Danny Houlihan‘s Irish Experience: Recent Episodes
Danny Houlihan Historian Author Musician
Experience the rich hidden history of the land of Ancient Ireland with historian , author, musician Danny Houlihan. The rich myths and legends are many and the culture of Ireland is diverse. In this podcast Danny relates the Myths and Legends of the area of Ballybunion.Through its people its heritage and its rugged coastline this is truly Danny Houlihan‘s Irish Experience.
Danny Houlihan returns once again to Leaba Sioda the Silken Bed and Killofin County Clare Ireland to Experience the history of the area both built and its people the natural area and the hidden history for all to enjoy the unique tapestry which is Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience Show.
Danny Houlihan returns once more on St Patricks Day 2026 with another look back through the pages of History and a glance at the Ancient Parish of Killehenny and another historic episode for all to enjoy. Music too on the famous pipes along the way. Happy Saint Patricks Day to You All from the Banks of the Shannon.
In this Podcast from County Clare Series Danny Houlihan Historian and Author /Piper from Ballybunion explores the place and the history of its people of Lebasheeda County Clare. Once again Danny goes into a deep dive and weaves a tapestry of another historical place on the Shannon Estuary Way.
Once again Danny Houlihan commences a deep dive into history with another visit to Clare this time Knock County Clare Ireland on the Shannon Estuaruy Way. The history and a tatse of the lovely visit to Knock and its people. Along the Way Danny stops off a the grave of the famous Colleen Bawn in Burrane and explores more history of the Estuary.
In this episode Danny recounts his memory of his childhood and the Ballybunion people that impacted on his life. Now in Ballybunion the tradition is to walk away from this era and heritage and the music that founded the town the Pipes but Danny as a historian and Piper 7 Times All Ireland CCE Champion is holding his ground. Our Home Our Place Danny Houlihan.
Carrigaholt Castle is the focus of this episode that Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience visited during the year. Danny soakes up its history and the place and weaves another unique experience and a story of a Place in County Clare Ireland which deserves to be visited and highlighted on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Danny Houlihan returns after the Summer break with another episode in his series, this time the Kerryman who's Grand Mother was from County Clare crosses the Shannon Estuary into County Clare a favorite place of Danny's. This time Danny Houlihan is a Seeker a Seeker of the Little Ark of Kilbaha a Christian relic of a time now forgotten only in the the minds of its people and the memory of late Fr Michael Meehan and the Loophead Area. This is A Wild Atlantic Way Story.
In this episode Danny Houlihan travels across the Shannon River to a special place in history called MoyLougha County Clare birth place of Saint Senan of Scattery. This episode is Danny's first from the Clare County and not the last. This new pioneering series explores the Shannon Estuary Way and its rich history its people and the culture of County Clare.
In this episode Danny Houlihan travels out from his research base on the Shannon to the quiet secluded grave yard of Teampeaillin Ban Listowel County Kerry.
It was here during the Great Irish Famine or Holocaust of 1846 and Black 1847 thousands were buried here a sad reminder of the areas history. The deaths were massive in the area of North Kerry during the period and the landscape lost its people culture and its precious Irish language. Danny explores the area and again weaves a history and a Story of an area of North Kerry often forgotten in the history books.
Danny Houlihan returns to the Seaside Resort of of Ballybunion in the final episode of the current research on the evictions in the famous North Kerry Resort in 1915. The picture painted of the place and its people and the fight to rid the town of the greedy landlords and evictors.
In this the second in the series the seaside town of Ballybunion braces itself for evictions as the situation escalates 1914-1915. Danny Houlihan weaves through the old faded and lost newspapers of the day and pays a visit to a Court Room of the day uncovering local history that was long since forgotten in time. This was Ballybunion Burning a Period and a history lesson for all students and adults alike local history at its best.
In the years of 1914 & 1915 Ballybunion was experiencing a time of change with the threat of evictions looming and the loss of their hard enterprise by a landlord and his greedy company. As documented in the media of the time a threat to their homes and their way of life indeed the seaside resort itself was on the brink. In this episode which is part one explores the events that were unfolding in a place which to all is a seaside resort. Danny Houlihan explores this hidden history of his area not known to most locals and lost to time and buried. This is Ballybunion Burning Part 1
In 1874 a unique parade took place in the village of Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland to honor a Landlord from Foots Cray Kent London England this event was steeped in history and its background is any historians dream. Danny Houlihan has undertook a massive trawl of all available material in Ireland and has linked up with the Bexley Library to uncover the hidden past of one of the areas Landlords now lost in time and the connection with a place in North Kerry now lost in time Ballyeagh and the Cashen and the small fishing village of Ballybunion in the year of 1874 . This episode is just a fore taste of what Houlihan has uncovered and will be featuring in the next year on his famous Podcast Series.
In this Special Christmas Show Danny Houlihan reflects on a past Christmas in North Kerry and its people he witnessed. This Podcast also covers the background of the famous Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny which has captivated historians in Ireland and Scotland for years. This is only an introduction to the Lia Fail The Stone of Destiny. Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience.
In this episode Danny Houlihan travelled out to a number of Historical Places in North Kerry Ireland where the famous Images can be found on stone secreted away in the forgotten Past Life Ways of North Kerry. The Sheela Na Gig or as they have been called fertility symbols dot the landscape of Ireland many are hidden away from the eyes of the public while others are found in museums. In this exploratory episode Danny examines the applications and the places where the famous Shell Na Gig are found.
In this episode Danny Houlihan travels out from his Research Centre in North Kerry Ireland to the Banks of Loughderg to the famous Brookfield Farm with his friends in Brilliant Ballybunion and the 2024 Filed Exchange. This is the second in the outside broadcast series recorded live on location in Ireland by Danny Houlihan.
The Field Exchange is pioneering the rebirth of our old Irish customs and and culture linking with the creative artistic talents with a strong emphasis on climate change and the re development of forestry and local food producers in Ireland and the relationship with our land and our agricultural sector who are developing a new strategy to become more eco based within their local area and being self sufficient in many aspects.
This is being funded by Creative Ireland who are supporting many of these unique journeys. Danny Houlihan met some of the participants on the day and recorded just a sample of the event it was inspirational and this episode will give us all food for thought. so sit back and put on the kettle and enjoy another taste and it is just only a taste of a unique Irish Experience once more.
In this episode Danny Houlihan returns from the Summer break and the Journeys he and his friends have undertaken and the quest for more hidden places and Irish Experiences. The podcast series has just broke the 5,000 downloads World Wide a testament to Danny's hard work in researching history. The Hawthorn Tree in Ireland is one of the old sacred Trees which can trace its roots way back into antiquity A Rich Irish History.
