Advertise on podcast: Connecting Through Heritage with Leitrim County Council

The Leitrim Basket Project aims to celebrate basket making traditions in Leitrim. This project explores the historical context, techniques, materials, and the enduring cultural significance of basketmaking in the 1900’s with particular emphasis on the daily use of willow baskets for teeming (draining the water off) boiled potatoes throughout County Leitrim. In this episode Carole’s guests include Helena Golden who has reproduced the baskets as well as her own designs in her Leitrim village studio. It also features Helena’s mother Eileen who remembers the teeming baskets. ‘Heritage Home’ consists of four new podcasts exploring aspects of Leitrim’s rich heritage, produced by broadcaster Carole Coleman, and form part of the Connecting Though Heritage podcast series, a Leitrim County Council heritage project funded by the Heritage Council.

The Leitrim Sweathouse Project is a community heritage initiative which aimed to provide opportunities for people to engage with the traditions of sweathouses in Leitrim, through a coordinated programme of heritage activities and events. The project ran throughout 2021 and 2022 and set out to train local volunteers in archival research, oral history collection and archaeological survey, to gain greater insight into sweathouses across Leitrim. The project also sought to engage with landowners in terms of protection and preservation into the future by producing conservation guidelines for sweathouses. In this episode archaeologist Katie Kearns tells Carole how the stone sweathouse structures located near streams were used to treat ailments from the late 17th to early 20th centuries. Volunteer Francis Kelly describes how the Leitrim Sweathouse Project located 19 new structures bringing the total to 116.    ‘Heritage Home’ consists of four new podcasts exploring aspects of Leitrim’s rich heritage, produced by broadcaster Carole Coleman, and form part of the Connecting Though Heritage podcast series, a Leitrim County Council heritage project funded by the Heritage Council.

The Leitrim Fieldnames Project aims to record the unique field names found in the county that offer insight into times past and the heritage of the county. The names of our fields are an important connection to our heritage and they can tell us a lot about our local area, characters who once used to live there, the landscape and interesting natural and built features in the locality. Almost every field once had a name but these names are now slowly being lost to us. In the episode Carole goes to Dromahair library to witness locals register their field names in a national database called MeithealLoganim.ie. She speaks to the fieldname project coordinator RóisínBurke from Abarta Heritage, who led the first phase of this project, and to Aife Kearne, Project Officer with ACRES Breifne.   ‘Heritage Home’ consists of four new podcasts exploring aspects of Leitrim’s rich heritage, produced by broadcaster Carole Coleman, and form part of the Connecting Though Heritage podcast series, a Leitrim County Council heritage project funded by the Heritage Council.

The Leitrim Holy Wells Project is a community heritage initiative to research Holy Wells across Co. Leitrim. The first phase of the holy wells project took place this past summer (2026). Experts surveyed 44 known wells, probed traditions surrounding them and searched for previously unknown wells. Some date from pagan times. Others were brought into the Christian faith and used for baptisms. Historian John Cronin tells Carole about these historic sites and the rituals carried on “patrún” or pattern days. Carole also speaks to archaeologist Alva MacGowan and visits Padraig McKeon in Kilclare whose land is home to a holy well.  ‘Heritage Home’ consists of four new podcasts exploring aspects of Leitrim’s rich heritage, produced by broadcaster Carole Coleman, and form part of the Connecting Though Heritage podcast series, a Leitrim County Council heritage project funded by the Heritage Council.

School Days & Growing Up in Drumcree In the second part of this Memory Meitheals feature, the conversation moves from mill life to school days and the everyday adventures of growing up in the Drumcree and Glebe area. Florrie Moynihan (née Rowley), Mel Rowley and Gerry Reilly recall the teachers, classrooms, neighbours and small excitements that shaped childhood in rural Leitrim. Stories of friendship, local characters and family life sit alongside Florrie’s reflections on leaving home for Dublin, offering a gentle contrast between past and present — between the grounded, close-knit world of Drumcree and the bustling city she has lived in since the 1960s. Together, these memories paint a vivid, affectionate portrait of community life, preserving voices and stories that might otherwise be lost.

Drumcree Mill: Turning the Wheel of Memory Acheson’s, or Drumcree Mill, is remembered in this first episode of a rich two-part Memory Meitheals feature. Neighbours Florrie Moynihan (née Rowley), her brother Mel Rowley and Gerry Reilly guide us through the bustle, craft and community that once surrounded the mill, sharing memories of its workers and of Albert Acheson, the last miller to keep it turning. This first episode captures the working world of the mill and the strong ties between neighbours — offering a rare and intimate insight into a vanished way of life.

Devilment & Daylight: Tales from Bunnybeg (Part 2) The second instalment of this two-part conversation widens the lens as Vincie and J.J. Mulligan delve deeper into stories of family, neighbours, devilment and events in the local town of Mohill. We hear a lot more family history and of the long-standing traditions of the Eslin area, as they weave archaeology, memory and mischief together in their own unmistakable way. Both men also reflect on the years they spent living and working in England, offering vivid contrasts between rural Leitrim and the busy cities they came to know. Their reflections balance humour with honesty, revealing how those experiences shaped them and deepened their appreciation of home. Across both episodes, the Mulligan brothers bring listeners on a journey through heritage, hilarity and the heart of Eslin — preserving stories that deserve to be heard.

