Shoe the Donkey
☘️ MID Mini Lesson: The Story Behind Shoe the Donkey
Did you know your dancer isn’t just learning steps… they’re learning a story?
Shoe the Donkey is a traditional Irish ceili (group) dance, originally done for fun, laughter, and social gatherings. Dancers stay with their partners and move around the floor together—so you’ll often see smiles, laughter, and interaction throughout the dance 💕
🐴 The song comes from Irish rural life, where donkeys helped families carry turf (peat) and supplies.
🇮🇪 Many versions of the song also reflect the Irish journey to America, with references to places like New York and Manhattan.
💃 In class, this dance helps our dancers build:
✔️ Teamwork
✔️ Musicality
✔️ Confidence & performance quality
❤️ At MID, we’re not just teaching dance—we’re sharing Irish culture, history, and joy.
👉 Ask your dancer tonight: “What’s your favorite part of Shoe the Donkey?”
The Lyrics
🎶 Shoe the Donkey
As sung by Brendan Shine
Shoe the donkey, shoe the donkey for his feet on the peat
For the donkey will be wonky without shoes on his feet
Fill the nose bag for the old nag, with the finest of grog
For tomorrow beg or borrow we’ll be all in the bog
Chorus
We’re all off today in the great USA
We’re heading for work in the town of New York
With our barrows and spades, we’ll forget all our pains
As we shuffle our feet to the beat on the street
Shoe the donkey, shoe the donkey and comply with the law
For the Yonkers will be bonkers when they hear his He Haw
Make a sandwich Mrs. Banbridge, make the tea in the pot
Now we’re frying, turf is drying, for the sun is so hot
Chorus
Shoe the donkey, shoe the donkey, hurry up don’t be late
It’s the first time since old Ireland we had laugh and felt great
What handsome little creature, all our friends will remark
As he trots down Manhattan and across Central Park
Chorus Variation
We’re all here today in the great USA
We’re enjoying our for work in the town of New York
With our barrows and spades, we forget all our pains
As we shuffle our feet to the beat on the street