Today the Hawthorn Tree like other Irish trees are under threat due to modern land reclamation and modern mechanisation and pollution. The history and folklore attached to the hawthorn is vast and in this episode Danny introduces the tree to his series the tree he passes every day along the hedges that were planted by the native people under the orders of the landlords and absentee landlords from the years 1822 onwards from Ballybunion to Knockanore. The Hawthorn plays an important Roll in the eco-systems and the Bio Diversity of the area.
In this short podcast Danny covers a brief history before the event which is The National Heritage Week Day on the 25 August 2024 at the Cashen organised by Ballybunion Tidy Towns at their Biodiversity Site near the famous Cashen River in North Kerry Ireland. This episode is for those who will not be able to attend the event and our people living abroad. There will be an update on this day in the near future this is truly Brilliant Ballybunion. Enjoy.
In this special episode Danny Houlihan travels into the Irish countryside to the Barna Way North Kerry Ireland for a special event produced by The Brilliant Ballybunion Team Entitled Sing for your Supper.
This special Journey started from the Grotto Aghafona in Ballybunion and traveled into the beautiful Irish Country side surrounded with the sounds of the birds and the natural areas of The Barna Way. The area of focus was the Barna Way a special place adorned with tress and a lovely woodland walk and Organic Farm.
In the old days in Ireland people rambled from house to house at night for a chat a song a bit of music or a tale that was told, a custom now on the decline in Ireland this coupled with locally grown food was always on the table and the kettle was always on the fire A welcome to All was always given.
On the evening singers sang musicians played and there was poem in Irish to honour our people, everyone sang for their supper and the food was excellent.
Danny Houlihan in this live recorded episode captured a taste of what happened on the evening and what did happen in North Kerry many decades ago. Enjoy this episode this is Brilliant Ballybunion.
Special Thanks to Karen and Bruce in the USA who are supporting my research.
In this episode, I travel back to a period in Ireland when there were no lights TV videos, around the Great Irish Famine or Holocaust 1846 and Black 1847, This history relates to a time when the landscape and its people were laid waste by the local landlords along with the Irish Language and all artistic heritage which was lost.
Many stories conjure up the mythological side of our Great Irish culture one of which to this period are the Fear Ghota or The Hungry Grass and the Fear Ghorta and the fear ghorta The Man of Hunger both connected and interwoven into a tapestry that is interwoven into the history of many county in Ireland.
If you would like to support my research which is ongoing and podcast episodes, why not Buy Me a Coffee this will be used to update my research and equipment, I will give everyone who contribute a shout out in my series. Just click on the link below to support in any way big or small thank you.buymeacoffee.com/yxqdanny
In this episode Danny Houlihan highlights an aspect of our ancient culture Goldsmitting in the area of North Kerry and a taste of areas beyond the County of Kerry.
On the 28 day of May 2023 I visited the old Killury Cemetery near the lovely village of Causeway County Kerry Ireland which is a mine of information and the Ring fort in the Village which is in great condition and well worth a mention and indeed a visit when you are here in Ireland on holiday or have an interest in our past.
This is a fine example of a univaette fort which is under the protection of the National Monuments Act.
Its only fitting that the old town land and civil parish of Killury be mentioned and the famous Ballinclemesig where buried deep within a reclaimed bog of Balinclemisig in the old parish of Killury near Causeway County Kerry in the year 1975 Sean Egan of Ballyheigue uncoverd after days tilling the land by a plough a unique artefact of the late Bronze Age The Gold Box of Ballinclemisig or the Causeway Gold Box.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of my late Uncle Gerard Houlihan who sadly passed away last month.
During the Penal times primitive churches were erected in secluded places such as glens, valleys and shorelines out of the eyeshot of the English Soldiers. Built sometimes of available material such as mud and in cases roofs of sod or straw or willow woven depending on the area and the material around the area that would have been suitable for use.
Priests were being hunted down and hung the practice during the Penal Laws with lookouts being posted along ditches, hillsides and pathways to spot the approaching English Redcoats approaching with their horses.
Danny Houlihan in this episode examines the small but important history of the area of North Kerry once more which was forgotten where a number of such mass houses were located and the brief history involved in their story.
Mass was said in the shade of a ditch near Dillanes land not far away from the famous seaside resort of Ballybunion and the other site Gleann Na Dtalamh The Glen of The High land where a mass house was erected with a free flowing stream near it which meandered its way to the high cliffs facing the Shannon Estuary North Kerry Ireland.
One of these site priests were buried there a Father O Keeffe from County Cork and a Fr O Connor the names lost in time.
Using the the poem in Irish by the late Sean Mac Fheorais teacher and Irish Poet born in the year of 1915-1984 this poem Anseo I Lar An Gleanna paints a poetic picture of the serious time of the Penal Times in Ireland.
Danny once again using old sourced information and history backed up with his music reinforces the picture and the poem of the period.Thanks to the County Kildare Library Service, and all who supplied information for this episode. This episode like others will be updated as more information arrives.
Note the translation in this episode is like others in our national language is open to Interpretation.
The Landlord & The Fishermen of Ballyeigh Ballybunion. In 1880 there was a demonstration to highlight the attempt to embank or close of a section of the Ballyeagh Strand by the local landlord of Ennismore Lixnaw North Kerry. A huge demonstration took place on the famous mound on the Castle Green today where the band stand is located with thousands of people attending brass bands and speakers added to the occasion with the seaside town of Ballybunion exceeding numbers stated of 12,000.
Danny Houlihan again trawls the old faded newspapers for details to throw a light once more on the event and the people of the area during the period and the implications to the natural areas of the Cashen and up river.
If the landlord had succeeded the area would have been ruined for centuries and the precious wildlife wiped out and indeed the people of the area.
Welcome once more to Saint Patricks Day and to all our Irish people living abroad in the USA, Australia, Canada, England,Italy, France, Liam in Germany, and here in Ireland and to all my supporters of Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience and my members of the podcast series Have a Great Day and enjoy the parades and the music and culture that represents us here in Ireland.
Danny will be out this year on the famous pipes in Causeway North Kerry another historical place which he will cover during the year.
This episode looks back at our marine series with two famous ship wrecks the Sea Lark and The City of Limerick which had a cargo of whiskey this set the scene to lift a glass on St Patricks Day also music on the pipes for the day that's in it.
Danny Houlihan St Patricks Day 2024
By for now Slan.
In this episode entitled An Mhaighean Mhara,The Sea Maiden Danny Houlihan travels back to the 1800s to an account of a Mermaid sighting on the Lady's Strand Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland.
Michael Bo Bhuide a local is the man who witness the sighting while out one early morning near the old quarry near the Blackrocks, another sighting many years later off the coast of Kilconly.
