Lesser Spotted Ireland with Joe Mahon

Joe travels to Valentia Island in Co. Kerry, the most westerly community in Europe. He discovers the part that Valentia played in the laying of the trans-Atlantic cable which revolutionised international communications, and finds out why Valentia was famous for its slate. He also joins the most westerly cricket team in Europe – although they may come to regret that!Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of IrelandHosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local storiesEach episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and characterThis fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places homeExplore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time#LesserSpotted #Ireland #TravelShow #HiddenGems #JoeMahon

Joe travels to Ballyknockan, Co. Wicklow, famous for its unique granite stone and its tradition of stone-cutting. In fact, Wicklow granite was used to build much of Dublin in the nineteenth century. Joe discovers that this is a tradition that goes right back to the Neolithic Age, as archaeologist Chris Corlett shows him evidence of extensive stone-working and trading in the area during that period, as well as the foundations of a Neolithic house. All this evidence has been uncovered by the presence of the Poulaphuca Reservoir which was created in 1940 to supply the city of Dublin with drinking water. A large area of land was flooded to create the reservoir, leading to compulsory purchase orders of homes and farmland and even leading to one townland disappearing off the map forever. Joe meets the vivacious Mary Ann Flanagan, who had to leave the townland of Ballinahown at the age of 19. Now in her 95th year, Mary Ann can still carry a tune, and she regales Joe with tales of her youth in the lost townland of Ballinahown. Two other locals who share their memories with Joe are Seamus Balfe and Aidan Cruise, who take Joe to the now-derelict Barn Cinema – quite literally a barn that doubled as a cinema and dance-hall. Seamus Balfe recalls a few memorable nights in the Barn, including the time a drummer found himself with an audience of cows. Seamus and Aidan then lead Joe on a tour of some of Ballyknockan’s stone-built heritage, including a pathway that now leads into the lake, and the gable wall of what was once Ireland’s fastest-built house – as well as an inspiring example of neighbourly compassion and community co-operation.Ballyknockan was once famous for its stone-cutting industry and at one stage, most of the population were involved in the trade. Joe meets some of the few remaining stone-cutters left in Ballyknockan, including Andy Farrington, a retired stone-cutter with such a passion for the art that it still remains his hobby. Michael Freeman shows Joe how stone-cutters had to be proficient with the use of a forge as well, as he demonstrates the process of sharpening his tools. Finally Joe chats to brothers John and Dave McEvoy, 5th generation stone-cutters and only ones left working in Ballyknockan today. John and Dave chat to Joe about the pride involved with stone-cutting in Ballyknockan, how the skill was strictly kept within stone-cutting families like theirs, and about their plans to train new stone-cutters in an attempt to keep the tradition alive.Blessington History Society was formed in 2000 and was initially focussed on family history. Over time the scope of the society's activities has expanded to include the research and documentation of all aspects of human settlement in the Blessington area including Ballyknockan during the past 4,000 years. This content of the Blessington History Society website is created by volunteers who share an interest in local history. The society always welcomes new members and encourages persons with an interest in local history to contact us (blessingtonhistorysociety@gmail.com)Our community archive website has been developed through our membership of the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN), an initiative of the National Museum of Ireland delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council, Wicklow County Council Heritage Office, and communities across Ireland.https://blessington.wicklowheritage.org

Joe makes several stops along the western shore of Strangford Lough in County Down, where he visits a 7th century monastery that was using tidal power to work their mill, a former limestone quarry that has now become a home for endangered birds, a castle associated with the founder of the British Museum, and discovers a submarine-shaped island that provided bombing practice during WWII. He helps to move a herd of cows from one island to another and finds out how outdoor education can transform young people’s lives.Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of IrelandHosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local storiesEach episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and characterThis fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places homeExplore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time#LesserSpotted #Ireland #TravelShow #HiddenGems #JoeMahon

Joe visits the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare, where he goes in search of the Shannon dolphins, learns what seaweeds are good to eat and when, discovers how to make a fox out of sand, and takes to the waters in a traditional Shannon estuary hooker.Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of IrelandHosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local storiesEach episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and characterThis fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places homeExplore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time#LesserSpotted #Ireland #TravelShow #HiddenGems #JoeMahon

