Joe travels to the medieval town of Fethard in County Tipperary, where the legacy of its Anglo-Norman past is still very much in evidence. However, the Anglo-Normans who conquered the region from the O’Brien clan were all but defeated by an unexpected foe, as local historian Terry Cunningham explains to Joe. He recounts how differences in agricultural practices between the Normans and Gaelic Irish resulted in a shift in the balance of power in the area – after the plague rats arrived. Terry also takes Joe to visit the local church where a Catholic bishop who became a Protestant lord was interred the wrong way round as a punishment by the local people.

A happier tale is to be found in another church, the Holy Trinity Church which has stood on the site since the 13th century – albeit with a few alterations over the centuries. Mary Hanrahan takes Joe on a tour, pointing out some of the church’s unique features, including a monument associated with a love story between a soldier and a maid, who ended up living in a castle. Another Fethard building which has stood the test of time is the Tholsel – an early 17th century structure which has served a number of important functions over the centuries. Although age took its toll on the Tholsel, it has now been lovingly restored by the Fethard business community, and Joe pays a visit in the company of local horse-breeder, Maurice Moloney, who chats about the plans to put the Tholsel to use as a tourist attraction celebrating something very close to Maurice’s heart.

The rich history of Fethard has provided much inspiration to critically-acclaimed artist and collector, Pat Looby, and Joe visits the home she shares with her remarkable collection of antiques and bric-a-brac amassed from years of car boot sales and auctions. Pat discusses how she creates her stunning art from such fodder as ancient field pattern maps and rusty objects. Another artist Joe pays a visit to, is ceramic artist, Doirín Saurus, at her studio and gallery just outside Fethard. After admiring Doirín’s colourful and quirky tea sets, Joe decides to try his hand at some pottery as well – with dubious results!

Doirín gives Joe a sneak peek at an award she has crafted for a man who has done much for Fethard over the years – including keeping the long tradition of preparing a newsletter for the Fethard diaspora overseas. Joe pays another house call to Joe Kenny, who chats about the history of the newsletter, and his lifelong love of photography. He shows Joe some images from an incredible collection of major historical significance that he found hidden under a relative’s stairs!

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Joe visits Errismore in Connemara, Co. Galway, a place where the people have ‘one foot in the tide’, as the local saying goes. This was part of the former territory of the seafaring O’Flaherty clan, and archaeologist and local historian Michael Gibbons takes Joe to the ruins of the castle overlooking the sea at Bunabhainn where Donal O’Flaherty lived with his wife, Grace O’Malley. She is perhaps better known as Granuaile, ‘the Pirate Queen’, but Michael disputes the idea that she was a pirate at all, as he explains to Joe.

Staying on the shore, Joe meets a man who is a perfect example of having ‘one foot in the tide’. Padraic Kearns still lives in the house he grew up in, which is only separated from the tide by a low wall. Padraic chats to Joe about his family’s intimate, and mostly harmonious relationship with the sea, and how the produce the tide left behind helped feed a family of 7, and fend off colds and flu. He also explains how the tide serves as nature’s calendar.

Errismore’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean was the main reason that Guglielmo Marconi chose it for the location of the first ever Transatlantic Wireless Station. The flat land of Derrygimlagh bog provided the ideal site, and historian Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill chats to Joe about the impact the station and its staff had upon the local community. The station wasn’t the only world first that occurred on this site – Kathleen explains how it was also the place where Alcock and Brown landed after completing the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1919.

Besides these auspicious historical developments, another thing Connemara is famed for is its ponies. Christy King, a former breeder of Connemara ponies, reminisces with Joe about riding bareback as a boy and about his brother Paddy, a champion breeder of some renown, whose funeral included a cortege of ponies and riders. Someone who is carrying on the tradition of breeding Connemara ponies today is Padraic Heanue, and he gives Joe a tour of his stables, and introduces him to some of his pedigree ponies. He tells Joe about the contingent of horse breeders who recently paid him a visit, looking to breed Connemara ponies in perhaps the unlikeliest of places – South Korea!

Something else that Connemara is well-known for is its fishing industry, which has always been the lifeblood of the economy here, and Joe takes a look at how it has changed over the years. He visits Bunowen Pier where he takes a tour of Connemara Smokehouse, courtesy of its owner, Graham Roberts, who talks Joe through the process of making his artisanal ‘cold smoked’ salmon. Joe then spends some time with local fisherman, Martin O’Malley, who chats about his memories of growing up within the fishing community and about the crawfish and lobster industries of the past in Connemara

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Joe visits the seaside resort of Mullaghmore in County Sligo, where he finds out why it took two Scottish engineers and a British prime minister to build a harbour. He also discovers some fairy cures, and takes a trip across to the early Christian ruins on the picturesque island of Inishmurray. He visits an artist who makes surfboards and paddles from wood, and gets a paddle-boarding lesson from an Irish champion.

Lesser Spotted Ireland: Discover Hidden Gems Across the island of Ireland

Hosted by Joe Mahon, the series delves deep into the lesser-known corners of Ireland, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, unique traditions, and remarkable local stories

Each episode highlights the vibrant communities and extraordinary individuals who call these places home, sharing personal anecdotes, folklore, and history. From exploring the serene loughs and glens to uncovering ancient ruins and traditional crafts, Lesser Spotted Ireland paints an intimate portrait of a region brimming with charm and character

This fabulous series is a treasure trove for fans of travel, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or discover hidden gems, the series is renowned for its warm, personal storytelling, giving a voice to the people who call these places home

Explore the heart and soul of Ireland, one story at a time

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