Danny explores a brief history of the Sea Maiden and the Irish verses An Mhaighean Mhara in his native tongue a first in the series not the last.
What lies beneath the waves is beyond our realm a place hidden with history lore and if history leads us to believe Mermaids a Place on The Wild Atlantic Way. Danny Houlihan on the Low Whistle playing The Sea Maiden An Mhaigdean Mhara reinforces the story.
In this episode I travel inland from the Wild Atlantic Way Route to Lisselton to the town land of Loughanes in North Kerry and Kilmore Ballyduff Tralee County Kerry. These special places on the North Kerry Landscape I wanted to visit on my travels out on the Wild Atlantic Way its inner rote and its Inner Journey.
This journey brings my show to a place which are many on the landscape of Ireland some are well known than and others some forgotten in time and practices by our people and that were put on people and our culture as a nation, a time when if a child was born during the years from the late 1500 onwards according to archaeologists and scholars and later in the developing church infants not baptised into the Catholic Church were buried without a proper burial without their mother present in unconsecrated burial grounds old ring forts and old ruins called limbo. These places called Cillini and Limbo today we can identify named on maps as Cillin or Cillini and also Celurach.
I visited two places in North Kerry Ireland as a start of my exploration into the history of these special places there is way more to come this is a short visit but an important one on The Wild Atlantic Way places to visit here in Ireland.
Welcome to Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience Show New Years Episode, as a Wild Atlantic Way Champion I have kept the best episode to open the 2024 Season so sit back and enjoy the story the hidden history the Whiskey, the landlords, Old Dexter and his Coastguards, Holy Men, Sean Peadar O Chonochubhair and the events of the area and a bit of my Irish music combined that makes up Whiskey Galore Ballybunion 1833/1834.
In 1833 A violent storm erupted from the West as the SS City of Limerick under the command Captain Cooper and his brave crew made their way beyond the safe Shannon Estuary and the famous loop head they say 20 miles on its outward bound voyage from County Limerick Ireland, so strong was the storm that Captain Cooper and his men fought the gales and high rolling seas but due to the severe tempest took action and turned the massive SS City of Limerick back towards the Shannon Estuary and away from danger as they thought.
In the hold of the ship was bacon, meat, butter, and hundreds of barrels of Whiskey yes Whiskey.
In the hours to follow the story of the il fated ship and its cargo the landed gentry and locals and indeed the military or lack of it would go down into history in the area of Ballybunion but was forgotten by many.
I have gone through and un earthed old faded newspapers of the period and the oral history to bring to you all this unique episode and story in a local seaside resorts history, a snap shot of the area its people and the stories and history fact and fiction interwoven that makes up Whiskey Galore Ballybunion 1833.
Special thanks to all my listeners who have tuned in over the last few years more is on the way.
This is Truly A Wild Atlantic Way Story.
Welcome to you all and to our Christmas Show this year which travels back on a number of our episodes fused with my music on my bagpipes to enhance the Christmas Spirit.
The scenic banks of the Shannon Estuary in North Kerry Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way is the starting place with a few tunes on the pipes, then I travel deep in land from the Wild Atlantic Way route to explore some rich areas of culture and hidden heritage. Abbeydorney, Gale,Killehenny and the Leathardan Walk are the places a part of our rich Irish Culture and heritage. So may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas Danny Houlihan.
In this short episode I visit another special place inland on the Wild Atlantic Way Route once more to a place steeped in history and lore, a place worth visiting along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way.
A Place in the Ancient Kingdom of Kerry Kiltomy Graveyard Lixnaw County Kerry Ireland in the old barony of Clan Maurice. In this episode I relate my visit to Kiltomy,and its rich history of this special place in County Kerry Ireland.
Wild Atlantic Way Champion Danny Houlihan takes us back to a night in 1834 along the Shannon Estuary when the ship the Thetis was wrecked off Beale Bar North Kerry Ireland and its history. This is a second in the series of the Thetis and covers the Ghostly story what was seen days and years after the wrecking of the ship. Ballybunion Podcaster and historian Danny Houlihan weaves his magic once more telling his areas own unique story a part of the Wild Atlantic Way coastline in Ireland.
Today in Beale North Kerry Ireland a Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point is marked with a history of this famous ship and the people of the area. On Halloween this short story is an added part to the celebrations World Wide from Danny Houlihan's Wild Atlantic Way Research Centre.
The Willow Tree Danny Houlihan’s Irish Experience Show
Welcome to the Wild Atlantic Way and Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience show I hope you all are well and safe my friends and if you are driving walking or jogging please take care.
In this months episode I will be adding another old Irish tree the Willow Tree to my series on native trees and their deeply rooted connections with the landscape of Ancient Ireland and its people and its applications to the lives of our people, its history and its links with our Irish Mythology and Ogham Calendar. Sit back and enjoy the rich culture which is Ireland.
Wild Atlantic Way Champion Danny Houlihan travels out once more from his North Kerry Base and explores more of the rich history on the Wild Atlantic Way Route that makes up the Kingdom of Kerry.
In this episode Danny travels inland from the coast to Kilmoyle in North Kerry Ireland and its old ruins and graveyard, a place not visited by many tourists on the tourist trail but its history is unique as the old church site dates back to the time of the Early Christian period and its foundation by a female Irish Saint now long forgotten also a gold hoard of artefacts found during the 1900s buried deep within a bog or peatland locally.
Through its people its heritage and its rugged coastline and inland culture this is truly Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience.
Wild Atlantic Way Champion Danny Houlihan uncovers more history of North Kerry Ireland in Holy Wells Part 2 Hidden History.
Welcome everyone in this months episode I traveled out once more from my North Kerry base on a July day an overcast day this time to a very special place in County Kerry Ireland, A place called Tobar Na Molt Wethers Well which has been associated with the Baptism of our Patron Saint of Kerry Saint Brendan the Navigator and two other local missionary's Bishop Erc who had a settlement there near Arfdert in Lerig and St Ita who was the foster Mother of Saint Brendan who according to locals is reputed to be buried there within the confines of the Holy well enclosure.
The holy well is located several miles from Ardfert another historical place in County Kerry.
Wethers well is visited yearly by many people in Ireland mass is said there on occasion and rounds of the well done. I have again found out some interesting aspects to the site so sit back and enjoy my Irish Experience. Thanks to all of you who are listening to my series I will be back again with another episode thanks for all the support and comments on the episodes to date.
In this episode Danny Houlihan explores once again the old faded articles and periodicals of bygone days to find out more history in relation to seaside resorts in Ireland, when they started and the people that made up these special places after all seaside places were their homes and lives and life ways.
