Wes,

I'm not aware that Donnybrook Fair is a place name, but its something that would be in the local tradition. If you talked about Donnybrook Fair to most people in Dublin thry would know what you were talking about.

It may be that the song and particularly the tune name (its a very well known jig) have helped to keep the memory alive. Also its quite possible that the fair, although officially disbanded in the 1850s continued unofficially well after this date.

From what I've heard of Dr. Strangely Strange they were a very aptly named band indeed !

I have a vague recollection of reading a lot about this fair somewhere at some stage - perhaps in one of Colm O Lochlainn's books. If I can dig it out this everning I'll be back with more information tomorrow.