Best Irsh Podcasts (2025)

1
A New Conversation with Daniel Curley 1:01:11

2M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

Daniel Curley is an archaeologist, author and manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre . who has taken a particular interest in the mythological Connacht hero, Fraích. Join Chris and Daniel as they discuss the Táin bó Fraích, and discover how Daniel's research has revealed a far more important role for this 'lost' hero.Links for this EpisodeThe Ha…

1
Chris’ Ramble 16: Oíche na Gaoithe Móire ~The Night of the Big Wind 27:09

2M ago27:09

27:09

Stories of The Big Wind of 1839 have been told and retold in Ireland for all of 186 years. Join Chris as she explores what makes weather events such as Oíche na Gaoithe Móire so memorable and considers whether Storm Eowyn, a storm of a similar destructive nature, will still be remembered so far into the future.Links for this episode Duchas.ie I cou…

1
Chris’ Ramble 15 ~ Lament for the Ash 24:00

3M ago24:00

24:00

Leafless Ash in June (background)The effects of the die-back disease are slowly destroying most of Ireland's beautiful ash trees. Join Chris as she explores the sad story of this tree-tragedy that began in Leitrim more than a decade ago now and why it is important that everyone should know what is happening to our woodlands.The rot in the heartwood…

1
A conversation with Professor Lisa Bitel 48:56

4M ago48:56

48:56

Lisa Bitel is a Professor of Religion and a Medieval historian specializing in Britain and Ireland. and is the author of her new book 'Otherworld'. Join Chris and Lisa as they explore some favourite stories and discuss how best to contintinue the transmission of these wonderful tales, from the deep past, to an audience today.Links for this episodeR…

1
The Uí Máine Project~ A Conversation with Liam Kildea, Nicola Bowes and Paula Sharkey. 45:39

4M ago45:39

45:39

Designed to protect and celebrate the unique Karst landscape of South Roscommon and its embedded mythologies and stories, the Uí Máine community project has grown and developed from the inspired work of three main groups, The Celtic Eye art group, the Karst Farming group and the Taughmaconnell Hall, community. Join Chris as she discovers more about…

1
Samhain Special: Corpse Carrying For Beginners 1:22:14

6M ago1:22:14

1:22:14

An Acallam na nÉces Samhain SpecialIn this seasonal special, the Story Archaeologists compare two stories of Samhain. But what could such stories tell us about life 100 or even 1,000 years ago? Find out as the Story Archaeologists, Chris and Isolde, go digging one dark night.I am reposting this episode, one of my personal favourites and one of the …

1
Chris’s Ramble 14: Introducing Banbha 25:33

6M ago25:33

25:33

BanbhaBanbha is one of the three Dé Danann sisters, daughters of Ernmas, who gave their names to the land of Ireland, Ériu is the best known of the the three but Banbha has another, older, and less well known story to tell. Join Chris as she celebrates the birth of a new granddaughter named Banbha.Links for this episodeTake a look at the translatio…

1
Exploring Samhain: A glimpse into the past 37:57

6M ago37:57

37:57

The festival of Samhain, is one that has been celebrated, in one form or another, for a very long time. In the early Irish stories it was a time for gatherings and feasting. But how has it changed in more recent times? Join Chris as she explores The 'Schools' Folklore collection'' finding some fascinating Halloween tales. Links for this episodeTake…

1
Chris’ Ramble 12: The Rider on the River 41:39

8M ago41:39

41:39

Designed by Morgane Suquart for 'Paris 24' Olympics opening ceremony.This 'Ramble' is inpired by the silver rider on the River Seine at the Paris 24 Olympics. So join Chris as she explores the history and mythology of three great rivers, the Seine, the Severn and the Shannon and discovers just how their stories may just meander together.Explore a g…

1
Chris’ Ramble 11: Romancing the Neolithic Stone 21:21

8M ago21:21

21:21

New Scientific evidence supporting the origin of the altar stone at Stonhenge supports a better understanding of the of societal connections and collaborative co-operation to be found between the communities of early neolithic farmers throughout Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. Join Chris in this new ramble and share her excitement!Links for t…

