Best Irsh Podcasts (2026)

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 12~ The Land Restored. 9:20

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3M ago9:20

9:20

This audio re-telling of ‘The Battle of Moytura’ is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In this final part. The heroes Ogma, the Dagda along with Lugh set out to put things right ensuring the land will become green and growing once more.Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredNotes for this storyIn this final secti…

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 11~ The Great Battle. 17:04

3M ago17:04

17:04

his audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 11: The Great Battle, the Dé Danann, and the Fomoire come to blows and we discover what happens when the giant, Balor's withering eye is finally opened.The Labby rockDiscover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredThe Labby rock …

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 10~ The Well and the Forge. 19:06

3M ago19:06

19:06

Heapstown CairnThis audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 10: The Well and the Forge, Dian Cécht and Goibnu keep their promises but there are tragic results for Ruadhán, son of Bres when the Fomoire strike back.Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredFind out mor…

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 9~ The Muster. 6:47

4M ago6:47

6:47

This audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 9: The Muster, Lugh gathers together the finest heroes and craftsmen from the Tuatha Dé Danann to find out just what marvels they can offer!Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredNotes for this storyPart 9 is shorter an…

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 8~ What the Dagda Did Next. 15:15

4M ago15:15

15:15

This audio re-telling of 'The Battle of Moytura' is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 8, What the Dagda Did Next , the 'Big Man' gets to consume a whole cauldron of food all by himself goes on to and encounters two extraordinary women Battle Poets.Discover more about the The Cath Maige TuiredNotes for this sto…

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 7~ The Arrival of the Ildánach 12:20

4M ago12:20

12:20

Lugh: Jim FitzpatrickThe battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 7, The Arrival of the Ildánach , the looming dread of invadion by the Fomoire is met by the arrival of a remarkable stranger. But will this help?Discover more a…

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 6~ Among the Fomoire 14:29

4M ago14:29

14:29

The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. We find out what the Fomoire king , Elaha thinks of his son's actions among the Dé Danann and we hear the disturbing tale of Eithliu, daughter of Balor, and her baby son Lugh.Discover more …

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 5~ Betrayal. 12:44

4M ago12:44

12:44

Jim FitzPatrickThe battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 5, Betrayal, Coipre the chief poet, finally manages to find a way of getting rid of Bress. But Bress comes up with a deceitful plan involving dark consequences.10(ish…

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 4~ The Healers. 13:08

4M ago13:08

13:08

ceramic on glass by Chris ThompsonThe battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 4,The Healers, we discover how Nuada achieves another shot at the kingship, the sad fate of Miach, Dian Cécht's son and we meet his sister, Aimed, …

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 3~ Wasteland! 15:55

4M ago15:55

15:55

The battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 3, Wasteland, Dagda tells how the Dé Danann were mistreated and starved and we meet the terrifying one-eyed Formoire giant Balor and discover his strange story,10(ish) to adult!Disc…

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 2~ The Shadow of the Fomoire. 21:00:00

4M ago21:00:00

21:00:00

The battle of Moytura is bettter known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 2, Shadow of the Fomoire, we meet the the young warrior Bres. We discover just how he came to be chosen as the Dé Danann king and gets to uncover a dark Formoire secret!.ten(ish) t…

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The Cath Maige Tuired, for a wider audience: Part 1~ The First Battle. 15:59

4M ago15:59

15:59

Jim FitzpatrickThe battle of Moytura is better known as the Mythological story cycle. This audio re-telling is especially designed for, but not limited to, a younger audience. In part 1, The First Battle, we meet the Firbolg champion, Streng and the Dé Danann king, Nuada and discover what happened when they met at the first battle of Moytura.ten(is…

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Audio stories: Fergus Mac Léite and the fearsome péiste’ 21:32

5M ago21:32

21:32

Fergus was a man with a plan. He wanted to become, and remain, the most important king in Ulster. Discover how this got him into such trouble with a horrible water monster! This entertaining, and funny story also offers a chance to see just how life was organised in Ireland long before the Normans arrived.This is a ideal Introductory story which se…

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Audio story 7: Findabair’s Story ~ A quarrel over a bull! 9:53

6M ago9:53

9:53

Findabhair was the long suffering daughter of Medh of Connacht,. She was used to her mother's dramatic determination, but the quarrel she overheard one night, began a long series of events that eventually lead to war and destruction. The story is often known as 'The pillow talk'.For adults: Explore this link for more background on the Ulster Cycle …

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Chris’Ramble 18: Then The Morrigan said… 33:38

6M ago33:38

33:38

Storytelling in changing timesKate LionisIt is always exciting when new scientific research is able to throw a new light on ancient stories. Join Chris in a new and wide-ranging ramble as she explores the extaordinary vistas of the early Irish Cath Maige Tuired (The Battle of Moytura) and contemplates a neolithic tragedy.Links for this podcast epis…

