Tell Me A Story with Eddie Lenihan
Society & Culture
About
Eddie Lenihan is Ireland’s most well known storyteller. He has been telling tales for over 35 years. Each month, Eddie will share Irish wisdom and stories from the past on the Tell Me A Story with Eddie Lenihan podcast.As a cultural preservationist, Eddie has amassed the largest collection of folk stories and tales in Ireland. His dedication to the tradition has seen him collect and compile stories from all across the country, particularly those that deal with the themes of the supernatural, fairies and Irish lore.Produced and recorded by Philip Murphy and John Lillis. Music by Clare Sands. Pho...
Episodes
- Episode 30 : The Man Who Sold His Horse In Tír Na nÓg
Eddie Lenihan shares the story of Dennis O'Rourke, who was drawn into the Other World after meeting a stranger on his way to the Tulla horse-fair. This tale was originally told to Lenihan by Jimmy Armstrong.
- Episode 29 : Irish Wakes
Eddie Lenihan discusses the historical traditions of Irish wakes, highlighting how the relationship with death has changed and the significance of rituals like wakes. The episode details specific games and customs, such as arm wrestling, c…
- Episode28 : The Fairies of Corbally Fort
Eddie Lenihan narrates the frightening story of two Quin, Co. Clare farmers, Pat and Sean, who shot an injured goose on the grounds of Corbally Fort, unaware of its true nature and the retribution that followed. The tale is from Eddie's co…
- Episode 27 : Animals in Irish Folklore Part2
In this episode, Eddie Lenihan explores the significance of animals like dogs, cats, horses, and rats in Irish folklore. He touches on beliefs about their ability to perceive the supernatural and the dire consequences of angering a poet, w…
- Episode 26 - The Banshee
Eddie Lenihan explores the banshee in Irish culture, known as the badhbh, a female spirit whose cry forewarns death. He recounts a chilling story from an elderly man that solidified his belief in the banshee beyond mere folklore.
- Episode 25 : Graveyards
In this episode of Tell Me A Story, Eddie Lenihan explores Irish graveyards, detailing the rituals, superstitions, and the careful process of burial. He also touches upon the objects sometimes placed in graves and the importance of proper…
- Episode 24 : The Place Names of Ireland (Part 2)
This episode continues Eddie Lenihan's exploration of Irish place names, building a visual landscape from the Irish translations of town and village names. It is the second part of a two-part series.
- Episode 23 : The Place Names of Ireland (Part 1)
Eddie Lenihan discusses Irish place names in Part 1 of this special episode, explaining how original names reference geography and what gets lost when translated into English. Over 50 examples are used.
- Episode 22 : The Black and Tans
Eddie Lenihan discusses the Black and Tans, recruited constables who arrived in Ireland in 1920. The episode details their history, the incentives for their recruitment, and the terror and intimidation they inflicted, leaving a legacy of f…
- Episode 21 : Holy Wells
Eddie Lenihan discusses the concept of Holy Wells in Ireland, examining their pagan origins and integration into Christian practices. The episode covers customs like ribbon tying and clockwise circling, as well as the traditional beliefs s…
- Episode 20 : The Care Of The Dead
This episode discusses traditional Irish funeral and burial practices, emphasizing the rituals surrounding death, the wake, and grave preparation as a communal expression of grief and respect for the departed.
- Episode 19 : Trades Part 2
In 'Trades Part 2,' Eddie Lenihan explores the traditional trades of Ireland, such as harness making, tinkering, hatting, coopering, pottery, and basket making. He emphasizes the historical dignity, quality, and community importance of the…
- episode 18 : Trades Part 1
This episode of 'Tell Me A Story with Eddie Lenihan' focuses on traditional Irish trades that were essential to society, such as blacksmithing, thatching, wheel making, tailoring, and dress making, and the folklore connected to them.