1
Chris’ Ramble 10 ~ Stories to Remember 30:49

12M ago30:49

30:49

The SchoolsCollection | dúchas.ie The National Folklore Schools Collection was compiled in 1937 with stories and memories collected with the support of schools from all over Ireland. Itis one of Ireland's unique and valuable treasures and a wonderful resource. Join Chris as she explores this collection including its current relevanceand considers w…

1
A Conversation with Anthony Murphy 1:10:53

12M ago1:10:53

1:10:53

Newgrange at Twilight ~ Anthony MurphyAnthony Murphy, is an author, journalist, astronomer and photographer. He also curates the wondeful Mythical Ireland website. Join Chris and Anthony as they explore how Irish mythological stories, supported by recent evidence from genertics, seem to reflect the remarkable story of both neolithic and bronze age …

1
Chris Ramble 9: An Irish Winter Solstice Journey 47:54

1+ y ago47:54

47:54

Grianstad an Gheimhridh, the winter solstice is that special moment when the year turns and the hours of daylight, begin slowly to increase. This time of year has long been a cause for reflection and celebration. So, join Chris on yet another ramble, as she explores an Irish Winter Solstice journey.Links for this episodeLinks on Story Archaeology T…

1
Celebrating Professor Ralph Kenna 3:13

1+ y ago3:13

3:13

Professor Ralph KennaAs many friends of Story Archaeology will now have heard, Professor Ralph Kenna passed away and left the world we know, last Thursday. I received the sad news from his wife, Claire, last Friday. It is so very sad that it has taken me a few days to feel ready to write this post. I will stay in touch with Claire, and have sent he…

1
Chris’ Ramble 8: A Story for our Times 42:53

1+ y ago42:53

42:53

The Táin Bó Cúailnge is an dramatic epic well worth the telling but with some challenging themes including broken loyalties and friendships with destruction laid on the land, for the sake of status and honour. Join Chris as she explores the telling of the tales and encounters a fresh resonance for our times.Links for this episodeFor podcast episode…

1
A new conversation with Jamie Madden: The Writing of the Takings 11:21

1+ y ago11:21

11:21

The The Lebor Gabála tells of a series of mythical Irish migration stories, which can be traced back to a very early date. Its history is somewhat complex and, although fascinating, it is not an 'easy read'. So, join Chris and Jamie as they share Jamie's new telling. 'The Writing of The Takings'. Jamie has created an entertaining and highly amusing…

1
Chris’ Ramble 7: What’s in a Name? 27:31

1+ y ago27:31

27:31

Culture heroes, ancestor figures, genii loci, gods and godesses ... Can all, or indeed, any of these terms be useful in defining some favourite characters in Irish mythology, Join Chris as she takes a walk throuh a forest of stories on a light hearted search for hidden identities.Links for this episodeI have referenced a wide variety of stories ove…

1
A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Kate Lionis 27:38

1+ y ago27:38

27:38

The Morrigan by Kate LionisMeet Kate Lionis one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Kate as they discuss, the many creative possiblities of digitally enhanced photography, the enviromental relevance of Australian indigenous stories and share the colours, light, and scents of the Blue Mountains in N…

1
An Immráma Voyage with Jamie Madden 36:43

1+ y ago36:43

36:43

Click to view the complete Immram Brig BostúinWhat if Brigid had undertaken her own Immrám? Join Chris and Jamie as they explore James' Immrám Brig Bostún, an Irish Mythology Collage, in which he garners stories from Irish mtyhology and folklore, to curate a remarkable Immrám voyage for Brigid, taking her to the coastal islands of Boston and Cape C…

1
A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Louise Shine 26:35

1+ y ago26:35

26:35

Meet Louise Shine, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Ruth as they discuss, the importance of creativity in art and education, explore art and technology as well as the way in which women from Irish mythology can still speak powerfully to current issues. This is one of a series of shorter ‘Sto…

