All anthems

Ireland

Amhrán na bhFiann

Amhran na bhFiann

The Soldier's Song

1907
1926
Peadar Kearney
Peadar Kearney / Patrick Heeney
Battle / War 🕊 Freedom 💪 Resilience 🏺 Ancestors / Heritage |

Key Facts

  • 1. The Irish-language version, 'Amhran na bhFiann,' was translated by Liam O Rinn, and while it is the sole official version, most Irish citizens learn it phonetically since only about 2% speak Irish daily.
  • 2. Peadar Kearney, who wrote the anthem, was the uncle of playwright Brendan Behan, creating a literary family whose works bookend Irish cultural identity from revolution to modern drama.
  • 3. The anthem is played before every Gaelic football and hurling match at Croke Park, making it one of the most frequently performed national anthems in the world due to the GAA's packed fixture calendar.
Ireland - Amhrán na bhFiann

Lyrics

Only the chorus is typically performed at official events
[Curfá] Sinne Fianna Fáil, Atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn, Buíon dár slua Thar toinn do ráinig chugainn, Faoi mhóid bheith saor, Seantír ár sinsear feasta, Ní fhágfar faoin tíorán ná faoin tráill. Anocht a théam sa bhearna baoil, Le gean ar Ghaeil, chun báis nó saoil, Le gunna scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar, Seo libh, canaídh amhrán na bhFiann.

Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals

Analysis

Editorial

Written by Peadar Kearney in 1907, the song became associated with the Irish independence movement. It was first published in the newspaper Irish Freedom in 1912 and was sung by rebels during the Easter Rising of 1916. It was officially adopted in 1926.

Learn More

Related anthems