I have heard many versions and renditions of this classic song but none better than this version by Loreena McKennit. Loreena gives this song an ethereal quality to it. It's a beautiful song made all the more so by Loreena's vocals. Loreena is a bit of a triple threat in that she can sing, play piano and harp.
quote: "
Bonny Portmore" is an
Irish traditional folk song which laments the demise of
Ireland's old
oak forests, specifically the
Great Oak of Portmore or the
Portmore Ornament Tree, which fell in a windstorm in 1760 and was subsequently used for
shipbuilding and other purposes.
In 1664 an extensive castle was erected at Portmore, near
Portmore Lough,
County Antrim by
Lord Conway, on the site of a more ancient fortress. It contained accommodation for two troops of horse.
[1] The old oak is believed to have stood on the estate of Portmore Castle.
The melody of this song was first published 1840 in Bunting's "Ancient Music of Ireland" and was collected from the playing of Ulster harper Daniel Black in 1796.
[2] The air is probably as old as the time of the O'Neill's of Ballinderry, who, due to declining fortunes were forced to sell the property to Lord Conway. The first verse appears to make reference to this sale.
[3]
A Scottish version laments the loss of a lover left behind at Portmore, which
William Tait identifies with (
St. Fillans).
[4] (There is also a Portmore Loch in the
Scottish Borders). While attributed to Donald Cameron,
Burns biographer Alan Cunningham believes it comes from the north of Ireland.
[5] Peter Buchan published a version which formed the basis of Burns' "My Heart's in the Highlands"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonny_Portmore
If the song sounds familiar and you watch movies, you may remember this song from one of the " Highlander " movies.
Live version of Bonny Portmore by Loreena McKennit
Studio version of Bonny Portmore by Loreena McKennit with Highlander scenes.