Lora O'Brien – Irish Author & Guide
Your Authentic Connection to Ireland
As you may be aware, the Irish language (Gaeilge) is a bit of a sore spot for most Irish folk, due to a variety of reasons both historical and personal. At the Irish Pagan School, we believe that the native language is fundamental to the expression of and engagement with our native spiritual and magical…
When trying to connect meaningfully and find native sources for Irish Paganism within the reality of our living Irish traditions, things aren’t what they used to be. These days, we are blessed with a burgeoning plethora of native Irish voices raising to speak truth about our own culture and heritage. Which is damn useful if…
“On Union, the latest album of collaborations he sings a song called Gaelic Ireland which sounds like it was written 100 years ago. I have the feeling it will be sung in 100 years from now.” – John Reynolds: Producer to Irish Artist Damien Dempsey. I was sitting in a coffee shop with my sister-in-law,…
Spoiler Alert! No. You don’t. The Number One reason we hear for folk joining the Irish Pagan School comes down to an Irish heritage connection or Irish ancestry… which is grand, and good for you if you have that and want to explore it! I’m here today to be the killjoy that tells you though…
Ever wonder what is the Táin Bó Cúailgne? Or how to pronounce Táin Bó Cúailnge?! Here’s your guide, covering: a summary of the main storyline; the manuscript sources and recensions or versions it was recorded in; and even an audio reading so you can follow along! I’ve written a review of the Táin before, here,…
Learn about Ancient Ireland’s Laws and Customs through study of the Brehon Law system. A student in our Mórrígan Intensive Programme asked me for resources on the Brehon Law system the other day, and I had to be honest – I didn’t have them to hand. It’s not an area I’ve really dug into yet,…
The 1st of August (sometimes the 2nd) is Lúnasa (Lughnasadh, Lughnasa, Brón Trogain) – the harvest festival in Ireland. In her excellent book, ‘The Festival of Lughnasa’, Máire MacNeill wrote: “Garland Sunday and Domhnach Chrom Dubh are two of the many names of a festival celebrated by Irish country people at the end of July…
These are not all Irish Pagan Podcasts specifically, but they will be of interest to those who want to authentically connect to Irish Paganism, and they do raise Irish voices offering quality historical and cultural information. Story Archaeology Podcast Uncovering the layers of Irish Mythology. On this site, you will find a regular podcast and articles about…
Beltane is the anglicised version of our Irish word Bealtaine – still in use and meaning ‘the month of May’ in our own language. Bealtaine is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature, and it is associated with important events in Irish mythology. Irish folklore still holds the legacy of the traditions and customs…
Today, I’m grieving. Yesterday morning, I learned of the loss of a very good friend. I was in a café having breakfast while I waited on our car to be fixed… the most ordinary of situations, right? My friend Cat texted me, to check had anyone been in touch, and then asked for a phone…