This month, Eddie recounts the curious tale of Dennis O'Rourke and how his meeting with a stranger on the way to the Tulla horse-fair pulls him into Other World. Dennis is drawn into the Big House, a place where caution is called for against every creature that you might encounter. This tale was originally told to Eddie by Jimmy Armstrong, a patient in Our Lady's hospital in Ennis. Jimmy's stories are available in Eddie's recently republished book, The Man In The Big House. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ..read more

This month, Eddie brings us an in-depth insight into the traditions surrounding Irish wakes. He speaks about how our relationship with death has changed over time, and the importance of honouring the rituals surrounding it. In particular, Eddie focuses on the games that would occur at wakes, amusements and customs that helped pass the long night with the departed. Arm wrestling, cards, rope climbing and dancing with the dead - all games found at an Irish wake. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor ..read more

Eddie recites the frightening tale of what happens when two farmers from Quin in Co. Clare interfere with the Good People who called Corbally fort their home. On an October's evening, Pat and Sean were returning home from an unproductive day's hunting. On glimpsing a goose on the grounds of the fort, a rifle shot rang out and the two men thought their hunting luck was improving. What they didn't realise was the true nature of the beast they had just injured, and the retribution that would follow their actions. This tale is taken from Eddie's recently republished story collection entitled 'The ..read more

This month, Eddie speaks of the banshee in Irish culture, and the fear her wail instilled in those who heard it. The banshee, or the badhbh as she is also known, is a female spirit who gives a warning of impending death. Eddie reflects on a frightening story once told to him by an elderly man that left him convinced that the banshee is more than just a dark figure of the imagination. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more

Death has always been a mournful time. The transition from one world into another. In Ireland, the rituals and practices that surrounded a funeral and burial were both grand and precise. There was a respect there for the spirit of the dead person, and care was taken to ensure their passing was a marked event, grounded in both grief and celebration. The wake, the dressing of the body, and the digging of the grave all followed a line of tradition that allowed the community to experience their sorrow and protect the souls of the departed on their journey onwards. Support this show http://supporte ..read more

This month, Eddie continues his study of the old trades of Ireland. Things back then were made to last, where as things today are made to wear out. There was a dignity and quality behind the work, tools and utensils crafted to the highest standard by skilled trades people. The harness maker, the tinker, the hatter, the cooper, the potter, the basket-maker; Eddie explains how each trade was so necessary within the local communities. If you enjoy the stories in this podcast, you can support us through the donations page, or purchase books directly from Eddie through his online store. https://edd ..read more

Trades-people formed the backbone of society in traditional Ireland, supplying the public with hand-made tools and services. This month, Eddie looks at some of the important trades that influenced old Irish life, and the folklore tales that accompanied them. Eddie speaks on the role of the blacksmith, the thatcher, the wheel maker, the tailor and the dress maker. Part 1 of a 2 part series. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

Ireland has a wide variety of native birds, full of colour and character. This month, Eddie discusses the superstitions and symbolic relevance that birds have played in Irish tradition and beliefs. From the crow, to the wren, to the robin - Eddie explores how each bird has it's own unique personality traits, and how we can learn to read their behaviour as harbingers and predictions of what may lie in the future. If you like the podcast and wish to contribute a donation, please visit out supporter page. https://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan You can purchase Eddie's fol ..read more

Eddie continues his discussion of roads in Ireland, this time reflecting on some of the stranger aspects of our routes and byways. He speaks of the significance of the public road, and how it acts as a symbol of safety to those who encounter the darker elements of the night. He mentions what happens to those who stand on the stray sod when out walking, and the confusion that ensues when alcohol is involved. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

This month, Eddie takes a historic look at the role that roads play in Ireland in all their complexity, beauty and ugliness. The windy and straight, the good and the bad, the up and the down. Eddie explores why certain roads in Co. Clare exist and what purpose they served both long ago in the past and in the present now. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more