The Ballad Lounge Podcast

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace This episode is about one of the most well know songs in the english languge. A hymn by John Newton called Amazing Grace. Rory has done a deep dive finding

An Poc ar Buile

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

Interview with Bryan Murphy - the Voice of North Kerry live from the Joanie Madden Folk 'n' Irish Cruise

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

An interview with Gerry Timlin of Co. Tyrone.

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

A lovely chat with the Roscommon rambler Cathy Jordan of Dervish

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 & Mái

Rebel Songs, Part 5: God Save Ireland

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 Smas

Rebel Songs, Part 4: Song from the Backwoods

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.

The Holly Bears a Berry - A Christmas Ballad

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

A lovely chat with Belfast Balladeer Séamus Kennedy

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 wee

An Interview with the Great Cork Singer Donie Carroll

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

Rebel Songs, Part 3: Carrigdhoun

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

Rebels Songs, Part 2: The Rising of the Moon

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 his

Rebel Songs, Part 1: The Wind that Shakes the Barley

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

Whiskey in the Jar

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 in

I'll Tell My Ma

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 time

The Moonshiner

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

The Black Velvet Band

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