Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 forgotten holy wells in this brief but captivating wander through Clare’s heritage. Perfect for lovers of Irish history, folklore, and travel storytelling.
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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 the haunting mermaid of Killone.
Perfect for lovers of Irish history, folklore, and heritage houses, this bite-sized episode brings the stones of Clare to life once more.
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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 through time, architecture, and Irish heritage.
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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 families who shaped Clare’s prehistoric landscape.
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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, royal rivalries, and ancient rituals that whisper through Ireland’s timeless soil.
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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 simply a victim of legend? Join artist and writer Bernice Cooke as she unravels the history and myths surrounding Leamaneh Castle on this episode of Whispering Stones.
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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 cloisters, uncover medieval secrets, and wander through folklore where history and myth intertwine. Perfect for lovers of Irish history, haunted places, and Celtic legends.
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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’s most fascinating medieval monuments.
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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 history truly comes alive. Perfect for lovers of Irish history, castles, cathedrals, and riverside charm.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 rebuildings, the roofless cathedral ruins, and the music of the world-famous Kilfenora Céilí Band. Short, engaging, and steeped in Irish folklore and heritage—this is Kilfenora, where history whispers through stone.
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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 once circled this sacred isle. Perfect for lovers of Irish history, heritage, and hidden gems in County Clare.
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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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 and fall under various owners, and the role it played in Ireland's turbulent past. Also, learn about the nearby St. Tola's Monastery, with its high cross, round tower, and centuries-old pilgrimage sites.
Discover how this region, home to a fascinating archaeological trail, still whispers tales of its storied past.
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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, George W. Bush, and Muhammad Ali, and learn how the castle survived both political upheaval and financial struggles.
Tune in for a captivating journey through one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks.
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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 how this once-grand structure is now a silent sentinel, hidden beneath ivy and time.
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Explore the haunting beauty and turbulent history of Corcomroe Abbey in County Clare.
From its mysterious 13th-century founding and exquisite stone carvings to kings buried in silence and whispered legends of murdered masons—this episode uncovers the secrets behind one of Ireland's most captivating medieval ruins.
Learn how this once-thriving Cistercian monastery fell to decline, power struggles, and finally ruin. Perfect for fans of Irish history, ruined abbeys, medieval legends, and off-the-beaten-path travel in Ireland.
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Uncover the rich and dramatic history of Carrigaholt Castle, a protected 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland.
Once home to Gaelic chieftains, rebel lords, and Wild Geese, this coastal fortress saw sieges, exiles, and political upheaval.
Though the castle is safeguarded by the Office of Public Works and National Monuments, the lands surrounding it were listed for sale in 2024.
Join Whispering Stones for a vivid journey into Ireland’s defiant past — in a place where stone remembers everything.
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Step inside the haunted history of Carnelly House, County Clare’s earliest Georgian estate.
Designed by famed architect Francis Bindon, this red-brick beauty holds centuries of secrets: burned abbeys, Napoleonic treasures, and a chilling family curse.
Join Whispering Stones as we explore the Stamer family legacy, mysterious architecture, and the ghost said to walk the tree-lined driveway. A short, fascinating look at one of Ireland’s most intriguing forgotten homes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.