Well, in looking into another thread (Johnny and Molly) and checking the liner notes, I realized that this song was first recorded by her on the same album (There Was a Maid) and that there might be some clues there for this song as well.

Dolores learned this song "from Paddy Doran and John Reilly, both travelling people from Northern Ireland". The notes further say that it has some similarities with one of Child's versions from Co. Meath.