Marion McGarry
@marionmcgarry.bsky.social
Irish heritage, folklore, material culture, design. Author of books: Irish Customs and Rituals & much more. Contributor to RTE Brainstorm. MA / PhD / SFHEA. All views my own.
https://www.rte.ie/author/1241485-marion-mcgarry/
https://www.rte.ie/author/1241485-marion-mcgarry/
For a start, this Guardian TV review has confused Ken Clarke with Kenneth Clark. Basic fact checking has gone out the window here. The irony as they’re talking of the imminent fall of western civilisation. What a time to be alive
@theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
@theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Civilisations: Rise and Fall review – TV that will make you despair for our own plummeting society
The mightily stressful and incredibly close-to-the-bone BBC show traces the demise of four ancient worlds – and it’s wildly prescient stuff. Will we never learn?
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:23 AM
For a start, this Guardian TV review has confused Ken Clarke with Kenneth Clark. Basic fact checking has gone out the window here. The irony as they’re talking of the imminent fall of western civilisation. What a time to be alive
@theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
@theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Reposted by Marion McGarry
Annagh Stone Row • Mayo
Though typically thought of as a place of Christian pilgrimage, the hinterland of Croagh Patrick has long been a sacred place.
This can be inferred from the number of prehistoric monuments in the immediate hinterland of the mountain. Like this stone alignment at Annagh.
Though typically thought of as a place of Christian pilgrimage, the hinterland of Croagh Patrick has long been a sacred place.
This can be inferred from the number of prehistoric monuments in the immediate hinterland of the mountain. Like this stone alignment at Annagh.
November 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Annagh Stone Row • Mayo
Though typically thought of as a place of Christian pilgrimage, the hinterland of Croagh Patrick has long been a sacred place.
This can be inferred from the number of prehistoric monuments in the immediate hinterland of the mountain. Like this stone alignment at Annagh.
Though typically thought of as a place of Christian pilgrimage, the hinterland of Croagh Patrick has long been a sacred place.
This can be inferred from the number of prehistoric monuments in the immediate hinterland of the mountain. Like this stone alignment at Annagh.
This is an absolute outrage!
Asba Meats owner went to home of female worker looking for a “massage”, WRC told
Asba Meats owner went to home of female worker looking for a “massage”, WRC told
Neither worker nor businessman were named in decision
www.irishtimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:22 PM
This is an absolute outrage!
“We need to have a proper look at infrastructure in the west of Ireland”
Great discussion about the wider impact of Galway’s traffic problems - now widely acknowledged to be worsening - I can attest to this: my own commute has extended by 30m since September.
open.spotify.com/episode/5tgp...
Great discussion about the wider impact of Galway’s traffic problems - now widely acknowledged to be worsening - I can attest to this: my own commute has extended by 30m since September.
open.spotify.com/episode/5tgp...
Nightmare Commutes: Galway
open.spotify.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:58 PM
“We need to have a proper look at infrastructure in the west of Ireland”
Great discussion about the wider impact of Galway’s traffic problems - now widely acknowledged to be worsening - I can attest to this: my own commute has extended by 30m since September.
open.spotify.com/episode/5tgp...
Great discussion about the wider impact of Galway’s traffic problems - now widely acknowledged to be worsening - I can attest to this: my own commute has extended by 30m since September.
open.spotify.com/episode/5tgp...
