The Irish Passport

Away with the Fairies

<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-irish-passport/id1246162545?mt=2"></a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/theirishpassport"></a>Just below the surface of modern Ireland, a parallel world exists with its roots in pre-Christian belief. Irish fairies aren't like Tinkerbell - they're more like a supernatural mafia. So be careful what you say, because as the story goes, they're probably listening. Tim Mc Inerney talks to one of Ireland's last seanchaí or story-teller historians, who once managed to get a highway diverted to prevent the felling of a fairy bush. We also hear about modern traditions from the streets of Galway as the Celtic New Year Samhain festival is underway. Meanwhile, Naomi O'Leary discovers that fairies can even make an appearance in modern politics, thanks to Ireland's unique clan of rural populists, the Healy Rae political dynasty of County Kerry.

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Irish culture and current affairs with the historical backstory that explains it all. Presented by journalist Naomi O Leary and lecturer Tim Mc Inerney, this is your passport to Ireland.