The Ballad Lounge Podcast

Rory Makem; Máirtín de Cógáin
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Music History
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. Aug 14

    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 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

  2. May 1

    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

  3. Apr 9

    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

  4. Mar 17

    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/

  5. Feb 25

    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.

  6. Feb 19

    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 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 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.

  7. Feb 11

    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.

  8. 12/18/2025

    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.

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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Rory Makem; Máirtín de Cógáin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rory Makem; Máirtín de Cógáin
  • Show Website
    The Ballad Lounge Podcast

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