Today, you’ll learn about 17 things to see and do in Wexford, Ireland. Just in time for my Celtic Invasion of Wexford that happens in June. I share one of the best ways to make effective climate change happen along with an easy personal change. And you’ll hear music from Kinnfolk, Tarren, and Erin Ruth.
This is Folk Songs & Stories #294
0:22 – Tarren “Sunk” from Outside Time
4:54 – WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic and Folk musician and also host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, an hour-long radio show of some of the best indie Celtic music online. That was…
If you’re new to this show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send an email to follow@celtfather.
I had hip replacement surgery on the 13th of January. It’s incredible that two weeks later I’m up and walking around. Yeah. I got a gruesome scar, but the medical professions are just amazing.
The big challenge, of course, is that I haven’t had time to work on podcasts or music or much of anything else. I'm largely exercising and taking care of my family. All while trying to ignore the pain. Sleeping is one of the worst parts of it all. But I’m hoping to get some new medicine that might make me at least a little bit more comfortable.
So that said, I realized the Brobdingnagian Bards’ Kickstarter is now delayed a couple months. Andrew and I planned to get together in person to record in February. I don’t think it’s gonna happen. Tho there’s still a small possibility.
In the meantime, we are planning to get together in April to record when I head to Texas for Sherwood Forest Faire.
But that also didn’t stop me from launching Another Kickstarter. This one is for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. It funds a CD and Album Pin and other merch to promote the podcast with a really cool design that reads “Celtic Forever”.
I’ll tell you more about that in a little bit. But if you want to support the Kickstarter, I would greatly appreciate it. Follow the link in the shownotes.
But before we goton with the show, I have a really important way for you to fight climate change. It all begins with your local government.
The current administration is dismantling all the good climate progress we had these past few years. But that just reminds me that since the beginning of our country, there’s been a big discussion about States Rights vs Federal Rights.
States Rights was a big issue when our nation started. I’m learning more about that as I help my daughter with American History. While I think some issues like Climate Change progress should be national, that’s not the way America will work for the next four years. We need to take it local.
I heard about a recent analysis, state and local programs, such as improved building efficiency standards and ambitious renewable energy adoption targets. They have the potential to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by up to 62%.
You can join a local group. Or you can talk to your city legislators or county or state legislators. If enough of us reach out locally, we can make change happen in our physical communities. Which will blossom up to our State and hopefully eventually our National. Start small. Start local.
That idea was inspired while reading One5C, a website that shares climate news and actions.
Bring your water bottle (or reusable mug) everywhere
One of the biggest challenges in terms of both climate change and overconsumption is the world’s dependence on single-use plastic. It’s a dilemma in terms of fossil fuel use, pollution, ecosystem destruction, human health, and more. According to the U.N., 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every single minute across the world, and half of all plastic produced is used just once and then thrown away.
The easiest thing we can do right this moment is make sure to grab your water bottle or coffee cup whenever you leave the house. You never know when thirst will strike, and bringing your own container no matter the destination takes away the need to buy something you’ll just toss when it’s empty—a win for both your wallet and the planet.
11:21 – Marc Gunn “Kilty Pleasure” from Selcouth
Listen to the full story of “Kilty Pleasure” on show #251.
Vote: Favorite songs on Selcouth?
See pictures from my Celtic Invasion of Scotland’s Whiskey
A few more weeks and I’ll have shared all of my photos from my Celtic Invasion of Scotland’s Whisky. You can see those on Patreon.
Merch: Celtic Forever: Best Celtic Music of 2024
Celtic Forever is a compilation CD (you have…) and Album Pin (you have…) featuring 14 of the best songs and tunes as voted on by fans of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. There’s music from The Gothard Sisters, Poitín, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer, Cherish The Ladies, Marc Gunn, Sorcha, Mànran, Arise & Go, The Byrne Brothers, Screaming Orphans, Ian Fontova, Fialla, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Dancing With Hobbits.
You can hear the complete list of songs and tunes on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcasts Celtic Top 20 of 2024 #691.
And if you check out show #695 Celtic Forever, you’ll hear other tracks from these amazing Celtic artists.
So why Celtic Forever. It goes back to the last song I featured earlier, “Kilty Pleasure”.
Then I’m off to the pub or the fair or the fest
A wee swing goes into each step
‘Cause I’m American born and Celtic forever
And both are truly blessed
I was trying to use that phrase to promote Selcouth with an album pin for the past couple of years. But the ideas just weren’t working. Then Christopher Toler made the Cat in front of a Celtic Moon design that inspired the compilation artwork.
I love the Album Pin design. So when you support the Album Pin on Kickstarter, you will get both the 14 track compilation, plus you’ll get my album, Selcouth, as a bonus gift.
19:54 – THANK YOU GUNN RUNNERS
Your generous support on Patreon is how I make a living with music. It is patronage that allows me to create new music and podcasts that help others out.
Sign up as an official Gunn Runner for as little as $5 per month. You’ll get exclusive, unreleased songs. You’ll get podcasts, blogs, and you’ll enjoy access to a huge archive of video concerts.
If you can’t support me financially right now, that’s okay, take care of yourself first. You can join the club for free and get weekly photos of my Celtic invasions and regular updates of my musical adventures.
Email follow@celtfather to get more details!
21:27 – Kinnfolk “The Water's Rising / Gwendal” from Star Above The Mountain
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27:10 – TODAY’S SHOW IS BROUGHT TO BY CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS
Every year, I take a small group of people on a relaxing adventure to one of the Celtic nations. We don’t see everything. Instead we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join me with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts, blogs, videos, and photos.
In 2025, you can join me for a Celtic Invasion of Wexford, Ireland. Sign to the Celtic Invasion Vacations mailing list at CelticInvasion.com.
28:33 – 17 Things to See and Do in Wexford, Ireland
Hook Lighthouse: Visit the world’s oldest operational lighthouse and take a guided tour.Irish National Heritage Park: Explore this open-air museum showcasing 9,000 years of Irish history.Curracloe Beach: A pristine beach famous for being featured in Saving Private Ryan.Johnstown Castle & Gardens: Tour the Gothic Revival castle and stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens.Tintern Abbey: Discover this 13th-century Cistercian abbey and nearby walking trails.Wexford Wildfowl Reserve: A haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.Selskar Abbey: Visit the ruins of this 12th-century abbey in Wexford town.Dunbrody Famine Ship: Step aboard a replica of a 19th-century emigrant ship.Rosslare Strand: Enjoy the beach, water sports, and seaside charm of Rosslare.Duncannon Fort: Explore this star-shaped fort with stunning views of the coast.Loftus Hall: A haunted 14th-century mansion on the Hook Peninsula.Ballyhack Castle: Tour this 15th-century tower house with connections to the Knights Hospitaller.Tacumshane Windmill: Visit one of Ireland’s oldest windmills.Baginbun Beach: A secluded spot with historical significance tied to the Norman invasion.Saltee Islands: Take a boat trip to these birdwatcher’s paradises.Enniscorthy Castle: Explore the medieval castle and its exhibitions.Raven Nature Reserve: Hike through this coastal woodland adjacent to Curracloe Beach.33:12 – Erin Ruth “Oro My Little Boat” from single
Thanks for listening to Folk Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen. It was produced by Marc Gunn and my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Follow my Patreon blog for free updates and to listen to the podcast. Sign up to my mailing list for monthly updates and to discover where I’m performing.
Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
And Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and talk with others about how you can make a positive impact on climate change and your community.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
