Blog
LMFM radio interview about summer solstice
Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland chats with Gerry Kelly on Late Lunch on LMFM radio about the significance of the summer solstice.
LMFM radio interview about summer solstice
Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland chats with Gerry Kelly on Late Lunch on LMFM radio about the significance of the summer solstice.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Newgrange Farm Archaeological Par...
Announcing a brand new tour of the monuments and mythology of Newgrange Farm, a substantial part of the Brú na Bóinne landscape. Led by author and discoverer of 'Dronehenge' Anthony...
ANNOUNCEMENT: Newgrange Farm Archaeological Par...
Announcing a brand new tour of the monuments and mythology of Newgrange Farm, a substantial part of the Brú na Bóinne landscape. Led by author and discoverer of 'Dronehenge' Anthony...
Religion, racism and propaganda: why King Charl...
The story of Ireland’s coronation stone, Lia Fáil (fo-ail, the “under-stone”, i.e. the stone that screamed under the rightful king, also known as the ‘Stone of Destiny’) is so tainted...
Religion, racism and propaganda: why King Charl...
The story of Ireland’s coronation stone, Lia Fáil (fo-ail, the “under-stone”, i.e. the stone that screamed under the rightful king, also known as the ‘Stone of Destiny’) is so tainted...
Island of the Setting Sun inspired the work of ...
It's not every day you discover that your written work has inspired a famous artist. Jo Baer is an American painter whose works are displayed in the Museum of Modern...
Island of the Setting Sun inspired the work of ...
It's not every day you discover that your written work has inspired a famous artist. Jo Baer is an American painter whose works are displayed in the Museum of Modern...
Tree rings and catastrophes - Irish myth, archa...
The following is a transcript of a conversation I had with Mike Baillie of Queen’s University, one of the foremost experts on dendrochronology. The study of tree rings in Irish...
Tree rings and catastrophes - Irish myth, archa...
The following is a transcript of a conversation I had with Mike Baillie of Queen’s University, one of the foremost experts on dendrochronology. The study of tree rings in Irish...
A beautiful display of northern lights between ...
Displays of aurora borealis (northern lights), which are very familiar to people living in the far north of the world in places like Alaska, northern Canada, Iceland and Scandinavia, are surprisingly...
A beautiful display of northern lights between ...
Displays of aurora borealis (northern lights), which are very familiar to people living in the far north of the world in places like Alaska, northern Canada, Iceland and Scandinavia, are surprisingly...
I think I might have found the Irish word for a...
I think I have found the Irish word or compound word for a henge. In the mythology of Brú na Bóinne, which has the world's largest concentration of henge monuments,...
I think I might have found the Irish word for a...
I think I have found the Irish word or compound word for a henge. In the mythology of Brú na Bóinne, which has the world's largest concentration of henge monuments,...
Another cropmark discovery at Newgrange Farm: G...
In April of 2022, I made a further discovery at Newgrange Farm. I photographed crop marks that had appeared unexpectedly in two of the fields there, one of which I...
Another cropmark discovery at Newgrange Farm: G...
In April of 2022, I made a further discovery at Newgrange Farm. I photographed crop marks that had appeared unexpectedly in two of the fields there, one of which I...
There were no snakes in Ireland when Saint Patr...
The widespread belief that Saint Patrick banished snakes from Ireland is not based in reality. There were no snakes, and very few reptiles in Ireland when he came here in...
There were no snakes in Ireland when Saint Patr...
The widespread belief that Saint Patrick banished snakes from Ireland is not based in reality. There were no snakes, and very few reptiles in Ireland when he came here in...
The legend of the arrival of three sacred cows ...
Lady Wilde recorded a fascinating legend in the 19th century concerning the prophecied arrival of three sacred cows – a white cow, a red cow and a black cow –...
The legend of the arrival of three sacred cows ...
Lady Wilde recorded a fascinating legend in the 19th century concerning the prophecied arrival of three sacred cows – a white cow, a red cow and a black cow –...
Another possible monument discovered – but this...
I may have found an unrecorded Bronze Age barrow monument in a drone photograph. However, the photograph was not taken by me. It was captured by Peter Nagy of DRONE...
Another possible monument discovered – but this...
I may have found an unrecorded Bronze Age barrow monument in a drone photograph. However, the photograph was not taken by me. It was captured by Peter Nagy of DRONE...
Loughcrew conservation: we need to think about ...
The Meath Chronicle newspaper recently ran a two-page feature article on a campaign by Lar Dooley and others to put a proper conservation management plan in place for the Neolithic...
Loughcrew conservation: we need to think about ...
The Meath Chronicle newspaper recently ran a two-page feature article on a campaign by Lar Dooley and others to put a proper conservation management plan in place for the Neolithic...
