Singing in Irish Gaelic - Mary McLaughlin
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A phonetic approach to singing in the Irish language, suitable for non-Irish speakers. Book Sample: Aynynee (Éiníní) Translation (Little Birds)
At last! A book and CD set that enables the non Gaelic speaker to learn songs which, until now, have been inaccessible without prior knowledge of the Irish language.
On the CD, Mary speaks each phrase slowly, leaving a pause for the student to imitate the pronunciation. Mary then sings each song in a simple, unaccompanied, plain style.
The book has the sheet music, guitar chords, phonetics, Irish lyrics, and a translation and background to each song. There is an introduction which gives information on traditional singing in Irish as well as a guide to the phonetic system used. The songs are graded linguistically and musically so that the student can build up skills as she/he progresses through the book. A must for anyone who has longed to sing in Gaelic but not had the opportunity to learn the Irish language. 
Little birds, little birds, Go to sleep, go to sleep,
Little birds, little birds, Go to sleep, go to sleep.
This book is meant to be used with the accompanying CD for instructional purposes.
The phonetics I give in the book must be considered only a rough guide to the pronunciation of the language; the real pronunciation is contained on the CD. I would encourage you to alter my phonetic system, if necessary, to suit your ear and reflect your own regional pronunciation.
On the CD, I speak each phrase and then leave a pause for you to repeat it. I would suggest going over the phrases several times before attempting to sing the song. I have put the spoken version and the sung version on different tracks to help this process.
In the book, the phonetics are in plain text and the Irish appears below in italics.
I have graded the songs in levels of linguistic and musical difficulty. I would suggest you work through the book in order to help build your skills. The last six songs are more challenging than the first eight, so there is always something to work towards!
List of Songs:
Aynyeenee (Éiníní)
Beh Aynokh Amawrokh (Beidh Aonach Amárach)
Bawjeen Elihmee (Báidín Fheidhlimidh)
Ver Mee Ó (Bheir Mí Ó)
Evleen Ah Roon (Eibhlín A Rún)
Fol Ee Ó Hó Ró (Fol Í Ó Hó Ró)
Rinka Philip A Khyóil (Rince Philip A Cheoil)
Hugamar Hayn On Sauroo Lin (Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn)
Neel Shay Na Law (Níl Sé ’Na Lá)
Shee Duh Wamó Ee (Sí Do Mhamó Í)
Far Ah Wawta (Fear An Bháta)
Aymon Ah Khrik (Éamonn An Chnoic)
Bookhil Ón Ayrnya (Buachaill Ón Éirne)
Taw May Muh Hee (Tá Mé ’Mo Shuí)