“The Irish Rover” is a rousing and energetic traditional Irish folk song, famously recorded as a duet by The Dubliners and The Pogues in 1987. The song became one of the most well-loved Irish folk anthems, known for its boisterous energy, humorous storytelling, and lively instrumentation.
The song has been recorded by numerous artists, with the lyrics changing over time. A manuscript version of the song dated in 1937 and 1938 is currently in the Irish National Folklore Collection in Dublin, attributed to Lisgorman Townland (a place, not a person) of Cloonlogher, County Leitrim.
The Irish Rover is a tall tale about a magnificent yet doomed ship, detailing its massive size, extravagant cargo, and bizarre crew, all told from the perspective of a surviving sailor. The lyrics mix humor and exaggeration, with lines like “We had one million bags of the best Sligo rags” and “Seven million barrels of porter”, painting a vivid, over-the-top picture of the legendary ship before it tragically sinks.
Musically, the song features a fast-paced Irish folk melody, driven by fiddles, tin whistles, guitars, and accordions, creating an infectious and foot-stomping rhythm. The contrast between Ronnie Drew’s deep, gravelly voice (of The Dubliners) and Shane MacGowan’s raspy, rebellious vocals (of The Pogues) adds to the song’s raw, spirited feel.
The song was a major hit in Ireland and the UK, topping the singles chart in Ireland, and reaching No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, and remains one of the most popular Irish pub songs to this day.
Over the years, The Irish Rover has remained a beloved staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Irish festivals, and pub singalongs, proving its timeless appeal as a fun, boisterous folk classic.