If the stones could speak, what story would the...
The megalithic art of Newgrange is abstract and mysterious. The decorated stones of Síd in Broga appear to tell a story, but if the stones could speak, what story would...
If the stones could speak, what story would the...
The megalithic art of Newgrange is abstract and mysterious. The decorated stones of Síd in Broga appear to tell a story, but if the stones could speak, what story would...
Happy Imbolc. Spring is in the air!
Happy Imbolc! Spring is announcing its arrival with a beautiful dawn chorus, a higher and stronger sun and longer days. The sun's race up the horizon towards summer has begun....
Happy Imbolc. Spring is in the air!
Happy Imbolc! Spring is announcing its arrival with a beautiful dawn chorus, a higher and stronger sun and longer days. The sun's race up the horizon towards summer has begun....
The Irish Ringfort book by Matthew Stout is bei...
There is good news for Irish archaeology fans this month after it was revealed that Matthew Stout's book The Irish Ringfort is to be reprinted. There are as many as...
The Irish Ringfort book by Matthew Stout is bei...
There is good news for Irish archaeology fans this month after it was revealed that Matthew Stout's book The Irish Ringfort is to be reprinted. There are as many as...
St. Brigid's Day and Imbolc are not the same thing
Saint Brigid's Day and the old cross-quarter festival of Imbolc are often celebrated on 1st February. However, as Anthony Murphy argues here, Imbolc can never fall on 1st February and...
St. Brigid's Day and Imbolc are not the same thing
Saint Brigid's Day and the old cross-quarter festival of Imbolc are often celebrated on 1st February. However, as Anthony Murphy argues here, Imbolc can never fall on 1st February and...
Reading from Sir James G. Frazer's 'The Golden ...
Over the past few weeks, I have been reading excerpts from the wonderful The Golden Bough by James George Frazer on Live Irish Myths, the weekly livestream about Irish mythology.
Reading from Sir James G. Frazer's 'The Golden ...
Over the past few weeks, I have been reading excerpts from the wonderful The Golden Bough by James George Frazer on Live Irish Myths, the weekly livestream about Irish mythology.
Spectral forms in the dark at Dowth and uninten...
While photographing the famous Stone of the Seven Suns at Dowth in the twilight, I captured some ghostly or spectral forms, showing a face. Had I photographed the spirits of...
Spectral forms in the dark at Dowth and uninten...
While photographing the famous Stone of the Seven Suns at Dowth in the twilight, I captured some ghostly or spectral forms, showing a face. Had I photographed the spirits of...
Dowth Henge - another solstice alignment at Brú...
While all the focus of winter solstice is on Newgrange today, there is another monument at Brú na Bóinne with apparent alignments on midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset. The Dowth...
Dowth Henge - another solstice alignment at Brú...
While all the focus of winter solstice is on Newgrange today, there is another monument at Brú na Bóinne with apparent alignments on midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset. The Dowth...
Newgrange satellite cairn may have had its own ...
A destroyed passage-tomb close to the famous Newgrange monument may once have had a roofbox, just like its more famous and larger neighbour, an Irish archaeological research has suggested.
Newgrange satellite cairn may have had its own ...
A destroyed passage-tomb close to the famous Newgrange monument may once have had a roofbox, just like its more famous and larger neighbour, an Irish archaeological research has suggested.
Rare hoar frost at Newgrange and Knowth
A rare hoar frost in the Boyne Valley made for some really stunning photographs at Newgrange and Knowth, where I brought my cameras and drone this morning to capture some of...
Rare hoar frost at Newgrange and Knowth
A rare hoar frost in the Boyne Valley made for some really stunning photographs at Newgrange and Knowth, where I brought my cameras and drone this morning to capture some of...
Does Irish mythology have an oral longevity tha...
Does the mythology of Ireland contain information that demonstrates that the origin of these stories goes back into not just pre-Christian times, but in fact all the way back into...
Does Irish mythology have an oral longevity tha...
Does the mythology of Ireland contain information that demonstrates that the origin of these stories goes back into not just pre-Christian times, but in fact all the way back into...
Mythical Ireland Community raises over €1,000 f...
A number of charities in the Boyne Valley have benefitted from the extraordinary generosity of the Mythical Ireland Community who dug deep to help out Mythical Ireland founder Anthony Murphy....
Mythical Ireland Community raises over €1,000 f...
A number of charities in the Boyne Valley have benefitted from the extraordinary generosity of the Mythical Ireland Community who dug deep to help out Mythical Ireland founder Anthony Murphy....
Lia Ailbhe - the largest standing stone in Brega
A large standing stone known as Lia Ailbhe was destroyed by the High King Maelsechlainn in 999AD. Anthony Murphy investigates where this stone might have been situated.
