The Rocky Road To Dublin - Luke Kelly & The Dubliners

Travastia Club (Finland) - 1976
Luke Kelly performs The Rocky Road To Dublin, an Irish 19th century song with its origins in County Galway. The tune is a slip jig and without doubt one of the more difficult Irish songs to sing. Luke Kelly always pulled it off, even in this performance where he mistakenly sings a verse twice, as if the song isn't difficult enough to sing without an additional verse. His recovery is impeccable!
The Dubliners (from left to right): Jim McCann, Barney McKenna, Luke Kelly, John Sheahan

[@adrianmolloy7534]

Some feckon road he went through mullinghar twice😂🇮🇪

[@bramtahasoni]

😄😄😄😄😄

[@lamnag01]

Fecking Roundabouts

[@culminate100]

Tis them fuckin roundy things

[@maximusssjb8489]

😂😂😂

[@joespencer1257]

Gas man ha met a lad in athlone today from mullingar also ha

[@bernardkelly6731]

I sang this in o,donoghues about 15 years ago , soon afterwards a woman approached me at the bar and said my brother would have been proud of my rendition of that song, it turned out to be Luke’s sister 😮 This was the best complement anyone has ever paid me as a life long Dubliners fan and wanna be ballad singer, RIP Luke

[@KitsGravity]

Whoa! 😮 Must be one of the best days of your life for sure

[@leeleef]

Brave man singing it in O'Donoghues

[@sammckay542]

Impressed by any mon who can sing this! I, trying to learn so i can belt it out in a few Lancashire boozers, I'm about as musical as a bowl of rice pudding so wish me luck.

[@bernardkelly6731]

@@sammckay542 go fo it, 5verses, good luck 😅

[@denniswilhoite6715]

now that's a great story - you must indeed have a great voice! cheers brother

[@gazmartin]

Love his face when he realises he's repeated the second verse! Legend

[@fredbreadbun6277]

You know at first I never even noticed. One of the first rules of performing is to keep if going something cocks up.

[@jackcarter5101]

@@fredbreadbun6277 True. But of course, he has to make sure the band have realised, so they know to play an extra verse.

[@fredbreadbun6277]

Oh of course the fact they didn't just stop is a testament to their skill as well. They clearly had good communication.

[@jackcarter5101]

@@fredbreadbun6277 And a couple of times they adapted their tempo to match Luke, another sign of a great live band.

[@fredbreadbun6277]

@@jackcarter5101 Aye truly a great band.

[@MS-uc1xp]

the moment when you realise that nine years English in school were worthless

[@msuther4722]

Does anyone else listen to this song 3x or more or is it just me?

[@brianboru8858]

3x or times in life or? Because I’ve listened to it way more times in a single day lol

[@msuther4722]

@@brianboru8858 definitely whenever I listen to it I listen to it 3x or more. That sing is too good to listen to just one time.

[@the_warpig1919]

Same here.

[@kristurowski1619]

10 times is the bare minimum

[@gbyrne03]

My grandfather worked in London on various occasions in various observatories in the 1970s while he was an electrical engineer for an astronomical observatory in Dublin. He was in Heathrows departure hall, when it was announced his flight was cancelled. He had no way home, until he heard 5 familiar voices, John Sheehan, Ronnie Drew, Barney McKenna, Luke Kelly and Ciaran Bourke. He approached them as he was a big fan of their work. He explained to them his predicament and Barney offered him money for a train to hollyhead and ferry to Dublin. The band invited him to travel with them to Hollyhead and thus began a train journey of copious amounts of alcohol singing, dancing and revelry. Once they boarded the ferry they then made haste to the bar of the ferry and drank the bar dry. They then returned to Dublin and went their separate ways.

[@jackcarter5101]

So glad they didn't edit out his mistake, because his recovery shows above all else how incredible Luke was.

[@fredbreadbun6277]

Well aye.

[@sigmaprime8197]

There was a mistake?

[@jackcarter5101]

@@sigmaprime8197 You didn't notice? Just shows how well they covered it up. He sang the second verse twice!

