This poem was written in Ireland by Eochaid Mac Colla, also known as Saint Dallan Forgaill, 530 – 598 AD, 6th Century. (AD = After Death of Jesus Christ. 6th Century period is 501 to 600AD. Birth and death records vary with numerous references.)

Saint Dallan Forgaill (Eochaid Mac Colla) was the the Chief Ollamh Poet of all of Ireland (Ollam means "high rank" from old Ireland).  His position was as high as the King. The original Old Irish text, “Rop tú mo Baile,” also known as “Be Thou My Vision,” was part of Irish monastic traditions for centuries.  Over 1300 years later, Mary E Byrne made a translation of the “Rop tú mo Baile” in the journal at the School of Irish Learning in 1905. The English text was first versified by Eleanor Hull in 1912.  Also, there is the music itself. There is an ancient Irish song named “Slane” which is about the Hill of Slane in Ireland (St Patrick), and “Be Thou My Vision” was set to this old Irish ¾ time folk tune.  If you look at the lyrics, this is a beautiful prayer of great depth, of a man asking God to “be his vision.”

Dallan was born approximately 97 years after Saint Patrick lit the Easter fire on Slane Hill in Ireland in 433 AD according to tradition, and Christianity flourished in Ireland.  Saint Patrick was also a writer and poet himself, writing Saint Patrick's Breastplate, a Prayer of Protection, also known as The Deer's Cry, The Lorica of Saint Patrick or Saint Patrick's Hymn, a prayer he used for divine protection.  

Dallan also wrote the "Amra Choluim Chille" and numerous poems, eulogies, etc.  There is much history on Dallan, also known as “the blind one” who, it is said, started to go blind from his dedicated religious life and work.

I wanted to find a beautiful Irish song when my mother passed away a few years ago, and chose this one. The song is over 1400 years old and it reminded me of my Irish mother, and her faith, as well as my grandparents, great grandparents, and family from Ireland. I have been told by some that this song is “as Irish as it gets.”