Looking for the best Irish music podcast? Welcome to The Ballad Lounge! Join musicians Rory Makem and Máirtín de Cógáin as they explore the stories behind traditional Irish ballads and Celtic folk songs. Each episode blends Irish history with musicology, tracking a single song's journey through time. Featuring deep dives into Irish folklore and interviews with legendary folk troubadours. If you love traditional Irish music and Celtic history, grab a cupán tae, pull up a chair, and subscribe to join the session!
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 amazing connection to Ireland in this ballad. Listen in as they explore the life and times of a decrepid man who had a big hand in bringing about the end to the slave trade in the nineteenth century.
Note: this talk about slavery could be triggery to some, please be advise that Rory & Máirtín are not historians and do their best to get it right.
Like, share, comment! We would love to hear from you.
If you would like to help out the show you can go to https://buymeacoffee.com/balladloungepodcast (https://buymeacoffee.com/balladloungepodcast)
1 May 2026
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 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 Cover:
The Pen of Dónal Ó Mulláin: A look at the brilliant mind who penned the original words to "An Poc ar Buile." We discuss Ó Mulláin’s roots in Cúil Aodha, his place among the great local poets, and the vital role of the Oireachtas na Gaeilge festival and competitions in championing and preserving such crucial Irish language compositions.
The Legacy of Seán Ó Sé: A heartfelt tribute to his unmistakable voice, his groundbreaking work with Seán Ó Riada, and how his definitive rendition of "An Poc ar Buile" cemented the tune into the bedrock of the traditional Irish canon.
High Seas Trad on Geantraí: Swapping stories and highlights from the phenomenal Geantraí special, filmed right aboard the unforgettable Joanie Madden Folk 'n' Irish cruise. https://joaniemaddencruise.com
St. Patrick's Day on TG4: Looking back at the magic of the March 17th broadcast on TG4 and celebrating the thriving community of musicians and listeners who tuned in.
Show Links & Resources:
Watch the Geantraí Special: Catch the Joanie Madden cruise special that aired on March 17th over at TG4:
https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/categories/irish-music-series/play/?pid=6390422923112&title=Lá%20Fhéile%20Pádraig%202026&series=Geantraí&genre=Ceol&pcode=754570
If you would like to chip in and help out the show you can buymeacoffee.com/balladloungepodcast (https://buymeacoffee.com/balladloungepodcast)
9 Apr 2026
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 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-band
https://www.instagram.com/bryanmurphy_music/
Help out the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/balladloungepodcast
17 Mar 2026
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' 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/
25 Feb 2026
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 & 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 new PBS special and Cathy herself is touring the Cranky Island Song Project around the world.
Grab a cúpán tae, sit back, and enjoy the chat.
19 Feb 2026
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 Smashing of the Van (https://historyireland.com/stone-smashed-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 Engels (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Engels) said after the hanging of Allen, Larkin & O'Brien in Manchester, 'So yesterday morning the Tories, by the hand of Mr. Colcraft, accomplished the final act of separation between England and Ireland. The only thing that the Fenians still lacked were martyrs.'
Get a cúpán tae and sit back with Rory & Máirtín, this is a big story to be told.
11 Feb 2026
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.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 Colour was raised in battle to claim victory and land at Fort Erie across the river from Buffalo New York.
18 Dec 2025
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 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 'The Holly Bears a Berry," uncovering its rich history and melodic beauty. So, settle in and let the spirit of the season carry you through this special episode.
3 Dec 2025
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 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 vocals, masterful guitar work, and signature wit, Séamus shares tales from his musical journey, the inspiration behind his timeless ballads, and some unforgettable moments from the road. So, grab a seat and relax in The Ballad Lounge where every song tells a story and every guest has a tale worth hearing.
20 Nov 2025
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 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 inspirations, and the events that have shaped his life.
So, settle in, tune your ears, and let the melodies guide you. This is The Ballad Lounge.
Check out www.MercyCentre.org for the charity that Donie speaks about.
5 Nov 2025
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 a good run down of the uprisings from 1803 to 1848.
29 Oct 2025
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 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 traditions and how its message still resonates today. So, grab a cozy seat, let the music guide you, and join us in "The Ballad Lounge" as we delve
into "The Rising of the Moon."
21 Oct 2025
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 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 us out to send us home again.
Join us for another great episode of The Ballad Lounge.
15 Oct 2025
The Rattlin’ Bog
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 pub. What makes it engaging? Why do we still sing it? Why does everyone wait with bated breath hoping for the singer to mess up?
Rory & Máirtín talk about the origins and build from there. Forgive us for the sound issues in this episode. Hope you enjoy it!
8 Oct 2025
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 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 lyrical evolution.
Pour one for yourself, settle in, and let The Ballad Lounge serenade you with the fascinating saga of "Whiskey in the Jar."
1 Oct 2025
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 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 episode offers an insightful and entertaining look into the story behind "I'll Tell My Ma."
24 Sept 2025
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 sit with Rory & Máirtín as they dive into it only to break out into distant memories of family singsongs.
17 Sept 2025
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 explore the origins of one of Ireland's most recorded and beloved ballads for the past 80 years!
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