For Punk, I agree with all the bands previously mentioned and would enthusiastically add the Tossers

This is a hard one to answer as there are so many bands out there.

I would add The Swaggerin Growlers, The Killians, Finns Fury,The Fisticuffs, Fiffin Market,
Rathkeltair, Alestorm. Will think of more.

I love Afro Celt Sound System. I also like Gang Giri

Slainte

Could probably throw some Barleyjuice, Clan an Drumma and Albannach in there to.

I would say Dropkick Murphys, The Pogues, Black 47, The Cranberries and Flogging Molly.

A few of the bands that we share the stage with, and are MORE than worth supporting with a "listen" are:

Celtic Rock(ish) ones...

Scythian (wonderful guys with twin fiddle capacity)
Enter The Haggis (a little more electic than us... but still with trad licks)
Albannach (drum bangin', whisky drinkin', pleat flyin' fun)
Greenwich Meantime (a nice mix of multiple band influences)
Gaelic Storm (probably one of my all-time favorites)
The Elders (The Pride of Kansas City... barbecue optional)

IF you get in that Rennaissance / Celtic mode...

Coyote Run (good friends with a unique mix)

If you want humour and talent...

Seamus Kennedy (NOTHING can be said about this Irish jewel that's good enough)

Lets not forget Silly Wizard and Slide Show Baby, Wolfmother, Finns Fury

Slainte

Or, as I make a point of saying to him:
"You're not bad for an Irish guy. "
But he has such a stage presence and delivery, that no matter how many times you hear the same punchlines- they're still funny.
As for all the groups, I'm refraining from shouting out anything here. After all, personal taste and preference is just that- personal. It's extremely unlikely that you'l find two people who will give the exact same answers. I agree with most of what's been said here so far- but not everything. So my advice to the person who posed the question is: listen and decide for yourself. Much of what's been mentioned can be heard here for free. If you like it, go buy the CD.

I would add Amadan, a little bit of Glengarry Bhoys (especially Mountain Road), The Elders have a taste of rock into their albums, and MacTalla Mor.

Do yourselves a favor and check out Blaggards, if you haven't already. Great guys and a hell of a band!

I'd definetly put in the Real McKenzies. As far as some of the new age ambient stuff, put in Shooglenifty, Gaelic Storm, and Peatbog Fearies. All really awesome bands. As for punk/ rock I'd put in Enter The Haggis, DKM, Flatfoot 56, Real McKenzies, Needfire, and Catgut Mary.