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Audio Story 6: The Dreadful adventure of Conan Maol. 12:27

6M ago12:27

12:27

Every hero in Irish stories had something to boast about, a super-skill or a magical piece of kit! Finn and his friends were no different. They were the best fighters, the greatest hunters, and the most inspiring poets. Yes, you had to be good at poetry to join the Fianna! But there was one hero whose special ability was unique. Meet Conan Maol!Iri…

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Audio stories 5: The Adventures of Nera~ A Rathcroghan story. 23:21

6M ago23:21

23:21

This is probably one of the best - ever- Halloween (Samhain) stories. During this Rathcroghan feast, given by Ailill and Medb, Nera, has to face up to his boastful words and undertake a terrifying quest, through the Samhain-dark land and into another world and time. It is an remscéla adventure that will ensure Nera's role in the great Battle of the…

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Audio stories 4: The Pig-keeper poets 13:17

6M ago13:17

13:17

Suggested age range around nine and upThe Two Pig Keeper poets, more often known as 'The Two Swineherds' is an early origin tale for the battle of the Two Bulls between Connacht and Ulster. It is an exciting story with plenty of time-and-shape shifting but most importantly, stands as a reminder of why it is works out best for everybody to avoid qua…

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Audio stories 3: Scathach’s Story 12:50

6M ago12:50

12:50

Suggested age range around nine and up.So just what did Cú Chulainn get up to while he was still only a boy and how did he become such a famous warrior? This story is told by Scathach the woman who trained him how to fight! Find out what Uathach, Scathach's daughter, thought about it all, and then make up your own mind!For adults: Explore this link…

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New! Irish audio stories for a wider audience. (9+) 1: Bricriu’s feast. 56:12

7M ago56:12

56:12

Suggested age range: 9 and on up!A bit about the original story When Bricriu decides to hold a party, anyone who is anyone must put in an appearance. But Bricriu has no intention of getting in a few beers and a few bowls of nibbles. No, Bricriu’s feast will set the greatest heroes of Ulster at each other’s throats and send them racing off on advent…

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New! Irish audio stories for a wider audience. 2: The Gilla Dacair and his ugly horse. 23:34

7M ago23:34

23:34

A Finn MacCumhail storySuggested age range: 9 and on up!In this hilarious tale we take a canter through a Fenian tale of surly servants, a seabound horse, , hairy horrors and a battle with the High-King of the World. All in a day’s work for Finn and the Fianna.Practical bitsPart 2 begins at 8 mins 35Part 3 begins at 17 mins 34For adults: Explore th…

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A Conversation with Sana Malik 46:11

7M ago46:11

46:11

Sana Malik grew up in Pakistan, and has been a widely travelled humanitarian aid-worker. Ireland is now her spiritual home. Join Chris and Sana as they discuss two favourite Irish stories, 'The Voyage of Bran' and the 'Story of Sinann', exploring 'Silver Branch Perception' and the relatabilty of mythology to the voyages of life.Sana and I intend to…

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A Conversation with Tamlyn Young 36:19

7M ago36:19

36:19

Tamlyn Young is a Limerick lecturer and artist specialising., especially in her current project on augmented reality art and storytelling, to create place-based storytelling. She describes her practice as exploring the synergistic, potentials of analogue and digital to create an immersive narrative experience for the viewer.Links for this episodeTh…

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Chris’ Ramble 17: Once Upon a Myth 41:40

8M ago41:40

41:40

The Eglone Stone, MoyturaWhat makes a story mythic? Why have so many cultures gathered, protected and passed on mythological stories? And, why do they matter today? Join Chris as she takes a personal look at myth and how much mythology still has relevance.Links for this episodeRead the full text of the Cath Maige TuiredExplore the Cath Maige Tuired…

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A New Conversation with Daniel Curley 1:01:11

10M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

Daniel Curley is an archaeologist, author and manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre . who has taken a particular interest in the mythological Connacht hero, Fraích. Join Chris and Daniel as they discuss the Táin bó Fraích, and discover how Daniel's research has revealed a far more important role for this 'lost' hero.Links for this EpisodeThe Ha…

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Chris’ Ramble 16: Oíche na Gaoithe Móire ~The Night of the Big Wind 27:09

11M ago27:09

27:09

Stories of The Big Wind of 1839 have been told and retold in Ireland for all of 186 years. Join Chris as she explores what makes weather events such as Oíche na Gaoithe Móire so memorable and considers whether Storm Eowyn, a storm of a similar destructive nature, will still be remembered so far into the future.Links for this episode Duchas.ie I cou…

