Ballad of the Irish Horse cover

Released 40 years ago

Ballad of the Irish Horse

The Chieftains · 1986

39 min · 11 tracks · folk

A lyrical tapestry of traditional Irish melodies, weaving stories of horses through vibrant instrumentation and heartfelt arrangements.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • heartfelt storytelling through melodies
  • vibrant instrumentation for immersive listening
  • for leisurely afternoons

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1986, 'Ballad of the Irish Horse' came during The Chieftains' period of international acclaim following their Grammy-winning album 'Innocent When You Dream'. This album further solidified their reputation as ambassadors of Irish folk music, showcasing their ability to blend traditional sounds with broader narratives.
Stylistic neighbors
The Bothy Band· Altan· Lúnasa

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Ballad of the Irish Horse: Main Theme 3:32
  • 2 The Green Pastures 4:09
  • 3 The Birth of the Foals 3:10
  • 4 Lady Hemphill 3:37
  • 5 Horses of Ireland, Part 1 4:11
  • 6 Chasing the Fox 3:28
  • 7 Going to the Fair 3:06
  • 8 Galway Races 3:02
  • 9 Scéal Na gCapall: The Story of the Horse 3:18
  • 10 The Boyne Hunt / Mullinger Races / The Five‐Mile Chase 2:53
  • 11 Horses of Ireland, Part 2 4:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata