'The Blarney Pilgrim' is a well-known Irish tune. It appears in many places, including free sheet music online and pennywhistle books.

What it is:

The tune is a jig, typically played at a lively pace. It is often played in conjunction with another tune called 'The Walls of Liscarrol.'

Performances:

Several musical groups have performed 'The Blarney Pilgrim,' including Gaelic Storm and Seven Nations (using Uillean Pipes). It has also been recorded by Tommy Peoples and can be found on various albums. A popular recording is on the Andy Irvine/Paul Brady collaboration.

Structure & Variations:

The tune is generally divided into three parts (A, B, and C). Some players view these parts as a recurring pattern: A (first part), B (second part), and C (third part). There is some disagreement regarding the key, with some players believing it is centered on D and others preferring to play it in G Major. Some versions include a polka called 'Ryan’s' immediately after the jig.

Notable Performances:

• John Renbourn & Robin Williamson: A light version exists on a track called “South Wind & Blarney Pilgrim.”
• Paddy Keenan: A playful version is featured on "The Long Grazing Acre."
• Craig Duncan: A similar version is played with adjustments to the B part.
• Matias Huart: A hammered dulcimer version, mistakenly labeled on an album called “Equilibre,” has been identified as ‘The Blarney Pilgrim.’

Historical Information:

The tune is sometimes called “The Parish Girl,” appearing under that name in a collection by Petrie.

Learning Resources:

A step-by-step guide to learning the tune is available on the website Tunes & Tools.

Note: There is ongoing discussion among musicians regarding the precise key and best backing for the tune's various parts.