
A warm, personal guide leads listeners into the heart of Ireland’s poetic heritage, recalling childhood memories of verses whispered in drawing‑rooms and the spirited songs that once rose from market towns. The narrator’s reflections reveal how the landscape—rolling hills, the western sea, the rugged Burren—kindles a love for the ancient language, while the echoes of rebellion and sacrifice pulse through the verses.
Through thoughtful prose translations, the collection brings the voices of centuries‑old poets, from the lyrical laments of the 17th‑century chieftains to the impassioned cries of 19th‑century rebels, into clear, accessible English. Listeners will hear the blend of myth, history, and personal devotion that shaped a nation’s identity, all presented with the gentle humor and insight of a lifelong Irish storyteller.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (73K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Starner, Curtis A. Weyant, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
2004-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1852–1932
A driving force behind Ireland’s literary revival, this playwright and folklorist helped found the Abbey Theatre and brought Irish legend, country speech, and sharp comedy to the stage. Her work sits at the meeting point of folklore, nationalism, and modern drama.
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