There are few Irish Christmas songs as beloved and evocative as Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil - a hauntingly beautiful carol that captures both the tenderness and mystery of Christmas Eve. The song tells the story of Christ’s birth through the lyrical beauty of the Irish language. The origins of Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil are somewhat mysterious. While many assume it is an ancient carol, the earliest known written versions date from the 17th or 18th century. However, its style and phrasing suggest it may have originated as part of Ireland’s oral folk tradition, passed down through generations of singers and storytellers before being written down. It is a staple of Irish Christmas celebrations, sung at midnight Mass, school concerts, and carol services throughout the country. More about the song . . . here
Don oíche úd i mBeithil / I sing of a night in Bethlehem
beidh tagairt faoi ghréin go brách / A night as bright as dawn
Don oíche úd i mBeithil / I sing of that night in Bethlehem
gur tháinig an Briathar slán / The night the Word was born
Tá gríosghrua ar spéartha / The skies are glowing gaily
's an talamh 'na chlúdach bán / The earth in white is dressed
Féach Íosagán sa chléibhín / See Jesus in the cradle
's an Mhaighdean 'Á dhiúl le grá / Drink deep in His mother's breast
Ar leacain lom an tsléibhe / And there on a lonely hillside
go nglacann na haoirí scáth / The shepherds bow down in fear
Nuair in oscailt gheal na spéire / When the heavens open brightly
tá teachtaire Dé ar fáil / And God's message rings out so clear
Céad glóir anois don Athair / Glory now to the Father
sa bhFlaitheasa thuas go hard / In all the heavens high
Is feasta fós ar sa thalamh / And peace to His friends on earth below
d'fheara dea-mhéin' siocháin / Is all the angels cry
Don Oíche Ud i mBeithil - Eabha McMahon
Don Oíche Ud i mBeithil - Celtic Women
Don Oíche Ud i mBeithil - Patrick Dexter, cello
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