Ireland doesn’t sleep when the sun goes down.

From hunting owls to screaming banshees, discover the unseen life that stirs after dark and the folklore born from the Irish night.

In this episode, I sit down with Eoin Reardon, an Irish woodworker and storyteller whose hand-tool craft has captured the hearts of millions online. From building a currach in his parents’ garden to bringing decades-old tools back to life, Eoin’s work is deeply rooted in Irish heritage, patience, and place.

We talk about how traditional craft can reconnect us with the land, why slowing down matters in a fast-paced world, and what old skills can teach us about living more meaningfully and sustainably in Ireland today.

Eoin’s TikTok

Eoin’s Instagram

Eoin’s YouTube -

Gaelic Woodland Project -

When we think of nature, we often picture wild mountains, deep forests or rugged coastlines. But what about the weeds growing through paths, the moss on walls, or the forgotten flowers pushing up in alleyways? In this episode of Feet on the Soil, I explore how plant life thrives not just in wild landscapes but also in the cracks and corners of our towns and cities.

Living and working in Dublin city centre has made me look closer at the so-called “weeds” that surround us every day, nettles, chickweed, yarrow, and more. These plants are often dismissed, yet they hold rich histories in folklore, medicine, and culture while also playing vital roles for pollinators and wildlife.

This episdoe is a reminder that even in the busiest streets, nature is never far away, we just need to stop and notice it.

What if the land around you could speak? In this episode, we journey into the Glenasmole Valley, where memory lives in the folds of the earth, in forgotten place names, and even in imagined castles.

Blending local history, folklore, and ecology, I share a personal story sparked by a mysterious vision on a hillside, a vision that opens a much deeper conversation about how we read the land and what it tells us about how it was once used, and how it wants to be used today.

Using heritage maps, place names, and on-the-ground observation, we explore how ancient farming techniques, old field boundaries, and even traces of lost forests can guide us toward better, more sustainable land management practices today. We look at how Ireland's traditional ecological knowledge, from the lazy beds of famine times to stories from the mythical Fianna can help us care for our landscapes in a time of ecological crisis.

Whether you're a farmer, rewilding advocate, trail runner or simply someone curious about how the past and present of a landscape intertwine, this episode will deepen your sense of place and show how remembering the land's story helps us shape a better ecological future.

On this episode of Feet on the Soil, Catherine Cleary guides us through the tangled roots of urban forestry, the art of integrating trees into working farms, the making of her new documentary and even why owl droppings can spark genuine wonder.

Catherine Cleary brings to this episode her trademark blend of environmental passion and storyteller’s wit. Whether you’re plotting your own pocket forest, curious about mixing trees with crops or simply in need of a good laugh over owl “evidence,” this conversation will root you firmly in the wonder of soil, saplings, and the delightful surprises they yield.

In this episode of Feet on the Soil, we journey through time to uncover Ireland’s lush landscapes, ancient Celtic reverence, and the profound impacts of historical change. Discover how Ireland’s post-glacial forests evolved into culturally significant symbols as early woodland management practices and sacred groves shaped the identity of the land.

We delve into the dramatic transformations brought by early human settlement, Viking raids, and the deforestation associated with colonial exploitation, all of which redefined Ireland’s natural heritage. The narrative then shifts focus to Independent Ireland, where state-led reforestation efforts and debates over non-native versus native species are actively reshaping the nation’s forests to foster a renewed balance between cultural legacy and biodiversity conservation.

This episode is a must-listen for history buffs, environmental enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the deep ties between people and the land. Tune in to explore a rich tapestry of historical insights, cultural narratives, and environmental challenges that remind us our forests are living legacies, cherished, restored, and celebrated.

Discover the hidden world of Ireland’s insects on this captivating episode featuring creative entomologist Nessa Darcy.

Explore how these tiny creatures play a crucial role in our ecosystem and learn expert insights on insect conservation and Irish wildlife protection. From the buzz of busy bees to the mysterious lives of beetles, this episode uncovers the challenges facing Ireland’s insect populations and highlights innovative ways to safeguard them.

Tune in to learn how passion, science, and creativity come together to protect our natural heritage and build a sustainable future and even here the story of a rare beetle that was found for the first time in 100 years!

Nessas website - https://www.nessadarcy.ie

Hunt Museum Exhibit - https://youtu.be/C6Znok-ADSs?si=Qx4AfLc5lRBjxB2t

Going Underground with Ants -https://youtu.be/quQOaVt9BTA?si=7mAaw47Pop-NLfBf

My linktree - https://linktr.ee/Feetonthesoil

Is the familiar buzz of insects disappearing in Ireland?

This episode delves into the alarming decline of insect populations, from the my childhood memories of a vibrant ecosystem to the stark reality of today. Discover why these tiny creatures are essential for our world.

We explore the evidence of this "silent extinction", from decreasing butterfly numbers in Ireland to a dramatic drop in "bug splats" on car windscreens.

But it's not all bad news! We highlight inspiring initiatives like the Bee Sanctuary of Ireland and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, offering a message of hope and practical steps you can take in your own garden and community to help bring back the buzz.

Listen in to understand why the disappearance of the insect "hum" is a critical issue and how you can be part of the solution.

And remember, try and get outside today.

Welcome to the FeetontheSoil podcast, the podcast about the world beneath our feet, and how we interact with it.

This week, join Marisa Goudy and Soil Boy as they embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Irish mythology and the timeless power of storytelling.

In this episode, Marisa shares her personal path into the realm of myth, revealing how the goddess Brigid and her rich cultural heritage inspire a deeper connection to nature and spirituality. Together, they explore the evolution of storytelling from ancient oral traditions to modern adaptations and discuss how folklore is experiencing a vibrant resurgence among younger generations.

Delve into conversations about balancing academic insights with personal experience, the influence of migration and human connection on our narratives, and the enduring relevance of myth in navigating today’s challenges.

Whether you're a folklore enthusiast, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or simply curious about the magic behind our stories, this discussion offers fresh perspectives on how our past continues to shape our present and future.

Marisa's website -https://www.marisagoudy.com/

Knotwork Podcast -https://open.spotify.com/show/48UZYp3LljXehHGyFfOBLF?si=86a47f354e1644a0

Marisa's Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/marisagoudy/

Marisa's Substack -https://mythismedicine.substack.com/

My Linktree -https://linktr.ee/Feetonthesoil

Hello and welcome back to season 2 of the FeetontheSoil podcast!

What better a way to get back than with the festival of imbolc, a celebration of renewal and new beginnings, this week we'll discuss the orgins of the festival and how it can apply to our modern lives. We will also have a look at some of the magical transformations happening all around us in this new season of spring!

Links:

linktr.ee/Feetonthesoil