The Ivy Leaf was first published in 1909 by P. W. Joyce, an Irish historian, writer, and music collector. His book Old Irish Folk Music and Songs is a collection of 842 Irish airs and songs that were, as far as he could tell, unpublished at the time. The Ivy Leaf was sent to him in 1884 by Mr. Francis Hogan, an enthusiast in Irish music and songs.

I came across this tune while researching songs to match up with the trees included in the Celtic Tree Zodiac. In this system, the period of September 30 through October 27 is related to the Ivy. Those born under this sign are thought to be brave, determined, and kind. I like to think those qualities may be found in the music, gently moving forward and winding its way around any challenges that may be found.

This arrangement of The Ivy Leaf shifts the melody from the original key of D dorian to E dorian to sit nicely on the hammered dulcimer. The range of the piece is E2 through C#6.