Lia Ailbhe - the largest standing stone in Brega
A large standing stone known as Lia Ailbhe was destroyed by the High King Maelsechlainn in 999AD. Anthony Murphy investigates where this stone might have been situated.
Lú Festival of Light - Saint Peter's Church vid...
Here is a video of the Lú Festival of Light - Drogheda display at St. Peter's Church, West Street, Drogheda. It features the story of the Salmon of Knowledge, Lugh...
Lú Festival of Light - Saint Peter's Church vid...
Here is a video of the Lú Festival of Light - Drogheda display at St. Peter's Church, West Street, Drogheda. It features the story of the Salmon of Knowledge, Lugh...
Moon takes a "bite" out of the sun during parti...
Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland captured some dramatic images of the partial solar eclipse of Tuesday 25th October 2022. Have a look at some of his work here.
Moon takes a "bite" out of the sun during parti...
Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland captured some dramatic images of the partial solar eclipse of Tuesday 25th October 2022. Have a look at some of his work here.
The Live Irish Myths 200th episode QUIZ - 100 q...
Try your hand at these 100 questions featured in our Live Irish Myths quiz and test your knowledge of Irish mythology, archaeology, history and geography.
The Live Irish Myths 200th episode QUIZ - 100 q...
Try your hand at these 100 questions featured in our Live Irish Myths quiz and test your knowledge of Irish mythology, archaeology, history and geography.
A green hint of the Northern Lights at Newgrange
A photograph of some green Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) at the Newgrange monument.
A green hint of the Northern Lights at Newgrange
A photograph of some green Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) at the Newgrange monument.
Live Irish Myths 200th episode Quiz night on Zoom
To celebrate the 200th episode of the Live Irish Myths series, I am hosting a quiz on Zoom with prizes.
Live Irish Myths 200th episode Quiz night on Zoom
To celebrate the 200th episode of the Live Irish Myths series, I am hosting a quiz on Zoom with prizes.
Revealed: my next guest in new film series
Revealed: The next guest in the Mythical Ireland film conversation series - Michael Slavin, author of The Book of Tara and proprietor of the Old Book Shop on the Hill of...
Revealed: my next guest in new film series
Revealed: The next guest in the Mythical Ireland film conversation series - Michael Slavin, author of The Book of Tara and proprietor of the Old Book Shop on the Hill of...
Irish people much more interested in history no...
This blog post was written by Paul Murphy. For a man who is the great-grand nephew of the prominent 1916 figure The O’Rahilly, Manchán Magan had let much of the...
Irish people much more interested in history no...
This blog post was written by Paul Murphy. For a man who is the great-grand nephew of the prominent 1916 figure The O’Rahilly, Manchán Magan had let much of the...
Drogheda to host Lú Festival of Light, a specta...
Louth County Council, in partnership with business representative group Love Drogheda, recently announced the launch of Lú Festival of Light, a wonderfully creative urban animation showcase and family festival. This novel and free...
Drogheda to host Lú Festival of Light, a specta...
Louth County Council, in partnership with business representative group Love Drogheda, recently announced the launch of Lú Festival of Light, a wonderfully creative urban animation showcase and family festival. This novel and free...
Mythical Ireland tour of the archaeology, mytho...
Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland led a tour of the archaeology, mythology and history of the great megalithic passage-tomb of Dowth in the Boyne Valley.
Mythical Ireland tour of the archaeology, mytho...
Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland led a tour of the archaeology, mythology and history of the great megalithic passage-tomb of Dowth in the Boyne Valley.
Snapped by Google Earth while flying my drone n...
New Google Earth imagery from August 2022 captured me on one of my many missions to Brú na Bóinne to capture drone imagery of the monuments there.
Snapped by Google Earth while flying my drone n...
New Google Earth imagery from August 2022 captured me on one of my many missions to Brú na Bóinne to capture drone imagery of the monuments there.
Irish Government publishes ten-year conservatio...
The Government has published a new conservation management plan for the state-owned lands at the ancient Hill of Tara, one of Ireland's most important archaeological and cultural landscapes. The plan...
Irish Government publishes ten-year conservatio...
The Government has published a new conservation management plan for the state-owned lands at the ancient Hill of Tara, one of Ireland's most important archaeological and cultural landscapes. The plan...
The new Mythical Ireland website - a user guide
A brand new version of the Mythical Ireland website was launched on 30th September 2022. In this blog post, curator Anthony Murphy takes us through all its new features. The...
The new Mythical Ireland website - a user guide
A brand new version of the Mythical Ireland website was launched on 30th September 2022. In this blog post, curator Anthony Murphy takes us through all its new features. The...