[@sigmaprime8197]

@@jackcarter5101 i barely noticed hahah heard it the 2nd time xD

[@sigmaprime8197]

@@jackcarter5101 i barely noticed hahah heard it the 2nd time xD

[@patrickcosgrove2623]

First time I have seen the Dubliners sing that song. Love that song. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@katiefitzpatrick7123]

A gift on this planet pure and raw pure Irish 💪🍀

[@dr.feelgood.1330]

So true Katie he was great and 100pc guaranteed Irish

[@ashliesheerin9768]

Great song after we won ❤💚

[@alexhickey5633]

He was only a visitor here from a much better place. Well, if heaven has this standard of music sign me up!!!

[@ar-whelan8588]

Thank fuck! ☘

[@jamesgraham3786]

I I'm a real one brothers

[@B1N4RYGH0ST]

There's only one Luke Kelly, he was unique. May he rest in peace.

[@lois4911]

there sure was... no argument from me. R.I.P to the sound or Ireland

[@jackfay1309]

He should have lived for longer he died 1984 nobody will forget January 30th in Ireland at age 43

[@gaygambler]

My mum always played his song. When I was little boy in England so not forget my roots.

[@nbenefiel]

I love the way Dublin has three syllables

[@huskiefan8950]

....bro messes up lyrics, realizes it, and rolls with it so seamlessly, it's almost unnoticeable, then he ends up right back on track. Goddamn these guys were so professional 👏

[@Inaluogh]

Not only that, he laughs at it as he sings so. It's obvious he enjoyed music so much, he is always either smiling or feeling the song exactly.

[@alexmccollum6573]

Dont swear with God's name brotha

[@jueylewisandthebrews]

Somehow the slight misstep makes this performance even more epic. One can argue that Luke Ebeneezer Kelly is definitely the GOAT 🐐

[@Tuffpaddy03]

I played this video for my poodle. He is now an Irish Wolfhound!

[@charlescampbell1319]

Only Ireland and particularly Dublin could produce such class👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻never see the likes of Luke Kelly ever again...RIP🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@JimiHendrix1960]

Come down to kerry and you'll meet some amazing chanters. Luke can't be beat but we have some amazing musicians down here. Kelly my boy ❤

[@Kelhair]

Lukey the Legend

[@brianbeach9472]

Amen 🙏🍻

[@BTS-rd8wm]

A true 🇮🇪🇮🇪legend...never see or hear the likes of Luke again 🇮🇪❤️❤️

[@baycast]

Legendary Luke. The world is sadder place without you but thank goodness we have your wonderful legacy to cheer us daily. Fabulous!

[@nialldoherty5570]

God if there is one wanted, a private performance

[@daisypeters3216]

Not all the words in the world that I try to write here will express so much magnifence in the voice so sublime, so powerful, that Luke had. Luke's voice as well as the band Dubliners are Ireland's most precious treasure to the world. Closing our eyes and listening to him is a real gift from the Ancient Gods... And this wonderful bard had plenty of talent!❤🇮🇪❤🇮🇪❤🇮🇪👍☘☘☘

[@Deejaay83urj38]

Word Daisy! You legend

[@ashliesheerin9768]

Hon mayo

[@chenzenzo]

Luke was so deep into each performance. He really put everything into the music. Wouldn't be surprised if God put Luke on one hand for the announcements and Ronnie on another to chastise the announcements. Rest easy fellas. 💚

[@RosieGurlAlaska]

You’ve got to give the guys their credit due too! They just continued on without missing a beat! He’s just a joy to watch.

[@welchit]

That took alot out of Luke! An Irish Jig with lyrics. There was no time to catch breath. Brilliant Singer and showman.

[@TheOldestSoul]

By GOD IN HEAVEN this is the best version I've ever heard in me life!

[@TheDublinersOfficial]

Glad you liked it!

[@lilbatz]

Slip jigs are a beast to sing. Legends!💕🍀

[@elconquistador8009]

I’m so greatful to God that in all these thousands of years, I was put here at the same time as Luke Kelly was!

[@bigbear9340]

What a song, What a singer!.👍 RIP LUKE...

[@belacor]

i have learned proper English after hearing the chorus. ty Luke Kelly & the Dubliners.

[@michaeltingle816]

THIS IS THE BEST VERSION OF THIS SONG IT IS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT LUKE KELLY HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY DUBLINERS AND GOD BLESS YOU !!!!! STAY SAFE AND THANKS FOR ALL THE MUSIC ALL THESE YEARS!!!!!

[@albertsmith1048]

Even when it goes slightly wrong, it's still frikin brilliant. THE Dublin Legends, Jim, Barney, Luke and John.

