The Ballad Lounge Podcast

Welcome back to The Ballad Lounge! This week, we are diving deep into the spirited and legendary tale of "An Poc ar Buile" (The Mad Puck Goat). Join us as we explore the rich history of this beloved song—from its poetic origins in West Cork to the iconic voices that brought it to the global stage—and recap some incredible recent moments in traditional Irish music. In This Episode, We Cov...

While we were sail on the Joanie Madden Folk 'n' Irish Cruise we had the wonderful opportunity to chat with the dashing Kerryman Bryan Murphy of the Gallivanters. He even kept his shirt on for the whole interview. Grab a cup o'tay and sit back, or get the dog ready for a walk and join us for another episode of the Ballad Lounge Podcast. https://www.bryanmurphymusic.com/the-gallivanters...

The life and times of one of the balladeers who blazed the trail in America for the rest of us to follow. We tried to have the interview live on the Joanie Madden FOlk 'n' Irish Cruise but the file didn't survive the journey and so we did it again. Grab a cúpán tae, sit back, and get to know Gerry. http://www.gerrytimlin.com https://www.facebook.com/gerry.timlin/

This week we have a rare interview with the Roscommon rambler Cathy Jordan. A voice full of colour and warmth and a life story that is worth a book in itself.  Rory & Máirtín caught up with the Dervish singer on the Joanie Madden Folk ‘n’ Irish cruise down in the warm waters of Belize in a quietish corner of the Solo lounge.  It’s a very busy time for her as Dervish are currently airing their...

This week we look into the well known Rebel song, "God Save Ireland,' by T.D. Sullivan. A song that became the unoffical Irish National Anthem for a many years. The Smashing of the Van and the subsequent public executions gave rise for a new push for Irish Independence and may have been the final act to get Ireland to reach for revolution on home soil. The German phiosopher Friedrich Enge...

Song from the Backwoods, a.k.a. Ireland Boys Hurrah!, a.k.a. Dear Old Ireland! This week Rory & Máirtín venture off to invade Canada 🇨🇦 with the Fenian Brotherhood.  T.D. Sullivan’s 19th century ballad brings up the memory of the idea to take Canada and offer to trade to her back to England for the freedom of Ireland. A wild episode in Irish history.  June 1866 was the first time the Tri Colou...

Welcome to "The Ballad Lounge" with your hosts, Máirtín de Cógáin and Rory Makem. Pull up a cozy chair, pour yourself a warm cup of cheer, and join us as we dive into the heart of the holiday season. Today, we're sharing our cherished Christmas traditions- stories wrapped in the warmth of family, festivity, and folklore. Plus, we'll be exploring the timeless charm of the song &#3...

Welcome to The Ballad Lounge Join your hosts, Máirtín de Cógáin and Rory Makem , as they take you on a melodic journey through the heart and soul of Irish music. Each week, we dive deep into the stories, traditions, and voices that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Irish culture. In this episode, we're honored to sit down with none other than Irish music legend Séamus Kennedy . With his rich...

Welcome to The Ballad Lounge, where stories meet song and voices carry tales from near and far. Rory and Máirtín are your hosts as they dive deep into the heart and soul of the song tradition. In today's episode, they're thrilled to sit down with the legendary Donie Carroll- a singer whose voice is as rich in history as it is in heart. Join us as we explore Donie's musical journey, his...

Come to Máirtín's home town of Carrigaline, Co. Cork as we interrogate Carrigdhoun by Denny Lane. A song from 1845, part of the Young Islanders' collection. Rory gives us a good run down of the uprisings from 1803 to 1848.

Today we're exploring "The Rising of the Moon," a stirring Irish ballad that echoes the spirit of rebellion, resilience, and hope. In this episode, we'll unravel the historical backdrop of the song, born from Ireland's fight for freedom, and dissect its evocative lyrics that have inspired generations. We'll also discuss the powerful role this ballad has played in folk tra...

We are moving away from the Pot Boilers and roaming o'er the roads of Rebellion. Starting with a song made famous from the singing of Sarah Makem, Rory's Granny. The Wind that Shakes the Barley brings us back to 1798 and the Pikemen of Wexford. Máirtín takes a quick dip into the well of Irish History, while Rory brings us back to the kitchen where it rejoined the Irish Vernacular and sings...

The Rattlin’ Bog Welcome to The Ballad Lounge , where we uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and stories woven into the world’s most iconic ballads. In this episode, we delve into one of the most well known cumulative songs in the Irish songbook, “The “Rattlin’ Bog. Join us as we dissect a song that brings out the child in all of us. A brilliant number for the classroom or indeed the pu...

Welcome to The Ballad Lounge , where we uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and stories woven into the world’s most iconic ballads. In this episode, we delve into the timeless song, "Whiskey in the Jar". Join us as we trace its journey from traditional Irish folk roots to its electrifying rock renditions. We'll explore the song’s gripping tale of betrayal and outlaw spirit, dissect its...

Welcome to the latest episode from The Ballad Lounge, where we dive into the rich history and cultural significance of the beloved folk song, "I'll Tell My Ma." This timeless tune, also known as "The Belle of Belfast City," has been passed down through generations, cherished for its catchy melody and charming lyrics. Whether you're a folk music enthusiast or new to the world of traditional tunes,...

This week we look at the ballad The Moonshiner. Is it Irish? Which side of the Atlantic does it come from? Or indeed the word Moonshiner, is it uniquely American? Come sit with Rory & Máirtín as they dive into it only to break out into distant memories of family singsongs.

Is the Black Velvet Band an Irish song? Was it based in Belfast or Tralee? Does it matter? Where is Van Diemen's Land? Should we still be singing it today? Join us as we explore the origins of one of Ireland's most recorded and beloved ballads for the past 80 years!