Whispering Stones

Discover the captivating history of Tulira Castle, a striking 17th-century Irish stronghold that evolved into a Victorian Gothic mansion. Designed by George C. Ashlin, the castle’s towering halls and stained-glass windows housed Edward Martyn, a dramatist and patron of the arts. But did Martyn regret the grandeur he commissioned? Why did he retreat to the medieval tower instead of living in his la...

Synopsis Delve into the fascinating history of Tuam, County Galway, in this episode of Whispering Stones . From its origins as a Bronze Age settlement to its rise as a medieval religious and political powerhouse, Tuam's story is as complex as it is captivating. Discover the legends of St. Jarlath and his broken chariot wheel, the architectural splendor of its cathedrals, and the lasting legacy of...

Synopsis: Dive into the captivating history and legends of Saint MacDara's Island , a small yet significant sanctuary off the coast of Galway. In this episode of Whispering Stones , we explore the ancient oratory, the customs of seafaring pilgrims, and the enigmatic stories of Saint MacDara himself. From historical accounts by Ruaídhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh to the annual Feast of MacDara, discover ho...

Synopsis: In this captivating episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to St. Cleran’s, a historic Georgian manor nestled in the picturesque countryside of County Galway. Built by the prominent Burke family in 1784, this grand estate has witnessed centuries of Irish history. From the adventurous tales of Robert O’Hara Burke, the ill-fated Australian explorer, to the Hollywood glamour brought by l...

Step into the enchanting world of Ross Errilly Friary , a breathtaking medieval monastic site nestled along the Black River near Headford, County Galway. In this episode of Whispering Stones , we uncover the mysteries, legends, and history surrounding Ireland’s best-preserved Franciscan Friary . Explore the Friary’s uncertain founding—was it the work of the Burkes, the Gannards, or someone else en...

Episode Synopsis: Roscam: Where Saints Walked, Vikings Raided, and Stones Whispered In this episode of Whispering Stones , we delve into the captivating history and mysteries of Roscam, a hidden gem just outside Galway City. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Oranmore Bay, Roscam’s story unfolds across centuries, blending Irish Christian heritage, Viking invasions, medieval duels, and archite...

Episode Synopsis: Portumna’s Secrets: Ireland’s Renaissance Castle and the Silent Priory In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to County Galway to uncover the captivating history of Portumna Castle and Portumna Priory , two of Ireland’s most remarkable historical landmarks. Once a shining example of Renaissance architecture and grandeur, Portumna Castle was built by Richard Burke, the...

Episode Synopsis: Pallas Castle: Secrets of Rebellion, Resilience, and Ruin. In this episode of Whispering Stones , we uncover the fascinating history of Pallas Castle , one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval tower houses in County Galway's heart. Once a stronghold of the Burke family , this towering fortress has witnessed centuries of rebellion , conquest , and architectural evolution. From its...

Episode Synopsis: Echoes of Flame and Folklore – The Tragic Tale of Menlo Castle In this captivating episode of Whispering Stones , we delve into the haunting history of Menlo Castle, a once-grand Jacobean mansion turned ivy-clad ruin on the banks of the River Corrib in County Galway. Explore the castle’s origins as a 16th-century tower house, its transformation under the wealthy Blake family, and...

Synopsis: In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to Loughrea , a historic town in County Galway known for its stunning Celtic Revival art , medieval heritage, and tranquil lake. Discover the fascinating stories behind St. Brendan's Cathedral , a treasure trove of Irish ecclesiastical art featuring works by Sarah Purser, Evie Hone, and Jack Yeats. Explore the ancient crannogs of Lough Re...

Synopsis : In this episode of Whispering Stones , we uncover the fascinating history of Lough Cutra Castle , a stunning Gothic masterpiece in County Galway, Ireland. Designed by renowned architect John Nash and overlooking the largest privately owned lake in Europe, this estate is steeped in centuries of Irish history, mythology, and legend. From the sacred islands dotted with ancient stone altars...

Synopsis: In this captivating episode of Whispering Stones , we unravel the extraordinary history of Kylemore Abbey , one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks in the stunning landscapes of Connemara, County Galway . From its beginnings as a grand romantic gift built by Mitchell Henry for his beloved wife Margaret to its transformation into a Benedictine sanctuary, Kylemore Abbey’s story is one of lo...