Reposted by Marion McGarry
“Who knows how many children I & my friends would have with [secure high quality affordable housing] certainly enough to maintain pension-paying workforce. Govt’s strategy of pinning pension hopes on migrant workers is short-sighted & a tragedy for Irish women” 💯 www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
‘I cannot express how seriously the housing crisis has impacted me (35 years old and female) and my friends’
On a recent visit to a friend in Copenhagen, I was struck by how many couples in their young 20s had multiple babies
www.irishtimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:34 PM
“Who knows how many children I & my friends would have with [secure high quality affordable housing] certainly enough to maintain pension-paying workforce. Govt’s strategy of pinning pension hopes on migrant workers is short-sighted & a tragedy for Irish women” 💯 www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
Heartening to see growing interest in these topics and thanks to @rte.ie allowing me a platform to educate the public about old Irish traditions:
another ‘most read’ piece on @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
another ‘most read’ piece on @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Heartening to see growing interest in these topics and thanks to @rte.ie allowing me a platform to educate the public about old Irish traditions:
another ‘most read’ piece on @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
another ‘most read’ piece on @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
Reposted by Marion McGarry
Why November 11th was a day for blood sacrifice rites in Ireland. @marionmcgarry.bsky.social ATU on how blood sacrifices involving pigs, sheep or geese were practiced in Ireland well into living memory on Martinmas www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
Why November 11th was a day for blood sacrifice rites in Ireland
Blood sacrifices involving pigs, sheep or geese were practiced in Ireland well into living memory on Martinmas
www.rte.ie
November 11, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Why November 11th was a day for blood sacrifice rites in Ireland. @marionmcgarry.bsky.social ATU on how blood sacrifices involving pigs, sheep or geese were practiced in Ireland well into living memory on Martinmas www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@mcculld.bsky.social nice scoop having Ivan Yates on as first guest! Great listening while I’m stuck in STANDSTILL traffic jam
November 10, 2025 at 9:09 AM
@mcculld.bsky.social nice scoop having Ivan Yates on as first guest! Great listening while I’m stuck in STANDSTILL traffic jam
Reposted by Marion McGarry
‘Stop, that’s my case’ - Áine Ryan on adventures on the Westport non-express
‘Stop, that’s my case’ - Áine Ryan on adventures on the Westport non-express
I was joined by two young bucks worse for wear and, in the case of the one ... appear to be experiencing some very psychedelic thoughts
www.irishtimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:10 AM
‘Stop, that’s my case’ - Áine Ryan on adventures on the Westport non-express
Reposted by Marion McGarry
A 2022 study showed that international travel for students can increase their carbon footprint by 50%. Virtual exchanges are a way of addressing this, while maintaining valuable intercultural learning.
Join this free webinar about Virtual Exchanges on Weds 12 November.
Join this free webinar about Virtual Exchanges on Weds 12 November.
Webinar: Virtual Exchange/Collaborative Online International Learning - a practical tool for Education for Sustainable Development
Webinar: Virtual Exchange/Collaborative Online International Learning - a practical tool for Education for Sustainable Development
www.tudublin.ie
November 9, 2025 at 11:40 PM
A 2022 study showed that international travel for students can increase their carbon footprint by 50%. Virtual exchanges are a way of addressing this, while maintaining valuable intercultural learning.
Join this free webinar about Virtual Exchanges on Weds 12 November.
Join this free webinar about Virtual Exchanges on Weds 12 November.
November 11, Martinmas:
“Of all the Irish customs that may or may not have been rooted in pagan origin, it is astonishing to consider that blood sacrifice was practiced in Ireland well into living memory.”
Read more:
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
“Of all the Irish customs that may or may not have been rooted in pagan origin, it is astonishing to consider that blood sacrifice was practiced in Ireland well into living memory.”
Read more:
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
Why November 11th was a day for blood sacrifice rites in Ireland
Blood sacrifices involving pigs, sheep or geese were practiced in Ireland well into living memory on Martinmas
www.rte.ie
November 10, 2025 at 5:21 AM
November 11, Martinmas:
“Of all the Irish customs that may or may not have been rooted in pagan origin, it is astonishing to consider that blood sacrifice was practiced in Ireland well into living memory.”
Read more:
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
“Of all the Irish customs that may or may not have been rooted in pagan origin, it is astonishing to consider that blood sacrifice was practiced in Ireland well into living memory.”
Read more:
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
As so many are sharing memories of President Michael D Higgins as he departs Áras an Uachtaráin, here’s a selected highlight of my visit there in 2018 when he let us pet the dogs… 😍 he was a great president and will be missed
November 8, 2025 at 7:19 PM
As so many are sharing memories of President Michael D Higgins as he departs Áras an Uachtaráin, here’s a selected highlight of my visit there in 2018 when he let us pet the dogs… 😍 he was a great president and will be missed
Reposted by Marion McGarry
Ladybird book in the spotlight.