Fourknocks ridge from the air
This aerial photo of the Fourknocks monument demonstrates aptly how many Irish passage-tombs are situated on hills, ridges and upland areas.
Fourknocks ridge from the air
This aerial photo of the Fourknocks monument demonstrates aptly how many Irish passage-tombs are situated on hills, ridges and upland areas.
Ancient Alignment: Stone Age cairn in Meath poi...
Cairn S at Slieve na Calliagh, Loughcrew, Co. Meath, points towards the Carrowkeel/Keshcorran complex over 90km away in Sligo. Anthony Murphy investigates
Ancient Alignment: Stone Age cairn in Meath poi...
Cairn S at Slieve na Calliagh, Loughcrew, Co. Meath, points towards the Carrowkeel/Keshcorran complex over 90km away in Sligo. Anthony Murphy investigates
VIDEO: Watch as Dublin man enters ancient under...
Souterrain discovered in North County Dublin is probably a 1,000-year-old food storage structure
VIDEO: Watch as Dublin man enters ancient under...
Souterrain discovered in North County Dublin is probably a 1,000-year-old food storage structure
The Oenach of Brú na Bóinne: solstice talk at D...
On Summer Solstice, June 21st 2022, I gave a talk at Drogheda Library titled 'The Oenach of Brú na Bóinne: A Forgotten Assembly Site of the Prehistoric Past'. The talk was...
The Oenach of Brú na Bóinne: solstice talk at D...
On Summer Solstice, June 21st 2022, I gave a talk at Drogheda Library titled 'The Oenach of Brú na Bóinne: A Forgotten Assembly Site of the Prehistoric Past'. The talk was...
Brigid - a threshold saint who knocks at the do...
Anthony Murphy reflects upon the powerful archetype of a saint and goddess whose agency acts upon us, whether we are Christian, secular or agnostic
Brigid - a threshold saint who knocks at the do...
Anthony Murphy reflects upon the powerful archetype of a saint and goddess whose agency acts upon us, whether we are Christian, secular or agnostic
Murals to bring ancient Boyne Valley myths to life
A planned series of mythological murals in Drogheda has begun
Murals to bring ancient Boyne Valley myths to life
A planned series of mythological murals in Drogheda has begun
Work begins on Drogheda mythology murals
Work on the first of six new myth murals in the ancient town of Drogheda has begun
Work begins on Drogheda mythology murals
Work on the first of six new myth murals in the ancient town of Drogheda has begun
Two of three logboats I found by drone in the r...
Underwater Archaeology Unit of the National Monuments Service clarifies that two of the finds are completely new, not previously reported to them
Two of three logboats I found by drone in the r...
Underwater Archaeology Unit of the National Monuments Service clarifies that two of the finds are completely new, not previously reported to them
Third logboat spotted by drone in the Boyne riv...
Anthony Murphy has located a third logboat in the shallow low-tide waters of the Boyne using his drone.
Third logboat spotted by drone in the Boyne riv...
Anthony Murphy has located a third logboat in the shallow low-tide waters of the Boyne using his drone.
The logboats of the river Boyne in Drogheda - a...
Anthony Murphy met Irish logboats expert Dr Niall Gregory at the site of not one but TWO ancient logboats in the river Boyne in Drogheda
The logboats of the river Boyne in Drogheda - a...
Anthony Murphy met Irish logboats expert Dr Niall Gregory at the site of not one but TWO ancient logboats in the river Boyne in Drogheda
Spotted by drone: an ancient logboat in the riv...
Anthony Murphy describes spotting what is probably an ancient dug-out boat or canoe in the shallow low-tide waters of the Boyne river using his drone
Spotted by drone: an ancient logboat in the riv...
Anthony Murphy describes spotting what is probably an ancient dug-out boat or canoe in the shallow low-tide waters of the Boyne river using his drone
First booklet in new monograph series goes to p...
Mythical Ireland Monograph No. 1: Finn and the Salmon of Knowledge, has been completed and is with the printer
First booklet in new monograph series goes to p...
Mythical Ireland Monograph No. 1: Finn and the Salmon of Knowledge, has been completed and is with the printer
The miracle of the Return to Segais
Author Anthony Murphy describes witnessing a salmon run at Slane that provided the inspiration for his new book, Return to Segais
The miracle of the Return to Segais
Author Anthony Murphy describes witnessing a salmon run at Slane that provided the inspiration for his new book, Return to Segais
Return to Segais review: 'A brilliantly crafted...
Reader Joan McHugh was one of the first people to read Return to Segais and she loved it so much she asked if she could write a review for Mythical...
Return to Segais review: 'A brilliantly crafted...
Reader Joan McHugh was one of the first people to read Return to Segais and she loved it so much she asked if she could write a review for Mythical...