Few Irish songs capture the wit, rhythm, and spirit of Ireland quite like “An Poc ar Buile.” Translating to “The Mad Puck Goat,” this lively traditional tune has become one of the most famous Irish-language songs worldwide.
If you’ve ever listened to Irish music — from The Chieftains to Irish pub sessions — chances are you’ve heard its infectious beat and unforgettable chorus. In this article, we’ll explore the An Poc ar Buile lyrics, their English translation, and what this song can teach us about both the Irish language and culture.
The Story Behind “An Poc ar Buile”
“An Poc ar Buile” literally means “The Mad Goat” (poc means “male goat,” and ar buile means “mad” or “furious”). It tells the humorous story of a wild goat roaming the hills of Kerry, causing chaos wherever he goes.
The song was popularized by Seán Ó Sé, accompanied by Seán Ó Riada and Ceoltóirí Chualann, in the 1960s — part of the great revival of traditional Irish music. Since then, it’s been covered by countless artists, and it’s often sung at Irish festivals, sessions, and classrooms as a fun way to practice pronunciation and rhythm in Gaeilge.
For learners, An Poc ar Buile is a perfect example of how the Irish language brings humor and local storytelling to life — packed with colorful vocabulary and cultural references.
An Poc ar Buile Lyrics (Irish and English Translation)
Below are the full Irish lyrics followed by their English translation to help learners understand every verse.
(Lyrics are in public domain as part of the traditional Irish song corpus.)
Irish Lyrics:
An Poc ar Buile
Le Seán Ó Sé (Amhrán Traidisiúnta)
Anois, a mhic ó, ‘s éistigí liomsa,
Seo scéal beag mar gheall ar an bpoc ar buile,
Bhí sé ‘na sheasamh ar mullach an chnoic,
Agus é ag béiceadh is ag búiríl.
Curfá:
Agus poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Bhí sé ‘na sheasamh ar mullach an chnoic.
Bhí sé ‘na sheasamh ar mhullach an chnoic,
Agus é ag féachaint síos ar Ghleann na nGealt,
Bhí sé ‘na sheasamh ar mhullach an chnoic,
Agus é ag béiceadh is ag búiríl.
Curfá:
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Ag béiceadh is ag búiríl.
Bhí sé ‘na sheasamh ar mhullach an chnoic,
Agus é ag féachaint síos ar Ghleann na nGealt,
Ag féachaint síos ar na daoine thíos,
Is iad ag rá “Dia linn is an poc ar buile!”
Curfá:
Agus poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Is an poc ar buile thall ins an choill.
Bhí sé ag rith ó mhaidin go hoíche,
Ag bualadh na bhfear is ag ithe na mban,
Bhí sé ag léim trí na poill agus claíocha,
Agus ag béiceadh i gcónaí le greann.
Curfá:
Agus poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Ag béiceadh i gcónaí le greann.
English Translation:
The Mad Goat
Now, my lads, listen here,
Here’s a story about the mad puck goat,
He was standing high upon the hill,
Bellowing and roaring like thunder.
Chorus:
And poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
Poc, poc, poc ar buile,
He was standing high upon the hill.
He was standing up on top of the hill,
Looking down at Glen na nGealt,
He was standing on the mountain high,
Bellowing and roaring away.
Chorus
He was standing high upon the hill,
Looking down at the people below,
And they were crying out “God help us all!
It’s the mad puck goat in the woods!”
Chorus
He ran from morning until night,
Knocking down men and frightening women,
Leaping over ditches and streams,
Roaring all the while with laughter.
Chorus
Understanding the Meaning and Humor
At first glance, An Poc ar Buile seems like a simple children’s song — but it’s actually layered with humor, regional flavor, and Irish wit.
Key Cultural Notes:
- “Poc” – The word for a male goat, also used metaphorically in Irish for something stubborn or mischievous.
- “Ar buile” – Literally “mad” or “furious,” but in Irish, it often means “wildly excited” or “out of control.”
