Guardians of the land: Ireland's rare and endangered species in folklore

This winter felt different. Instead of waiting for longer days and warmer weather, I found myself spending more time outside than ever before, but more importantly, that time felt intentional. From the deep woodland of the Devil’s Glen to standing among the stones at Newgrange, climbing Brandon Hill in the wind and slowing down through birdwatching and winter walks, this episode is a reflection on what the colder months can offer.

Ireland doesn’t sleep when the sun goes down. From hunting owls to screaming banshees, discover the unseen life that stirs after dark and the folklore born from the Irish night.

In this episode, I sit down with Eoin Reardon, an Irish woodworker and storyteller whose hand-tool craft has captured the hearts of millions online. From building a currach in his parents’ garden to bringing decades-old tools back to life, Eoin’s work is deeply rooted in Irish heritage, patience, and place. We talk about how traditional craft can reconnect us with the land, why slowing down matters in a fast-paced world, and what old skills can teach us about living more meaningfully and sustainably in Ireland today.

When we think of nature, we often picture wild mountains, deep forests or rugged coastlines. But what about the weeds growing through paths, the moss on walls, or the forgotten flowers pushing up in alleyways? In this episode of Feet on the Soil, I explore how plant life thrives not just in wild landscapes but also in the cracks and corners of our towns and cities. Living and working in Dublin city centre has made me look closer at the so-called “weeds” that surround us every day, nettles, chickweed, yarrow, and more. These plants are often dismissed, yet they hold rich histories in folklore, medicine, and culture while also playing vital roles for pollinators and wildlife. This episdoe is a reminder that even in the busiest streets, nature is never far away, we just need to stop and notice it.

What if the land around you could speak? In this episode, we journey into the Glenasmole Valley, where memory lives in the folds of the earth, in forgotten place names, and even in imagined castles. Blending local history, folklore, and ecology, I share a personal story sparked by a mysterious vision on a hillside, a vision that opens a much deeper conversation about how we read the land and what it tells us about how it was once used, and how it wants to be used today. Using heritage maps, place names, and on-the-ground observation, we explore how ancient farming techniques, old field boundaries, and even traces of lost forests can guide us toward better, more sustainable land management practices today. We look at how Ireland's traditional ecological knowledge, from the lazy beds of famine times to stories from the mythical Fianna can help us care for our landscapes in a time of ecological crisis. Whether you're a farmer, rewilding advocate, trail runner or simply someone curious about how the past and present of a landscape intertwine, this episode will deepen your sense of place and show how remembering the land's story helps us shape a better ecological future.