“The Castle of Dromore (Caislean Droim an Oir)”

Description

"October winds lament around the Castle of Dromore, But peace is in her lofty halls...." The mother comforts her child: none cannot threaten them, and Mary is watching. She bids the child "take time to thrive" before moving on to adult tasks

Notes

This song has always suggested a political subtext to me. -PJS

Really?

This song exists in both English and Irish versions; both have been claimed to be original. - RBW

The date and master id (GB-2647-1/2) for Hayward's record is provided by Bill Dean-Myatt, MPhil. compiler of the Scottish National Discography. - BS

Recordings

• The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, "The Castle of Dromore" (on IRClancyMakem02)

References

1. Scott-BoA, pp. 154-155, "The Castle of Dromore (Caislean Droim an Oir)" (2 texts (1 English, 1 Irish Gaelic), 1 tune)
2. DT, CASTDROM
3. ADDITIONAL: Richard Hayward, Ireland Calling (Glasgow,n.d.), p. 5, "The Castle of Dromore" (text, music and reference to Decca F-2266 recorded Feb 6, 1931)
4. BI, SBoA154