Whispering Stones

"Thoor Ballylee: Yeats' Tower of Timeless Tales" Synopsis: In this captivating episode of "Whispering Stones," we journey to Thoor Ballylee, a 15th-century Anglo Norman Tower House located near Gort in County Galway. Known as Yeats' Tower, this historic site was the summer home of the renowned poet William Butler Yeats from 1921 to 1929. Discover the fascinating history of Thoor Ballylee, from its...

Discover the rich history of Ballinasloe, County Galway, in this episode of Whispering Stones. Host Bernice Cooke Artist explores the origins of this historic market town, its architectural marvels like Garbally House, and the influential Le Poer Trench family. Learn about Ballinasloe's significant landmarks, including its limestone buildings and the impact of the Great Famine. The episode also de...

Echoes of Power: The Saga of Kiltartan Castle In this captivating episode of Whispering Stones, we journey to Kiltartan Castle, also known as Ballinamantain and Castletown Castle, located in County Galway, Ireland. Discover the rich history of this 13th-century fortress, built during the reign of Edward I, and its significance as a stronghold for the powerful de Burgo family. Uncover the castle's...

In this episode of "Whispering Stones," we explore Athenry, a historic town in County Galway, Ireland, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and deep historical significance. Known as "Baile Átha an Rí" or "Town of the Ford of the King," Athenry is a treasure trove of Irish history, featuring ancient battles, sacred sites, and some of the most intact medieval town walls in Ireland....

Title: Castles in Time: The Echoes of Ashford Castle Synopsis: Dive into the storied walls of Ashford Castle in this captivating episode of "Whispering Stones." Located in the picturesque County Galway, Ireland, Ashford Castle boasts a rich tapestry of history, from its origins in 1228 as a medieval fortress to its current grandeur as a five-star luxury hotel. Explore the architectural evolution a...

Dive into the enthralling history of Ardamullivan Castle on this episode of "Whispering Stones." Located in the picturesque County Galway, just miles from Lough Cutra, this 16th-century castle has witnessed centuries of drama, intrigue, and eventual restoration. Discover the tales of the O’Shaughnessy clan, who ruled this region before falling to tragedy and betrayal in the 1500s. Learn...

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the Aran Islands in this captivating episode of "Whispering Stones." Travel with us to the rugged landscapes of Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, where ancient stone forts and traditional Irish crafts weave a tapestry of stories from Ireland's past. In "Echoes of the Aran Islands: A Journey Through Stone and Sea," you'll...

In the Season Three premiere of Whispering Stones, titled "Echoes of Eanach Dúin: Unveiling the Tapestry of Annaghdown's History," listeners are transported to the eastern shores of Lough Corrib in County Galway, where the rich history of Eanach Dúin unfolds. Beginning in the 12th century, the episode traces the origins of Annaghdown, delving into its early associations with St. Bren...

"Explore the captivating history of Tullamore, County Offaly, in this enthralling episode of 'Whispering Stones.' Dive into the medieval origins, architectural marvels, and whiskey heritage that define this Irish town. Discover Gothic Revival landmarks like Charleville Castle and St. Catherine's Protestant Church, and trace the rebirth of Tullamore Dew in the town's modern dis...

Explore the captivating history of St. Stanislaus College, a once-thriving Jesuit institution in County Offaly, Ireland, on this episode of "Whispering Stones." Discover the origins, educational milestones, and eventual decline of this historic site, famously known as Tullabeg. From its establishment in 1818 by the Jesuit Fathers to its closure in 1991, St. Stanislaus College has transit...

In this episode of "Whispering Stones," we delve into the storied past of Seir Kieran, a site steeped in spiritual significance and historical drama. Once the heart of a thriving monastic community in County Offaly, Ireland, Seir Kieran's origins trace back to the 5th century when St. Ciarán, a pivotal figure in Irish Christianity, founded it. After decades of study in Rome and a fat...

In this episode of "Whispering Stones," we journey to the heart of Shannon Harbour, a village cradled by the converging waters of The Shannon, The Brosna, and the Grand Canal. Once a bustling hub of commerce and emigration, today's Shannon Harbour whispers tales of its vibrant past amidst its serene, modern-day existence. As we explore the haunting beauty of its abandoned warehouses...

