In a recent conversation with, archeologist and historian, Daniel Curley we discussed the Táin bó Fraích: in some detail. It is a fascinating but, sometimes, complex story. I thought it might be useful to have a readable vession avilable that is still closely based on an earlier direct translation of the text. I do hope…
A New Conversation with Daniel Curley
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…
Chris’ Ramble 16: Oíche na Gaoithe Móire ~The Night of the Big Wind
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…
Storm Eowyn: the long clear up
The storm that hit Ireland on the night of the 23rd and on into the 24th January 2025 was a big one. Whether this was a stronger extratropical cyclone than ‘Hurricane Debbie’ which whipped its way across Ireland, taking much the same route in September 1961, is hard to tell. Eowyn, I believe, has broken…
How You Can Help Irish Ash Trees
Just three days after I published ‘Lament for the Ash’ I came across an interesting article on the RTÉ web site. Not only does the article cover the same sad story that I told in the podcast but it explored some recently established projects with information about how people arounf the country could offer help….
Chris’ Ramble 15 ~ Lament for the Ash
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. Links for this episode
A conversation with Professor Lisa Bitel
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….
The Uí Máine Project~ A Conversation with Liam Kildea, Nicola Bowes and Paula Sharkey.
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…
Otherworld ~ Nine tales of early Irish literature by Lisa M. Bitel
I am so glad to have found this book! Lisa Bitel includes nine stories, each of which have a connection to the ever-present Otherworld of memory and imagination. Many of these stories are not well known outside the source translations and they are also some of my favourites, all well worth the telling. Lisa tackles…
Samhain Special: Corpse Carrying For Beginners
An Acallam na nÉces Samhain Special In 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…