[@jamiecorrigan3241]

I Worked With The Dubliners A Few Times In The Mid 1970s, WELL I Say WORKED, They SANG While Myself Brought Them Cases Of CARLSBERG SPECIALS, !!! GREAT MUSICIANS !!! EVEN GREATER PEOPLE !!! Happy Memories.

[@deanbarker8933]

They don't look like the type to drink carlsberg

[@jamiecorrigan3241]

@@deanbarker8933 WELL ------ ONLY WHEN THEY SWALLOWED !!! WONDERFUL MUSICIANS AND GREAT GUYS !!!

[@christineadlard1376]

Luke Kelly what a legend

[@p.a.lionski4407]

37 years today Luke 😢 R.I.P. 🙏😢

[@paleggett1897]

🙏

[@gaygambler]

😔😓😥

[@insultigknightuscantstands4648]

I'm an American and I cry when when an Irish Soul dies

[@ivanxiaomi1200]

@@insultigknightuscantstands4648 irish soul never dies. Got it?

[@insultigknightuscantstands4648]

@@ivanxiaomi1200 aye

[@matthews7805]

One of the greatest songs ever!

[@minerboy2778]

I love his hair as much as his music

[@eugenio1203]

Luke Kelly's hair should be in a museum

[@stylianoscourtney6427]

Only half Irish but proud to be it love Irish music

[@dannyevans8328]

Been in his bed up in Heaven for a while now Mr Kelly, But by God his voice still gets mi heart a bubblin

[@Deebar14]

He is also playing a guitar at points while singing that. Absolutely incredible talent.

[@nimajenb1250]

If an english beginner can sing perfectly this song after listenning to it once, I eat my hat !

[@cooperjason1315]

I cant even keep up when I have the words in front of me 👍😉🤩

[@Chris-yz7cs]

A lot of irish slang and isms in the song

[@declancostello9838]

What brilliant breath control! When I sing that song I have to get the musicians to play the introduction between verses to catch my breath!!!

[@georgeduncan2928]

He was the best The Dubliners where greatest band of all I just love the singing we have the music for all time magic

[@jamievee8375]

Lovely rendition, and lovely recovery from getting verses mixed up as well! I’ve been addicted to this song recently and this was very well done. Rip Luke

[@Jougi_Baba]

been addicted since i first heard it in that RDJ Sherlock movie all those years ago lol

[@durbledurb3992]

Same here. How the Christ would you hunt a hare though?

[@dancingdan1994]

He was the best he was the only one who truly did this song justice

[@dondamon4669]

Haven't you heard the Pogues version? It's better than this and more powerful and obviously Shane's voice is better

[@dancingdan1994]

@dondamon4669 I don't agree I love Lukes voice here

[@HNL_Project]

Damn, thats crazy . They went to Mullingar *twice* . In like, an Hour !

[@TheDublinersOfficial]

He realises his mistake but carries on beautifully.

[@askmebollox1]

Sometimes ye hav ta yunno

[@michaelhayes9025]

I'm 15 and I like irish music and I'm from limerick

[@BodhranBrian]

Good for You! Its' up to you and people of your generation to keep it going!

[@jimalda]

I was on a musical PubTour in Dublin in the recent merry month of May where this was sung vigorously. Now I'm back home in the States and cannot stop listening to it. This seems like a great (best?) version

[@mrmarcus111]

yes. from texas? my buddy is there, say hello.

[@alih5409]

Makes me to return to my roots before I die❤

[@peterwarren6418]

I hope Ireland makes statues of Luke Kelly & Dubliners. They are true folk music legends...

[@peterwarren6418]

On the plaque.. 'Dubliners on the Rocky Road to success."

[@speakertreatz]

There is a statue of Luke on King St in Dublin

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

One of the greatest songs written. Sung by a legendary artist. Who was one of the last from the days before technology and money. Took over music. Good to hear Luke Kelly has been honoured with a Statue. The Dubliners, global ambassador’s. People the world over, know their songs.

[@TheDublinersOfficial]

Thanks you for your comment.

[@neilshanahan8217]

Two statues now thank God. One in Dublin City Centre by The Gaiety Theatre and another on Sheriff St. where he was born in the tenements. It’s still Luke’s city.

