Hidden beneath the rolling green landscape of County Mayo lies Ballintober Abbey, a place where history, legend, and faith have endured for more than 800 years.

In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the remarkable story of an abbey founded by kings, shaped by fire and famine, and sustained by a community who never abandoned it — even when its roof was gone for over two centuries.

From the exile of King Cathal Crovdearg O’Conor and the myths surrounding the abbey’s foundation, to the burial of Grace O’Malley’s son and the chilling tale of the priest hunter Seán na Sagart, this episode weaves medieval Ireland, rebellion, devotion, and folklore into one unforgettable place.

A journey through Ballintober Abbey, County Mayo, where the stones truly whisper.

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Hidden beneath ivy and brambles near Newmarket-on-Fergus, the ruins of Urlanmore Castle tell a haunting tale of power, rebellion, and folklore.

Built in the 15th century by the MacClancy clan, this once-imposing tower house is believed to be the birthplace of the legendary Máire Rua — one of Ireland’s most infamous historical women.

In this season finale of Whispering Stones, we explore collapsing walls, faded frescoes, and the quiet mystery of a castle reclaimed by nature, as our journey through County Clare comes to an end.

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Journey to Tuamgraney, a quiet East Clare village where myth, memory, and stone intertwine.

In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the haunting legend of Grian, Ireland’s oldest church still in use, Viking raids, Brian Boru’s lasting footprint, and the sacred landscape of Lough Derg.

A short, atmospheric history rich in folklore, medieval architecture, and ancient whispers.

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In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke journeys to Scattery Island (Inis Cathaigh) on the Shannon Estuary in County Clare.

From the legends of Saint Senan and the sea monster Cathach, to Viking raids, Norse kings, Napoleonic defences, and the island’s last families, this short and engaging history uncovers one of Ireland’s most fascinating monastic islands.

A story of faith, folklore, invasion, survival, and solitude — whispered through stone.

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Step into the haunting beauty of Quin Abbey, one of County Clare’s most captivating medieval sites.

In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke uncovers the dramatic story of this Franciscan friary—built on the bones of a Norman castle, shaped by battles for Thomond, shattered by Henry VIII and Cromwell, and wrapped in myths of hidden gold, ghostly guardians, and mysterious tunnels.

Perfect for lovers of Irish history, folklore, ancient ruins, and County Clare travel inspiration.

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Step into the wind-swept limestone desert of the Burren as Bernice Cooke uncovers the story of Poulnabrone Dolmen, Ireland’s oldest dated megalithic monument.

In this short and immersive history episode, discover Neolithic life, ancient burial rituals, archaeological revelations, and the secrets held within one of Ireland’s most hauntingly beautiful landscapes.

Perfect for fans of Irish history, folklore, archaeology, and hidden-gem travel spots.

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Join me Bernice Cooke, Artist and Writer, on this episode of Whispering Stones as we wander into the remote parish of Oughtmama in County Clare, a landscape rich with early medieval churches, prehistoric cairns, holy wells, Burren geology, and the lingering presence of Lady Augusta Gregory.

Discover hidden monastic sites, mysterious hut circles on Turlough Hill, ruined castles of the O’Loghlen clan, and the windswept inlets of Aughinish and Finavarra. Perfect for lovers of Irish history, archaeology, folklore, and off-track adventures.

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Step into the stony heart of the Burren in County Clare and uncover the remarkable story of Newtown Castle—one of Ireland’s few cylindrical tower houses.

In this short, atmospheric episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the castle’s unusual architecture, its powerful O’Loghlen chiefs known as the “Kings” and “Princes of the Burren,” and its transformation into the Burren College of Art.

Perfect for history lovers, Irish travel dreamers, and anyone enchanted by Ireland’s hidden heritage.

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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.

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 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.

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