The Wexford Carol (Irish: Carúl Loch Garman, Carúl
Inis Córthaidh) is a traditional religious Irish
Christmas carol originating from County Wexford, and
specifically, Enniscorthy (whence its other name), and
dating to the 12th century. The subject of the song is
that of the nativity of Jesus Christ.
"The Wexford Carol" is one of the oldest extant
Christmas carols in the European tradition. Traditions
abound concerning the song. For many years, it was felt
that only men should sing ...(+)
The Wexford Carol (Irish: Carúl Loch Garman, Carúl
Inis Córthaidh) is a traditional religious Irish
Christmas carol originating from County Wexford, and
specifically, Enniscorthy (whence its other name), and
dating to the 12th century. The subject of the song is
that of the nativity of Jesus Christ.
"The Wexford Carol" is one of the oldest extant
Christmas carols in the European tradition. Traditions
abound concerning the song. For many years, it was felt
that only men should sing it. It was only at the
current revival of all things Irish that this attitude
changed. Many popular female artists, such as Loreena
McKennitt, recorded the “Wexford Carol” during the
1990s.
The song achieved a new popularity because of the work
of William Grattan Flood (1859 - 1928), who was
organist and musical director at St. Aidan's Cathedral
in Enniscorthy. He transcribed the carol from a local
singer, and had it published in the Oxford Book of
Carols, putting Enniscorthy into most carol books
around the world. The song is sometimes known by its
first verse, "Good people all this Christmas
time."
Although originally written for voice, I created this
arrangement for Violin & Viola Duet.
SHEET MUSIC