Ralph McTell: 'From Clare To Here was written in Croydon in the 1970s'

In advance of his appearance at Temple Bar Tradfest, the Croydon singer reflects on the compliment of having one his songs considered part of the 'ancient' Irish canon 

Ralph McTell plays at Temple Bar Tradfest.  (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

A few days ago, someone told folk singer Ralph McTell about an old Irish traditional song called ‘From Clare To Here’. This made him chuckle. 

He wrote ‘From Clare To Here’ in 1976. This “ancient” song is 47 years old, the work of a troubadour from Croydon in south London.