Home From the Sea
A dramatic story of what seems to be a doomed ocean rescue. It also makes a fine sing-along – I found myself singing this on and off during the boatride out to Skellig Michael. I’m still here, so it seemed to have worked.
The Gypsy Rover
A tale about a young girl who runs off with her gypsy lover. Her father pursues the two only to find he is “Lord of these lands all over”. Lucky lady.
Goodbye Mrs. Durkin
Another song about Irish emigrating to the United States, but a bit more on the livelier side than Danny Boy. Originally called Mursheen Durkin, but this is based in the Irish Rovers’ version of the song called Goodbye Mrs. Durkin. The melody is taken from a popular 19th century reel, “Cailíní deasa Mhuigheo”, which means “Pretty […]
Galway Girl
Written by the wonderful Steve Earle, who’s known to dabble in Irish Folk music once in a while. While not being Irish himself, this song became a huge hit over in Eire a few years ago.
Dirty Old Town
One might be surprised by the title of this song, considereing how many Tidy Town Awards are handed out in Ireland. But the songwriter Ewal MacColl was referring to Salford, in the northwest of England. But the town did receive quite a many Irish in the 19th century during the Great Hunger and Luke Kelly […]
Molly Malone (Cockles and Mussels)
The unofficial anthem of Dublin City. If you’re ever in the Irish Capital, make sure to visit her statue!
Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat
This is a traditional religous song written in the Irish language.
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral (That’s an Irish Lullaby)
This song was written in 1913 by James Royce Shannon which I mostly remember from listening to old Bing Crosby records.
Old Irish Blessing – Denes Agay
This is a version of an Old Irish Blessing composed by Denes Agay. It’s originally for a SATB choir, but this is just the melody with harmony.