Whispering Stones

Nestled beside Clew Bay, just outside Newport in County Mayo, Burrishoole Abbey has witnessed over five centuries of faith, rebellion, and quiet resistance. In this episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke tells the dramatic story of a Dominican friary founded by the Burke clan, protected by pirate royalty, scarred by English occupation, and remembered for a miracle that save...

Hidden beneath the rolling green landscape of County Mayo lies Ballintober Abbey , a place where history, legend, and faith have endured for more than 800 years. In this episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the remarkable story of an abbey founded by kings, shaped by fire and famine, and sustained by a community who never abandoned it — even when its roof was gon...

Hidden beneath ivy and brambles near Newmarket-on-Fergus, the ruins of Urlanmore Castle tell a haunting tale of power, rebellion, and folklore. Built in the 15th century by the MacClancy clan, this once-imposing tower house is believed to be the birthplace of the legendary Máire Rua — one of Ireland’s most infamous historical women. In this season finale of Whispering Stones , we explore collapsin...

Journey to Tuamgraney , a quiet East Clare village where myth, memory, and stone intertwine. In this episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the haunting legend of Grian, Ireland’s oldest church still in use, Viking raids, Brian Boru’s lasting footprint, and the sacred landscape of Lough Derg . A short, atmospheric history rich in folklore, medieval architecture, an...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke journeys to Scattery Island (Inis Cathaigh) on the Shannon Estuary in County Clare . From the legends of Saint Senan and the sea monster Cathach , to Viking raids, Norse kings, Napoleonic defences , and the island’s last families, this short and engaging history uncovers one of Ireland’s most fascinating monastic islands. A sto...

Step into the haunting beauty of Quin Abbey , one of County Clare’s most captivating medieval sites. In this episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke uncovers the dramatic story of this Franciscan friary—built on the bones of a Norman castle, shaped by battles for Thomond, shattered by Henry VIII and Cromwell, and wrapped in myths of hidden gold, ghostly guardians, and myster...

Step into the wind-swept limestone desert of the Burren as Bernice Cooke uncovers the story of Poulnabrone Dolmen , Ireland’s oldest dated megalithic monument. In this short and immersive history episode, discover Neolithic life, ancient burial rituals, archaeological revelations, and the secrets held within one of Ireland’s most hauntingly beautiful landscapes. Perfect for fans of Irish history,...

Join me Bernice Cooke, Artist and Writer, on this episode of Whispering Stones as we wander into the remote parish of Oughtmama in County Clare, a landscape rich with early medieval churches, prehistoric cairns, holy wells, Burren geology, and the lingering presence of Lady Augusta Gregory. Discover hidden monastic sites, mysterious hut circles on Turlough Hill, ruined castles of the O’Loghlen cla...

Step into the stony heart of the Burren in County Clare and uncover the remarkable story of Newtown Castle—one of Ireland’s few cylindrical tower houses. In this short, atmospheric episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the castle’s unusual architecture, its powerful O’Loghlen chiefs known as the “Kings” and “Princes of the Burren,” and its transformation into the...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the layered history of Newmarket-on-Fergus , County Clare. — from its ancient origins as Cora Chaitlín , “The Weir of Cathleen,” to the legendary horseman Sir Edward O’Brien and the sacred stories of Fenloe Monastery and its mysterious plague stone. Journey through seven ancient parishes , mythic chieftains, and forgot...

Step back in time with Whispering Stones as Bernice Cooke uncovers the layered history of Newhall House , a Georgian gem near Ennis, County Clare. Once tied to the O’Briens, MacDonnells, and Armstrongs, this grand estate holds centuries of Irish gentry intrigue, rebellion, and romance. Alongside real history, Bernice teases the legends of Newhall — from a hidden cave said to grant eternal youth to...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the fascinating story of Mount Ievers Estate in Sixmilebridge, County Clare . From its 16th-century tower house origins to its elegant 18th-century Georgian design inspired by Chevening House , discover the rise, legacy, and endurance of the Ievers family — who still call it home today. A short, atmospheric journey thr...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , artist and writer Bernice Cooke journeys to Mooghaun Hillfort in County Clare — one of Ireland’s largest Bronze Age fortresses. Hidden on the grounds of Dromoland Castle , this vast site once ruled a thriving chiefdom and later revealed a legendary hoard of Bronze Age gold . Discover its sacred spaces, concentric stone walls, and the echoes of ancient familie...

