Across the Irish countryside, scattered across fields, valleys, and quiet, forgotten corners, lie countless earthwork mounds, cairns, and tumuli—relics of early human habitation.

These ancient sites have long been steeped in supernatural significance, often regarded as the dwellings of Na Daoine Maithe (The Good People), or fairies, in Irish folklore. Far removed from the whimsical fairies of modern imagination, these beings were envisioned as an ancient, otherworldly community, coexisting with humans within the natural landscape. Both feared and revered, they wielded considerable influence over human lives, for better or worse.

In this edition of Blúiríní Béaloidis, hosts Claire Doohan and Jonny Dillon delve into the rich history and intricate role of fairies in Irish tradition. Their discussion challenges the misconceptions popularised by contemporary culture, uncovering the origins, habitats, and rituals associated with these enigmatic beings. Exploring connections to fallen angels, pre-Christian deities, and nature spirits, this episode offers listeners a journey through Ireland’s mystical landscapes, revealing the enduring wisdom and profound significance of its otherworldly neighbours.

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