[@mrking1158]

This man is amazing! Such a talent!!! Cant believe my eyes and ears;) >333 want to move to Ireland now

[@billnevill1988]

Phenomenal guy! Would love to have him around today!

[@baz3338]

Barney was a seriously under rated musician

[@JohnDoe__404]

Little Barney . Best banjo player ever. (In my opinion).

[@alanwakefield6425]

Love Luke Kelly. Legend 😘

[@fionn8057]

In the merry month of May from me home I started Left the girls of Tuam nearly broken hearted Saluted Father dear, kissed me darling mother Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born Cut a stout blackthorn to banish ghosts and goblins A brand new pair of brogues, rattlin' o'er the bogs Frightenin' all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin One two three four five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah! In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary Started by daylight me spirits bright and airy Took a drop of the pure Keep me heart from sinking That's the Paddy's cure whenever he's on drinking To see the lassies smile, laughing all the while At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a bubblin' An' asked if I was hired, wages I required 'Till I was nearly tired of the rocky road to Dublin One two three four five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah! In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity To be soon deprived a view of that fine city Well then I took a stroll, all among the quality Bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin' Enquiring for the rogue, said me Connaught brogue Wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin One two three four five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah! From there I got away, me spirits never falling Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy Down among the pigs, played some funny rigs Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling When off Holyhead wished meself was dead Or better far instead On the rocky road to Dublin One two three four five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah! The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it Blood began to boil, temper I was losing Poor old Erin's isle they began abusing "Hurrah me soul!" says I, me shillelagh I let fly Some Galway boys were nigh and saw I was a hobble in With a loud "Hurray!" joined in the affray We quickly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin One two three four five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah! Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah! Whack fol lol le rah! Whack fol lol le rah!

[@mikeyates7931]

IMO , as a Proud Irish Man , , This is the definitive version of this Timeless Classic - mistake and all - and , of course , the wonderful thing about my opinion is it's worth every penny you paid me for it

[@markredford84]

My nana's favourite singer. I revisited this just to remember her favourites. Love it.

[@mariaalexandra1221]

I tried to do it and I almost choked 😭😅(as a french my english is already terrible but I had hope). What a beautiful song and what a talent!!!🤩❤

[@kevinsparks5611]

Pareil pour moi Same for me 🤣

[@DonalEarly]

Luke Kelly one of the best .. I love being Irish 💚🤍🧡🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@nixontails2350]

Thanks for the quality)))) Hi from Kaliningrad)

[@user-ks5em1dy1i]

Hello from Orel, Russia. Не думал увидеть здесь русского

[@RAMMY237]

Нижний Новгород, friends :) Love this song in The Dubliners performance since childhood

[@nixontails2350]

@@user-ks5em1dy1i И я рад Вам)))

[@SuperBlok37]

Greetings to the Irish brothers, the Irish and the Serbs are brothers ...

[@clancywalker8390]

Love it!

[@Captaincraftsurvivalgaming]

Hope luke found his way back down the rocky road to dublin i got goosebumps incredible

[@shanekeogh-wm9ot]

The Dubliners were Dublin pure and simply Dublin as Guinness and very popular in Germany and the world God love them miss them dearly ❤in ❤Irish

[@kidalcoholic4092]

Finland...wow

[@vincentgreenway-mk5cm]

I haven't heard that song for year's since I took the record to jimmy orourks house when I was in my twenties

[@flavours-music]

Wow! I'm seriously impressed!!! 👏👏👏

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

What a man. A legend and the band. Loved the world over. They transport you through centuries of a music and culture.

[@cooperjason1315]

Absolutely brilliant

[@treblesix8730]

I loved Luke.

[@nildetedossantosrocha8976]

respect from Brazil 🇧🇷💪

[@brianbeach9472]

Screw the rest Irish is the best and God bless it I am proud to be Irish. Everyone else might hate the music I blast at work but it's my heritage and I love it so to hell with them 🥃

[@LoveArt86]

Charismatic singer!

[@clivemilson2372]

Weren't they just great, All my heroes are passing. So sad.

[@marcoeire44]

Think of my generation, born in 2000. most don't know what these songs mean or even exist, now they are gone what have we got.

[@MrsKelly-pc3sg]

My cousin Luke!!! ❤️☘️

[@Artchick1972]

amazing

[@RosieGurlAlaska]

I love it when he messes it up! I could watch it over and over!