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Chris’ Ramble 15 ~ Lament for the Ash 24:00

12M ago24:00

24:00

Leafless Ash in June (background)The effects of the die-back disease are slowly destroying most of Ireland's beautiful ash trees. Join Chris as she explores the sad story of this tree-tragedy that began in Leitrim more than a decade ago now and why it is important that everyone should know what is happening to our woodlands.The rot in the heartwood…

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A conversation with Professor Lisa Bitel 48:56

1y ago48:56

48:56

Lisa Bitel is a Professor of Religion and a Medieval historian specializing in Britain and Ireland. and is the author of her new book 'Otherworld'. Join Chris and Lisa as they explore some favourite stories and discuss how best to contintinue the transmission of these wonderful tales, from the deep past, to an audience today.Links for this episodeR…

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The Uí Máine Project~ A Conversation with Liam Kildea, Nicola Bowes and Paula Sharkey. 45:39

1y ago45:39

45:39

Designed to protect and celebrate the unique Karst landscape of South Roscommon and its embedded mythologies and stories, the Uí Máine community project has grown and developed from the inspired work of three main groups, The Celtic Eye art group, the Karst Farming group and the Taughmaconnell Hall, community. Join Chris as she discovers more about…

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Samhain Special: Corpse Carrying For Beginners 1:22:14

1y ago1:22:14

1:22:14

An Acallam na nÉces Samhain SpecialIn this seasonal special, the Story Archaeologists compare two stories of Samhain. But what could such stories tell us about life 100 or even 1,000 years ago? Find out as the Story Archaeologists, Chris and Isolde, go digging one dark night.I am reposting this episode, one of my personal favourites and one of the …

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Chris’s Ramble 14: Introducing Banbha 25:33

1y ago25:33

25:33

BanbhaBanbha is one of the three Dé Danann sisters, daughters of Ernmas, who gave their names to the land of Ireland, Ériu is the best known of the the three but Banbha has another, older, and less well known story to tell. Join Chris as she celebrates the birth of a new granddaughter named Banbha.Links for this episodeTake a look at the translatio…

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Exploring Samhain: A glimpse into the past 37:57

1y ago37:57

37:57

The festival of Samhain, is one that has been celebrated, in one form or another, for a very long time. In the early Irish stories it was a time for gatherings and feasting. But how has it changed in more recent times? Join Chris as she explores The 'Schools' Folklore collection'' finding some fascinating Halloween tales. Links for this episodeTake…

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Chris’ Ramble 12: The Rider on the River 41:39

1+ y ago41:39

41:39

Designed by Morgane Suquart for 'Paris 24' Olympics opening ceremony.This 'Ramble' is inpired by the silver rider on the River Seine at the Paris 24 Olympics. So join Chris as she explores the history and mythology of three great rivers, the Seine, the Severn and the Shannon and discovers just how their stories may just meander together.Explore a g…

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Chris’ Ramble 11: Romancing the Neolithic Stone 21:21

1+ y ago21:21

21:21

New Scientific evidence supporting the origin of the altar stone at Stonhenge supports a better understanding of the of societal connections and collaborative co-operation to be found between the communities of early neolithic farmers throughout Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. Join Chris in this new ramble and share her excitement!Links for t…

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Chris’ Ramble 10 ~ Stories to Remember 30:49

1+ y ago30:49

30:49

The SchoolsCollection | dúchas.ie The National Folklore Schools Collection was compiled in 1937 with stories and memories collected with the support of schools from all over Ireland. Itis one of Ireland's unique and valuable treasures and a wonderful resource. Join Chris as she explores this collection including its current relevanceand considers w…

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A Conversation with Anthony Murphy 1:10:53

1+ y ago1:10:53

1:10:53

Newgrange at Twilight ~ Anthony MurphyAnthony Murphy, is an author, journalist, astronomer and photographer. He also curates the wondeful Mythical Ireland website. Join Chris and Anthony as they explore how Irish mythological stories, supported by recent evidence from genertics, seem to reflect the remarkable story of both neolithic and bronze age …

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Chris Ramble 9: An Irish Winter Solstice Journey 47:54

2y ago47:54

47:54

Grianstad an Gheimhridh, the winter solstice is that special moment when the year turns and the hours of daylight, begin slowly to increase. This time of year has long been a cause for reflection and celebration. So, join Chris on yet another ramble, as she explores an Irish Winter Solstice journey.Links for this episodeLinks on Story Archaeology T…

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Celebrating Professor Ralph Kenna 3:13

2y ago3:13

3:13

Professor Ralph KennaAs many friends of Story Archaeology will now have heard, Professor Ralph Kenna passed away and left the world we know, last Thursday. I received the sad news from his wife, Claire, last Friday. It is so very sad that it has taken me a few days to feel ready to write this post. I will stay in touch with Claire, and have sent he…

