Paddy Ryan's Dream

A reel in the key of Ador

Sheet music, mandolin tabs, banjo tabs, fiddle and accordion score for Paddy Ryan's Dream

See also #342 Same as the Scottish tune "Miss Lyall" There is a story that goes with this tune (from Ted Furey): Paddy Ryan was the son of a widow who lived in the Midlands. He had a dream that he went to Dublin, and that he walked to and fro on the bridge without stopping, and that he found his fortune there. He told this strange dream to his mother, who sold her only cow, and said: "Padraig, go to Dublin and see about your dream." So Paddy went on the train to Dublin, and there he marched up and down on O'Connell Bridge. He hardly had any money left, but after a while he met a neighbour from home, who said: "What are you doing here, Paddy? Have you come to Dublin?". "Well," said Paddy, "I had this funny dream three nights in a row that I should find my fortune here on O'Connell Bridge in Dublin." "Well," said the neighbour, "that's strange. I also had a dream three nights in a row that there was a crock of gold buried at the back of your garden, under a gooseberry bush." "Oh, I don't believe that", said Paddy. But that night he took the train back to where his mother lived in County Offaly, and he said: "Mother, find me a spade", and started digging under the gooseberry bushes in the garden, and it was true. Under the last one, which was all dry and nearly dead, he found three crocks full of gold. So Paddy and his mother could buy a lot of cows and build a new house, so wasn't it true that he found his fortune marching up and down O'Connell Bridge in Dublin?

About “Paddy Ryan's Dream”

Paddy Ryan's Dream is a traditional Irish reel written in the key of Ador. This tune is part of the rich tradition of Irish folk music and is commonly played in traditional music sessions around the world.

Musical Characteristics

Rhythm: reel - a lively dance tune in 4/4 time, typically played at a moderate to fast tempo
Key Signature: Ador - each key signature brings its own character and challenges
Time Signature: 4/4 (common time)
Typical Tempo: 110-120 BPM (moderate to lively)

Learning “Paddy Ryan's Dream”

This reel can be learned using the sheet music and tablature provided above. The notation includes fingering for fiddle, flute, and whistle, while the tabs are arranged for banjo and mandolin players.

While this tune doesn't currently have an accompanying video, you can practice with the sheet music and seek out recordings online. When you find audio versions, try using slow-tempo practice and focus on small phrases to build up your technique gradually.

Playing in Sessions

“Paddy Ryan's Dream” is a valuable addition to any session musician's repertoire and fits well in traditional Irish music sessions. When playing this reel, pay attention to the characteristic ornaments and rhythmic patterns that give it its distinctive sound. The key of Ador is more challenging but rewarding to master on most traditional instruments.

Similar Tunes

If you enjoy “Paddy Ryan's Dream”, you might also like other reels in the key of Ador. Browse our collection to find more tunes in this rhythm and key signature, or explore other traditional Irish reels.

More reels Tunes in Ador

Traditional Irish Music Resources

Learning traditional Irish music opens up a world of cultural heritage and musical expression. Whether you're playing fiddle, flute, whistle, banjo, or mandolin, understanding the ornaments, rhythms, and phrasing that make Irish music distinctive is essential for authentic performance.

Explore our full collection of traditional tunes or browse byFoinn Seisiún favorites.