[@Defender_of_the_realm]

Amazing

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Slip jigs are a BITCH to do well. This is bloody amazing.

[@user-dm7ym9wu6d]

Rember me off the days good lurcher old days

[@leeleef]

I can honestly say, its one of the hardest songs to sing,, Luke noticed his mistake, puts his hands out, and the boys just playing along anyway. Ive tried to sing it at weddings and family functions, im yet to get it right 😂😂

[@clan808]

That original Dublin accent, sadly gone. Beautiful.

[@carpentarfriendly6925]

That acoustic guitar strumming is amazing.

[@pjofurey6239]

Sat here at 08:30 on sat 23rd of July,it’s me birthday,I’ve a large Irish coffee and a full day of shenanigans ahead.23 is my family’s lucky number ,we have birthdays on the 23rd going back generations upon generations. I was lucky to see the dubs a good times ,mainly in London Town. ERIN GO BRAUCH🍀

[@pro8lembehaviour887]

luke kelly. fantastic

[@kevincooper8666]

Legend love it from an Englander 😂😂😂😂😂

[@brianboru8858]

While in the merry month of May, from me home I started Left the girls of Tuam so sad and broken hearted Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born Cut a stout black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins A brand new pair of brogues rattling o'er the bogs And fright'ning all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin One, two, three, four, five, Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary Started by daylight next morning blithe and early Took a drop of pure to keep me heart from sinking That's a Paddy's cure whenever he's on drinking See the lassies smile, laughing all the while At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a bubblin' Asked me was I hired, wages I required I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin One, two, three, four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity To be soon deprived a view of that fine city So then I took a stroll, all among the quality Me bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin' Inquiring for the rogue, they said me Connaught brogue Wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin One, two, three, four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah From there I got away, me spirits never falling Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy Down among the pigs, played some hearty rigs Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling When off Holyhead, I wished meself was dead Or better for instead on the rocky road to Dublin One, two, three, four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah Well, the boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it Blood began to boil, temper I was losing Poor old Erin's Isle they began abusing "Hurrah me soul" says I, me Shillelagh I let fly Some Galway boys were nigh and saw I was a hobble in With a load "Hurray" joined in the affray We quietly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin One, two, three, four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah

[@joeyvesguerra]

It's actually the merry month of Meitheamh (June)

[@Deejaay83urj38]

Thank you!

[@jackcarter5101]

@@joeyvesguerra Odd he didn't just say June, because it rhymes (or nearly rhymes) with Tuam.

[@sebgillen6256]

da real mvp!!

[@johnmccann8319]

Brilliant!!!💚

[@michaelrickard9890]

A gem, he'll be remembered for, as Barney will always be, in the Old Sheiling Raheny and Church Street Howth.

[@FuzzyPoppa90]

Love how he looked at him like yea I fukked it 😂😂😂😂

[@omarsharifi5663]

Eternal song.

[@uniasnunes5953]

Algum Brasileiro(a) que gostem das Músicas dos The Dubliners e curte Luke Kelly?! 🤔 Se tiver algum(a), tem meu Respeito 🤙🤙😎🇧🇷🇮🇪

[@shivnorth3141]

I'm Irish, but I appreciate you like this music 🥰🍀

[@bravothedog]

Old Luke.... Still the best.

[@TheDublinersOfficial]

Even after all these years, he's hard the beat!

[@johndowney8007]

Wonderful

[@lamnag01]

This is a notoriously difficult song to sing. Very few even attempt it.

[@filipslominski5474]

I speak fluent English well British know so many slang words and can understand Scottish Manchester etc accents (i live in oxford so accent is bit posh clear and understandable) ive never had problem to understand natives from all of the country but i had to Google lyrics to this song as i have no clue what this guy was singing about 😂😂 yet what a tune itself i love it ❤❤

[@cherrypie6287]

Just amazing 🎉

[@madmechanic7641]

Brilliant : )

[@carmencaamano9434]

God bless!!

[@iceboundmartel]

Prefer this ❤ [Extended Edition]

[@mickvanquish]

real top class are these,,,,,,LK superb,,,,,

[@soupbread7039]

He must've been following the Department for Transport's road signs for they took him through Mullingar twice.

[@DClean]

Dance some harty jigs ! LUKE KELLY is my hero in 2023 !!!