An Chailleach agus Samhain

In this special Oíche Shamhna Real Take, I'm revisiting a conversation I had this time last year with musician, broadcaster and academic Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.

We spoke the day after I'd seen her perform her show The Cailleach at An Taibhdhearc, Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, in Galway.

In this snippet, Doireann speaks about the significance of An Chailleach, an ancient female figure deeply rooted in Irish mythology and folklore. She shares stories of how An Chailleach shaped the landscape of Ireland and she sings the beautiful traditional song Éiníní.

We talk about this liminal time of year, and Doireann reflects on growing up with a deep respect for an slua sí, the fairy folk, and the beliefs and traditions passed down through generations. There was a deep understanding and respect for an saol eile, the otherworld. It wasn't necessarily about seeing something, but simply knowing and trusting that it existed.

And some lovely news from her! She's releasing her debut solo album, An Tairseach, and the song Éiníní, which you'll hear her sing in this episode, is also the opening track on the album.

The album is available to pre-order, so do check out her music and support her work.

Find Doireann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doireannnighlacain/

If you'd like to hear our full conversation, originally released on Oíche Shamhna 2025, you can find it here on Ready to Be Real.

And for more on the origins and traditions of Samhain, you might also enjoy my chat with folklorist Dr Billy Mag Fhloinn.

Bainigí sult as Oíche Shamhna!

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