In this short and captivating episode of Whispering Stones , artist and storyteller Bernice Cooke journeys to Magh Adhair , County Clare — the legendary inauguration site of the Kings of Thomond and Brian Boru’s royal ancestors . Explore the folklore, archaeology, and power struggles that shaped this sacred landscape — from Bronze Age roots to medieval ceremonies . Uncover tales of cursing stones...

Step into the haunting world of Leamaneh Castle in County Clare, Ireland. Once the stronghold of the powerful O’Briens, this 15th-century fortress is steeped in folklore, rebellion, and chilling ghost stories. At its heart lies the infamous Máire Rua —Red Mary—whose fiery legacy of wealth, power, and cruelty still whispers through the ruins. Was she a ruthless murderer, a cunning survivor, or simp...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , host Bernice Cooke takes you to Killone Abbey, a hauntingly beautiful ruin on the shores of Killone Lake in County Clare, Ireland. Founded in the 12th century by Donal Mór O’Brien, this Augustinian nunnery holds stories of royal abbesses, ghostly corpse lights, healing holy wells, and even a captured mermaid who cursed the O’Brien Clan. Step inside the cloist...

Step back in time to the historic village of Killinaboy in County Clare, Ireland. In this episode of Whispering Stones , host Bernice Cooke uncovers the secrets of a ruined medieval church, mysterious Sheela-na-Gig carvings, a rare Tau Cross, and traces of an ancient monastery. From O’Brien clan feuds to Cromwellian destruction, discover how this small Burren village became home to some of Ireland...

Step back in time with Whispering Stones as we explore the historic town of Killaloe, County Clare. Once the seat of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, Killaloe was the medieval capital of Ireland and remains steeped in legend, from Viking clashes on the River Shannon to the stunning St. Flannan’s Cathedral. Discover ancient forts, medieval bridges, monastic settlements, and a town where Irish hist...

 In this episode of Whispering Stones , host and storyteller Bernice Cooke takes you to Kilfenora, a small but mighty town in County Clare, Ireland. Known as the “City of the Crosses,” Kilfenora holds a rich history of medieval cathedrals, high crosses, legendary fairs, and even a unique connection to the Pope himself. Discover Saint Fachanan’s 6th-century church, the turbulent fires and rebu...

Step back in time with Whispering Stones as host Bernice Cooke takes you across the waters of Lough Derg to Inis Cealtra , also known as Holy Island. Once a great center of monastic life, the island holds echoes of saints, Viking raids, ruined churches, high crosses, and centuries of pilgrimage. Discover the stories of St. Colum, St. Caimin, Brian Boru’s family, and the thousands of pilgrims who o...

Step off the beaten track along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and discover Gleninagh Castle — an ivy-clad 16th-century tower house that once belonged to the powerful O’Loghlen clan. From clan battles and English conquest, to holy wells, ruined churches, and whispered legends of haunted caves, this episode of Whispering Stones uncovers the layered past of a forgotten corner of the Burren. Hosted on A...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , host Bernice Cooke takes us on a stroll through Ennis, the historic capital of County Clare. Discover how the O’Brien dynasty, Franciscan friars, and centuries of trade shaped this vibrant market town. From medieval laneways to lively music sessions, Ennis is a place where history, culture, and community intertwine. Perfect for history lovers, travelers plann...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , we delve into the fascinating history of Dysert O’Dea in County Clare. From its role as a powerful O’Dea stronghold to the site of the epic Battle of Dysert O’Dea, we explore the stories of this ancient fortress, the family that fought to protect it, and the remarkable landmarks that surround it. Hear about the rich history of Dysert O'Dea Castle, its rise an...

Explore the Rich History of Dromoland Castle – Once a stronghold for the O’Brien family, descendants of Brian Boru, Dromoland Castle in County Clare is now a luxurious 5-star hotel. In this episode, we dive into its fascinating past, from its role as a royal fortress to its architectural transformation by the Pain brothers in the 1800s. Discover the stories behind famous guests like John Lennon, G...

Synopsis: Join us in this episode of Whispering Stones as we uncover the fascinating story of Danganbrack Castle, an early 17th-century tower house built by the MacNamara family in County Clare. From its connection to the River Rine to its slow decay over centuries, we’ll explore the castle’s rich history and its transformation from a fortified residence to a forgotten ruin. Tune in to discover ho...