1
A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Lee Fenlon 24:11

1+ y ago24:11

24:11

Bóand by Lee FenlonMeet Lee Fenlon, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. Now, join Chris and Lee as they discuss, what can be acheived in leaded glass and ceramic mosaic work , how Sinann has been treated in Athlone as well as stories of Boand and the Boyne. This is one of a series of shorter 'Stories in the Lands…

1
A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Ruth Egan 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

Ruth EganMeet Ruth Egan, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Ruth as they discuss, art, mthology and the importance of listening to the stories told by your grandmothers.This is one of a series of shorter 'Stories in the Landscape' conversations to celebrate the 2023 ÉIRÍ Evoking Irelands Resil…

1
Chris’ Ramble 6: Just how old are Irish Stories? 22:49

2y ago22:49

22:49

So how old are the Irish stories? Come to think of it what exactly is meant by old, or medieval or any of the other terms so frequently used to describe mythological stories, and... does it matter? Join Chris as she follows a familiar route and sets up a few indicative, and hopefully useful, signposts along the way.Links for this episodeThese rambl…

1
A Conversation with Nicola Bowes and Rosemary Carty. 34:29

2y ago34:29

34:29

Nicola and Rosemary are both gifted artists from the Celtic Eye artists group who have all come together to draw on their talents to create some inspiring and innovative landscape and environmental projects. Join Chris, Nicola, and Rosemary as they talk about about the wide scope of some of Celtic Eye's impressive and on-going, still growing, proje…

1
Chris’ Ramble 5: The Landscape of Stories 16:58

2y ago16:58

16:58

This ramble, begun in Queensland, Australia and completed in Leitrim, Ireland. begins to explore the ways in which the environment in which the stories were told may change elements creating the tale. And, no, I didn't walk all the way!Loughnashade trumpetThis ramble was a long time in the making, begun in late January in Brisbane and picked up aga…

1
A Conversation with Shona Macdonald 39:47

2y ago39:47

39:47

Shona is a talented artist and illustrator who tells stories through images. Join Chris and Shona as they explore some of the wonderful women characters to be found in the world of Irish story, and even try out a path to a most perplexing library.https://youtu.be/KM-v6StvTc4Watch Shona's animation- The Forest of Cake.BrigFandThe Library of Perplexi…

1
Chris’ Ramble 4: Walking with Sheela-na-gigs 19:30

2+ y ago19:30

19:30

SacrumProfanum by Benjamin Dwyer is an exploration of the Sheela-Na-gig through music. Join Chris as she encounters this profound and poetic experience out walking her local landscape accompanied by Sheela-na- gigs.Music for this episode: Lamentum from SacrumProfanum by kind permision of Benjamin Dwyer https://www.farpointrecordings.com/product-pag…

1
A Conversation with Professor Benjamin Dwyer 46:27

2+ y ago46:27

46:27

Join Chris as she shares a conversation with Professor Benjamin Dwyer. Ben is a prolific Irish performer and composer as well as an educator. He is currently Professor of Music at Middlesex University. SacrumProfanum is Ben's thought provoking musical exploration of the enigmatic Sheela-na-gigs as watchers and witnesses of a thousand years of Irish…

1
Chris’ Ramble 3: Is This Not a Story Worth the Telling? 27:59

2+ y ago27:59

27:59

Join Chris on her ramble through the landscape of early Irish story and discover why many of the best stories contain the environmental messages which are still highly relevant today.Moytura 2000Links for this ramble.Circling the Táin: seven Story Archaeology podcast episodes.Cath Maige Tuired: six Story Archaeology podcast episodes.Stories in the …

1
Scottish and Irish ‘landscape’ stories: with Professor Patrick Nunn 9:24

2+ y ago9:24

9:24

The Isle of Harris. Yes, the sea can be this blue!Every community has folk tales to share, but do some of these stories encode ancient memories of climate change? This short podcast conversation with Professor Nunn focuses on stories from the North west coast of Ireland and Scotland that may have been told far longer than we might imagine. Listen, …

