The national anthem of Ireland is called: « Amhrán na bhFiann ».
Continent: Europe
Bordering Countries:
– 🇬🇧 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
History of « Amhrán na bhFiann »
« Amhrán na bhFiann » (The Soldier’s Song) is the national anthem of Ireland. The anthem reflects the country’s struggle for independence and the spirit of Irish nationalism. It is a symbol of Irish identity and pride.
Key Dates and People
- 1907: The original English lyrics of « The Soldier’s Song » were written by Peadar Kearney, an Irish Republican and songwriter. The music was composed by Kearney and Patrick Heeney.
- 1912: The song was first published in the newspaper « Irish Freedom. »
- 1923: The Irish translation, « Amhrán na bhFiann, » was made by Liam Ó Rinn.
- 1926: « Amhrán na bhFiann » was officially adopted as the national anthem of the Irish Free State, which later became the Republic of Ireland.
Anecdotes
- Revolutionary Origins: The anthem was written during a period of intense political activity and revolutionary fervor in Ireland. It became popular among Irish nationalists and was often sung by members of the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
- Easter Rising: « The Soldier’s Song » was sung by the rebels during the Easter Rising of 1916, a pivotal event in the struggle for Irish independence. The song’s association with the rebellion helped cement its status as a symbol of Irish nationalism.
- Bilingual Anthem: Reflecting Ireland’s linguistic heritage, the anthem is often sung in both Irish and English. The Irish version, « Amhrán na bhFiann, » is more commonly used at official events and national celebrations.
Full Lyrics
In Irish
Seo dhibh a cháirde duan óglaigh,
Cathréimeach bríomhar ceolmhar,
Ár dtinte cnámh go buacach táid,
'S an spéir go min réaltógach
Is fonnmhar faobhrach sinn chun gleo
'S go tiúnmhar glé roimh thíocht do'n ló
Faoi chiúnas chaomh na hoíche ar seol:
Seo libh canaídh Amhrán na bhFiann.
Sinne Fianna Fáil
A tá fé gheall ag Éirinn,
Buíon dár slua
Thar toinn do ráinig chugainn,
Faoi mhóid bheith saor.
Sean tír ár sinsear feasta
Ní fhágfar faoin tíorán ná faoin tráill.
Anocht a théam sa bhearna bhaoil,
Le gean ar Ghaeil chun báis nó saoil,
Le gunna scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar,
Seo libh canaídh Amhrán na bhFiann.In English (The Soldier’s Song)
We'll sing a song, a soldier's song,
With cheering rousing chorus,
As round our blazing fires we throng,
The starry heavens o'er us;
Impatient for the coming fight,
And as we wait the morning's light,
Here in the silence of the night
We'll chant a soldier's song.
Soldiers are we
Whose lives are pledged to Ireland;
Some have come
From a land beyond the wave.
Sworn to be free,
No more our ancient sireland
Shall shelter the despot or the slave.
Tonight we man the "bearna baoil",
In Erin's cause, come woe or weal;
'Mid cannon's roar and rifles' peal
We'll chant a soldier's song.Sources: