This is a traditional Irish song which originates in the Gaeltacht region in the north-west of County Donegal, which is usually taught to young children. It is based on the immortalistion of a small boat owned by a man called Feilimí (Phelim) heading to Tory Island.

Tory Island (Toraigh) is an island 14.5 km off the north-west coast of County Donegal in Ireland. Tory is part of the Donegal Gaeltacht and Ulster Irish is the main Irish dialect in use. The people of Tory delight in expressing themselves in music, song and dance. Tory boasts many accomplished melodeon players. Céilís are held regularly in Club na Maighdine Mara and young and old alike take to the floor to dance not only the great Irish sets and reels, Ionsaí na hlnse, Ballai Luimnigh and Cor Seisear Déag, but also dances which are not very well known outside Donegal. There are many excellent singers on the island who give fine renditions of traditional songs and ballads.

It the videos are two versions covered by Na Casaidigh and Sinéad O’Connor.