Lyr Req: The Famous Kildorrery Town

Subject: Lyr Req: The Famous Kildorrery Town
From: mhega
Date: 26 Nov 09 - 07:41 AM

I am trying to source the lyrics of the traditional Irish song "The Famous Kildorrery Town" - can anyone help please?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Famous Kildorrery Town
From: MartinRyan
Date: 26 Nov 09 - 03:52 PM

There's copy of it in O'Sullivan's, Folklore of Ireland (1974) pp.160-161, according to the Roud index - which lists it as no. 20424. I don't have a copy of the text, I'm afraid.

Regards
p.s. I think it may also be in one of the Songs and Ballads from the Pubs of Ireland series.

Subject: Lyr Add: FAMOUS KILDORRERY TOWN
From: MartinRyan
Date: 26 Nov 09 - 06:14 PM

Famous Kildorrery Town

I've been to Crosshaven and Youghal
Ballybunion, Tramore and Kilkee
Ballycotton and likewise Dungarvan,
Those famous resorts by the sea.
For my health I have traveled through Ireland
But now I've at last settled down
Though lacking in wealth I've been gaining my health
Up in Kildorrery town.

Chorus: Have up ever been up to Kildorrery
Indeed if you haven't that's quare
Sure it's only five miles from Ardpatrick
And three from the cross of Red Chair
And when at that cross you are landed
You will see a big hill looking down
And on top of that hill bare naked and chill
Stands famous Kildorrery town

When King Edward came over to Ireland
In delicate health as you know
I met him one day in his travels
And he asked me the best place to go
He said ''twas fresh air he was seeking
As his system was badly run down
"Well King Edward" says I "the best air you can try
Is up in Kildorrery town"

When Saint Patrick was preaching in Ulster
He said to the south he'd come down
And where do you think he'd find lodgings
But up in Kildorrery town
But when on the way from Kilmallock
At Ardpatrick he died on the way
Those who stood by his side on the day that he died
Heard him distinctively say:

"Ah I've longed to get up to Kildorrery
It is much I have longed to be there
Sure it's only five miles from Ardpatrick
And three from the cross of Red Chair
Make my grave on the Hill of Ardpatrick
And there let my bones be laid down
And my spirit shall shine on old Erin's Green Isle
And on famous Kildorrery town"

When the pilgrims went over from Ireland
To visit fair Italy's shore
''Twas little they knew the surprises
That country for them had in store
They called to the Pope in his Palace
And when he had seated them down
Said the Pope loud and clear "Is there anyone here
From famous Kildorrery town?"

Said the Pope "I've been to Kildorrery
Sure you might think that is quare
But I traveled the road to Ardpatrick
And on by the cross of Red Chair
So now I will give you my blessing
Please on your knees all go down
And may prosperity shine on Erin's Green Isle
And on famous Kildorrery town"

Chorus:

Taken from HERE

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Famous Kildorrery Town
From: mhega
Date: 27 Nov 09 - 10:38 AM

I am impressed! - thanks a million Martin! - this is a great site, we are having a family get-together to remember a dear departed one, who loves songs such as these, and we are going to include this song in the sing-song! thanks again for your prompt response