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Chris’ Ramble 8: A Story for our Times 42:53

2y ago42:53

42:53

The Táin Bó Cúailnge is an dramatic epic well worth the telling but with some challenging themes including broken loyalties and friendships with destruction laid on the land, for the sake of status and honour. Join Chris as she explores the telling of the tales and encounters a fresh resonance for our times.Links for this episodeFor podcast episode…

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A new conversation with Jamie Madden: The Writing of the Takings 11:21

2+ y ago11:21

11:21

The The Lebor Gabála tells of a series of mythical Irish migration stories, which can be traced back to a very early date. Its history is somewhat complex and, although fascinating, it is not an 'easy read'. So, join Chris and Jamie as they share Jamie's new telling. 'The Writing of The Takings'. Jamie has created an entertaining and highly amusing…

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Chris’ Ramble 7: What’s in a Name? 27:31

2+ y ago27:31

27:31

Culture heroes, ancestor figures, genii loci, gods and godesses ... Can all, or indeed, any of these terms be useful in defining some favourite characters in Irish mythology, Join Chris as she takes a walk throuh a forest of stories on a light hearted search for hidden identities.Links for this episodeI have referenced a wide variety of stories ove…

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A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Kate Lionis 27:38

2+ y ago27:38

27:38

The Morrigan by Kate LionisMeet Kate Lionis one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Kate as they discuss, the many creative possiblities of digitally enhanced photography, the enviromental relevance of Australian indigenous stories and share the colours, light, and scents of the Blue Mountains in N…

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An Immráma Voyage with Jamie Madden 36:43

2+ y ago36:43

36:43

Click to view the complete Immram Brig BostúinWhat if Brigid had undertaken her own Immrám? Join Chris and Jamie as they explore James' Immrám Brig Bostún, an Irish Mythology Collage, in which he garners stories from Irish mtyhology and folklore, to curate a remarkable Immrám voyage for Brigid, taking her to the coastal islands of Boston and Cape C…

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A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Louise Shine 26:35

2+ y ago26:35

26:35

Meet Louise Shine, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Ruth as they discuss, the importance of creativity in art and education, explore art and technology as well as the way in which women from Irish mythology can still speak powerfully to current issues. This is one of a series of shorter ‘Sto…

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A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Lee Fenlon 24:11

2+ y ago24:11

24:11

Bóand by Lee FenlonMeet Lee Fenlon, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. Now, join Chris and Lee as they discuss, what can be acheived in leaded glass and ceramic mosaic work , how Sinann has been treated in Athlone as well as stories of Boand and the Boyne. This is one of a series of shorter 'Stories in the Lands…

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A Conversation with ÉIRÍ winner, Ruth Egan 27:50

2+ y ago27:50

27:50

Ruth EganMeet Ruth Egan, one of the seven adult winners of the ÉIRÍ art competition and project. So, join Chris and Ruth as they discuss, art, mthology and the importance of listening to the stories told by your grandmothers.This is one of a series of shorter 'Stories in the Landscape' conversations to celebrate the 2023 ÉIRÍ Evoking Irelands Resil…

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Chris’ Ramble 6: Just how old are Irish Stories? 22:49

2+ y ago22:49

22:49

So how old are the Irish stories? Come to think of it what exactly is meant by old, or medieval or any of the other terms so frequently used to describe mythological stories, and... does it matter? Join Chris as she follows a familiar route and sets up a few indicative, and hopefully useful, signposts along the way.Links for this episodeThese rambl…

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A Conversation with Nicola Bowes and Rosemary Carty. 34:29

2+ y ago34:29

34:29

Nicola and Rosemary are both gifted artists from the Celtic Eye artists group who have all come together to draw on their talents to create some inspiring and innovative landscape and environmental projects. Join Chris, Nicola, and Rosemary as they talk about about the wide scope of some of Celtic Eye's impressive and on-going, still growing, proje…

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Chris’ Ramble 5: The Landscape of Stories 16:58

2+ y ago16:58

16:58

This ramble, begun in Queensland, Australia and completed in Leitrim, Ireland. begins to explore the ways in which the environment in which the stories were told may change elements creating the tale. And, no, I didn't walk all the way!Loughnashade trumpetThis ramble was a long time in the making, begun in late January in Brisbane and picked up aga…

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A Conversation with Shona Macdonald 39:47

3y ago39:47

39:47

Shona is a talented artist and illustrator who tells stories through images. Join Chris and Shona as they explore some of the wonderful women characters to be found in the world of Irish story, and even try out a path to a most perplexing library.https://youtu.be/KM-v6StvTc4Watch Shona's animation- The Forest of Cake.BrigFandThe Library of Perplexi…