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The Almanac of Ireland

Arts & Culture Podcasts

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.

Location:

United States

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Tydavnet Stories

3/1/2025
In this episode Manchán travels to Tydavnet in Co. Monaghan to hear stories about a fire-proof Irish saint.

Duration:00:18:16

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Pete Micheál's God.

3/1/2025
In this episode Manchán learns about a phallic rock on the Beara Peninsula known as Pete Micheál's God.

Duration:00:06:46

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Crane Notions

2/22/2025
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.

Duration:00:25:07

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For the love of Bog

2/15/2025
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.

Duration:00:26:03

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Over Nine Waves

2/8/2025
Manchán speaks to Marie Heaney about the importance of engaging with our old myths and stories. A Red Hare Media production.

Duration:00:21:13

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Fuais

2/8/2025
Manchán speaks to the legendary Mitey McNally from west Cork about crab fishing.... A Red Hare Media production.

Duration:00:05:59

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Ancient Madness

8/27/2023
Presenter Manchán Magan investigates the quirks, conundrums and wonders of this country.

Duration:00:23:04

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Stones

8/27/2023
Presenter Manchán Magan investigates the quirks, conundrums and wonders of this country.

Duration:00:07:32

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The Storyteller Part 2

8/20/2023
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.

Duration:00:16:22

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Hay

8/20/2023
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.

Duration:00:09:43

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The Storyteller Part 1

8/13/2023
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.

Duration:00:29:50

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Weight

7/30/2023
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.

Duration:00:08:20

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Wild

7/30/2023
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.

Duration:00:21:48

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Magic Mountain

7/23/2023
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.

Duration:00:08:46

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Currach

7/23/2023
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.

Duration:00:18:08

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An Sáspan Dubh

7/16/2023
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.

Duration:00:09:32

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Wrought Iron

7/16/2023
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.

Duration:00:17:38

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Wellness Waters Part 2

7/28/2021
Manchán Magan visits a holy well with a hydrogeologist to search for the powers hidden in its water. With Dr Bruce Misstear.

Duration:00:29:29

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Wellness Waters

7/21/2021
Manchán visits St. Ciaran's Well in Co. Meath to learn about its cultural and spiritual history. With Dr. Ronan Foley.

Duration:00:26:49

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Breaking Bread

7/14/2021
Manchán Magan investigates the true origins of traditional Irish cuisine with Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire.

Duration:00:16:59