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By James B. Dollard

The pleasant little villages that grace the Irish glynns

Down among the wheatfields—up amid the whins,

The little white-walled villages crowding close together,

Clinging to the Old Sod in spite of wind and weather:

Ballytarsney, Ballymore, Ballyboden, Boyle,

Ballingarry, Ballymagorry by the Banks of Foyle,

Ballylaneen, Ballyporeen, Bansha, Ballysadare,

Ballybrack, Ballinalack, Barna, Ballyclare.

The cozy little villages that shelter from the mist,

Where the great West Walls by ocean spray are kissed;

The happy little villages that cuddle in the sun

When blackberries ripen and the harvest work is done.

Corrymeela, Croaghnakeela, Clogher, Cahirciveen,

Cappaharoe, Carrigaloe, Cashel and Coosheen,

Castlefinn, Carrigtohill, Crumlin, Clara, Clane,

Carrigaholt, Carrigaline, Cloghjordan and Coolrain.

The dreamy little villages, where by the fires at night,

Old Sanachies with ghostly tale the boldest hearts affright;

The crooning of the wind-blast is the wailing Banshee’s cry,

And when the silver hazels stir they say the fairies sigh,

Kilfenora, Kilfinnane, Kinnity, Killylea,

Kilmoganny, Kiltamagh, Kilronan and Kilrea,

Killashandra, Kilmacow, Killiney, Killashee,

Killenaule, Killmyshall, Killorglin and Killeagh.

Leave the little villages, o’er the black sea go,

Learn the stranger’s welcome, learn the exile’s woe,

Leave the little villages, but think not to forget,

Afar they’ll rise before your eyes to rack your bosoms yet.

Moneymore, Moneygall, Monivea and Moyne,

Mullinahone, Mullinavatt, Mullagh and Mooncoin,

Shanagolden, Shanballymore, Stranorlar and Slane,

Toberaheena, Toomyvara, Tempo and Strabane.

On the Southern Llanos,—north where strange light gleams,

Many a yearning exile sees them in his dreams;

Dying voices murmur (passed all pain and care),

“Lo, the little villages, God has heard our prayer.”

Lisdoonvarna, Lissadil, Lisdargan, Lisnaskea,

Portglenone, Portarlington, Portumna, Portmagee,

Clondalkin and Clongowan, Cloondara and Clonae,

God bless the little villages and guard them night and day!