The Song’s Story – Beidh Aonach Amárach

In this lesson, you’ll learn the history and background of the song Beidh Aonach Amárach.

The song Beidh Aonach Amárach tells of a little girl who is begging her mother to let her go to the fair in County Clare in the West of Ireland. It also tells us a little of her sweetheart.

This type of song has been termed a ‘love debate’ as the song is basically an argument between a girl and her mother about meeting what seems to be her crush. This style of song originated in 12th-century France. It is unknown how old this song is or who wrote. It is a truly traditional song and was sung by famous sean-nós, old style, singer, Seosamh Ó hÉanaí, or Joe Heaney.

Beidh Aonach Amárach (there’ll be a fair) is still commonly taught to children and many people who grew up in Ireland remember learning it at school!