Using his home place again as a starting point on his journey Ballybunion as a village became internationally known for its beach, cliff walks and caves in the early 1800s, during this period we can find the sea side village of Ballybunion welcoming visitors in the early year of 1837 when Samuel Lewis arrived in the place and described what was there, at the time and its surrounding countryside which was approaching a serious point in its history.
Samuel Lewis Visits Ballybunion in 1837
One document that gives us an insight to the area was Samuel Lewis Visit To Ballybunnian in 1837 unique in its description.
Samuel lewis visited Ballybunnian in the year of 1837 during the process of the writing of his famous work Topographical Dictionary of Ireland by Samuel Lewis which is used as a reference by historians and a very important historical document.
Danny Houlihna retraces the foot steps of Samuel Lewis adding in more history to enhance the description given at the time. A unique view of the start of a famous bathing place in 1837.
In this episode Danny Houlihan Wild Atlantic Way Champion travels out onto one of the arteries of the Wild Atlantic Way to a graveyard called Gale Cemetery about 5 kilometres from Listowel County Kerry Ireland. Today only a grave yard marks the area where once in bygone times there was a settlement possibly Culdees/Hermits, church and abbey within its confines flourishing among the high trees that once covered the landscape near it.
In this quiet countryside grave yard with the singing birds in the nearby trees lies hundreds of our ancestors that died in the Great Irish Famine or Holocaust of 1846 and Black 1847 many of these forgotten people descendants are living now in America, Australia England Canada and other destinations. Danny Houlihan in his research goes micro into this site to link up the past life ways and evidence of a place today only locals who's people are buried there visit.
Monuments inside the entrance commemorate the famine but when Danny Houlihan peels back the pages of its history a light is thrown on this special place and its past life ways this again is another Experience on The Wild Atlantic Way.
Wild Atlantic Way Champion & Podcaster Danny Houlihan explores more of the rich heritage and culture which is North Kerry Ireland.
April 16th Danny Houlihan traveled from his base in North Kerry out on a very sunny blue sky day along the Wild Atlantic Way North Kerry just beyond Ballylongford on the outskirts Tarbert County Kerry Ireland. A special place and another place Danny recommends all to see and soak up and experience Killnaughtin Church and its ancient history on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Kilnaughtin A Feast To The Senses Part 1 in the series.
Killehenny Ancient Parish is today located south of the seaside town of Ballybunion North Kerry its history and culture in the area stems back to the dawn of time to 7000-4000BC.
Pre Christian Settlements, Viking Raids, and Ancient Shore Dwellers along with legends and more are covered in this but a first in the series of podcasts under the title Ancient Parish.
Wild Atlanticway Champion and podcaster Danny Houlihan travels back through the pages of its history and plots a unique course of discovery into this ancient Parish this is only part one. Thousands of people around the World claim ancestry to area are of modern Ballybunion today but way back in time the name of the place they left from was called Killehenny or Cill Eithne.
During the Great Irish Holocaust or Famine in 1845 - 1846 and Black 1847 thousands died and many more had to leave the area along the Cashen Estuary this episode will be of interest and debate for those who's people were from this area and shine a light of a place long forgotten.
This is only one of the many Ancient Parishes that Danny Houlihan will cover in his unique series.
In this episode part 1 of our sporting section which will cover other areas in the country, Danny Houlihan will take a look back at an event the Ballybunion Races that were held in the area of the town in the year June 1888 and details the from the Kerry Evening Post and other old faded local historical sources which Danny has consulted and its ironic that this June the Ballybunion races will be held once more in Ballyeagh Strand. So I hope to get down there and sample the atmosphere and report back in another episode.
In this short episode, I take a journey back into the past to our ancient Ogham Calendar and to another one of the famous Trees which are still here today on the landscape of Ireland and a link to our Ogham Past and Calendar.
The Alder Tree can be seen in many parts of Ireland, on hillsides, and like other trees associated with the Ogham Calendar was located near places of worship and settlement, a throwback to a golden era in Ireland of Pre-Christian Settlements of Culdees holy men and holy women and ancient Irish rights and customs and not forgetting our Myths & Legends.
In the Ogham Calendar The Alder Tree or in its Irish name Fearan is a native Irish tree and in our past part of the Celtic Zodiac Ogham Calendar, Alder has been attributed to March 18 - April 14.
If you would like to support my research which is ongoing and podcast episodes, why not Buy Me a Coffee this will be used to update my research and equipment, I will give everyone who contribute a shout out in my series. Just click on the link below to support in any way big or small thank you.buymeacoffee.com/yxqdanny
May Eve Sunset Walk Lahadane 2023 Danny Houlihan.
Welcome to the Wild Atlantic Way & Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience Show and our May Eve Sunset Walk Lahardane 2023.
I guided a group during the May weekend to the top of Knockanore the hill of slaughter on May Eve, where once the might of the Fianna was tested against Tailc Mhic Treoin a noted warrior from Greece over the beautiful female Niamh.
Most of you will not be able to attend the walk on this occasion so I will just give you a taste of the sights we came across and its history and its people who are now long gone as we proceeded up to the famous Hill of Slaughter at Knockanore. I have included a small portion of local Genealogy and history along the way to give an insight to the area which is rich in history and culture.
I hope you all enjoy this episode I did and the walk.
If you would like to support my research which is ongoing and podcast episodes, why not Buy Me a Coffee this will be used to update my research and equipment, I will give everyone who contribute a shout out in my series. Just click on the link below to support in any way big or small thank you.buymeacoffee.com/yxqdanny
In this episode which is a first in the series Danny Houlihan deals with historic individuals along the Wild Atlantic Way. In this episode Danny covers a brief history of a local Priest and Champion of the People the late Fr Mortimer O' Connor Parish Priest of Ballybunion who lived in the area in the 1870s.
This crusading Priest took on the power the money and the might of the Landlords to secure the small tenants their holdings and public rights in the area of Ballyeagh and Ballybunion and further afield.
In this episode Danny Houlihan has consulted old faded newspapers of the day old shop records and information both oral handed down and written by local people and historian's now gone to highlight a period and people now long and since forgotten consigned to a closed book. This episode is again but taste of a period in Irish History now long gone.
Danny Houlihan looks back at the old faded newspapers of the times in 1900s and comments it made on the developing seaside resort in Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland. Again after years of praise like other places which will be covered in the series Danny describes the town and what was ongoing and according to the press what was needed in improvements. In the 1930s there was a drive to light the seaside resort in the North Kerry town with local people promoting the idea of a locally built power plant this was achieved after many meeting and many funny stories told. Danny Houlihan once again weaves a unique tapestry on the subject adding history and humour to the forgotten of the place.
The sun rose over Knockanore hill as the local workers made their way by foot and bike to the 72 acre wireless station to finalise the last mast the 500 foot on the Universal Radio Wireless Station YXQ, located on sandhill road Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland.
