31 episodes

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. Photography by Valerie O’Sullivan.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tell Me A Story with Eddie Lenihan Eddie Lenihan

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 68 Ratings

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. Photography by Valerie O’Sullivan.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 30 : The Man Who Sold His Horse In Tír Na nÓg

    Episode 30 : The Man Who Sold His Horse In Tír Na nÓg

    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 for more information.

    • 28 min
    Episode 29 : Irish Wakes

    Episode 29 : Irish Wakes

    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 information.

    • 58 min
    Episode28 : The Fairies of Corbally Fort

    Episode28 : The Fairies of Corbally Fort

    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 Man In The Big House'.
    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.
    Support - https://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan
    Books - https://eddielenihan.weebly.com/store.html
    Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 20 min
    Episode 27 : Animals in Irish Folklore Part2

    Episode 27 : Animals in Irish Folklore Part2

    Dogs and cats and horses and rats. Eddie explores how these animals have long been the subject of Irish folklore stories, and what messages or foreboding they may bring. He explains the long held belief that dogs and horses have the gift of seeing the Other, especially in the dark of night. Eddie also recalls the terrible fate that may befall you if you offended a poet and they decided to send the rats on you out of spite.
    Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 31 min
    Episode 26 - The Banshee

    Episode 26 - The Banshee

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 23 min
    Episode 25 : Graveyards

    Episode 25 : Graveyards

    Eddie speaks about the macabre subject of graveyards in Ireland, and the rituals and piseogs that surround them. He explains the delicate process of burying a body, and what charms and objects may be placed in the grave, from a deck of cards to a fiddle bow. He also mentions the care required around one's behaviour in a graveyard, unless they wish to find that the next hole being dug is one intended for themselves.
    Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
68 Ratings

68 Ratings

Lumikinos ,

Interesting folk stories and great listening for any age and important

I can't emphasize enough how important oral traditional storytelling is in order to keep the cultural traditions of Ireland alive. Those stories are really interesting, some of them were used to teach children a lesson, to guide or educate them. Nonetheless, they are not only interesting as stories, but also provide a glimpse on worldview of Irish people across the ages. The scenery, the rough weather and the mighty sea have all inspired local people to populate the places with myths and legends of the fairy folk, alive and real for them. And so they come alive in Lennihan's narration, who makes them personable, quirky and real for us, the listeners.

GregHogan ,

Lasting impression for a lifetime.

When I was a child in Limerick this man came and told stories to my classmates and I’m 43 years old now I live in America and he left a lasting impression on my life, I’m so thankful for this podcast as it brings me back to childhood folk stories of Ireland.

Seany boy 3 ,

Eddie is a legend

I could listen to Eddie talk about anything. The subject matter he covers in these podcasts is fascinating and wonderful to listen to. Really enjoy these.

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