About The Song
A Bittersweet Ode to a Changing City: Daniel O’Donnell’s “Dublin in the Rare Ould Times” Captures the Heart of Ireland’s Capital
Few songs have captured the soul of Dublin as poignantly as “Dublin in the Rare Ould Times”, and when performed by the ever-genuine Daniel O’Donnell, it becomes more than a ballad—it becomes a heartfelt lament, a personal reflection, and a tribute to memory itself. With his soft, steady voice and deep love for Irish tradition, Daniel offers a version of this beloved classic that is rich with emotion, cultural memory, and quiet reverence.
Originally written by Pete St. John in the 1970s, the song was intended as a commentary on the rapid urban development that was transforming Dublin’s character. Through the eyes of Sean Dempsey, a fictional Dubliner born “hard and late in Pimlico,” the lyrics walk us through a city that is no longer recognizable. The Guinness Brewery, the Nelson Pillar, and the working-class neighborhoods that once defined the capital are slowly being replaced by glass towers, chain stores, and unfamiliar faces.
In Daniel O’Donnell’s hands, the story feels deeply personal—almost as if he’s singing it not just for Dubliners, but for anyone who has watched their hometown change beyond recognition. His rendition is deliberate and contemplative, never rushing through the verses, allowing each image and each sentiment to land softly. There’s no anger in his voice—only a tender sadness, a respectful nod to the past, and a gentle acceptance of time’s passage.
What makes Daniel’s version stand out is his ability to evoke emotion without embellishment. He doesn’t over-dramatize or modernize the arrangement. Instead, he leans into the song’s folk roots, letting the melody and the lyrics carry the weight. This approach honors the spirit of Irish balladry, where truth is found not in complexity but in clarity and heart.
“Dublin in the Rare Ould Times” resonates because it speaks to something universal: the longing for the world we once knew, the places and people we loved, and the stories we carry in our hearts. Through Daniel O’Donnell’s sensitive interpretation, this song becomes a bridge between past and present, connecting generations with the shared ache of nostalgia.
For those who’ve walked the cobbled streets of Dublin, or simply dreamt of them, this performance will stir something deep within. And for those who know the pain of change, Daniel’s voice offers a soft, understanding embrace—an assurance that though places may change, the memories never truly leave us.