Morning tea was ready at the brown wooden buildings surrounding the site, in the months to follow the station would transmit morse messages to its sister station at Newcastle New Brunswick In Canada and intern would receive coded messages from Canada and monitor shipping activity on the Atlantic during World War 1.
The day would go down into history locally as a storm front closed in from the Atlantic on the massive 500ft Tower resulting in severe damage to the central tubular mast prior to first contact with Newcastle New Brunswick in Canada.
The station would later on the 19th of March 1919 with the Marconi Company using a telephony transmitter transmit human voice for the first time from East to West from Ballybunion to Louisbourg Cape Breton Nova Scotia. This episode Celebrates the 105 Anniversary of that historic event and our connection with Canada.
St Patricks Day has arrived again and around the World Irish celebrations are under way with parades and our music song and dance that show case our rich diverse culture and heritage.
In this episode Danny Houlihan’s Irish Experience celebrates the day with a taste of History and music which will put you feet tapping. Danny looks back at a few of his podcasts Holy Wells and Lisslaghtin Abbey in Ballylongford with a few tunes weaved into the story on his pipes along the way. Enjoy & Happy Saint Patricks Day 2023.
Welcome to the Wild Atlantic Way & Danny Houlihan’s Irish Experience.
I Hope your all keeping well my friends.
In this episode I will cover one of our native Irish tree The Ash Tree and its associated legends and lore.
The Ash Tree or Crann Fuinseoige is highly regarded in Ireland along with the oak and yew trees and can traces its roots back to the dawn of time. A native tree which in bygone times was venerated by the people of Ireland and its ancient customs and our old Ogham Calendar of Trees.
The Hazel Rod made from the Crann Coill or Hazel Tree is famous in Irish Myth & Legend and the famous Salmon of Knowledge. Hazel Rods were used in Ireland many years ago for various purposes such as divining for wells and for the location of missing people. In this episode Danny Houlihan travels out again along the Wild Atlantic Way and its history to sample another two recorded events he has documented and indeed witnessed with the famous Hazel Rod a part of the history of Ireland.
A New Church in Rattoo St Augustine Wilson Gun 1887
In this special episode Danny Houlihan returns once again to Ballyduff and through the faded brown documents and old newspaper clippings from old scrap books of the day takes a journey back in time at a part of a shared shared history between Ballyduff and Ballybunion a unique Church commissioned by the late Wilson Gun and his wife of Ballyduff North Kerry Ireland in the year of 1877 and 1879.
Indeed not many visitors to the area may know that located on Sandhill Road in Ballybunion there were two former Protestant Churches located there, the old Killehenny built after the Great Irish Holocaust of 1846 & 1847 and another St Augustine which is now the town library and is used by everyone and is well worth a visit. The church has a unique past, its beginnings originated in Ballyduff, its foundations, stone laid upon stone in the shadow of the famous round tower in Ballyduff just outside Tralee North Kerry 3 miles distant from Ballybunion, this church was moved stone by stone to Ballybunion in 1957.
In this episode of the series Danny Houlihan visits a famous holy well along the Shannon side in North Kerry Ireland called Tobar Eoin and the associations with the famous America Out Law Jesse James and the John James family of the 1820s onwards from a long-forgotten place called Snugborough Asdee.
Long lost names and tradespeople that made up the history and fabric that is Asdee North Kerry Ireland are spoken of once again. All are brought back in focus of the past lifeways with local historian Danny Houlihan consulting sourced information and tattered fragments of brown old books that remain. Danny Houlihan weaves a unique tapestry of the area and its people with is truly the Wild Atlantic Way Ireland.
Ballybunion Golf Club 1893 The Early Game of Golf Danny Houlihan’s Irish Experience
Today the famous Ballybunion Golf Course is World renowned for its two championship golf courses the Old Course and the Cashen Course.International golfers have visited the course over the years and the club has hosted many events including Murphy’s Irish open in 2000 including visits from famous International golfers who come to play the famous links yearly.
In this short historical visit back to the famous fairways and the faded brown pages of old newspaper clippings and available material from the year of 1893, Danny Houlihan takes brief look at the club and its origins its landlord and the first people who were there at that time of its first meeting in1893 at the Castle Hotel Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland and a story that was related to Danny many years ago about those pioneering days of golf in the year of 1893.
Research for this podcast is from the oral tradition and written accounts of the period and by local people who were golfers themselves and had a great love of the area of Ballybunion and the course. This is not a definitive history but a taste of the rich area of Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland.
Danny Houlihan historian and Author of Ballybunion An Illustrated History explores events that happened during the later stages of the 1800s in Ireland delving into the faded newspapers of the those bygone days uncovering hidden gems of the past a part of our Irish Heritage.
Welcome once more to my podcast series which is going from strength to strength exploring the rich history of our famous countryside of Ireland.
During the course of my research I have uncovered many historical events that have taking place in areas today which are well established from the 1800s, way back in olden days developments to enhance these places which are now forgotten in time took place in villages and towns in Ireland.These events are important to historians and students alike as they introduce us all to the foundation stones of these special places of interest.
In this podcast I will use my own place in Ballybunion yet again as an example of the work that went into promoting and developing a seaside town in Ireland circa 1892 and the outcome that transpired or did not.
In 1892 there was a proposal to built a pier or Landing Place in the resort of Ballybunion which at that time was becoming famous around the World as a traditional seaside resort promoting heath & wellness. This episode explores what happened and a brief background of the proposed project in 1892 using archival newspaper clippings now faded brown, then fast forward into the year of 1918 when the idea was put forward again. History repeating what happened in the past.
Through its people its heritage and its rugged coastline this is truly Danny Houlihan'd Irish Experience.
Happy Christmas to you all from Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience Ireland from the banks of Shannon River. In this special show I will travel back to a few episodes I recorded this year which was my first year podcasting. I hope you all will enjoy the places I visited and the history that is still in these special areas of North Kerry. In the podcast I will travel back to the times of the famous castles in the area of North Kerry fused with some of my music on the my pipes.
Happy Christmas to you all Danny Houlihan.
I travel out once more on one of the arteries of the famous Wild Atlantic Way Route which is one of the Worlds longest coastal driving routes which stretches from Donegal in the North to Cork in the south punctuated with World famous views that will take your breath away.
Inward I travel from my Baile Bhuinn An Abhainn Studio, In this episode I will again explore more of the hidden parts of our country's rich built heritage.
On the outskirts of the famous village of Abbeydorney a few miles from Tralee, there is located shrouded in history the impressive ruins of a Cistercian abbey which was founded according to historians in the year 1154 and dedicated to Saint Bernard the famous Kyrie Eleison Abbey of Abbeydorney.
