When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

It was first published in 1912, at a time when songs in tribute to a romanticised Ireland were very numerous and popular both in Britain and the United States.

The song has been recorded on over 200 singles and albums and by many famous singers, including Bing Crosby, Connie Francis, and Roger Whittaker.

[1] Verse 1: Chorus: Verse 2: (Chorus) The song gained notoriety in Canada after the so-called Shamrock Summit between Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and U.S. President Ronald Reagan held on Saint Patrick's Day, 1985.

Mulroney was extensively criticized in the Canadian press for a "cloying performance" said to symbolize his government's excessive closeness to Reagan's.

[2][3] "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" has been used in the following movies and short subjects:[4] Fred Fisher Music Co. v. M. Witmark & Sons concerned the copyright of this song (which is now in public domain.)