Star of the County Down
Sean Dagher Richard Irwin Nelson Carter Nils Brown Michiel Shrey David Gossage Lyrics


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Near Banbridge town, in the County Down
One morning in July
Down a boreen green came a sweet colleen
And she smiled as she passed me by.
She looked so sweet from her two bare feet
To the sheen of her nut-brown hair
Such a whimsome elf, I'd to shake myself
To make sure I was standing there.

From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like the sweet colleen
That I met in the County Down.

As she onward sped I stretched head
And I gazed with a feeling rare
And I said, says I, to a passerby
"Who's the maid with the nut-brown hair?"
He smiled at me, and with pride says he
"That's the gem of Ireland's crown.
She's young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann
She's the star of the County Down."

From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like the sweet colleen
That I met in the County Down.

I've travelled a bit, but never was hit
Since my roving career began
But fair and square I surrendered there
To the charms of young Rose McCann.
I'd a heart to let and no tenant yet
Did I meet with in shawl or gown
But in she went and I asked no rent
From the star of the County Down.
From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town




No maid I've seen like the sweet colleen
That I met in the County Down.

Overall Meaning

"Star of the County Down" is a traditional Irish folk song that tells the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking down the road in County Down, Northern Ireland. He asks a passerby who she is and is told that she is Rosie McCann, the "gem of Ireland's crown" and the "star" of County Down. The man is smitten with Rosie and says that he has never felt this way before. He falls in love with her and does not charge her any rent for her room, which he describes as being in his heart.


The song is a romantic ballad that celebrates the beauty and charm of a woman from County Down. It is popular in Ireland and throughout the world, and has been recorded by many artists in various styles. The lyrics express admiration for the natural beauty of the landscape of County Down and the lovely young woman who captures the singer's heart. The song is characterized by its lilting melody and its evocative imagery.


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Contributed by Claire E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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