In this episode I take a short walk around the Abbey which has captivated many who visit its ruins each year from around the World. I have consulted many references for this episode Annals of Ireland by The Four Masters etc just to mention a few. Again this is just a taste of what can be seen.
Ballybunion Podcaster & Historian Danny Houlihan relates a story possibly one of the last related oral folklore tales of the Doon, Bromore Cliffs & Kilconly area which was related to him by a local historian & Folklorist now departed.
The coastline of Doon, Bromore and Kilconly was not a place at night where one should wander its was according to the ancients the realm of the other world a place not to venture. In this folklore tale a local man making his way from Ballybunion had an experience which left a mark on his life forever and the few that saw the Lights of Lisseen Rua.
In this episode Danny Houlihan opens a page in his local history forgotten and confined to an old faded book, a period of immense hardship that was put and executed military style on our local Iraghticonnor people of the area in 1846 and 1847 this was called Droch Shaol (The Bad Life).
The Great Irish Holocaust of 1846 & 1847 commonly known as The Famine. This period heralded the extermination of the Irish language its people and our native culture and music to an extent many more years will have to be dedicated to research to uncover the full truth and whole truth of the area.
The Sea Lark was a ship that met her fate on the golden strand south of the present Ballybunion in 1846, she gave hope to starving people at that time .The incident highlights the massive population over 4000 people upwards that was living in the area including Military, Coastguards & so called Landed Gentry and a few rouges that were present on that day as reported by the newspapers and handed down history. All researched from historical accounts of the period newspapers oral and written. This is The Sea Lark Part 1 of Droch Shaol.
Dedicated to our people who died and those who left our shores forever music by Danny Houlihan.
In this episode Danny Houlihan travels out onto the landscape of North Kerry to a famous High Cross a part of North Kerrys Heritage in Killahan, once a site of an ancient Early Christian settlement. The cross can be seen on the side of the main road which draws visitors each year to this special iconic feature of our Irish Past.
This is the first visit to the cross and more will follow during the year, a short history of high crosses is covered in the episode just a taste is what in store in the episodes to follow.
Danny once again travels along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline, this time to another holy island of Carrig Ballylongford North Kerry. Danny has visited this special place on numerous occasions and has experienced the rich history and atmosphere that is Carrig.
Consulting many historical sources such as the Latter Regista, Papal Madate for the year 1477 and the hand written records of the famous Antiquarian and writer John O Donovan who visited the area in the 1800s, coupled with Ordnance Survey, SMR maps and google earth Danny weaves a historical story of the island which is just again but a taste of our North Kerry coastline.
Danny will return again to Carrig Island as its history which is so special along the Wild Atlantic Way and our O Connor Kerry Clan History.
Wild Atlantic Way Champion Danny Houlihan takes us on a Journey from the Castle in Ballybunion to the famous caves of the town which in 1834 was visited by famous writers and Geologists both William Ainsworth and writer Alfred Tennyson and later many more.
Leaving the historic strand Danny follows in the steps of many famous people onto the walk where the views are extensive of the town and its Wild Atlantic Way landscape. This area is where Danny Houlihan’s famous Wild Atlantic Way Tour was founded. We follow Danny as he relates his story and unearths the past and weaves a tapestry of the hidden Ballybunion forgotten for decades and now there for all Irish diaspora to hear and enjoy.
Tales of smugglers and the deeds of the old Clan Chieftain O’ Connor of Doon are many, and that of the walks rich Irish Myths & Legends which Danny Houlihan painstakingly has researched without local funding for the last 40 years.
Along the way Dannys music enhances to the show with music he composed and traditional too on the Ulleann Pipes,Low Whistle which adds to the experience.
Danny has specially recorded the sounds of the waves in the Grand Cave Ballybunion, a first in the series of highlighting our natural environment.
Through its people its heritage and its rugged coastline this is truly Danny Houlihan’s Irish Experience.
In this episode Danny travels inland from the Wild Atlantic Way nine miles to the famous market town of North Kerry Listowel Ireland. Listowel Castle is at the centre of its proud history combined with its famous writers the late John B Keane & Brian McMahon who have left a legacy of writing for all of us to enjoy and explore our rich diverse history.
Listowel each year hosts its writers week which promotes the art of writing coupled with a fine hotel and accommodation makes Listowel a must when you visit Ireland. Danny has played his pipes many times in Listowel and has won many All Ireland awards on the bagpipes there, so the connection with Danny and Listowel is a happy one indeed Danny has been welcomed with hospitality anytime he visits Listowel. This is short visit and but a taste, in the future Danny will return to Lovely Listowel.
On the 19th of March 1919 Marconi Radio Station YXQ transmitted the first East to West Voice Speech Transmission from a wireless station on Sandhill Road Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland to a receiving station at Louisbourg Cape Breton Nova Scotia Canada.
Transmissions were successful with Marconi Engineer W T Dirchem’s voice heard at Cape Breton Nova Scotia Canada using pioneering Valve technology and a Telephony transmitter.
Prior to the Marconi Company and engineers arriving in Ballybunion, the station was owned and operated by Universal Radio Syndicate LTD of London using pioneering Arc Technology designed by Vladamar Poulsen inventor.
This station transmitted morse messages during the first world War to its sister station at New Castle New Brunswick in Canada. Ballybunion YXQ augmented the war effort and played her part as a wireless station after this period our story of YXQ Station begins.
Danny Houlihan has researched the station over the years from documents and ground research and has to date uncovered more and more history , quote I am convinced the story of this famous wireless station will be transmitted for hundreds of years to come unquote.
This episode is just but a brief transmission of the stations history and will be updated accordingly and is dedicated to all Marconi local workers and those in Canada.
After 103 years technology has advanced to a stage that to build a Trans -Atlantic Station like Ballybunion and New Castle New Brunswick would have cost in the region of 250,000 English Sterling each in 1912, now we can webcasts globally for several thousand pounds.
This episodes proves it, as this show is being streamed today around the globe from Ballybunion YXQ Wecasting Radio Talk Show home to Danny Houlihan’s Irish Experience.
The YXQ Journey Lives on. (Music Danny Houlihan Low Whistle Pipes)
Join Danny on his St Patricks Irish Show,Danny is a Bagpiper historian sit back enjoy, its Ireland as he weaves a tapestry of Danny's Houlihan's Ireland.Ps Bagpipes are on this podcast/Low Whistle.
In this episode Danny travels back to the days of the ship wrecks during the 1800s on the Shannon Estuary Ireland on The Wild Atlantic Way North Kerry Ireland. The Thetis still to this day is with us, all that remains is a few wooden ribs buried in the sands of Beale and the memory of that faithful night many moons ago and that of SS Premier which sank without trace in the Shannon Estuary, all interwoven into a rich tapestry which is Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience. In the episode Danny Houlihan consults newspapers from the 1800 period and the story's that remain which unfolds a unique history of the events.
