Dónal has been researching songs and stories from the area where he grew up - Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. In June 2016, thanks to the support of the Rostrevor Choral Festival, Dónal printed the first short volume of "The Little Book of Lore". Dónal continues to research and perform local songs and he is currently working on another song collection.
THE LITTLE BOOK OF LORE
"The Little Book of Lore" is a folklore project devised and compiled by singer Dónal Kearney. The first part, entitled The Mournes & Carlingford Loughwas supported by and presented at the inaugural Rostrevor Choral Festival in June 2016.
Part I: The Mournes & Carlingford Lough
Featuring unique contributions from composers, musicians and traditional singers - including Michael McGlynn, Eibhlís Farrell, Róisín White, Tommy Sands, Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde, and the research of Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin - this wonderful document contains songs and tales from the beautiful Mourne mountains and the villages and towns surrounding Carlingford Lough on the east coast of Ireland.
Part II: Newry & the Banks of the Bann
"The Little Book of Lore" was conceived as a way to preserve these songs and stories in a tangible form and to pass them on. The folklore has so much wisdom; it only grows with the passing of time.
To get a copy for yourself, please contact Dónal here.
Part I: The Mournes & Carlingford Lough
Featuring unique contributions from composers, musicians and traditional singers - including Michael McGlynn, Eibhlís Farrell, Róisín White, Tommy Sands, Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde, and the research of Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin - this wonderful document contains songs and tales from the beautiful Mourne mountains and the villages and towns surrounding Carlingford Lough on the east coast of Ireland.
Part II: Newry & the Banks of the Bann
"The Little Book of Lore" was conceived as a way to preserve these songs and stories in a tangible form and to pass them on. The folklore has so much wisdom; it only grows with the passing of time.
To get a copy for yourself, please contact Dónal here.
Reviews of The Little Book of Lore
The Little Book of Lore is a unique document; a magnificent exploration of the myths and meaning behind these old songs, sensitively treated by a County Down native.
- Michael McGlynn, Composer & Director of ANÚNA
This scholarly work from Dónal Kearney provides an insightful and informed account of aspects of our local musical, cultural and social heritage. Following in the footsteps of the great collectors of Irish music, Dónal's research is both welcome and timely as it is vital in today's rapidly changing world to capture and record for the future the songs and stories of previous generations, many of which carry immediate contemporary resonances. Dónal has tapped into the rich vein of South Down's cultural customs and traditions and, in doing so has shone a unique light on our past for us. His work is an invaluable addition to the growing canon of research into regional musical styles and indigenous cultural history. |
Using one's imagination for one's own artistic creation is a basic step onwards. Using that creation to stir the imagination of others to begin more creation is a further one. Musician and author, Dónal Kearney, in his new publication "The Little Book of Lore" paints a picture of the rhythm and rhyming of land and lore in his own place, The Mournes and Carlingford Lough, and with it stirs the imagination within all of us. Songs, stories and musical thoughts from all around the local area are here like a fireside to share and it will all fit in your top coat pocket. Be not surprised if it brings you to a homefulness you have never known or a room you have long forgotten. Enjoy as I did.
- Tommy Sands, Songwriter and Peace Activist
An inspiring piece of work. What a great honour to our [Rostrevor Choral] Festival to be able to distribute such a book.
- Siubhán Ó Dubháin, Novelist, Dramatist & Composer