Episode Synopsis: In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to the storied ruins of Knockmoy Abbey in County Galway, Ireland , delving into its fascinating history as a Cistercian monastery founded by the powerful King Cathal “Red Hand” O’Conor in 1190. Nestled near the Abbert River, Knockmoy Abbey, also known as the Monastery of the Hill of Victory , has witnessed centuries of change—from...

Episode Synopsis: In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to Kiltiernan , a hauntingly beautiful monastic site in County Galway . Believed to date back to the 5th century and possibly founded by Saint Tiernan , this ancient Irish sanctuary holds mysteries as enduring as its stone walls. Join us as we explore Kiltiernan’s storied past—from its early Christian roots and unique architectura...

Episode Synopsis: "Kilronan: Whispers of Saints and Stones on Inishmore" In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to Kilronan, the historic heart of Inishmore, the largest of Ireland’s Aran Islands. Nestled off the rugged coast of County Galway, Kilronan—known as Cill Rónáin in Irish—is a Gaeltacht village where ancient legends, sacred sites, and the Irish language thrive. Through vivid s...

Episode Title : Kilmacduagh: Ireland's Leaning Tower and the Monastery of Legends Subtitle : Exploring the Myths, Monks, and Mysteries of County Galway’s Sacred Ruins In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to Kilmacduagh , an ancient monastic site near Gort, County Galway . Famous for its leaning round tower —the tallest in Ireland—Kilmacduagh is a treasure trove of Irish history , myth...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to the remote Isert Kelly Castle in County Galway, a 15th-century tower house steeped in history, rebellion, and mystery. Once home to the powerful MacHubert Burke family, this medieval stronghold witnessed centuries of turmoil, from the O'Donnell clan’s fiery attack during the Nine Years' War to its confiscation by Cromwell’s forces. Today, the ca...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , we embark on a journey to Inchagoill, a mystical island on Lough Corrib in County Galway. Rich in ancient history, Inchagoill is home to sacred ruins, including St. Patrick’s Church and the 12th-century Church of the Saints. As we explore the island’s historic churches, stone inscriptions, and ancient relics, we delve into the legends surrounding St. Patrick...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to Gort, County Galway , where history, culture, and resilience intertwine. From its origins as the domain of King Guaire the Generous to its role in the Great Famine , and its literary connection to W.B. Yeats during the Irish Literary Revival , Gort is rich with stories. We’ll explore its medieval past, the devastation of Cromwell’s siege , and i...

Synopsis : In this episode of Whispering Stones , we journey to the heart of County Galway to explore the mysterious and captivating Glinsk Castle . Once a formidable semi-fortified house, this 17th-century castle is now a haunting reminder of Ireland’s turbulent past. Learn about the Burkes of Glinsk , an influential Anglo-Norman family that played pivotal roles in historic conflicts like the Nin...

In Part Two of Whispering Stones ' exploration of Galway City , we continue our journey through the turbulent and transformative events that shaped the city’s history. This episode covers Galway’s struggles during the 16th and 17th centuries , including the Wars of the Three Kingdoms , the Cromwellian siege , and the city's role in the Williamite War in Ireland . As the power of the merchant famil...

In this episode of Whispering Stones , we explore Galway's rich and storied history, known as "The City of the Tribes." Journey back to medieval Ireland as we uncover Galway’s origins, from its foundation as Dún Gaillimhe in 1124 by the King of Connacht, to its transformation into a thriving trade hub under the control of fourteen powerful merchant families. These families, the famous Tribes of Ga...

In this captivating episode of Whispering Stones , titled "Echoes of Power: The Hidden Legacy of Fiddaun Castle," we journey to the heart of County Galway to explore the fascinating history of Fiddaun Castle—a 16th-century tower house steeped in mystery and intrigue. Nestled between Lough Doo and Lough Aslaun, this well-preserved fortress once stood as a powerful stronghold of the O'Shaughnessy Cl...

In this captivating episode of Whispering Stones , titled "Feartagar Castle: Echoes of the De Burgo Legacy in County Galway," we delve deep into the rich history of Feartagar Castle, also known as Jennings Castle. Located in the heart of County Galway, this 16th-century stronghold was once home to the powerful de Burgo family, who played a pivotal role in Ireland's medieval history. Through vivid...

In this captivating episode of "Whispering Stones," we journey to Dunmore, County Galway—a town steeped in rich history and ancient legends. Discover the origins of Dunmore, from its roots as a "Great Fort" to its role in the epic stories of the O'Connor Clan and the legendary warrior Haiste. Uncover the mysteries of Dunmore Castle, the ancient Friary, and the historic Clooneen Mill while explorin...