The Clare Oral History Podcast
This podcast delves into the thousands of Irish life stories in the archive of the Irish Oral History and Folklore Group known as Cuimhneamh an Chláir or Clare Memories. We’re based in Co. Clare in the West of Ireland. The oral histories we’ve gathered reveal ordinary lives and extraordinary stories. The podcast will introduce you to the people and experiences that make the West of Ireland what it is.
The Clare Oral History Podcast
Stories of the Land
Episode 6 features stories of life on the land in Co. Clare. There are stories of farming and of the crafts associated with it, of entertainment and of the rhythms of rural life in Co. Clare in times past.
John Vaughan from Kilfenora tells us about the tradition of wintering out cattle in the magical Burren area of Co. Clare.
Paddy Murphy from Mullagh tells us about cow doctors in the days before vets.
John Queally from Cooraclare and Susan Williams from Kilfenora tell us about the practice in country houses of killing a pig for food.
Teresa Flynn from Mountshannon describes the typical vegetable garden that was part of most farms in Co. Clare.
John Minogue from Glendree, Tulla gives a beautifully detailed and technical description of thatching houses.
Jimmy Gleeson from Coore in West Clare, tells us of supplementing farm incomes by hunting rabbits.
Patrick Flanagan from Doolin describes the joy of country house dances when the work day was over.
The first 6 episodes of this podcast are funded by The Heritage Council.
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