1
A Conversation with Professor Patrick Nunn 1:01:02

2+ y ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Patrick Nunn is the Professor of Geography at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. He is a leading climate change scientist, author, and a specialist on how stories from oral traditions may have encoded memories of geological and oceanic change from around seven thousand years ago. Join Chris and Patrick as they discuss, r…

1
Chris’ Ramble 2: David and Goliath, Meet Lugh and Balor 18:05

2+ y ago18:05

18:05

Some reflections on a journey to discover Irish stories.Join Chris as she explores Irish oral story transmission and wonders if even stories sometimes need careful map makers to prevent them them from being lost. Links for this episodeIf you would like to find out more about the infamous Giraldus CambrensisFind out about his 'map making'.Find out a…

1
A new conversation with Professor Ralph Kenna 32:26

2+ y ago32:26

32:26

Join Chris and Ralph, professor of Statistical Physics and enthusiastic comparative mythologist, as they enjoy discussing the ongoing ÉIRÍ project, 'Evoking Ireland's Resiliant female Icons', and discover how you, too, can add to some exciting and unusual research as well as discovering more about Ralph's upcoming Myths and Maths projects.Links for…

1
Chris’ Ramble 1: Mercator the map maker and the Tuatha Dé Danann 14:30

2+ y ago14:30

14:30

Find out more about these new posts, 'Chris' Rambles'.Join Chris as she sets off, aided by an unusual sixteenth century map, encounters an excentric English polymath with big ambitions, and with the help of a medieval Irish monk, discovers a fresh view of the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann. And a good ramble is always best shared so please feel fr…

1
A Conversation with Ann Gerety Smyth 51:16

2+ y ago51:16

51:16

by Éamonn O'Doherty.Ardagh hill, in County Longford, Ireland is a very special 'Stories in the Landscape' location. This is the legendary Bri Leith, where much of the Tocmarc Étaíne is set. The Ardagh Heritage and Creative Centre, managed by story teller and educator, Ann and her colleague Annette, nestles at the foot of this beautiful hill. Join C…

1
A Conversation with Jamie Madden 1:05:20

3y ago1:05:20

1:05:20

The Irish Dindshenchas The Lore of Prominent Places are a collection of origin stories which celebrate stories in the landscape. Yet, could they also inspire creative approaches to town planning? Join Chris and Jamie, a storyteller, genealogist and town planner, originally from Boston and now living in Seattle, as, together, they explore the broad …

1
A Conversation with Clare Millege 48:59

3y ago48:59

48:59

Clare Millege Join Chris and Clare, an artist from Sydney Australia, and an eloquant exponant of the art of landscape stories, as they discuss, art, ecology, the Australian landscape and, especially, Clare's recent installation Imbás: a well at the bottom of the sea at the Sydney Biennale 22. Take the opportunity to explore the installation as Clar…

1
A Conversation with Professor Ralph Kenna 41:57

3y ago41:57

41:57

Lee Fenlon The second of a new Series of Story Archaeology podcast conversations on mythology and its 'Stories in the Landscape'. Join Chris and Ralph, professor of Statistical Physics and enthusiastic comaparative mythologist, as they discuss the remakable possibilities of applying socio-physics to epic myth cycles;take an appreciative retrospecti…

1
A Conversation with Daniel Curley 40:06

3y ago40:06

40:06

The first of a new Series of Story Archaeology podcast conversations on mythology and its 'Stories in the Landscape'. Join Chris and Daniel, archaeologist and manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre as they discuss Cruachan Aí,the royal home of of Medb, Ailill and the Finnbhennach, the white bull of Connacht. Yet,this famous setting forms only on…

1
More Questions answered from the Story Archaeologists 1:01:46

5y ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Join the Story archaeologists as they attempt to catch up and answer some of the questions that you have been asking. This Q&A session covers the topic of fír flathemon , 'The truth of the king' and delves into the complexities of the text, Lebor Gabála Érenn, the 'Book of the Taking of Ireland'. We also return to the strange phenomenon of the Morr…

