Fairy Forts with Jo Kerrigan
Would you dare disturb a fairy fort? Scattered across the Irish landscape, thousands of ancient ringforts have survived for centuries, protected not just by stone and earth, but by stories, superstition and a lingering fear of the fairies. Join author Jo Kerrigan for a fascinating journey into the history and folklore of these mysterious places. Discover why generations left them untouched, hear tales of strange happenings and terrible consequences for those who interfered, and explore what archaeology reveals about their original inhabitants. An atmospheric event where history, landscape and legend meet, revealing why Ireland’s fairy forts continue to intrigue, unsettle and enchant us today.
Jo Kerrigan is an Irish writer and journalist with a fascination for Ireland’s folklore, history and landscape. Her work explores the stories, traditions and beliefs that have shaped our relationship with the places around us, uncovering the history and mythology that continue to resonate in Ireland today.
Jo will be in conversation with Mícheál ó Coileáin. Mícheál is s a qualified Archaeologist with a post graduate degree from University College Galway. He has participated in excavations, surveys and watching briefs on a wide variety of sites along the Wild Atlantic Way from Kerry to Donegal. He has lectured in both Ireland and the US and has taught at all levels within Ireland. He has contributed to numerous documentaries on television and radio over the past 30 years.
The event offers the chance to see Ireland’s familiar landscape differently. Audiences will discover the history behind fairy forts, why they were built, how they became associated with the supernatural, and why so many have survived untouched. Jo will explore the fascinating point where archaeology, folklore and lived tradition meet, sharing stories and beliefs passed down through generations. You will leave understanding not only what fairy forts are, but why they have held such a powerful place in the Irish imagination, and how ancient beliefs continue to influence our relationship with the landscape today.
Location
An Díseart, V92 VW74