The Conference, in late August 2023. took place at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Roscommon. A number of attendees came from all around the world with many more participating virtually. The event was focussed but well organised and very friendly. A big, and well deserved, ‘thank you’ to the conference organisers. There was plenty of…
Category: Series 05: Revisiting Mythical Women
A look back at the first series, Mythical Women, with updates, new links and sources.
The extraordinary story of Sinann: A New Paper
The inspirational figure who gave her name to Ireland longest river Great News! A new paper on the story of Sinann and the restoration of her story is now available, as a pre-print prior to publication. It is available to read here The paper has been the work of Professor Ralph Kenna with the support…
The Charles River by Jamie Madden
In the days of dreaming when the Indigenous ones still walked freely among the misty mudflatsand green hills of the Massachusett, there was a well.It was a deep hidden pool, narrowed by points of land boasting nine strong hazel trees1 whosered nuts would drop softly into the deep reflecting mirror of the well.Within its depth…
Uaimh na gCait (Oweynagat)
The Cave of the Cats Taken from a personal journal entry after an early visit to the cave …..“There it is, by that house” and we tumble out of the car into the everlasting drizzle. The cave of Cruachán was said to be the most notorious otherworld entrance in folktale and legend. From here, so…
Other Appearances of The Mórrígan
As discussed in the podcast, there are several other notable appearances which the Mór Rígan makes through Irish Mythology. Below, I have produced a translation of the Dindshenchas poem, “Odras”. Before we get to her, here are links to some of her other roles: Esnada Tige Buichet, “The Melodies of the House of Buchet”. This is…
The Mórrígan Speaks – Her Three Poems
From Cath Maige Tuired, “The Battle of Moytura” Introduction At the end of the Old Irish saga of Cath Maige Tuired, there are three poems attributed to the Mórrígan; one immediately before the main battle, and the other two afterwards, ending the saga as a whole. These three poems were the main topic of my Masters…
The Mórrígan’s Prophecy
From “the Morrigan’s prophecy” spoken at the close of the battle of Moytura. (based on the translation by Isolde Carmody) Beneath the peaceful heavens lies the land. It rests beneath the bowl of the bright sky. The land lies, itself a dish, a cup of honeyed strength, there, for the taking, offering strength to each There…
Brigid Links
There are two editions and translations of two different medieval hagiographies of Saint Brigid available on CELT: Betha Brigte: Edited and Translated by Whitley Stokes Edition: http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/G201010/index.html Translation: http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T201010/index.html Bethu Brigte: Edited and Translated by Donnchadh Ó hAodha Edition: http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/G201002/index.html Translation: http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T201002/index.html The living tradition of St. Brigid in Kildare is kept by the Brigidine Sisters at Solas Bhríde in Kildare. …
Fochard Bríde
According to the early hagiographies, St. Brigid was born at Fochard Muirtheimne, a few miles north of Dundalk, about 450 CE. Though of the strength of this tradition, the place later became known as Fochard Bríde. On the hill nearby, are the remains of an Iron Age fort, a Norman motte-castle and a medieval church. St Brigid’s…
Lassair and Her Well
Every parish in Ireland has its holy well, with specific healing properties and a “pattern day” (Patron Day), where Mass is said and pilgrims perform rituals by the well. In the Arigna area of South Leitrim / Roscommon, one of the best known of these is St. Lassair’s Well in the parish of Killronan, between…