1
Stories and Activities with Children 4: The Two Poet Pig-keepers 13:17

5y ago13:17

13:17

This audio story is one of the many stories that circle around the great Táin Bó Cúailnge , The cattle raid of Cooley. It is not a well known story but it is important as it is really the 'origin' story for the whole cycle. It is also a great tale and explains a lot!The story has been included because it emphasises the importance of the storyteller…

1
Stories and Activities for Children 1: Bricriu’s Feast 54:39

5y ago54:39

54:39

Bricriu's Feasthis story has everything It has a king who gets someone else to solve his own problems. It has warriors who are determined to have adventures and show off to the MAX,It has giants, water monsters, fearsome cats from an Otherworld cave and more.There is also a VERY BIG AXE! The story comes from a very old story called Fled Bricrenn. I…

1
Medb: Conquests and Consequences 45:55

6y ago45:55

45:55

Medb, Queen of Connacht, is rightly renowned in Irish legend and mythology, as a strong and influential woman leader. Her centre of power, Cruachan Ai, is still recognised as one of the most important Iron-age sites in Ireland. Medb lead her people in her own name and by her own right. She was a strong woman in a society largely dominated by strong…

1
Telling Stories : Continuing the Oral Tradition 36:09

6y ago36:09

36:09

Join Chris Thompson as she takes a story-teller's view of the old Irish stories. Who told them and why were they so memorable. In this audio article, Chris celebrates the old stories and explores the challenges in telling them today.For those who have asked me for ideas and advice on story telling generally, I am going to be devoting a section of m…

1
The Dagda’s Cauldron ~ A Seasonal Special! 33:54

6+ y ago33:54

33:54

The Dagda with his cauldron of abundance, from which none leave unsatisfied, epitomises the deep and ancient yearning we feel for mid-winter indulgence and good company. It may be that the cauldron had more to offer than just a solid meal. Join Chris, from the Story Archaeologists, as she dips into this extravagant cooking pot.This audio article is…

1
Some questions answered by The Story Archaeologists 1:00:00

6+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

We regularly receive questions from listeners and readers. We try to answer them as soon as we can but many are well worth exploring in more detail. Here we discuss just three. Firstly there is the problem of 'coir', a word that we use regularly in episodes to express an important but complex concept. Another term we frequently use is 'poet' to cov…

1
The Mysteries of Midir: a Samhain Special 32:04

6+ y ago32:04

32:04

Isolde_recordingWhat did happen to Midir? Why does he appear in so few stories? It is a mystery. A murder mystery? Could be. Certainly Midir's reputation was usurped and he, himself, seems to have been, effectively, 'disappeared!For a more 'in depth' examination of this topic go to:In Search of Midir or In Search of ManannánThis short recording was…

1
The Otherworld and How to Get There! 55:36

6+ y ago55:36

55:36

William Robinson: Tallanbanna with cloud front. 1988So many of the old Irish stories tell of an Otherworld that lies so close to our own. If you want to discover what the stories have to say about getting there, what you might find when you arrive, and when, or if, you might return, then join Chris in this audio-article exploration.Apologies for th…

1
Circling the Tain: 07 – The Pig and The Hound 1:20:32

7+ y ago1:20:32

1:20:32

The briugu, Mac Dá Thó, is the proud owner of the marvelous hound, Ailbe. He also possesses a notorious pig. Now he finds himself faced with contending regional kings and their retinues of elite warriors, demanding the hound for themselves. Will serving up his gourmet pig at a grand feast save his bacon?Join the Story Archaeologists as they share t…

1
Circling the Táin 06: Women Warriors ~ The Training of Cú Chulainn 1:24:29

7+ y ago1:24:29

1:24:29

The magnificent warrior women Scathach and Aife both play a major role in Cú Chulainn's future life and exploits but they are not the only women who actively engage with out young hero..Join the Story Archaeologists as they attempt to come to terms with the number of dalliances and romantic interludes encountered by the young man on his ventures to…

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