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User Name Thread Name Subject Posted
Joe Offer ADD: Irish songs (lots of songs here) (67* d) ADD: The Homes of Donegal (McBride) 20 Aug 21

Hi, Prom Night - The song you're seeking is an interesting song called "The Homes of Donegal," written by Sean McBride and arranged by Paul Brady. I found the lyrics here:


    The Homes Of Donegal
    (Sean Mc Bride/ arranged Paul Brady)

    I’ve just dropped in to see you all
    I’ll only stay awhile
    I want to hear how you’re getting on
    I want to see you smile
    I’m happy to be back again
    And greet you big and small
    For there’s no place on earth just like
    The homes of Donegal

    I long to see your smiling children
    Standing by the door
    The kettle boiling on the hearth
    As I walk up the floor
    And then to see a welcome free
    For travellers one and all
    For your hearts are like your mountains
    In the homes of Donegal

    I’d like to stay along with you
    And while away the night
    With fairy lore and tales of yore
    Beside the turf fire bright
    And then to see laid out for me
    A shake-down by the wall
    For there’s rest for weary wanderers
    In the homes of Donegal

    The time has come for me to go
    And bid you all adieu
    For the open highway calls me back
    To do these things I do
    But when I’m travelling far away
    Your friendship I’ll recall
    And please God I’ll soon return unto
    The homes of Donegal

    Donegal, Pride of all
    Donegal, Pride of all

    Copyright Waltons /Round Hill Music


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk8foQOQVk0

    This song was written by Seán McBride in about 1955. Seán was a native of Cruit island which is in the Rosses area of Donegal (West Donegal). He was a school Teacher at St.Baithins school in the Carrigans/St.Johnston area (East Donegal) for most of his life. Seán passed away at the age of 90 in August 1996 and is buried on Cruit Island.

    Seán only wrote the lyrics, the actual air itself is maybe 150 or more years old. There are many songs around using the same melody, but to my ears the closest one is a song called "The Faughan Side", This song was part of the Curriculum in national schools in East Donegal and as Seán was a Teacher in the "Laggan Valley" (South Inishowen) I'm pretty sure that is where he got his inspiration for the "Homes of Donegal".

    This version by Paul Brady is from his 1985 album "Back to the Centre"

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