MOUNTAINS OF MOURNE

“The Mountains of Mourne,” written by Percy French in 1896, tells the story of a homesick Irish immigrant in London writing to his sweetheart, Mary, back in County Down. The song contrasts the crowded, artificial pace of Victorian London with the simple, natural beauty of Ireland, capturing a deep longing for home. During their 2026 tour of Ireland, The Pub Runners, featuring Doug Berkshire, performed the ballad at Lily Finnegan’s in Whitestown, County Louth. From there, the Mourne Mountains can be seen rising across Carlingford Lough in southeastern Northern Ireland.