Devilment & Daylight: Tales from Bunnybeg (Part 1) In this wonderfully entertaining first instalment, brothers Vincie and J.J. Mulligan from Bunnybeg, Eslin, share a treasure trove of stories drawn from their childhood in rural Leitrim. Full of devilment, quick wit and colourful detail, their memories introduce us to the local characters who shaped the area and the tall tales that travelled from house to house. Folklore sits side by side with fact as the brothers recall banshee sightings, curious happenings and the deep sense of heritage that runs through Bunnybeg and the surrounding areas. The result is a lively portrait of community life, alive with humour, warmth and the unmistakable Mulligan spark.

Songs, Streets & Stories: Mohill in Its Heyday In this warm and lively episode of Memory Meitheals, neighbours Tish Dunleavy and Eilish O’Callaghan bring us back to their childhood on Main Street, Mohill — a time when the town thrived with shops, characters, festivals and constant activity. They share joyful memories of growing up in a street where everyone knew everyone, where local characters left lasting impressions, and where small businesses and community events shaped the rhythm of daily life. Their stories also touch on the rich musical thread running through the Dunleavy and Rowley families — the sessions, songs and informal performances that gave their homes and neighbourhood such energy and spirit. Many of the shops, festivals and familiar faces have disappeared over the years, but through Tish and Eilish’s recollections they come vividly back to life, offering a heartfelt portrait of Mohill in its bustling heyday.

If you were to ask anyone in or around Mohill, they would undoubtedly speak highly of Michael and Madge Casey, a remarkable couple deeply ingrained in the community through their involvement in various activities over the years. From horse shows to fire services to the Mohill Agricultural Show, the Caseys have left an indelible mark on the town. Michael possesses a wealth of knowledge that can effortlessly transport you back to the 1930s with vivid descriptions of events, streets, people, and conversations. In this double episode, their great friend and neighbour, Jim Rogers, adds to the dynamic trio. Jim, who once worked at the renowned “Quinn’s” of Mohill before establishing his own drapery shop on Main Street, brings a unique perspective to these tales of fairs, football, dancehalls and much more! Prepare to be transported! (Part 2 of 2)

If you were to ask anyone in or around Mohill, they would undoubtedly speak highly of Michael and Madge Casey, a remarkable couple deeply ingrained in the community through their involvement in various activities over the years. From horse shows to fire services to the Mohill Agricultural Show, the Caseys have left an indelible mark on the town. Michael possesses a wealth of knowledge that can effortlessly transport you back to the 1930s with vivid descriptions of events, streets, people, and conversations. In this double episode, their great friend and neighbour, Jim Rogers, adds to the dynamic trio. Jim, who once worked at the renowned “Quinn’s” of Mohill before establishing his own drapery shop on Main Street, brings a unique perspective to these tales of fairs, football, dancehalls and much more! Prepare to be transported! (Part 1 of 2)

"They used to say that you could beat a Reynolds out of every bush in South Leitrim" - the wit and extensive knowledge of George Reynolds from Esker, Dromod shines through in this two-part episode. George is accompanied by his sons, Seoirse and Shane, who contribute to the lively conversation. Together, their collective memories paint a vivid picture of local history as they guide us through Esker and its surroundings in true "meitheal" style. From the days of travelling picture shows and Lord Leitrim's escapades to stories of footballing legends, ghostly encounters, and childhood memories, the Reynolds family offers a captivating journey through time. The addition of a verse of song from George's granddaughter, Sadhbh, adds a personal touch to this family affair. Listen and enjoy! (Part 2 of 2)

"They used to say that you could beat a Reynolds out of every bush in South Leitrim" - the wit and extensive knowledge of George Reynolds from Esker, Dromod shines through in this two-part episode. George is accompanied by his sons, Seoirse and Shane, who contribute to the lively conversation. Together, their collective memories paint a vivid picture of local history as they guide us through Esker and its surroundings in true "meitheal" style. From the days of travelling picture shows and Lord Leitrim's escapades to stories of footballing legends, ghostly encounters, and childhood memories, the Reynolds family offers a captivating journey through time. The addition of a verse of song from George's granddaughter, Sadhbh, adds a personal touch to this family affair. Listen and enjoy! (Part 1 of 2)

The 1960s were a challenging time in rural Leitrim, especially for women who faced limitations in earning money while juggling childcare, household responsibilities, and farm work. Despite these obstacles, Rose Hartigan, a mother of eleven, managed to lead a group of talented knitters in the Kilnagross area. These local women learned the aran stitches from her and went on to knit jumpers and cardigans that were sold at the famed Standún’s shop in Spiddal, allowing them to earn some “pin money” of their own.  Join Bridie McIntyre, Evie McNabola, and Patricia O’Reilly as they fondly recall those days and celebrate the strength and ingenuity of the women of that era and those who paved the way before them.

"Two heads are better than one” and when you have four heads working together, the possibilities are endless. In this special double episode, we delve into the charming village of Drumsna and its surrounding areas. Join us as we hear from four esteemed residents who have deep roots in the community. Colleen Guckian, a longtime resident since the 1950s, shares her wealth of knowledge about the village. Fr. Francis Garvey, who grew up in Garvey's public house and now serves as the parish priest of Drumsna, offers a unique perspective on the village's history. Noel Duignan, whose family has been involved in the grocery and pub trade in Drumsna for generations, gives insights into the village's evolution. Lastly, Ella Gannon, a dedicated community member for many years, shares her experiences of Drumsna, its characters and its changing landscape. The fabulous four bring us through the streets of Drumsna, giving a detailed picture of life in and around the village from the 1950s to the present day. From tales of ceilí-ing to tales of arson – this is one not to be missed! (Part 2 of 2)