- “Gleann na nGealt” – A real place in County Kerry! Historically known as “Valley of the Mad,” where people were said to come to heal mental afflictions.
The song paints a humorous picture of this mad goat ruling over the countryside — a symbol of freedom, chaos, and rural character. For Irish speakers, it’s a perfect blend of language, landscape, and laughter.
Pronunciation Tips for Irish Learners
If you’re learning Irish, singing along to An Poc ar Buile is a fantastic way to practice rhythm, pronunciation, and lenition (softening sounds).
Here are a few pronunciation notes:
- Poc = “puck” (like in hockey)
- Buile = “Billa” or “Bwil-ya,” depending on dialect
- Mhullach an chnoic = “wool-ukh an kh-nwick” (hilltop)
- Ag béiceadh is ag búiríl = “egg bay-ka is egg boo-reel” (shouting and roaring)
Songs are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to learn Irish pronunciation because they reinforce repetition and rhythm naturally.
For more help with pronunciation, check out our Irish Pronunciation Guide.
The Musical Significance of “An Poc ar Buile”
This song’s catchy melody and storytelling style have made it an essential part of Irish traditional music. It’s been performed by artists like:
- Seán Ó Sé (the definitive version)
- The Chieftains
- The High Kings
- Paddy Reilly
It’s often sung with bodhrán or fiddle accompaniment, emphasizing the lively poc-poc-poc chorus.
In traditional settings, An Poc ar Buile is more than just music — it’s a community experience, bringing people together through laughter, song, and shared identity.
Language Learning Through Music
Learning songs like An Poc ar Buile is one of the best ways to practice listening comprehension and cultural vocabulary in Irish. Songs expose you to:
- Natural sentence structure
- Regional dialects
- Poetic expressions and idioms
- Emotional connection to the language
At Gaeilgeoir AI, our platform helps learners go beyond grammar tables — using AI-driven tools to help you understand, pronounce, and remember real Irish phrases, including those from songs like this one.
You can start learning Irish through interactive tools, voice recognition, and real-life examples at learn.gaeilgeoir.ai.
Breaking Down Irish Vocabulary from the Song
Here are a few useful Irish words and phrases you can learn from An Poc ar Buile:
| Irish Word | English Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| poc | male goat | also used for a puck (in hurling) |
| ar buile | mad / furious | common in idioms |
| ag béiceadh | shouting | verb from béic (a shout) |
| ag búiríl | roaring | often used for animals |
| Gleann | valley | seen in many Irish place names |
| clai | ditch | part of rural Irish landscape |
Learning these words helps build context and memory — especially when connected to rhythm and melody.
If you enjoy learning vocabulary through context, explore our Irish Language Lessons for Beginners.
The Deeper Meaning: Wildness and Freedom
Beyond humor, An Poc ar Buile carries an undercurrent of freedom and individuality — the goat roaming freely across the Kerry hills, untamed by man or nature.
In Irish folklore, animals often symbolize independence and spirit, much like the Irish language itself, which has endured despite centuries of suppression. The song, in a way, celebrates that resilient, untamed character.
It’s no wonder An Poc ar Buile remains a favorite — it’s a joyful rebellion set to music.
External Connection: Irish Music and Language Revival
Music has long been central to the revival of the Irish language. Studies like those featured in Culture Ireland’s language and arts initiative show how songs and performances help promote Irish culture globally.
Traditional tunes like An Poc ar Buile are more than entertainment — they’re living lessons in language, rhythm, and identity.
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Conclusion: The Power of a Mad Goat
“An Poc ar Buile” is far more than a fun tune — it’s a lively example of how the Irish language, humor, and music intertwine to tell stories about life, nature, and character.
Through its playful lyrics and memorable rhythm, it captures what it means to be Irish: wild, witty, and wonderfully alive.
So next time you hear “Poc, poc, poc ar buile,” remember — you’re not just hearing a song. You’re hearing Ireland itself.
