The Almanac of Ireland - podcast cover

The Almanac of Ireland

RTÉ Radio 1www.rte.ie
Manchán Magan investigates the quirks, conundrums and wonders of Ireland such as, how were the Irish able to make a cheese hard enough to kill the semi-divine leader of Connaught, Queen Maeve? What is it like to spend hours alone in an ancient cave of transformation where Gaelic warriors endured periods of isolation to prove their manhood? How long does it take for an urban pond to become a multi-dimensional wonderland? Or, what exactly is the neurological effect of staring at an art work? The Almanac of Ireland aims to answer these and many more questions.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

The Preacher and the Prelate

An epic tale of idealism, delusion, terror and fanaticism set amidst the stunning beauty of Achill Island in Co. Mayo. // A Red Hare Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 22, 202528 min

Dorothy Cross

Manchán Magan investigates the quirks, conundrums and wonders of Ireland. In this episode he beholds some of the unsettling and alluring creations of one of Ireland's greatest artists, Dorothy Cross. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 202530 min

Síle na Gigs

Manchán Magan explores the mysterious and elusive Síle na Gigs, the grotesque carvings embedded in the walls of churches, barns and castles all over the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 15, 202520 min

Michael Fortune

Manchán Magan heads towards a forgotten Gaelic stronghold in Co. Wexford, the Macamores, where old dialects and customs survive. He is joined by the great local folk archivist Michael Fortune to explore superstitions and lore. (A Red Hare Media production) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 08, 202535 min

Tydavnet Stories

In this episode Manchán travels to Tydavnet in Co. Monaghan to hear stories about a fire-proof Irish saint. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 01, 202518 min

Pete Micheál's God

In this episode Manchán learns about a phallic rock on the Beara Peninsula known as Pete Micheál's God. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 01, 20257 min

Crane Notions

In The Almanac of Ireland presenter Manchán Magan investigates the quirks, conundrums and wonders of Ireland. In this episode, he meets Lorcán Ó Tuathail of the Golden Eagle Trust and learns about the importance of cranes in Irish history and mythology. A Red Hare Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22, 202525 min

For the love of Bog

In this episode Manchán is enchanted by the Abbeyleix Bog Project, a community-based initiative that restored and rejuvenated a swathe of bogland in the Irish midlands. / A Red Hare Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 202526 min

Over Nine Waves

Manchán speaks to Marie Heaney about the importance of engaging with our old myths and stories. A Red Hare Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 08, 202521 min

Fuais

Manchán speaks to the legendary Mitey McNally from west Cork about crab fishing.... A Red Hare Media production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 08, 20256 min

Ancient Madness

Presenter Manchán Magan investigates the quirks, conundrums and wonders of this country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 27, 202323 min

Stones

Presenter Manchán Magan investigates the quirks, conundrums and wonders of this country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 27, 20238 min

The Storyteller Part 2

Celebrated contemporary storyteller Dr. Martin Shaw recounts an ancient Irish myth. // Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. Production assistance by Ronan Kelly. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. Partially funded by the BAI with the television licence fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 20, 202316 min

Hay

Manchán Magan and Sally Foran learn about old weights and measures. // Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. Partially funded by the BAI with the television licence fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 20, 202310 min

The Storyteller Part 1

Manchán Magan delves into the riches of Irish mythology with renowned contemporary storyteller Dr. Martin Shaw. Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 13, 202330 min

Weight

Manchán Magan learns about weights and measures, old and new. Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. Partially funded by the BAI with the television licence fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 30, 20238 min

Wild

Manchán Magan rewilds himself in County Meath. Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. Partially funded by the BAI with the television licence fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 30, 202322 min

Magic Mountain

Manchán Magan hears strange tales of fairy folk in Co. Leitrim. Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. Partially funded by the BAI with the television licence fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 23, 20239 min

Currach

Manchán Magan takes to the sea in an ancient, giant boat in Co. Mayo. Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. Partially funded by the BAI with the television licence fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 23, 202318 min

An Sáspan Dubh

Manchán Magan investigates the origins of a mysterious love potion. Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. Partially funded by the BAI with the television licence fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 16, 202310 min

Wrought Iron

Manchán Magan learns about the secrets of Ireland's wrought iron gates. Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. Partially funded by the BAI with the television licence fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 16, 202318 min

Wellness Waters Part 2

Manchán Magan visits a holy well with a hydrogeologist to search for the powers hidden in its water. With Dr Bruce Misstear. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 28, 202130 min

Wellness Waters

Manchán visits St. Ciaran's Well in Co. Meath to learn about its cultural and spiritual history. With Dr. Ronan Foley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 21, 202127 min

Red Fox Press

Manchán Magan visits a publishing house at the edge of the world. http://www.redfoxpress.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 14, 202123 min

Breaking Bread

Manchán Magan investigates the true origins of traditional Irish cuisine with Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 14, 202117 min

The Deserted Village

The Almanac of Ireland was presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. The series was partially funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television license fee. All music in the series is by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 23, 202122 min

Of weather, waves and wireless

The Almanac of Ireland was presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. The series was partially funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television license fee. All music in the series is by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 23, 202116 min

Of Comets and Kings

Thanks to Professor Mike Baillie of Queens University Belfast. The Almanac of Ireland was funded in part by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television license fee. Presented by Manchán Magan and produced by Colette Kinsella. A Red Hare Media production for RTÉ Radio. All music in this series is by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 16, 202122 min

Imbolc, St Brigid’s Day

To celebrate St Brigid's Day, 1st February, Manchán Magan reads accounts of St Brigid's Day traditions as collected by schoolchildren in the 1930s for The School's Collection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 01, 202110 min

Everything Is Connected

This is the second part of Manchán's conversation with environmental philosopher Matthijs Schouten. Manchán and Matthijs chat about how everything in the world – the natural world and the human-built world – is connected, and how this realisation can help us feel happier as individuals and less powerless in the face of the current climate crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 30, 202031 min
Hosted on Omny Studio
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android