Sunday Miscellany
Society & Culture
About
Radio essays, poems and complementary music, broadcast from Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1, Sunday mornings since 1968.
Episodes
- Culture Shock and Swimming with Seals
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features various contributions on topics such as culture shock, swimming with seals, the art of songwriting, and daily life. Guests include Jim Culleton, Michael Cullen, Katrina Bruna, and others.
- Beauty and Birdsong
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features Zoë Devlin, Michael O’Loughlin, Tom Ryan, Roslyn Dee, Dermot Bolger, and Grace Wells. They discuss topics including a runaway dog, the gift of music, and football fever in Venice.
- Bright Stars, Broadway and the Belfast Blitz
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features contributions from Jim Doherty, Niamh Donnelly, Garrett Igoe, Marion O’Dwyer, Bryan MacMahon and Mícheál McCann. Topics include a jazz legend, bus travel, North Kerry Famine records, and a gift fo…
- Unexpected Guests and a Whistling City
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features contributions from John Egan, Carol Taaffe, Joe Hayes, Colin Regan, Antonia Hart, and Barry Houlihan. It covers topics such as a road trip, memories of the Chernobyl disaster, and McGahern Country.
- Fairytales, Faraway Places and Falling in Love
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features a tribute to In Dublin Magazine, a visit to a Buenos Aires hurling club, and advice to the young, with contributions from Tim Carey, Alexander McMaster, Grace Wells, Daniel Mulhall, Mary O’Donnell…
- Easter Miscellany
This Easter-themed episode of Sunday Miscellany features contributions from John MacKenna, Liz McSkeane, Rory Carroll, Doireann Ní Bhriain, Fiona Hyland, John F Deane, and Tom Conaty. Topics include radio waves, Roger Casement, poultry, an…
- Stories of the Rising from Wexford to Dublin
This live episode of Sunday Miscellany, recorded at the Wexford Opera House for the Easter Rising centenary, features readings and performances from Billy Roche, AM Cousins, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Prionsías Ó Rathaille, Nuala Ní Dhomhnail…
- Old Friends and Youthful Dreams
This episode of Sunday Miscellany was recorded at the Ennis Book Club Festival. It features tributes to Nuala O’Faolain and Seán Rocks, with contributions from Niamh Campbell, Hugo Hamilton, Lemn Sissay, Éilis Ní Dhuibhne, and Karen J McDo…
- From Clare to Here
This episode of Sunday Miscellany was recorded live at the Ennis Book Club Festival. It features contributions from an array of authors and musicians, including Anne Enright, Abi Daré, and Lemn Sissay.
- Embers, Oscars and Gold from the Dairy
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections and stories from Ciarán Cannon, Margaret Hickey, John MacKenna, Rosaleen McDonagh, Kathleen Murphy, Antonia Gunko Karelina, Tom Conaty, and Mary O’Malley. Topics include butter, teenag…
- Melody, Meaning and Morning Dew
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features a tribute to poet Michael Longley, discussions on dress code politics, lambing season celebrations, and Irish words from the Dingle peninsula. Contributors include Olivia O'Leary, Peter Cunningham…
- Rock Stars and Rugby Glory
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features segments from Mark Horgan, Joseph O’Connor, Olive Travers, Carla King, John O’Donnell, and Paul Muldoon. The program explores themes of rugby, diamonds, daffodils, and expressions of hope.
- Sea dips and serene cruises
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on coastal swimming and older vessels, with contributions from Mae Leonard, Mervyn Wall, Benedict Kiely, Marie McSweeney, Gerald Dawe, Joe McGowan, and Anne Le Marquand Hartigan.