Joe's in Leighlinbridge in Co. Carlow, a place where all of Irish history seems to be condensed into one small area. Joe learns about the famous abbey where 7th monks came from all over Europe to learn from a local saint, and he explores the cathedral which has been in continuous operation since the 13th century. He also discovers the town’s ties to Luxembourg, and learns traditional a Luxembourgian dance, before searching a ruined graveyard for the last resting place of a notorious 18th century duellist.Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of IrelandHosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local storiesEach episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and characterThis fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places homeExplore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time#LesserSpotted #Ireland #TravelShow #HiddenGems #JoeMahon

Joe visits the village of Athleague in County Roscommon, on the banks of the River Suck. He learns how the river got its unusual name, as well as how the local people make good use of it – when it’s not flooding them, that is! He also discovers that the area is home to lakes that disappear and a non-native species that arrived here via a very unusual mode of travel.Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of IrelandHosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local storiesEach episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and characterThis fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places homeExplore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time#LesserSpotted #Ireland #TravelShow #HiddenGems #JoeMahon

This episode finds Joe on the very distinctive village green of Freshford in County Kilkenny, training for the forthcoming Irish Conker Championships. He interrupts a Tai Chi class and, as a result, gets a fencing lesson from octogenarian swordswoman Sheila Dooley, before going on to nearby Threecastles to discuss life, death, the universe and everything in it, with practicing druid, Eimear Burke.More details:This episode of Lesser Spotted finds Joe Mahon in the picturesque and historic village of Freshford in County Kilkenny, a timely visit because October is the month of the Irish Conker Championships which are held annually on Freshford’s very distinctive village green – it’s surrounded by 52 chestnut trees! Eamonn Dooley holds the world speed conker record and Joe has the temerity to enter the lists against him in a warm-up bout – with predictable results.The village green is also where you’re likely to find the ladies of Betty Payne’s Tai Chi class going through their routine and it’s here that Joe meets the remarkable Sheila Dooley, an octogenarian fencing champion who seems to have lost none of the speed and agility that brought her so many trophies in the 1950s. Needless to say Joe takes the opportunity to get a few pointers – literally!It was at the pass of Achadh Úr, the ancient Gaelic name for Freshford, that Diarmuid Mac Murrough, the King of Leinster who allied himself to the Normans, defeated Domhnall Mac Giolla Padraig, the King of Ossory in the year 1170 and Joe explores the many aspects of the area’s Anglo Norman heritage that are still much in evidence. With the assistance of local scholar, Ned Kennedy, he also examines the conundrum of the name of the village – Achadh Úr does not translate into “Freshford”. Ned’s explanation sheds light on the ancient monastic settlement established here by the 6th century St Lachtain.Freshford is blessed with a beautiful natural environment and Joe joins the parents and children of Gretta Murphy’s nature ramble in nearby Brown’s Wood where he learns the wisdom of talking to the “Grandmother Tree” before entering the forest path. Communing with trees and elemental spirits is second nature to Eimear Burke, a practising druid who lives in the old rectory at Threecastles, who introduces Joe to some of the mysteries of this ancient belief system. Eimear is also a practitioner of modern psycho-therapy and an interesting discussion ensues as to how these two fields co-exist in natural harmony.Joe rounds off his visit to Freshford at the extraordinary “flower bridge” at Threecastles where Colm Murray, the Architecture Officer of the Heritage Council, relates the story of the River Nore and its importance to the development of Kilkenny City. On the way home he calls to get some fresh eggs from Tony Walsh’s hill farm but is faced with a bewildering range of choices – hens, ducks, peacocks, Australorps or Japanese quails? Tony’s got them all!

Joe travels to County Louth, where he spends some time in the former medieval port of Carlingford. There, he mints his own medieval coin and tries his hand at the Poc Fada, an annual hurling event based on a legend about Cuchulainn. He also visits a perfectly preserved abandoned Victorian railway village, where he takes some tea with some Victorian ladies and gentlemen, before he discovers whether or not he has the ability to talk to leprechauns!Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of IrelandHosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local storiesEach episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and characterThis fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places homeExplore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time#LesserSpotted #Ireland #TravelShow #HiddenGems #JoeMahon