- Episode 17 : Birds
This episode delves into the superstitions and symbolic relevance of native Irish birds within Irish tradition. Host Eddie Lenihan discusses various birds, including the crow, wren, and robin, examining their unique characteristics and how…
- Episode 16 : Roads Pt.2
In Roads Pt.2, Eddie Lenihan explores unusual elements of Irish roads, discussing their symbolic significance for safety, encounters with the stray sod, and the confusion that can arise when alcohol is involved.
- Episode 15 : Roads Pt.1
In Roads Pt.1, Eddie Lenihan delves into the history of roads in Co. Clare, Ireland. He examines their complex role, considering their beauty, ugliness, and the reasons for their existence both historically and currently.
- Episode 14 : The Long Dark Winter Nights
This episode discusses the eerie nature of winter nights and recounts eight types of spirits and supernatural creatures that may be encountered in Ireland, with examples of folk encounters.
- Episode 13 : Christmas
Eddie Lenihan explores past Christmas customs and traditions in Ireland, including preparations and feasts. He notes the magical significance of midnight on Christmas Eve, a time when animals are said to speak.
- Episode 12 : Trees
In this episode, Eddie Lenihan explores the profound spiritual significance of Ireland's trees, delving into the folklore and traditions surrounding them. He also examines how the Irish names of trees provide insights into the island's geo…
- The Blessing (Snippet)
In this snippet from "Tell Me A Story with Eddie Lenihan," Eddie Lenihan recounts the traditional practice of giving a blessing upon entering another person's home.
- Episode 11 : The Old People
Eddie Lenihan recounts his conversations with older people across Ireland, detailing their stories and experiences to illuminate traditional life, beliefs, and customs. He also shares surreal writings from a patient named Jimmy.
- Episode 10 : Music and the Fairies Part 2
This episode features Eddie Lenihan telling the story of Sean O'Connor, a man from Sliabh Luachra. Initially mocked for his fiddle playing, Sean encounters 'the other crowd' one night and is gifted fairy music.
- Episode 9 : Music and the Fairies Part 1
In this episode, Eddie Lenihan recounts a tale from Co.Kerry featuring two local hunchbacks, Ned Murt and Pat Mickey Seán. A chance encounter with fairies leads to a singsong with the power to heal, but with a warning to perform the song c…
- Episode 8 : The Cure
Eddie Lenihan recounts tales of Biddy Early's cures, which ranged from ailments of people and animals to afflictions involving fairies. The stories highlight the critical need to adhere precisely to the cure's warnings.
- Episode 7 : The Fairy Wind
Eddie Lenihan introduces the fairies, na daoine uaisle, and delves into the traditional folklore and legends surrounding them. The episode includes a story about a West Clare woman's dangerous encounter with the fairy wind, an sí gaoithe.
- Episode 6 : The Art of Collecting
In this episode, Eddie Lenihan reflects on his beginnings in storytelling and collecting in Brosna, Co. Kerry. He highlights the significance of passing down stories between generations to maintain cultural and traditional beliefs.
- Episode 5 : Defiant Irish Women
Eddie Lenihan discusses defiant Irish women in folklore, recounting the story of Máire Rua McMahon and her experiences. He also shares a tale about a boy who encountered the Cailleach after disturbing a castle wall.
- Episode 4 : St Brigid
Eddie Lenihan tells stories about St Brigid, also known as Mary of the Gael or Muire na nGael. St Brigid is one of the Patron Saints of Ireland.
- Episode 3 : Animals in Irish Folklore
Eddie Lenihan explores the role of animals in Irish Folklore and their importance as elements within traditional storytelling.
- Episode 2 : Biddy Early Part 1
Eddie Lenihan introduces Biddy Early, known as the bean feasa or “wise woman” of Clare.
- Episode 1 : Halloween
This episode delves into the traditions and legends of Oíche Shamhna (Halloween), a night believed to be when fairies and spirits appear. Eddie Lenihan explores the customs associated with the festival of Samhain.