- Home comforts and ways of living
This episode of Sunday Miscellany explores the theme of home comforts, living spaces, and personal essentials. It features contributions from Maurice Craig, Treasa Brogan, Bill Hammond, Mary Arrigan, Fachtna Ó Drisceoil, Tommy Sands, and E…
- Magical childhoods
This episode explores themes of childhood through stories and reflections by Val Mulkerns, Sam McAughtry, Vona Groarke, Nuala Hayes, Peter Jankowsky, Catherine Ann Cullen, Liz Nugent, and Michael Harding. Featured topics include magical wo…
- Working yourself, or watching others at it
This archive edition of Sunday Miscellany explores the theme of work, featuring contributions from John Ryan, Angela O'Rourke, Lar Redmond, Benedict Kiely, James Plunkett, and Sharon Hogan. Contributors discuss various forms of labour, fro…
- Rituals at home, rituals in the community
In this episode of Sunday Miscellany, contributors discuss the theme of ritual in both home and community settings, drawn from the archives of the programme's first 50 years. Featured contributors include Hilda Murphy, Nuala O'Faolain, Eam…
- A flash of pink, a magic box and a bird’s eye view
This episode of Sunday Miscellany explores the century-long impact of Ireland's public broadcasting service on society, politics, and individual homes, featuring contributions from Felicity Hayes-McCoy, the late JM Dolan, Gerard Stembridge…
- Roses, Rain and a Door Ajar
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on wedding vows, home, and New Year wishes from locations including Sweden, Vancouver Island, and Rostrevor, County Down. Contributors include Conall Hamill, Lani O’Hanlon, Neil Hegart…
- A Piano Man and a Wexford Ball
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on the post-Christmas period, birthdays, and the history of Gaelic football in Wexford. It includes contributions from Mary O’Donnell, John Toal, Jackie Lynam, Alison Ní Mháirtín, Paul…
- A Christmas Day Miscellany
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features a Christmas-themed collection of stories and music. The program includes contributions from several authors and performers, as well as recordings from the National Concert Hall.
- Joy to the World: Christmas Miscellany Part 1
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on a winter wedding, a New Year's Eve disaster, a Christmas birth, and comfort for the holidays. It includes contributions from various guests and performances with the RTÉ Concert Orc…
- Songs, Seafarers and a Guiding Star
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections, stories, and musical performances from contributors including Victoria White, Seán O’Gorman, Lisa McInerney, Jim Maguire, Judith Mok, Denise Blake, and James Harpur. The content trave…
- War Stories and Winter Light
This episode features stories about John and Yoko in County Mayo, a tribute to Con Houlihan at 100, and seasonal reflections. Contributors include Donal Fallon, Louise Kennedy, Niall McArdle, Peter Cunningham, Aidan Hynes, and Helen O’Rahi…
- Bicycles and Belfast Boys
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features segments on George Best and Harry Gregg, a fire in the Liberties, and a poet in Kinsale. Contributors include Roslyn Dee, Las Fallon, Sharon Hogan, John Toal, Oliver Sears, and Enda Wyley.
- Grief and History: Voices from Bloody Sunday, 2020
This special episode of Sunday Miscellany commemorates the anniversary of Bloody Sunday during the War of Independence. The programme features contributors Colin Regan, Chris Shouldice, Michael Foley, Anthony Ryan, Anne Dolan, Paul Rouse,…
- Old Friends and New Beginnings
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on nature, history, and literature, including contributions from John MacKenna, Denise Blake, Zoë Devlin, Paul Muldoon, Nell Regan, Paul Johnston, James Harpur, and Billy Collins. Them…
- Starry Skies and Student Rites-of-Passage
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on persuasion, war, and home. It also includes tributes to Conor Gearty and Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, with contributions from Gerry Stembridge, Kathy Donaghy, Tess Hughes, John O’Donn…
- Ghosts, Goldcrests and a Lost Manuscript
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections including a prayer for Rudolf Valentino, memories of opera in St Petersburg, and a journey involving a lost manuscript. The program includes contributions from Georg Grote, Louise Kenn…
- A Last Briquette and a Magic Mountain
This programme is the second part of a 'Writing the Bog' special, produced in collaboration with the Bog Bothy project. It features readings from writers Adam Trodd, Anne Gately Mercier, Kevin McDermott, Marion McGarry, Isabella Chiadini,…
- A Stolen Tulip and a Hare’s Eyes
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features a live selection of readings and performances from the Waterford Writers’ Weekend and the Red Line Book Festival. Contributions include work from Frankie Gaffney, Eileen Battersby, John Connell, C…
- Architecture, Home and the City
This episode of Sunday Miscellany explores the relationship between architectural design and our daily lives. Featuring a variety of contributors, the programme marks the Open House Dublin Festival of Architecture.
- Ringing Bells and Magic Nights
This episode of Sunday Miscellany explores Irish culture, language, and landscape. Features include a tribute to Brian Friel on his tenth anniversary and a poem dedicated to Manchán Magan, alongside contributions from various guests.
