In this episode of Whispering Stones, host Bernice Cooke takes us on a journey to Clonalis House, a magnificent estate in County Roscommon that holds the last remnants of Ireland’s royal past.

As the ancestral home of the O’Conor Don, direct descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland, Clonalis House is more than just a historic landmark—it is a living testament to a dynasty that once ruled over Connacht and beyond.

From the grandeur of its Victorian Italianate architecture to the ancient inauguration stone of kings, Clonalis House preserves over a thousand years of Irish history. We uncover the stories of Turlough Mór O’Conor and Rory O’Conor, the High Kings who shaped Ireland’s fate, and explore the family’s enduring legacy.

Join us as we delve into the rise and fall of Ireland’s last monarchy, the Norman invasion, and the hidden treasures that still whisper their secrets within the walls of Clonalis House.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synopsis:

In this episode of Whispering Stones, host Bernice Cooke explores the eerie and legendary Oweynagat, or the Cave of Cats, in County Roscommon.

Part of the Rathcroghan complex, this mysterious cave has long been associated with Queen Medb, Samhain traditions, and tales of the supernatural.

Was this cave truly a gateway to the Otherworld, or merely an ancient passage lost to time? Join us as we uncover the myths, history, and spine-chilling legends that have made Oweynagat one of Ireland’s most enigmatic sites.

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Deep in County Roscommon, near the village of Athleague, lies the forgotten estate of Castle Strange—a place where history lingers in the ruins and an ancient Celtic relic whispers secrets of the past.

At its heart stands a rare La Tène ritual stone, one of only four found in Ireland, adorned with intricate Iron Age designs.

But Castle Strange’s story doesn’t end with the Celts.

From the L’Estrange family of the Middle Ages to Scottish soldier Thomas Mitchell’s arrival in 1659, this land has witnessed conquest, settlement, and change. Though the grand estate is gone, its past remains carved in stone—literally.

Join me as we uncover the mystery of the Castle Strange stone, its ritual significance, and the rich history of this hidden Irish landmark.

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Nestled at the foot of the Curlew Mountains, Boyle, County Roscommon, is a town where echoes of history whisper through ancient ruins and storied landscapes.

In this episode of Whispering Stones, we unravel the tales of Boyle Abbey’s medieval monks, the rise and fall of the powerful King family, and the battle cries of Curlew Pass.

From famine hardships to political revolutions, each stone and shadow has a story to tell. Join me as we journey through centuries of ambition, conflict, and resilience—where the past lingers, waiting to be heard.

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Synopsis:

Deep in County Roscommon, Ballintober Castle stands as a centuries-old stronghold of conquest, rebellion, and resilience. Built in the early 1300s by the powerful Richard de Burgh, Earl of Ulster, this fortress became a battleground between Anglo-Normans and the O’Conor clan, witnessing sieges, Elizabethan conquests, and brutal wars.

From the Nine Years' War to the Cromwellian confiscations, Ballintober’s walls bore the scars of Red Hugh O’Donnell’s cannons, Catholic uprisings, and shifting royal allegiances.

Join Whispering Stones as we uncover the rise and fall of Ballintober Castle, the O’Conor Don dynasty’s fight for survival, and how this medieval relic remains in O’Conor hands to this day. A tale of war, politics, and Irish resilience that refuses to be forgotten.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into the haunting history of Tyrone House, the abandoned Georgian mansion of Kilcolgan, County Galway.

Once a symbol of aristocratic grandeur, this 18th-century estate—built for the powerful St. George family—now stands as a desolate ruin against the windswept backdrop of Galway Bay.

Discover its rise and fall, from lavish interiors and heated greenhouses to its fiery destruction during the Irish War of Independence. Was it truly torched to prevent its use by the Black and Tans? And does the ghost of Christopher St. George still wander its crumbling halls?

Join Whispering Stones for the gripping final episode of Season Three as we unravel the forgotten secrets of one of Ireland’s most eerie and fascinating historical sites.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delve into the fascinating history of Tuam, County Galway, in this episode of Whispering Stones.

From its origins as a Bronze Age settlement to its rise as a medieval religious and political powerhouse, Tuam's story is as complex as it is captivating. Discover the legends of St. Jarlath and his broken chariot wheel, the architectural splendor of its cathedrals, and the lasting legacy of the O’Connor kings.

We also reflect on the darker chapter of the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home, bringing to light Tuam’s resilience through triumphs and tragedies.

This episode combines vivid storytelling, deep research, and poignant reflections to bring Tuam’s past to life. Join us for a journey through history that echoes into the present.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synopsis:

Dive into the captivating history and legends of Saint MacDara's Island, a small yet significant sanctuary off the coast of Galway.

In this episode of Whispering Stones, we explore the ancient oratory, the customs of seafaring pilgrims, and the enigmatic stories of Saint MacDara himself.

From historical accounts by Ruaídhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh to the annual Feast of MacDara, discover how this sacred island has shaped local culture and seafaring traditions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about Irish folklore, this episode offers a rich tapestry of myth, heritage, and maritime lore.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.