Celtic Thunder’s ‘Toora Loora Lay’ Stuns with a Heartfelt Lullaby, Bringing Peace to a Crowded Room

In a concert filled with powerful harmonies, Irish tradition, and sweeping ballads, Celtic Thunder’s performance of “Toora Loora Lay” during their Live from Dublin 2017 show stands out as a moment of peace, beauty, and emotional resonance. Known for their grand stage productions and rich vocal arrangements, Celtic Thunder took a softer approach with this beloved Irish lullaby, offering audiences a heartfelt rendition that spoke to generations of memory and comfort.

Performed during the second half of the show at Dublin’s iconic Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, the setting was intimate and warmly lit, with the backdrop of glowing lanterns and soft green hues creating a soothing, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It was the perfect setting for a song like “Toora Loora Lay” — a lullaby passed down through Irish tradition and made famous in various interpretations over the years.

For this performance, the spotlight shone on Emmet Cahill, whose rich tenor voice opened the lullaby with a tenderness that immediately hushed the audience. His delivery was gentle and sincere, his tone filled with affection and nostalgia. As he sang the opening lines—

“Over in Killarney, many years ago / Me mother sang a song to me in tones so sweet and low…”

—audiences could feel the deep cultural roots and personal emotion that ran through every word.

Soon after, Ryan Kelly and Neil Byrne joined in with harmonies that elevated the piece to something truly transcendent. Their voices blended seamlessly with Emmet’s, creating the signature Celtic Thunder sound — a combination of classical discipline, Irish warmth, and modern polish.

Unlike many of their high-energy numbers, “Toora Loora Lay” required restraint and sensitivity, and Celtic Thunder delivered both in abundance. The arrangement was simple but elegant: acoustic guitar, piano, and soft strings supporting the vocals without ever overpowering them. This minimalism allowed the emotional core of the song to shine — a lullaby not just for children, but for anyone who’s ever longed for the comfort of home, family, and a simpler time.

As the chorus came around —

“Toora loora loora, toora loora lay / Toora loora loora, hush now don’t you cry…”

—the audience swayed gently, many singing along quietly. The song’s universal message of comfort and peace resonated deeply, especially with the older members of the crowd who grew up hearing it from parents or grandparents.

Visually, the performance was understated but effective. Soft lighting bathed the stage in golden warmth, and the focus remained entirely on the performers. There were no flashy effects or choreographed movements — just three men singing a lullaby with genuine heart and grace.

As the final notes faded and the harmony lingered in the air, the theater erupted into warm applause. It wasn’t the loudest or most dramatic moment of the show, but for many, it was the most touching.

With “Toora Loora Lay,” Celtic Thunder reminded their audience of the beauty in simplicity — and the power of music to connect us to our roots, our memories, and to each other.