Lesser Spotted Ireland with Joe Mahon

About Lesser Spotted Ireland with Joe Mahon

Lesser Spotted Ireland with Joe Mahon: Discovering Hidden Gems Across Ireland Lesser Spotted Ireland: the podcast of the much loved television programme made by Westway Films and first broadcast on UTV. We will take viewers on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of Ireland (both North and South). Hosted by the Joe Mahon, the show delves into the hidden corners of the island, uncovering its vibrant local traditions, fascinating history, and the untold stories of its communities. From the rugged coastlines to the tranquil glens and calm loughs, Lesser Spotted Ireland showcases natural beauty, while celebrating the unique cultures that make each area special. The series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these lesser-known places home. Whether exploring ancient castles, meeting skilled craftspeople, or diving into centuries-old folklore, this programme is a treasure trove of authentic Irish experiences. Fans of travel, history, and culture will find endless inspiration in this captivating series. Discover the charm of Ireland like never before with this series. Explore the heart and soul of the great Emerald Isle, one story at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Westway Films

Category

history · society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Feb 2025

Latest episode

15 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Lesser Spotted Ireland with Joe Mahon - VALENTIA ISLAND, County Kerry

   Joe travels to Valentia Island in Co. Kerry, the most westerly community in Europe. He discovers the part that Valentia played in the laying of the trans-Atlantic cable which revolutionised international communications, and finds out why Valentia was famous for its slate. He also joins the most westerly cricket team in Europe – although they may come to regret that! Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of Ireland Hosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local stories Each episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and character This fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places home Explore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time #LesserSpotted #Ireland #TravelShow #HiddenGems #JoeMahon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Lesser Spotted Ireland with Joe Mahon - BALLYKNOCKAN, County Wicklow

   Joe travels to Ballyknockan, Co. Wicklow, famous for its unique granite stone and its tradition of stone-cutting. In fact, Wicklow granite was used to build much of Dublin in the nineteenth century. Joe discovers that this is a tradition that goes right back to the Neolithic Age, as archaeologist Chris Corlett shows him evidence of extensive stone-working and trading in the area during that period, as well as the foundations of a Neolithic house. All this evidence has been uncovered by the presence of the Poulaphuca Reservoir which was created in 1940 to supply the city of Dublin with drinking water. A large area of land was flooded to create the reservoir, leading to compulsory purchase orders of homes and farmland and even leading to one townland disappearing off the map forever. Joe meets the vivacious Mary Ann Flanagan, who had to leave the townland of Ballinahown at the age of 19. Now in her 95th year, Mary Ann can still carry a tune, and she regales Joe with tales of her youth in the lost townland of Ballinahown. Two other locals who share their memories with Joe are Seamus Balfe and Aidan Cruise, who take Joe to the now-derelict Barn Cinema – quite literally a barn that doubled as a cinema and dance-hall. Seamus Balfe recalls a few memorable nights in the Barn, including the time a drummer found himself with an audience of cows. Seamus and Aidan then lead Joe on a tour of some of Ballyknockan’s stone-built heritage, including a pathway that now leads into the lake, and the gable wall of what was once Ireland’s fastest-built house – as well as an inspiring example of neighbourly compassion and community co-operation. Ballyknockan was once famous for its stone-cutting industry and at one stage, most of the population were involved in the trade. Joe meets some of the few remaining stone-cutters left in Ballyknockan, including Andy Farrington, a retired stone-cutter with such a passion for the art that it still remains his hobby. Michael Freeman shows Joe how stone-cutters had to be proficient with the use of a forge as well, as he demonstrates the process of sharpening his tools. Finally Joe chats to brothers John and Dave McEvoy, 5th generation stone-cutters and only ones left working in Ballyknockan today. John and Dave chat to Joe about the pride involved with stone-cutting in Ballyknockan, how the skill was strictly kept within stone-cutting families like theirs, and about their plans to train new stone-cutters in an attempt to keep the tradition alive. Blessington History Society was formed in 2000 and was initially focussed on family history. Over time the scope of the society's activities has expanded to include the research and documentation of all aspects of human settlement in the Blessington area including Ballyknockan during the past 4,000 years. This content of the Blessington History Society website is created by volunteers who share an interest in local history. The society always welcomes new members and encourages persons with an interest in local history to contact us (blessingtonhistorysociety@gmail.com) Our community archive website has been developed through our membership of the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN), an initiative of the National Museum of Ireland delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council, Wicklow County Council Heritage Office, and communities across Ireland. https://blessington.wicklowheritage.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   2 Jul 2026

   Lesser Spotted Ireland with Joe Mahon - STRANGFORD, County Down

   Joe makes several stops along the western shore of Strangford Lough in County Down, where he visits a 7th century monastery that was using tidal power to work their mill, a former limestone quarry that has now become a home for endangered birds, a castle associated with the founder of the British Museum, and discovers a submarine-shaped island that provided bombing practice during WWII. He helps to move a herd of cows from one island to another and finds out how outdoor education can transform young people’s lives. Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of Ireland Hosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local stories Each episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and character This fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places home Explore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time #LesserSpotted #Ireland #TravelShow #HiddenGems #JoeMahon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

27

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0