‘The Princess and the Pea’ 1967
Artist: Eric Winter
‘The Princess and the Pea’ 1967
Artist: Eric Winter
October 30, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Ladybird book in the spotlight.
‘The Princess and the Pea’ 1967
Artist: Eric Winter
‘The Princess and the Pea’ 1967
Artist: Eric Winter
Amazing sunrise marking the start of the Celtic New Year on 1st November / Samhain, the Christian Feast of All Saints Day.
At Carrowmore megalithic site, Sligo, the chamber at Listoghill faces the Ballygawley Mountains & sunrise in this position coincides with the start and the end of winter.
At Carrowmore megalithic site, Sligo, the chamber at Listoghill faces the Ballygawley Mountains & sunrise in this position coincides with the start and the end of winter.
November 1, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Amazing sunrise marking the start of the Celtic New Year on 1st November / Samhain, the Christian Feast of All Saints Day.
At Carrowmore megalithic site, Sligo, the chamber at Listoghill faces the Ballygawley Mountains & sunrise in this position coincides with the start and the end of winter.
At Carrowmore megalithic site, Sligo, the chamber at Listoghill faces the Ballygawley Mountains & sunrise in this position coincides with the start and the end of winter.
Reposted by Marion McGarry
‘They killed civilians in their beds’: chaos and brutality reign
Appalling events and genocide is occurring in Sudan 👇
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Appalling events and genocide is occurring in Sudan 👇
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
‘They killed civilians in their beds’: chaos and brutality reign after fall of El Fasher
Thousands have fled the North Darfur city in terror with stories of the Rapid Support Forces attacking and killing civilians
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:41 AM
‘They killed civilians in their beds’: chaos and brutality reign
Appalling events and genocide is occurring in Sudan 👇
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Appalling events and genocide is occurring in Sudan 👇
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
‘They killed civilians in their beds’: chaos and brutality reign
Appalling events and genocide is occurring in Sudan 👇
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Appalling events and genocide is occurring in Sudan 👇
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
‘They killed civilians in their beds’: chaos and brutality reign after fall of El Fasher
Thousands have fled the North Darfur city in terror with stories of the Rapid Support Forces attacking and killing civilians
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:41 AM
‘They killed civilians in their beds’: chaos and brutality reign
Appalling events and genocide is occurring in Sudan 👇
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Appalling events and genocide is occurring in Sudan 👇
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Reposted by Marion McGarry
Multiple reports of strange light moving in sky over Ireland in last 15 minutes with some describing as a like a big object with light in front but no noise and moving very quickly. Reports from Southeast, Midlands and West. Moving West to East. Anyone else spot it
October 29, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Multiple reports of strange light moving in sky over Ireland in last 15 minutes with some describing as a like a big object with light in front but no noise and moving very quickly. Reports from Southeast, Midlands and West. Moving West to East. Anyone else spot it
Reposted by Marion McGarry
The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts'. Many ringforts in rural Ireland were associated with fairy activity and supernatural happenings in the recent past, writes @marionmcgarry.bsky.social ATU www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2... #Halloween
October 29, 2025 at 12:31 PM
The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts'. Many ringforts in rural Ireland were associated with fairy activity and supernatural happenings in the recent past, writes @marionmcgarry.bsky.social ATU www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2... #Halloween
Reposted by Marion McGarry
“More than 150,000 people have died across the country and about 12 million have fled their homes, creating one of the worst humanitarian crises.”
This is a genocide in Sudan.
This is a genocide in Sudan.
El-Fasher: Rebel group claims capture of key city in Sudan
The fall of el-Fasher would cement the RSF's control of the west and reinforces a de facto split in the nation.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 8:50 PM
“More than 150,000 people have died across the country and about 12 million have fled their homes, creating one of the worst humanitarian crises.”
This is a genocide in Sudan.
This is a genocide in Sudan.
