The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #14695   Message #127744
Posted By: AKS
25-Oct-99 - 09:38 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Green Fields of Gaoth Dobhair / Gweedore
Subject: Green Fields of Gweedore, Co. Donegal
Hello it's me again, this time with a question on Irish geography and names of places to be more precise.

As I've understood, the County Donegal in the North West of Ireland has provided our world with numerous splendid tunes, a number of talented musicians and at least two top class bands, among many other things.

One of my (many) favourites is a song titled 'The Green Fields of Gaoth Dobhair' performed by Clannad (on LP Fuaim). I have tried to transcribe the lyrics and come quite far but now I must admit that there's no going further without either a much more detailed map or some 'local' - or otherwise expertise - help, because what I'm missing is quite likely some names of places.

Here's what I have so far:

Green Fields of Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore)

Down past on Lewis'? bonny lakes

one morning I did stray

until I reached sweet Clady banks

where the silvery salmon play

I strolled around through old Bunbeg (An Bun Beag)

and down along the shore

and gazed with admiration on the GFoGD

I visit Magheraclogher

on ??? Heights I stand

beneath me lies the ocean wide

and Maghera Gallen (Gullion?) Strand

those sandy banks so dear to me

those banks I do adore

behind me lies sweet Derrybeg (DoirĂ­ Beaga) and the GFoGD

The bonny isle of Gola (Gabla)

and Inishmen? so near

I see the little fishing fleet

as it lies along the peer

I wandered through the grave yard where

those've gone before

that once lived happy and content by the GfoGD

I see sweet Inish ???

and far off Tory Isle (Toraigh)

I view the ocean liners

as they steam along in style

and bore the Irish emigrants

with hearts both sad and sore

as they gazed on own Tyrconnell hills and the GfoGD

I wouldn't be surprised if the story'd be even longer to describe the beauty of one's own landscape and how sad it is to see fellow countrymen having to leave for overseas because there is no way left of making a decent living. I also guess that the song is not very old - twenties-thirties at most, perhaps? Correct me, please.

Additional information appreciated

Arto K S (North Carelia, from where young people of today emigrate to the South of Finland, to the Continental Europe - and even Ireland!)