Compelling Irish alt trad band The Wran – release new track ‘The Limerick Rake’

Hailing from the Comeragh Mountains of County Waterford, The Wran are four brothers: Tommy, Danny, Seán and Stephen Dunford. They bring a fresh voice to Irish music, blending trad with punk and a hint of psychedelia to create music that feels both timeless and new. Drawing inspiration from Planxty, The Pogues and Lankum, 

The Wran combines traditional and modern instrumentation, including banjo, harmonium, acoustic guitar, bass VI and drums. They are dedicated to keeping the Irish language, traditional songs and storytelling alive while continuing to push it forward in their own way. 

Following the recent release of single ‘Fear Dearg’, The Wran return with a new interpretation of ‘The Limerick Rake’, the fourth single from their upcoming debut album ‘The Stone Man’. This Irish street ballad, collected by Colm Ó Lochlainn, dates back to the late eighteenth century and has remained a favourite of singers for generations, with versions by artists like The Pogues and The Clancy Brothers.

‘The Limerick Rake‘ tells the story of a man looking back on a life of drinking, gambling and romantic escapades. He reflects on his reputation, the people he has wronged and the consequences of the choices he has made, while accepting the fate that awaits him.

The Wran lean into the song’s grit and humour with a lumbering arrangement of  accordion, banjo and acoustic guitar, underpinned by a low droning Bass VI that adds a darker edge while staying true to the spirit of the original. After the final verse, the arrangement shifts into a faster-paced jig of The Limerick Rake air.

Ireland & UK Tour Dates

28th – 30th Aug – Electric Picnic Festival
09th Oct – Dublin – Workman’s –  SOLD OUT
10th Oct – Limerick – Dolans –  SOLD OUT
11th Oct – Galway – Roisin Dubh
13th Oct – Dublin – Workman’s – Extra Date Added
15th Oct – Cork – Cyprus Avenue 
16th Oct – Kilkenny – Cleeres – SOLD OUT
17th Oct – Belfast – Ulster Sports Club 
07th Nov – Manchester – Deaf Institute 
08th Nov – Leeds – The Attic
10th Nov – Nottingham – The Bodega
11th Nov – Birmingham – Hare and Hounds
12th Nov – London – The Lower Third – SOLD OUT
13th Nov – Bristol – Thekla
09th Dec – Dublin – 3Arena with The Pogues
10th Dec – Belfast – Telegraph Building with The Pogues
12th Dec – Killarney – Glenagle Arena with The Pogues