This again is just a taste of this rich marine history of North Kerry on the Wild Atlanticway Ireland.
All music on Uillleann pipes/Low Whistle composed and arranged by Danny Houlihan The Thetis (Keyboard), Anns Air (Low Whistle)Premier. Bagpipes She Moved Through The Fair Danny Houlihan arr.
Buried deep within old boxes were many historical gems, some are now gone forgotten and indeed lost forever. I came across this old tale from my place here in Ballybunion many moons ago, indeed there is a reference to an event. In Ireland when a story was told it gathered speed and in those early days with no internet it made a bolt and was added to.
This old tale was related to me many years ago by a local historian who has now since passed on. I have related this to a few friends who all have stated it is a horses tail. Once again the story takes speed and crosses a finish line. Danny.
In this episode Danny Houlihan highlights a special woman Mary O Malley Young, who left her mark on the people and the landscape of Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland in 1868, this mark will be there for years to come.
Mary was a kind person to all including young orphan children and locals alike. Mary was a local woman from Kilconly who married a tea planter by the name of John Young. Marys life and family spanned a history which saw the rising evictions in her area resulting in Mary moving to Kilrush working at Crottys and it has been said in Killkee also.
Mary O Malley Young was instrumental in starting a school in Doon at her home, later she had this handed over to the nuns resulting in a covent and later a school on her property. Many years later Mary was the driving force and founder of St Johns Church Ballybunion which she funded.
Mary O Malley was an Iconic local woman who we all to this day owe a debth of gratitude to.
This episode is dedicated to her memory.
Like all other episodes if more information is received all shows will be updated.
In this episode Danny Houlihan takes a historical journey back on the old Lartique Mono Railway System which ran from Listowel to Ballybunion from 1888-1924.
Our history is unique and highlights an area which was developing as a seaside resort from 1888 to 1924 through the times of the Mono Rail System its staff, landlords,parish priests and the development of a new Irish State all played a part in the railway systems fortune.
The Lartique had many happy days and happy customers but due to the civil war age of the train coupled with modern transport heralded the end of this unique system.
This research is from Danny's book entitled Ballybunion & Its Railway History 1888 to 1924 (Out of Print) during his research for the book many documents for reference pictures Lawerence Collection were looked at consulted and maps from the 1919 period,railway magazines and The Strand Magazine 1898, numerous newspaper clippings of the time and local lore and stories just to cite a few were consulted and in the public domain.
It should be noted there are many books in the public domain which cover technical data for the Hunslet engines etc and are well worth a read.
This episode is not a definitive history but is yet again a taste of our unique history which for many years was not told or related and is just a guide to the massive history that is The Lartigue.
In another episode more information will be added to the history.
In this episode I will travel along the North Kerry Coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way to Ballylongford to its Castle Carrigafoyle, to explore a part of its rich history.
Strategically located on the inland estuary Carrigafoyle Castle commanded the respect of all who arrived in the estuary within its banks.
From Ri Na Fhile on Doon Promontory Ballybunion ruled an O Connor chief, from this area the clan ruled the Kingdom of Ciar for centuries and later Lords of Iraghticonnor.
The Clan later moved along the coastline of North Kerry building many strongholds, their last was Carrigafoyle in Ballylongford where the biggest castle was constructed.
Down to the swing of a broadsword decided many of the O Connor’s battles and indeed on that faithful day on Palm Sunday 1580 when the castle was under siege by the Queens Fleet using the largest siege guns ever to be deployed in Ireland.
Carrigafoyle Castle stood defiant, its garrison and chieftain O Connor Kerry, who’s swordsmanship on that day went down into history on that faithful day.
This episode explores a part of the history of the clan, the castle and the siege, this is again but a taste of our North Kerry History, I will be returning to the castle again in a future episode.
Carrrigafoyle Castle today is visited by thousands of people who travel from all over the World to see the famous ruin.
If you are in Ireland take some time out and visit Carrigafoyle Castle in Ballylongford North Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Danny Houlihan.
The Cashen Wooden bridge in North Kerry just on the outskirts of Ballyduff is no longer with us but over the years the large oak beams have been found. This priceless part of our river crossing history has been uncovered from time to time from the bed of the Cashen River. In ancient times the river was known as Casan Chiarraighe Luachaire the Pathway to the Ancient Kingdom of Ciar.
In this episode Danny relates the history what was found and when according to historians the structure was put into position, a feat of engineering in those by gone days.
In this episode Danny Houlihan takes a journey out along the North Kerry Coastline to Ballylongford and its famous Abbey/Friary known around the World as Lisslaghtin.
The story unfolds its rich history and the many raids that Abbey and its friars suffered at the hands of advancing forces. Lisslaghtin is a must for all to visit when arriving in Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way.
In this episode Danny takes a short look back at the Penal Times, and the effect it had on the Irish people in the area called Gleann Na dtalamh. The old Mass Houses that were knocked and the old customs that the people had area now gone and forgotten. The tradition of celebrating mass in glens and valleys and mass rocks during those harsh Penal Times is related. This again is a brief look at one of many periods in the area North of Ballybunion. This research is ongoing preserving the precious past we have left. Danny will be back to dig deep into the Penal Laws in a future episode this is just a snapshot of the time.
Thomas McCarthy the famous piper of Ballybunion was born in 1799 in Doon Ballybunion North Kerry Ireland. Toms music was legendary and the times he lived through and the people he met. The music of his pipes made him an International artist when he featured on postcards. He played for the Great houses in the area and for the local people and tourists on the famous Castle Green Ballybunion from 1799-1904. When he died his pipes played for him a ghostly lament. This is just a brief look at the piper I will be back in another episode.
This episode is dedicated to the McCarthy family in the USA,England,Ireland.
Standing stones erected by our Irish ancestors dot the landscape of Ireland. Built way back in antiquity to mark a place of burial of a chieftain or special member of a clan.
In this episode Danny Houlihan takes a look at the standing stone and its importance to ancient Ireland. In researching standing stones other items have been found, such as Cist graves, and items of settlement such as the old mill stones or Quern Stones, Danny rolls back the history on the quern with a brief look at how it was made and operated. In modern times these priceless relics have been lost due to land reclamation and drainage.
In this episode I will cross the Shannon Estuary to the Holy Island of Scattery or in its Irish name Inis Cathaigh, from the golden beaches of Ballybunion, Beale and Littor the sight of a round tower breaks the Irish skyline with the backdrop of County Clare, this is the holy Island of the Shannon Estuary called Scattery Island.
