Whispering Stones

Discover the haunting ruins of Inishmaine Abbey in County Mayo, a once-island monastery on the shores of Lough Mask. Founded in the 7th century by St. Cormac and later rebuilt as a Benedictine nunnery, this peaceful medieval site holds centuries of Irish history, folklore, and spiritual life. In this short and atmospheric episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the abbey’s hidden details, imagined beasts carved in stone, and the quiet beauty of this lesser-known Irish heritage site.

On the remote coast of Doonamoe, County Mayo, history, geology, and art collide. In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores Dún na mBó, an ancient promontory fort overlooking the Atlantic, a dramatic natural blowhole carved by the sea, and a powerful contemporary sculpture marking a Celtic “thin place.” A short, atmospheric journey along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way where stones still whisper.

Nestled between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, Cong in County Mayo is a village shaped by water, faith, and folklore. In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores Cong’s layered history — from its 12th-century abbey and the exquisite Cross of Cong, to its links with Ireland’s last High King, underground rivers, Oscar Wilde’s family, and Hollywood’s The Quiet Man. A short, atmospheric journey through one of Ireland’s most enchanting villages, where medieval stones and modern stories quietly intertwine.

In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the layered history of Castlebar, the county town of County Mayo. From medieval Gaelic clans and Norman castles to rebellion, famine, industry, and refuge, Castlebar reveals a powerful story of survival and transformation. Discover Barry’s Castle, the Races of Castlebar, the Linen Hall, the Land League, and the remarkable Jewish community that created “Little Jerusalem” in the west of Ireland. A short, atmospheric journey through Irish history where stones still whisper. 

Nestled beside Clew Bay, just outside Newport in County Mayo, Burrishoole Abbey has witnessed over five centuries of faith, rebellion, and quiet resistance.In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke tells the dramatic story of a Dominican friary founded by the Burke clan, protected by pirate royalty, scarred by English occupation, and remembered for a miracle that saved a young nun’s life.

Hidden beneath the rolling green landscape of County Mayo lies Ballintober Abbey, a place where history, legend, and faith have endured for more than 800 years.In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the remarkable story of an abbey founded by kings, shaped by fire and famine, and sustained by a community who never abandoned it — even when its roof was gone for over two centuries.From the exile of King Cathal Crovdearg O’Conor and the myths surrounding the abbey’s foundation, to the burial of Grace O’Malley’s son and the chilling tale of the priest hunter Seán na Sagart, this episode weaves medieval Ireland, rebellion, devotion, and folklore into one unforgettable place.A journey through Ballintober Abbey, County Mayo, where the stones truly whisper.

Hidden beneath ivy and brambles near Newmarket-on-Fergus, the ruins of Urlanmore Castle tell a haunting tale of power, rebellion, and folklore. Built in the 15th century by the MacClancy clan, this once-imposing tower house is believed to be the birthplace of the legendary Máire Rua — one of Ireland’s most infamous historical women. In this season finale of Whispering Stones, we explore collapsing walls, faded frescoes, and the quiet mystery of a castle reclaimed by nature, as our journey through County Clare comes to an end.

Journey to Tuamgraney, a quiet East Clare village where myth, memory, and stone intertwine. In this episode of Whispering Stones, artist and writer Bernice Cooke explores the haunting legend of Grian, Ireland’s oldest church still in use, Viking raids, Brian Boru’s lasting footprint, and the sacred landscape of Lough Derg. A short, atmospheric history rich in folklore, medieval architecture, and ancient whispers.