My annual Hallowe’en brack appreciation post… looking forward to enjoying this in about two days with a strong cupán tae 😀
October 27, 2025 at 4:33 PM
My annual Hallowe’en brack appreciation post… looking forward to enjoying this in about two days with a strong cupán tae 😀
Reposted by Marion McGarry
Lovely to feature on Sunday Miscellany on RTE Radio 1 reading my piece about BNM peat briquettes and bungalow bliss.
The theme was ‘Writing the Bog’ in association with the Irish Architecture Foundation & 12th Field
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The theme was ‘Writing the Bog’ in association with the Irish Architecture Foundation & 12th Field
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The Last Briquette by Marion McGarry
On a father’s appreciation of that iconic Irish design item: the Bord Na Móna peat briquette
www.rte.ie
October 26, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Lovely to feature on Sunday Miscellany on RTE Radio 1 reading my piece about BNM peat briquettes and bungalow bliss.
The theme was ‘Writing the Bog’ in association with the Irish Architecture Foundation & 12th Field
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The theme was ‘Writing the Bog’ in association with the Irish Architecture Foundation & 12th Field
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Lovely to feature on Sunday Miscellany on RTE Radio 1 reading my piece about BNM peat briquettes and bungalow bliss.
The theme was ‘Writing the Bog’ in association with the Irish Architecture Foundation & 12th Field
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The theme was ‘Writing the Bog’ in association with the Irish Architecture Foundation & 12th Field
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The Last Briquette by Marion McGarry
On a father’s appreciation of that iconic Irish design item: the Bord Na Móna peat briquette
www.rte.ie
October 26, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Lovely to feature on Sunday Miscellany on RTE Radio 1 reading my piece about BNM peat briquettes and bungalow bliss.
The theme was ‘Writing the Bog’ in association with the Irish Architecture Foundation & 12th Field
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The theme was ‘Writing the Bog’ in association with the Irish Architecture Foundation & 12th Field
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Reposted by Marion McGarry
Pod of this morning’s interview on NewsTalk Breakfast on Hallowe’en excesses is now available.
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
“The most frightening thing about Halloween is the waste" | Newstalk
“The most frightening thing about Halloween is the waste. From plastic decorations to synthetic...
www.newstalk.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Pod of this morning’s interview on NewsTalk Breakfast on Hallowe’en excesses is now available.
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
www.newstalk.com/podcasts/hig...
Reposted by Marion McGarry
Like Versailles it began as a hunting lodge, and it’s design may have inspired the White House... As we approach the presidential election in Ireland, my piece for @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social on Áras an Uachtaráin
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
7 things you probably didn't know about Áras an Uachtaráin
Here are some things you may not have known about the presidential residence in the middle of Dublin's Phoenix Park
www.rte.ie
October 14, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Like Versailles it began as a hunting lodge, and it’s design may have inspired the White House... As we approach the presidential election in Ireland, my piece for @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social on Áras an Uachtaráin
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@atu-ie.bsky.social @oflynnatu.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
Reposted by Marion McGarry
My piece @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social
on the Bord na Móna peat briquette, a once popular fuel for Irish people & an Irish industrial design icon.
Their memory is the source of much nostalgia and their demise, while good for the environment, represents the end of an era.
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
on the Bord na Móna peat briquette, a once popular fuel for Irish people & an Irish industrial design icon.
Their memory is the source of much nostalgia and their demise, while good for the environment, represents the end of an era.
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
How Bord na Móna peat briquette became an icon of Irish design
The briquettes were not only once a convenient, inexpensive fuel for Irish people, they were also an industrial design icon
www.rte.ie
October 21, 2025 at 7:24 AM
My piece @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social
on the Bord na Móna peat briquette, a once popular fuel for Irish people & an Irish industrial design icon.
Their memory is the source of much nostalgia and their demise, while good for the environment, represents the end of an era.
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
on the Bord na Móna peat briquette, a once popular fuel for Irish people & an Irish industrial design icon.
Their memory is the source of much nostalgia and their demise, while good for the environment, represents the end of an era.
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...