Share
Whispering Stones
Portumna’s Secrets: Ireland’s Renaissance Castle and the Silent Priory
Season 3, Ep. 34
•
Episode Synopsis: Portumna’s Secrets: Ireland’s Renaissance Castle and the Silent Priory
In this episode of Whispering Stones, we journey to County Galway to uncover the captivating history of Portumna Castle and Portumna Priory, two of Ireland’s most remarkable historical landmarks. Once a shining example of Renaissance architecture and grandeur, Portumna Castle was built by Richard Burke, the 4th Earl of Clanricarde, in the early 1600s.
From its stunning symmetrical design to Italian-inspired gardens—the first of their kind in Ireland—this semi-fortified castle tells a tale of ambition, artistry, and resilience, even after a devastating fire in 1826.
Nearby, the serene ruins of Portumna Priory whisper stories of faith, survival, and transformation. Founded in 1254 as a Cistercian chapel and later becoming a Dominican sanctuary, this sacred site has witnessed everything from papal indulgences to the marriage of Patrick Sarsfield and Honora de Burgo in 1689.
This episode brings these historic gems to life through vivid descriptions and rich storytelling, delving into their architectural beauty, cultural significance, and the lives of those who walked their halls and cloisters.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply curious about Ireland’s hidden treasures, this episode is a must-listen.
More episodes
View all episodes
33. Pallas Castle: Secrets of Rebellion, Resilience, and Ruin
06:29||Season 3, Ep. 33Episode Synopsis: Pallas Castle: Secrets of Rebellion, Resilience, and Ruin.In this episode of Whispering Stones, we uncover the fascinating history of Pallas Castle, one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval tower houses in County Galway's heart. Once a stronghold of the Burke family, this towering fortress has witnessed centuries of rebellion, conquest, and architectural evolution.From its role in the Cromwellian Conquest to the ornate additions by the Nugent family, Pallas Castle stands as a testament to the resilience of Ireland’s turbulent past. Join us as we delve into the castle’s intricate architecture, explore its storied bawn walls, and reflect on the lives of those who once walked its spiral staircases.Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of Irish heritage sites, or simply curious about the whispers of the past, this episode offers an immersive journey into a place where history and mystery intertwine.
32. Echoes of Flame and Folklore: The Tragic Tale of Menlo Castle
05:28||Season 3, Ep. 32Episode Synopsis: Echoes of Flame and Folklore – The Tragic Tale of Menlo CastleIn this captivating episode of Whispering Stones, we delve into the haunting history of Menlo Castle, a once-grand Jacobean mansion turned ivy-clad ruin on the banks of the River Corrib in County Galway. Explore the castle’s origins as a 16th-century tower house, its transformation under the wealthy Blake family, and the cherished tradition of "The Maying in Menlo," a vibrant festival that brought joy to the local community.Discover the gripping account of the 1910 fire that claimed the life of Eleanor Blake, reduced the castle to ashes, and left behind whispers of mystery and folklore. From tragic tales of survival to enchanting stories of fairy music echoing through the night, this episode weaves together history, legend, and reflection.Perfect for history enthusiasts, lovers of Irish heritage, and fans of ghostly lore, this episode uncovers the enduring magic and sorrow of Menlo Castle.
31. Loughrea: Where Art, Legends, and Ancient Waters Meet
05:56||Season 3, Ep. 31Synopsis:In this episode of Whispering Stones, we journey to Loughrea, a historic town in County Galway known for its stunning Celtic Revival art, medieval heritage, and tranquil lake. Discover the fascinating stories behind St. Brendan's Cathedral, a treasure trove of Irish ecclesiastical art featuring works by Sarah Purser, Evie Hone, and Jack Yeats. Explore the ancient crannogs of Lough Rea, the remnants of a medieval Anglo-Norman settlement, and the legends of Stoney Brennan.Learn how Loughrea evolved from a hub of Gaelic culture to a modern market town and fishing destination. Whether you’re intrigued by Irish history, medieval architecture, or picturesque lakes, this episode offers an engaging blend of storytelling and local insights.Perfect for lovers of Irish travel, hidden gems in Ireland, and anyone curious about Galway’s heritage, this episode uncovers why Loughrea is a must-visit destination. Tune in and let the whispers of Loughrea’s stones transport you through time.
30. Lough Cutra Castle: Ireland’s Hidden Gothic Masterpiece
06:09||Season 3, Ep. 30Synopsis:In this episode of Whispering Stones, we uncover the fascinating history of Lough Cutra Castle, a stunning Gothic masterpiece in County Galway, Ireland. Designed by renowned architect John Nash and overlooking the largest privately owned lake in Europe, this estate is steeped in centuries of Irish history, mythology, and legend.From the sacred islands dotted with ancient stone altars to the turbulent struggles of the O’Shaughnessy clan, and from the castle's construction during the Gothic Revival to its connection to the Great Famine and World War II, Lough Cutra Castle has seen it all. We also explore its ties to famous figures like Saint Colman MacDuagh, Michael D. Higgins, and King Charles III.Whether you're drawn to Ireland's architectural wonders, the allure of its folklore, or the dramatic tales of its history, this episode offers an immersive journey into one of the Emerald Isle’s best-kept secrets.Perfect for fans of Irish castles, hidden gems, and historical storytelling, tune in to learn why Lough Cutra Castle remains a captivating symbol of Ireland’s rich heritage.
