While rooted in the earth, trees stretch skyward, bridging the natural and celestial realms. They embody the rhythms of life—growth, maturity, decay, and renewal—blossoming, bearing fruit, and shedding their leaves before awakening anew each spring.

For our ancestors, certain trees held profound spiritual significance, and traces of their reverence for these sacred intermediaries persist in folk traditions today. In this 19th edition of Blúiríní Béaloidis, hosts Jonny Dillon and Claire Doohan explore the deep cultural bond between nature and tradition. They discuss the sacred trees under which Irish kings were once inaugurated, the hallowed groves where both saints and madmen found refuge, and the votive offerings left on trees near holy wells. These trees, imbued with mystery and reverence, were sometimes feared as dwellings of otherworldly spirits coexisting with humanity in the natural landscape.

Join Jonny and Claire as they guide listeners beneath the metaphorical canopy of tradition, uncovering stories that offer the fruits of memory, meaning, and cultural connection. For an hour, shelter in the shade of this rich folklore and rediscover the enduring power of the sacred tree.

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