Today marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Elvis Presley, The King of Rock and Roll. With that, let’s take a look at his Irish connection. While he may have never set foot on Irish soil, his connection to the Emerald Isle runs deep.
Did Elvis Presley have Irish ancestors?
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, indeed had Irish roots that can be traced back to the 18th century. His Irish ancestry stems from his 4x great-grandfather, William Presley, who hailed from County Wicklow, Ireland.
William Presley was a farmer from the townland of Stranakelly near Shillelagh in County Wicklow. In 1775, he appeared before the Carlow Court of Assizes, claiming he had been “violently insulted, assaulted, beat and abused” by a group of men in nearby Hacketstown, County Carlow.
This incident appears to have been a catalyst for William’s decision to leave Ireland. Later that same year, William Presley emigrated to America with his son Andrew, initially settling in New Orleans before moving to Tennessee, where he died in 1802.
This journey across the Atlantic set in motion a chain of events that would eventually lead to the birth of Elvis Presley in Mississippi on January 8, 1935 – about 160 years after his Irish ancestor crossed the ocean.
Did Elvis Presley ever visit Ireland?
Though he never made it to Ireland during his lifetime, Elvis often expressed an interest in visiting the land of his ancestors.
Despite the lack of a personal visit, Elvis’s music and his Irish heritage have deeply resonated with Irish fans. His music continues to be enjoyed and celebrated across Ireland, forging a unique and enduring connection between the King and the Emerald Isle.
Why did Elvis never visit Ireland?
There are a few reasons why Elvis never visited Ireland:
- Limited international travel: Elvis rarely performed or traveled outside of the United States. The closest he ever came to Ireland was a brief stopover at Prestwick Airport in Scotland in March 1960, while returning from his military service in Germany.
- Busy schedule: Throughout his career, Elvis maintained a hectic performance and filming schedule that likely left little time for international travel beyond his commitments.
- Colonel Parker’s influence: Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, is known to have tightly controlled Elvis’ career and may have discouraged international tours.
- Health issues: In his later years, Elvis struggled with health problems that could have made extensive travel difficult.
Despite never visiting Ireland, Elvis did have an appreciation for Irish music, as you can read about directly below:
Did Elvis have any Irish music influence?
Elvis Presley did have some notable Irish musical influences and connections. He even recorded versions of two classic Irish songs:
- “Danny Boy”: Elvis recorded this iconic Irish ballad in 1976 at his Graceland mansion. He reportedly declared that “Danny Boy” had been written by angels and expressed a desire to have it played at his funeral6.
- “I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen“: Elvis recorded this song in 19736. Although not originally Irish, it has become strongly associated with Irish music3.
Overall, Elvis seemed to have an appreciation for Irish music. According to some sources, he liked Irish songs and was encouraged by his father Vernon to record “Danny Boy”
Was Elvis popular in Ireland?
While Elvis enjoyed immense popularity worldwide, his reception in Ireland was a bit more nuanced. While the Irish people embraced his music, the Catholic Church initially viewed him with suspicion, with predominantly Catholic Ireland having a huge influence in Ireland at the time. His flamboyant style, suggestive hip movements, and rock and roll music were seen by the church as a threat to traditional values.
Despite the Church’s reservations, Elvis’s music resonated deeply with the Irish people. His powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and heartfelt ballads transcended cultural barriers. Irish audiences in America flocked to see him in concert, and his records topped the charts in Ireland.
Are there any Elvis related events in Ireland?
Several Elvis-themed festivals and events are celebrated in Ireland, showcasing the country’s appreciation for the King of Rock and Roll:
- Elvis Roots Festival: This unique festival in Hacketstown, County Carlow, celebrates Elvis’s Irish ancestry. It features street entertainment, country music, jiving, vintage cars, and Elvis impersonators. The event typically takes place annually, with the next one expected to be bigger and better. For more information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Elvisroots/
- The All Ireland Elvis Festival: This 3-day Elvis party is held in Dundalk, Ireland, featuring “Elvis The Four Nations.” It brings together Elvis fans for a weekend of music and celebration. You can find more details on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/The-All-Ireland-Elvis-Festival-Featuring-Elvis-The-Four-Nations-100067719844074/
- Dún Laoghaire Music Festival: While not exclusively an Elvis festival, this event features Ireland’s number 1 Elvis Tribute, Ciaran Houlihan, who is the official European Elvis Champion. The next festival is scheduled for October 3-6, 2024. For more information and tickets, visit https://dunlaoghairemusicfestival.ie/
- Elvis 90th Celebration: A special event commemorating what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday is scheduled for February 14, 2025, at the Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel. This concert will feature Kevin Doyle and his 12-piece “The Way It Was” Orchestra. For details and bookings, visit https://www.ballykisteenhotel.com/elvis-90th-celebration/
These events offer Elvis fans in Ireland various opportunities to celebrate the music and legacy of Elvis Presley throughout the year.
