The Ireland Podcast

18/09/2025

Rónán Ó Dochartaigh, Course Manager at Oideas Gael, explains how the Irish language has flourished thanks to grassroots efforts.

www.linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

17/09/2025

192. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 2

Éist anseo: https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/20f761a1/193-ronan-o-dochartaigh-oideas-gael-course-manager-part-2

Rónán Ó Dochartaigh concludes this series with his chat during the height of the season in Oideas Gael which is the Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School). Also a fitting tribute to the excellent work of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin and Seosamh Watson, the founders of Oideas Gael.

Conversation includes: the beauty and archeology of the Glencolmcille area; Silver Strand; Slieve League; St. Colmcille, history in the area, recommended clothing; transport to Glencolmcille; accessibility; getting in touch; the shop; An Coimín, in Gleann Fhinne; Tory Island; Liam Ó Cuinneagáin agus Seosamh Watson; winter activities and other topics.

Links
www.oideasgael.com
https://www.siopagaeilge.ie/
www.theirelandpodcast.com
https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

15/09/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROmltpOs7p8

This conversation with legendary boxer Wayne McCullough was recorded via Zoom earlier this year and we’re delighted to share it with you today.

At The Ireland Podcast, we prioritise audio over video to bring you the clearest listening experience possible.

🎧 Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast today and explore more conversations with Ireland’s most fascinating voices.

https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

An exclusive interview with Wayne McCullough, former WBC World Champion. Subscribe to Wayne here: https://www.youtube.com/ 179. Way...

11/09/2025

North Antrim Coast today.

09/09/2025

Where's that pot of gold?

04/09/2025

https://belfastmedia.com/introducing-the-ireland-podcast

Thanks to Andersonstown News for publishing Fender's article. 💚👍☘️

The Ireland Podcast has no political or religious agenda. Its purpose is simple: Celebrate The Island - its people, its stories, and its many faces, from rural landscapes to bustling cities, and from home to diaspora.

04/09/2025

192. Fender Jackson: Introducing 'The Ireland Podcast'

It may have taken 192 episodes but here is the introduction at last!

Listen here: https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/e9994b74/192-fender-jackson-introducing-the-ireland-podcast

Máirtín Ó Muilleoir encouraged Fender to share a selection of episodes on Irish Echo and Andersonstown News, showcasing the generosity of everyone who contributed their time and stories. These narratives form a mosaic of Ireland: its past, its present, and the living connections that stretch across the globe.

We thought it would be good to put together an episode that crystallises what The Ireland Podcast is as well as its origin story.. which dates back more than 100 years! Listen to hear the very strong connection between The Ireland Podcast and something that can be found in the Royal Irish Academy.

Sincere thanks to Máirtín for this opportunity.

Relevant Links
https://belfastmedia.com/atown
https://www.irishecho.com/
https://www.ria.ie/collections/archival-collections/heron-papers/
https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

03/09/2025

191. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 1

Rónán Ó Dochartaigh joins us for a chat during the height of the season in Oideas Gael which is the Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School).

Éist anseo: https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/912871f7/191-ronan-o-dochartaigh-oideas-gael-course-manager-part-1

Conversation includes: introductions; activated parts of brain; Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School) and some of the lessons therein; the growing popularity of Oideas Gael over the years; Rónán’s journey to his current position; the impact of Covid; Gaeilge sa bhaile (Irish at home); fág an bealach (get out of the way); Gaeltacht definition and their places in Ireland; Ráth Chairn and Baile Ghib in Meath; Slaughtneil and West Belfast; pop up Gaeltachts; Údarás na Gaeltachta; different levels of the courses; tumadh (immersion); the types of people who do the course; the Glencolmcille area; the different dialects of Irish; Michael Healy-Rae vs. Jim McGuinness; the influence of the Normans; teacher; (2025) prices; accommodation; getting here and other topics.

Links
www.oideasgael.com
https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

27/08/2025

190. Eibhlis Farrell agus Ray McManus

Éist anseo: https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/e3c15464/190-eibhlis-farrell-agus-ray-mcmanus-ceol-agus-craic

Ray McManus (piano) and Eibhlis Farrell (fiddle) take us on a bilingual musical journey around Ireland, presenting a vibrant mix of tunes and songs from some of the counties across the island. The evening begins with an introduction by Rónán Ó Dochartaigh.

