Whispering Stones

Discover 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.

In 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

In 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.

Nestled 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.

Step 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.

In this episode of Whispering Stones, host Bernice Cooke explores the quiet village of The Neale in County Mayo, a place filled with extraordinary history and mysterious monuments.Just kilometres from Cong, Cross and Ballinrobe, The Neale sits on a limestone plateau surrounded by archaeological treasures including prehistoric cairns, stone circles, ringforts and crannogs. Yet it is the village’s unusual monuments that truly capture the imagination.Join Bernice as she uncovers the story of The Neale Pyramid, an 18th-century architectural folly designed by Lord Charlemont, once crowned with a statue of Apollo. Discover the Temple Monument, a Doric-columned retreat built within the old estate walls, and the mysterious carvings known as the Gods of The Neale, featuring mythical figures like a unicorn and griffin.The episode also touches on Irish mythology and history, including the legendary warrior Lugh Lámhfhada, the Land League movement, and the moment when the term “boycott” first entered the English language at nearby Lough Mask House.If you enjoy Irish history, folklore, mythology, hidden monuments and the forgotten stories of rural Ireland, this is a place where the stones truly whisper.

In this episode of Whispering Stones, Bernice Cooke explores Murrisk Abbey in County Mayo, a 15th-century Augustinian friary nestled along the shores of Clew Bay beneath Croagh Patrick. Founded in 1456 and steeped in legend, reform, and Reformation-era upheaval, this medieval Irish ruin may stand on the site of an earlier church linked to Saint Patrick himself. Discover the stories behind its founders, its striking Gothic features, and the mystery hidden within its name — whether “marsh by the sea” or something far older. A brief, atmospheric journey into Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and one of Mayo’s most peaceful historic sites.