Join us for the beautiful sounds that surround the hut on a crisp May morning.

Dawn chorus at the hut (May 2022) 

James Hennan is a Local Historian and OPW Tour Guide at Portunma Castle in county Galway.&nbsp; In this episode, myself and James sit down to discuss the importance of local history. James also tells us about the history of his locality, Lorrha, a once major monastic site dating as far back as the 6th century. In the final part, James shares the wisdom he has gained in the pursuit of understanding the local history of his area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

James Heenan, The Importance of Local History 

Aidan Harte is the man behind the now famous or perhaps notorious Púca of Ennistymon. In this episode, we sit down to discuss the furore around the Púca. Before that, however, we hear about his work as a sculptor, and his fascination with Irish folklore.&nbsp; To support the erection of the Púca in Ennistymon please send an email to Clare County Council at <a href="mailto:customerservices@clarecoco.ie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">customerservices@clarecoco.ie</a> Please consider supporting us by either donating or purchasing some products from our store.&nbsp; Donate: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate</a> Store: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store</a>

Aidan Harte, The Púca of Ennistymon

The topic of mental health has long been a taboo a subject in Irish society, particularly, in rural communities.&nbsp; Yet, in recent years attitudes have begun to change and this has sparked an acceptance and willingness to talk about mental health issues.&nbsp; In this episode, I sit down with Integrative and Holistic Counsellor; and Director of The Dancing Soul, Olivia Feehan, to understand how these changes have come about and what more we can do to change attitudes toward mental health.&nbsp; Donate:<a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate</a>&nbsp;Store:<a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store</a> Olivia Feehan: <a href="https://oliviafeehancounselling.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://oliviafeehancounselling.ie/</a> The Dancing Soul: <a href="https://www.thedancingsoul.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thedancingsoul.ie/</a>

Olivia Feehan, Irish Attitudes Towards Mental Health

In part two, Tina tells us about her reluctant return to Ireland from the wildernesses of Botswana only to find another wilderness on her own doorstep, namely the boglands of Ireland . Donate: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate</a> Store: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store</a> Tina Claffey Website: <a href="https://www.tinaclaffey.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tinaclaffey.com/</a><h4> </h4><h4>&nbsp;Portal – an exhibition by Tina Claffey: <a href="https://www.riverbank.ie/event/visual-art-portal-an-exhibition-by-tina-claffey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.riverbank.ie/event/visual-art-portal-an-exhibition-by-tina-claffey</a>/</h4>

Tina Claffey, From Botswana to the Bog (Part 2) 

Tina Claffey is the preeminent photographer of the Irish boglands.&nbsp; In this first part of two interviews, she tells us&nbsp; how she ended up working as a nature photographer in the pristine wilderness of the African nation of Botswana and how this prepared her for her later work photographing the Irish Boglands. Donate: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate</a> Store: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store</a> Tina Claffey Website: <a href="https://www.tinaclaffey.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tinaclaffey.com/</a><h4> </h4><h4>&nbsp;Portal – an exhibition by Tina Claffey: <a href="https://www.riverbank.ie/event/visual-art-portal-an-exhibition-by-tina-claffey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.riverbank.ie/event/visual-art-portal-an-exhibition-by-tina-claffey</a>/</h4>

Tina Claffey, From Birr to Botswana (Part 1) 

Since ancient times many in Ireland believe that the veil between the physical world and the spiritual world becomes thinnest at certain times of year or when in the presence of certain places or people.&nbsp;&nbsp; This was most certainly the case when myself and Sheila sat down with spiritual medium, Joy Connolly, to hear her story and wisdom she offers.&nbsp; Donate: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/donate</a> Store: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/store</a> Joy Connolly: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Heavenly-Whispers-231328954086296" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Heavenly-Whispers-231328954086296</a>

Joy Connolly - Spiritual Medium

Reconnect with nature or take some time for reflection and meditation with this Dawn Chorus episode. Recorded at The Hut Near The Bog on International Dawn Chorus Day (02 May 2021). See more at: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/</a>

Dawn Chorus - 02 May 2021

The end of April/Start of May marks the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine. In this episode Sheila speaks with Celtic Priest – Dara Molloy – to discuss the origins of Bealtaine and its spiritual significance. Dara also tells us how we can celebrate this ancient festival in contemporary life. Check out Dara’s books at <a href="http://www.aislingpublications.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.aislingpublications.com</a>. Or perhaps consider becoming a patron, and receive personal services from Dara, at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/daramolloyaran" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/daramolloyaran</a> See more at: <a href="https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/</a>

Bealtaine with Dara Molloy  

Wisdom from the proverbial fireplace......

Reimagining the wisdom of Ireland through philosophy and by speaking with wise Irish guests.

The Hut Near The Bog

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Dr James Hoctor

Sheila Hoctor