During the periods 1846 and 1847 onwards our ancestors who left our green shores to America,Canada, Australia and England took one last look across the Shannon at this special place before they left, indeed many may not have ever visited the holy island but in their dreams kept their Irish connection with the area.
I will take a short look at its early history and relate the story of St Senan and the serpent and the visit of a West Cork Saint called Conaire.
This is again is a snap shot, I will be back again in the future with a special unique program on Scattery.
In this short episode Danny Houlihan relates the history of our out door cooking places of Bronze Age Ireland called Fulachta Fiadh, Fulachta refers to a cooking place and Fiadh a deer. All that remains of these priceless relics today are the heaps of burnt stone that lie buried on the landscape of Ireland.
This is the first in the weekend episodes which deals with items of settlement that have been found here in North Kerry Ireland.
One forgotten castle on the North Kerry coastline is Leac or known locally as Lick Castle north of Ballybunion. Built on a rocky promontory fort of the Clan Connor during the 1300s. Sited in a scenic place called Faha on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Danny Journeys back to Lick through the landscape that shapes Ireland, its culture and its people. In this episode Danny returns to Leac Castle which he visited many years ago with the late Matty Leahy of Bromore and relates the history of the castle and the visit experience.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of the late Matty Leahy Bromore.
North of Ballybunion North Kerry is a very special place called Kilconly, steeped in history myth and legend. In this episode Danny Houlihan Journeys back to the Early Christian Period and relates the story of a monk called Chonnla and a battle with a huge serpent coupled with the history surrounding the church. This podcast is another snapshot of the vast history of this special place.
Ballybunion Castle County Kerry Ireland is famous as the International logo for Ballybunion. Danny Houlihan Historian relates its history a part of our past and a part of our heritage.
The landscape of Ireland is marked by the old homesteads of our ancestors the Ring Fort or Rath. Danny Houlihan in this podcast takes a short journey into some of the forts in his area near Ballybunion in North Kerry. This podcast is not a complete history but again a snapshot of our golden heritage. Through its people, its heritage and its rugged coastline this is Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience.
In this short episode Danny Houlihan concludes the series for the present with myths and legends from the Ballybunion area. These myths were gathered by Danny Houlihan 30 years ago in the old oral way, local tales were recorded by Danny Houlihan from people who's ancestors lived in the area during the Great Famine while some deal with the famous Fianna others are locally founded in myth. Please note all music on Danny Houlihan's Podcasts are by Danny from his albums and can be purchased from the Amazon Music site, all proceeds will be used to keep the podcasting up to date and continuous.
Danny Houlihan will be back with other legends and myths of Ireland in a future show.
The tradition of holy wells can be traced back to the Early Christian Period in the area, with many myths and legends associated with the site. Ancient customs which are now forgotten were once practiced there, and customs preserved. Later on Pattern days emerged with mass celebrated at the local church of St John's followed by a procession to the local well for prayers, however what started out as religious occasion ended in public disorder. Ballybunion and it Pattern Day history is indeed colourful. In this short podcast Danny Houlihan travels back to the famous well in Ballybunion, once located at the bottom of the Glin Road Ballybunion called The King of Sundays Well or Tobar Ri An Domhnaigh. Sadly all that remains of the well is a stream of water on the right hand side of the road on the approach to the lady's strand. In the future this well should be reopened and our traditions continued Our Home Our Place. This again is the first of many places Danny Houlihan will visit.
The Great O Connor Chieftain and his nine daughters features in this short podcast, Danny Houlihan weaves his tapestry once again on the history of the Ballybunion area. Viking raids coupled with the O Connor Clan are all deal with at the swing of legendary O Connor sword, all interwoven into Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience.
Ancient Burial Rites in the Ballybunion area were forgotten until building works during the 1980s uncovered the remains of our past, my late father Sean Houlihan with his JCB un-earthed one such grave called a long stone lined Cist. These stone lined graves date to a period of our history when the rites of the dead were treated with great ceremony. In recent research I have uncovered another Cist grave which was found during the 1800s. I will return again during the series to explore more on the Cist grave.
Danny Houlihan moves out again from his Ballybunion base and travels along the coast to Beale a few miles from Ballybunion. This area is steeped in history and folklore & Irish culture. In this short podcast Danny visits the Beale Stone Alignment, passed by thousands of visitors each year, these priceless relics of our past stand out with the Wild Atlantic Way as their backdrop. On the approach to Beale just beyond Killconly Church over looking the Shannon Estuary the last of our famous landmarks stands. Our Home Our Place again this is just a snap shot enjoy all. Danny Houlihan.
Join local historian Danny Houlihan on journey of discovery, back to the promontory fort and castle that is today the ruin of Ballybunion Castle. In this episode Danny relates the history he has compiled to date and weaves a unique tapestry of local history.Through its people and its heritage this is truly Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience
In this episode Danny Houlihan travels out from his North Kerry base to explore the rich history of the famous Rattoo Round Tower Ballyduff Tralee, the monks that once chanted there, the abbey and its past. Danny visits Derryco grave yard with its connections with viking raids and moves in land to Dysert in Lixnaw where we hear of the saint and the legend. This again is just but a snapshot of our great history of the area. It should be noted there are many history papers written about Rattoo Round Tower and fine films made of the area well worth looking at. Danny will return again to Rattoo in another podcast to explore the area.
All material for this podcast has be researched from documents available at libraries and site visits completed, this is an ongoing research project and will be updated.
This unique place is well worth visiting when in Ireland with its history and culture.
In this episode 1 Danny Houlihan traces the hidden history surrounding the settlements which existed along the sand dunes of Ballyeagh Ballybunion. This podcast explores the information to date Danny has researched combined with available material to date. A hunter gatherer community, their hand made tools and the animals that made up their life along the coastline of Ballybunion North Kerry. This research is ongoing and will be updated in the future.
In 1834 one of Irelands Greatest Faction Fights took place south of the present town of Ballybunion in a place called Ballyeagh. Thousands of people fought in the faction fight which took place at the annual race meeting on the strand, hundreds were injured and many killed on that faithful day. Danny Houlihan has consulted relevant documents and existing newspapers from the period which are many and are on public record. This is by no means a full history but a snap shot of the event.
Ballybunion Castle County Kerry Ireland has a rich history which can be traced back to the Iron Age and Early Christian Period. The arrival of the Normans and the local landlord which shaped the history of the famous Castle Green. Join Danny Houlihan in this episode which he has researched to date on the famous ruin.
Through its people its heritage and its rugged landscape this is truly Danny Houlihan's Irish Experience.
Experience some of the Myths & Legends of the Ballybunion area with local historian and musician Danny Houlihan.