The Green Glens of Antrim: Written by Archie Montgomery (under the pseudonym Kenneth North) and published in 1950. A nostalgic ballad evoking the natural beauty of the Glens of Antrim.
- Far across yonder blue lies a true fairy land
- With the sea rippling over
- The shingle and sand
- Where the gay honeysuckle is luring the bee
- And the green glens of Antrim
- Are calling to me
- If only you knew how the lamp of the moon
- Turns a blue irish bay to a silver lagoon
- You’d imagine the picture of
- Heaven it would be
- Where the green glens of Antrim
- Are calling to me
- Soon I hope to return to my own Cushendall
- ‘Tis the one place for me
- That can outshine them all
- Sure I know ev’ry stone I recall every tree
- Where the green glens of Antrim
- Are calling to me
- I would halt at a cabin
- Close down by the shore
- And I’d knock with my heart
- At that wee cabin door
- While the sun showered gold in
- The lap of the sea
- And the green glens of Antrim
- Were smiling at me
- If only you knew how the lamp of the moon
- Turns a blue irish bay to a silver lagoon
- You’d imagine the picture of
- Heaven it would be
- Where the green glens of Antrim
- Are calling to me
- Now, I’d be where the people
- Are simple and kind
- And there’s one there for me
- Who’s been on my mind
- And I’d pray that the world would
- In peace let me be
- Where the green glens of antrim
- Are heaven to me
- If only you knew how the lamp of the moon
- Turns a blue irish bay to a silver lagoon
- You’d imagine the picture of
- Heaven it would be
- Where the green glens of Antrim
- Are calling to me.
Other Antrim songs:
- Carrickfergus: A melancholic folk ballad expressing longing for the coastal town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim. It captures an emigrant’s nostalgia for home, with vivid imagery of Belfast Lough and themes of lost love and mortality. Traditional, origins unclear, possibly centuries old. Popularized by artists like Van Morrison and Mark O’Connor.
- The Glens of Antrim: A traditional song celebrating the scenic beauty of the nine Glens of Antrim, highlighting their lush valleys, rugged cliffs, and coastal charm. It evokes pride in the region’s natural splendor and cultural heritage. Traditional, rooted in local folk traditions.
- Roddy McCorley: A rebel ballad mourning Roddy McCorley, a young Presbyterian from County Antrim executed for his role in the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion. The song emphasizes themes of sacrifice and resistance, set in Toomebridge. Written by Ethna Carbery, written in the late 19th century.
- When a Man’s In Love: A romantic folk song depicting a man’s heartfelt love, set in rural County Antrim. It reflects the simplicity and emotional depth of 19th-century life in the county’s countryside. Written by Hugh McWilliams, a 19th-century County Antrim poet.
- The Song of Glen Dun: Part of a collection of dialect poems set to music, this song portrays life in Glen Dun, one of the Glens of Antrim. It captures the unique culture, dialect, and landscapes of the Glens’ communities. Written by Moira O’Neill (pseudonym of Agnes Shakespeare Higginson), a Glenswoman who wrote in the early 20th century.
- Corrymeela: A lyrical ode to Corrymeela, a coastal area in the Glens of Antrim, celebrating its serene beauty and emotional connection to the local community. It reflects a deep sense of place and belonging. Written by Moira O’Neill.
- Belfast Town: A folk song focusing on life in Belfast, County Antrim’s largest city, capturing its bustling urban energy, industrial heritage, and community spirit. It often references local landmarks like the River Lagan. Traditional, with various versions performed by local artists.
- The Maid of Antrim Town: A traditional ballad about a young woman from Antrim town, blending romance and local pride. It highlights the charm of the town and its people, rooted in the county’s cultural heritage. Traditional, author unknown.
- The Green Glens of Antrim: A song praising the natural beauty of the Glens of Antrim, with references to specific glens like Glenarm and Glenariff. It celebrates the county’s landscapes and rural tranquility. Traditional, often attributed to local songwriters, popularized by artists like Margaret Barry.
- The Cushendall Song: A lesser-known folk song centered on Cushendall, a coastal village in the Glens of Antrim. It reflects the village’s maritime culture and community life, with a focus on local pride and storytelling. Traditional.
Antrim:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Contact list – Dining – Equestrian –Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Instagrammable– Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies –Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Writers
Anthem
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