This performance was part of the entertainment programme for the Irish Language Summer Course 2025, recorded on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.

Counties and music featured:

1. Corcaigh (Cork):
Carolan's Draught

2. Tiobraid Árann (Tipperary):
Sliabh na mBan

3. Fear Manach, Ard Mhacha, Liatroim (Fermanagh, Armagh agus Leitrim):
Planxty Maguire: Planxty Maguire / O’Rourke’s Feast

4. Tír Eoghain (Tyrone):
The Mountains Of Pomeroy�
5. Luimneach (Limerick):
Slán Le Máigh

6. Baile Átha Cliath / An Dún (Dublin / Down):
The Foggy Dew

7. Port Láirge (Waterford)
Sliabh Geal gCua

8. Casablanca
Ó Lá Go Lá (As Time Goes By)

9. Loch Garman (Wexford)
Boolavogue

10. An Dún (Down):
In Onóir Naomh Bronagh (Eibhlis Farrell)

11. Sligeach (Sligo):
Planxty Loftus Jones

Links
www.oideasgael.com
www.theirelandpodcast.com

18/08/2025

189. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin: Oideas Gael - Part 2

Éist anseo: https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/7d813f2b/189-liam-o-cuinneagain-oideas-gael-part-2

Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. This is the concluding second part.

Conversation includes: starting up the first Irish language courses with Seosamh Watson; Liam being separated physically from the Troubles in the six counties; the first people on the early courses; Fr. McDyer’s Irish levels; John Heron; Downings; the immersive system of learning; the structure of the day; Milwaukee Irish Fest; World Trade Center Bombing 1993; Patrick Campbell; why people are attracted to coming to Oideas Gael; the quality of the teaching staff; Siobhán Ní Churraighín; Rónán Ó Dochartaigh; the topography of the west of Ireland; Brendan Lyons and the International Fund for Ireland; acquiring the land on which to build the school; Máire Brennan; Mary McAleese attending the course during her presidency; Ray McManus; Foras Na Gaeilge; Daniel O’Donnell and Mary McAleese breaking and entering into Oideas Gael; dealing with banks; Broca's area; Enjoy Irish! by Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair; Gael Linn and other topics.

Music in the background from Eibhlis Farrell and Ray McManus in rehearsal as well as the sean-nós singing class of Gearóidín Breathnach which were happening in two classrooms concurrently.

Recorded on Tuesday 29th July 2025 - 2 days after Donegal competed against Kerry in the All-Ireland football final.

Links
www.oideasgael.com
www.theirelandpodcast.com

́s

12/08/2025

188. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin: Oideas Gael - Part 1

Éist anseo: https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/ae962ac4/188-liam-o-cuinneagain-oideas-gael-part-1

Former teacher and Oideas Gael co-founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions.

Part one centres largely around the amazing partnership between Fr. McDyer and Liam’s father Willie Ó Cuinneagáin formed which transformed the area.

Conversation includes: introductions; early life; education; studying psychology in UCD; Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; Seosamh Watson; connecting his Uncle Mickey and other family members in USA; Prof. Breandán MacSuibhne; Gleann Cholm Cille; Fr. James McDyer; Tory Island; McDyer bringing a weaving market into the area in 1950s; Willie Ó Cuinneagáin; Glencolmcille Folk Village; debating teams; Mansholt Plan; The Ireland House; Tom O’Donnell; Dean Charles Gray-Stack; Michael John Sweetman; Irish Press vs. Irish Independent; Éamon de Valera and other topics.

Music in the background from Eibhlis Farrell and Ray McManus in rehearsal as well as the sean-nós singing class of Gearóidín Breathnach which were happening in two classrooms concurrently.

Recorded on Tuesday 29th July 2025 - 2 days after Donegal competed against Kerry in the All-Ireland football final.

Links
www.oideas-gael.com
www.theirelandpodcast.com

́s

08/08/2025

Best known for her sweeping abstract works and bold brushwork, Erin Lawlor is now exploring the rhythm and richness of Gaeilge - and we absolutely love to see it.

From canvas to conversation, it's a joy to witness artists connect with Irish culture in such a meaningful way. 💚

🎧 Check out the full conversation in Episode 187 of The Ireland Podcast here:

https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/5ff6de04/187-erin-lawlor-painter