29. Kylemore Abbey: A Castle Built on Love, Shaped by Loss, and Transformed by Time
05:51||Season 3, Ep. 29Synopsis:In this captivating episode of Whispering Stones, we unravel the extraordinary history of Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks in the stunning landscapes of Connemara, County Galway. From its beginnings as a grand romantic gift built by Mitchell Henry for his beloved wife Margaret to its transformation into a Benedictine sanctuary, Kylemore Abbey’s story is one of love, loss, resilience, and reinvention.Discover how this Neo-Gothic castle, constructed from Dalkey granite, became a beacon of hope during the hardships of post-famine Ireland, and how its legacy continues today as a site of spirituality, education, and ecological research. With tales of political ambition, family tragedy, and the enduring spirit of the Irish Benedictine Nuns, this episode offers a deep dive into the rich history and cultural significance of Kylemore Abbey.Perfect for history enthusiasts, Ireland lovers, and anyone enchanted by hidden stories from Ireland’s past, this episode will leave you inspired to explore the magic of Kylemore Abbey yourself.
28. "Kings, Monks, and Murals: The Enigmatic Knockmoy Abbey"
07:19||Season 3, Ep. 28Episode Synopsis:In this episode of Whispering Stones, we journey to the storied ruins of Knockmoy Abbey in County Galway, Ireland, delving into its fascinating history as a Cistercian monastery founded by the powerful King Cathal “Red Hand” O’Conor in 1190. Nestled near the Abbert River, Knockmoy Abbey, also known as the Monastery of the Hill of Victory, has witnessed centuries of change—from royal patronage and medieval scandals to art, warfare, and eventual ruin after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.Join us as we explore the Abbey’s architectural marvels, including the rare 15th-century tempera wall paintings, one of only four such artworks in Ireland. We uncover the abbey’s gothic structure, hidden passages, and the mysteries of its chancel carvings. Alongside historical insights, we’ll share stories of medieval monks, Anglo-Norman raids, and the haunting symbolism in the Three Living and Three Dead Kings mural.Discover the secrets of this ancient Irish monastery, from Cathal’s royal burial to its transformation under Cromwell. Whether you're drawn to Ireland’s medieval history, architectural wonders, or untold tales of powerful figures and ghostly whispers, this episode reveals why Knockmoy Abbey remains a must-visit site steeped in legend, art, and mystery.
27. Echoes of Kiltiernan: Ireland’s Forgotten Sanctuary
06:07||Season 3, Ep. 27Episode Synopsis:In this episode of Whispering Stones, we journey to Kiltiernan, a hauntingly beautiful monastic site in County Galway. Believed to date back to the 5th century and possibly founded by Saint Tiernan, this ancient Irish sanctuary holds mysteries as enduring as its stone walls.Join us as we explore Kiltiernan’s storied past—from its early Christian roots and unique architectural features to its abandonment after the Norman invasion and rediscovery in the 19th century. Through vivid storytelling and immersive descriptions, we bring to life the shadows of this forgotten Irish monastery, examining its trabeate doorway, triangular east window, and surrounding remnants of over twenty structures.As we walk through Ireland’s hidden history, we invite listeners to feel the weight of time, to imagine the lives once lived within these sacred stones, and to contemplate the lingering mysteries that Kiltiernan still holds. Whether you’re a history lover, a travel enthusiast, or drawn to Ireland’s ancient sites, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into one of Ireland’s lost monastic treasures.
26. Kilronan: Whispers of Saints and Stones on Inishmore
07:03||Season 3, Ep. 26Episode Synopsis: "Kilronan: Whispers of Saints and Stones on Inishmore"In this episode of Whispering Stones, we journey to Kilronan, the historic heart of Inishmore, the largest of Ireland’s Aran Islands. Nestled off the rugged coast of County Galway, Kilronan—known as Cill Rónáin in Irish—is a Gaeltacht village where ancient legends, sacred sites, and the Irish language thrive. Through vivid storytelling, we explore iconic landmarks like Dún Aonghasa, the breathtaking Iron Age fort perched atop cliffs, and the mystical “Seven Churches,” once a bustling pilgrimage centre.We delve into the tales of St. Breacan and St. Enda, early Irish saints whose lives left a lasting mark on the island’s spiritual landscape, and visit St. Benan’s Church, the smallest church in Ireland. We discover Kilronan’s living culture alongside these ancient sites, from local festivals to Irish-language summer schools. Join us as we uncover the layers of Kilronan’s past and experience the island’s unique blend of history, legend, and tradition.