- Both Sides Now
This episode of Sunday Miscellany explores themes of homecomings and departures, featuring tributes to poets Derek Mahon and Michael Hartnett, alongside contributions from various writers.
- Strange Days and Seasonal Moods
This episode of Sunday Miscellany explores September rituals and youthful rites of passage, featuring contributions from Paul Muldoon, Carol Taaffe, Conall Hamill, Georg Grote, Antonia Hart, and Frank Shouldice.
- Sun and stardust, Irish words for rain and a gift from Edna O’Brien
A rebroadcast of the 2024 Culture Night Miscellany, recorded at Áras an Uachtaráin. The event is hosted by President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins and features contributions from Manchán Magan, Tim Carey, Mia Döring, Rita Ann Higgin…
- Writing the Bog, Part 1
This episode explores the Irish boglands through stories of their past, present, and future. It is a collaboration with the Irish Architecture Foundation's Bog Bothy project, featuring contributions from various writers and architects.
- Back-to-school blues, Thackeray’s Irish tour, and Dev’s favourite transport
This episode of Sunday Miscellany explores topics including the Irish State Coach, the experience of the first day of school, and William Makepeace Thackeray's travels through Ireland. Contributors include Jonathan White, Zoë Devlin, Enda…
- Exam Jitters and Curtain Raisers
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on exam results, observations of fox cubs, and memories of Mícheál MacLiammóir. It also includes a new poem by Paul Muldoon and contributions from Denise Blake, Emma Prunty, Kathy Dona…
- Angels, Animals and Daughters of Memory
Marking National Heritage Week, this special programme explores Ireland's shared heritage, featuring contributions from Eimear Ryan, Theo Dorgan, Colin Regan, Kathleen James-Chakraborty, Oein DeBharduin, and Paula Meehan. The episode trave…
- Oasis, Owls and a Wildean Whodunnit
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on historical events ranging from the Baltic Way to the atom bomb, alongside personal stories involving marmalade sandwiches and Guinness. Contributors include David Coughlan, Maeve Ed…
- Night Owls and Guardian Angels
This Sunday Miscellany archive episode features contributions from Michael Harding, Eugene McEldowney, Vona Groarke, Peter Jankowsky, Geraldine Mitchell, Kieran Fagan, and the late Mary Russell. Themes include fairytales, boarding school e…
- Dreaming in Green and Gold
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on All-Ireland football hopes, memories of Leonard Cohen's concert at Lissadell, and other contributions from John Toal, Regina Devenney, John S Doyle, Tony Griffin, Noel King, Denise…
- Hurling, Hitch-hiking and a Baby Elephant
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features stories on hurling, hitch-hiking, and other personal accounts from contributors including Doireann Ní Bhriain, Joe Whelan, Cormac Murray, Theo Dorgan, Lani O'Hanlon, and John Allen.
- Live Aid and Limpets
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on summer, the legacy of the Yeats sisters, and contributions from Michael Hilliard Mulcahy, Eunan McKinney, Mae Leonard, Alexander McMaster, Angela Keogh, Mariam Tell, and Vincent Woo…
- A New York State of Mind
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on New York City, a family wedding, and the personal experience of wearing wigs, with contributions from Gary Coyle, Neil Hegarty, Cathy Power, John Tuomey, Julie Feeny, and Lauren Gre…
- Ways of Seeing, Notions of Home
This episode features a collection of readings and reflections from the Belfast Books Festival in 2023 and 2004, exploring themes of personal identity and the concept of home. Contributors include Wendy Erskine, John Toal, Neil Hegarty, Ma…
- Travelling West, Travelling East
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on travel, ranging from Glastonbury to Monet's garden. Contributors include Conall Hamill, Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha, John Toal, Maeve Edwards, Joe Rooney, and Antonia Gunko Karelina.
- Fathers, a Faith Healer and a Missing Football
This episode of Sunday Miscellany features reflections on the solstice, a walk through Sydney, and a visit to Joyce's Nighttown, alongside contributions from Colin Regan, Kieran FitzGerald, Grace Wells, Fran O’Rourke, Katrina Bruna, and Ch…
- Sunflowers, Spirit Animals and Ziggy Stardust
This episode features a live recording from the Belfast Book Festival 2024 at the Crescent Arts Centre. It includes readings from writers Jan Carson, Lucy Caldwell, Glenn Patterson, Emily Byers-Ferrian and Maria McManus, with musical perfo…