Discover the captivating tale of Kilcormac's hidden gem in our latest podcast episode, "The Secret of the Oak: Kilcormac's Hidden Pietá." Journey with us to the heart of County Offaly, Ireland, where history, artistry, and spirituality intertwine in the story of a remarkable 16th-century oak Pietá. Nestled within the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kilcormac, this exquisite...

In this episode of "Whispering Stones," titled "Echoes of Gallen Priory: Stones Whispering Through Time," listeners are transported to the serene yet historically charged site of Gallen Priory, nestled in the village of Ferbane, County Offaly, Ireland. Through a blend of rich historical detail and immersive storytelling, the episode explores the priory's journey from its fo...

In the captivating episode "Mysteries and Miracles: The Untold Story of St. Manchan's Shrine" from the Whispering Stones podcast, listeners are transported to the serene village of Boher in County Offaly, Ireland. This episode unfolds the remarkable tale of St. Manchan, who, inspired by his monastic studies, founded a monastery that became a beacon of faith and pilgrimage amidst the...

In the captivating episode "Echoes of Durrow Abbey: A Journey Through Time, Nature, and Controversy" of the Whispering Stones podcast, listeners are transported to the serene and mystical site of Durrow Abbey, nestled in County Offaly, Ireland. This episode unveils the rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and natural beauty that surrounds Durrow Abbey, a site that dates back to the 6t...

In the captivating podcast episode titled "Echoes of Rahan: Unveiling the Sacred Stones," listeners are transported to the enchanting village of Rahan in County Offaly, a place steeped in history and spirituality. This episode delves into the rich tapestry of Rahan's past, beginning with its foundation in the 5th century by Camelacus under the direction of Saint Patrick, and its subs...

In this captivating episode of "Echoes of Banagher: A Journey Through Time and Tide," listeners are taken on an immersive journey through the enchanting town of Banagher in County Offaly. Once a bustling hub of commerce and activity along the River Shannon, Banagher has evolved into a serene haven for holidaymakers and boating enthusiasts, with its marina life now the center of its vibra...

In "Leap Castle: Shadows and Stone - Ireland's Gateway to the Paranormal," the Whispering Stones podcast delves into the heart of County Offaly, Ireland, to explore the enigmatic Leap Castle. With a history as rich and turbulent as the castle itself, this episode traverses the shadowy line between the known and the unknown. From its origins shrouded in mystery and bloodshed to its pr...

In the episode "Echoes of Daingean: From Royal Stronghold to Peatland Passage" of the "Whispering Stones" podcast, listeners are transported to the village of Daingean in County Offaly, Ireland, a place with a rich tapestry of history that spans from royal allegiances to the humble peatlands. Originally named Philipstown in honour of King Philip II of Spain, Daingean's past...

In "Echoes of Birr: A Journey Through Time," the latest episode of the "Whispering Stones" podcast, we dive deep into the heart of Birr, County Offaly, exploring its rich tapestry of history, architecture, and celestial discoveries. This episode traverses the town's evolution from its early monastic roots in the 8th and 9th centuries, through the strategic importance of its...

In this captivating episode of Whispering Stones, we delve into the rich tapestry of history and legend surrounding Clonony Castle, a Tudor-style fortress nestled in the heart of Ireland. Built by the MacCoughlan family in the 1500s, Clonony Castle stands as a monument to a bygone era, with its towering structure, intricate mural passages, and a spiral staircase leading to secrets of the past. We...

In the enthralling episode of "Whispering Stones," titled "Echoes of Clonmacnoise: Unveiling Ireland's Timeless Monastic City," listeners are invited on a journey through time to the historic site of Clonmacnoise, located along the serene River Shannon in County Offaly, Ireland. This episode beautifully unravels the complex tapestry of Clonmacnoise's history, architectu...

In this episode of our podcast Whispering Stones, "Secrets in Stone: The Gloster House Tapestry," we weave through the corridors of time to uncover the rich tapestry of Gloster House's history. Situated at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, this grand estate harbours three centuries of Irish heritage within its storied walls. We begin by painting a picture of Gloster House’...

In this captivating episode of "Whispering Stones," we delve into the mysterious and storied past of Kinnitty Castle, County Offaly. Nestled between the villages of Kinnitty and Cadamstown, north of the Slieve Bloom mountains, this 19th-century Gothic revival castle holds centuries of history within its walls. Originally owned by the Bernard family, the castle's journey from a Norman...