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2. Whispering Stones: Ardmayle’s Forgotten Mill and Manor | County Tipperary History Podcast
04:00||Season 7, Ep. 2Discover the haunting ruins, Norman history, abandoned mills and hidden heritage of Ardmayle, a quiet village beside the River Suir in County Tipperary.In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the hidden history of Ardmayle, County Tipperary. From the crumbling remains of a 19th-century woollen mill to the ruined Ardmayle Manor destroyed during the Williamite wars, this quiet village beside the River Suir is steeped in fascinating Irish history. Bernice also visits St. John the Baptist Church, medieval tower houses, and uncovers the stories of the Butler family, Richard Long, and the forgotten past woven into this beautiful Tipperary landscape.
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1. Ahenny High Crosses: Ireland’s Oldest Stone Secrets in County Tipperary
04:25||Season 7, Ep. 1In this episode of Whispering Stones, Bernice Cooke journeys to Ahenny in County Tipperary, home to some of Ireland’s oldest and most remarkable High Crosses. Discover the rich history of the Kingdom of Ossory, explore nearby megalithic tombs like Knockroe and Baunfree, and uncover the symbolism carved into these early medieval masterpieces. A short, engaging dive into Irish heritage, folklore, and ancient landscapes.
15. Westport, County Mayo: Georgian Beauty, Pirate Queens & Irish Rebellion
04:37||Season 6, Ep. 15Step into the rich history of Westport, County Mayo—one of Ireland’s most beautifully planned Georgian towns. From the legacy of Gráinne Mhaol and the powerful Browne family to the architectural splendour of Westport House, this episode explores centuries of heritage along the shores of Clew Bay.Discover the influence of the 1916 Rising, the Irish War of Independence, and Civil War events that shaped the town, all beneath the watchful presence of Croagh Patrick. A compact, engaging journey through Irish history, architecture, and culture.
14. Whispering Stones: Turlough – Round Towers, Ruins & the Legend of Fighting Fitzgerald
04:01||Season 6, Ep. 14Step into the rich history of Turlough, County Mayo, home to one of Ireland’s best-preserved round towers and the National Museum of Country Life. In this episode of Whispering Stones, Bernice Cooke explores early Christian Ireland, the ruins of St. Patrick’s Church, ancient burial traditions, and the dramatic life of George “Fighting Fitzgerald.” Discover Irish heritage, folklore, archaeology, and hidden stories woven into this remarkable Mayo landscape.
13. Strade Abbey: Power, Persuasion & Medieval Secrets in County Mayo
04:19||Season 6, Ep. 13In this episode of Whispering Stones, Bernice Cooke explores the fascinating history of Strade Abbey in County Mayo, a medieval Dominican friary with a dramatic origin story. Founded in the 13th century and famously transferred from the Franciscans after a bold act of persuasion, the abbey holds stunning stone carvings, a rare Pietà sculpture, and centuries of hidden stories. Discover Ireland’s medieval past, religious rivalries, and the legacy of patrons, friars, and local history in this short, engaging historical podcast.
12. Rosserk Abbey: The Hidden Franciscan Friary on Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Coast
02:56||Season 6, Ep. 12Nestled along the banks of the River Moy near Killala Bay in County Mayo, Rosserk Abbey is one of Ireland’s best-preserved Franciscan friaries. Founded in the 15th century by the Joyce family, this remarkable medieval site holds centuries of history—from its unique Third Order Franciscan community to its destruction during the Elizabethan era.In this episode of Whispering Stones, we explore the architecture, legends, and quiet beauty of Rosserk Friary, uncovering the story of Saint Searc, the nearby Moyne Abbey, and the enduring spirit of Ireland’s sacred past.
11. Rockfleet Castle & the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley | Mayo’s Legendary Tower House
05:48||Season 6, Ep. 11Step into the windswept shores of Clew Bay in County Mayo as we explore Rockfleet Castle, the historic stronghold of Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Mhaol).In this episode of Whispering Stones, we uncover the fascinating story behind this 16th-century Irish tower house, from sea battles and political intrigue to Grace O’Malley’s famous meeting with Queen Elizabeth I.Discover the dramatic life of Ireland’s most powerful female pirate, the secrets hidden within the walls of Rockfleet Castle, and the legends that still echo through its stone corridors today.Perfect for lovers of Irish history, castles, folklore, and the Wild Atlantic Way.