Peak Experiences

Picking fraughans was a big business back in the day and there was plenty to be found on the Blackstairs Mountain as Michael Conry, a Carlow author recounts in this programme

We hear of the escapades of Eliza Gilbert who was married for a brief period of time to Captain James of Ballycrystal, which is in the foothills of Mount Leinster and we hear the delightful folk tale of The Duke of Leinster, a man of small means who li …

The Blackstairs Mountains bore witness to the activities in 1798 following the Battle on Vinegar Hill and some of these incidents are recalled in this programme

What is the story behind the Nine Stones close to Mount Leinster and the trail up the side of the mountain known as the Cailin Slipes? We find out in this programme of Peak Experiences

The Commonage is a shared space on the tops of the hills that form the Blackstairs Mountain Range and we hear about this arrangement and the cooperation between farmers in this area

Tragic incidents have occurred on the Blackstairs Mountains; there have been a few air crashes and then there was the bombing of Shannon’s House by a German bomber during World War 2

Meeting Sunday was a big festival on the mountain back in the day and people used to make a living out of lamping rabbits at one stage. All these activities no longer happen now

Fr Alfie Murphy, a retired priest living in Carbury Co Kildare and born and bred in Myshall Co Carlow, gives us a fascinating insight into the years of research he has done into the genealogy of the saints who he believes had some sort of connection wi …

Like all mountains, the Blackstairs by virtue of it’s height and exposure, is not the most hospitable place to live on top of. Because of this, activity on it over the past thousands of years has been left relatively well preserved. Archaeologists like …

In this program in the series we focus on the building of the waterworks at Raheenleigh. There are many rivers that have their origins in the Blackstairs and one of the rivers, the River Burren, has been harnessed to supply drinking water to communitie …

The Blackstairs Mountains have been farmed all down through the years and in this programme, which forms part of the Peak Experience series, farmers recall memories of times past when farming in the mountain KCLR96FM · Stories from the Blackstairs – Fa …

In this programme in the series we explore how and when mountains were formed, their composition and where the name Blackstairs comes from first with Michael Conroy former soil scientist with Teagasc Pak Park and author of the book ‘Carlow Granite, Yea …

In this programme we begin by focusing on unusual stones found around the mountain and end up talking about highwaymen. Dr Seimi O’Mhurcu, who did his Phd on the archaeology of the Blackstairs Mountain begins the piece talking about the prevalence of R …

Jim Quirke lives in Kiloughternane, a small place that is very well known, and in this programme we hear a bit about Jim and the history and heritage of Kiloughternane KCLR96FM · Kiloughternane

Mount Leinster is the highest peak in the Blackstairs and one of the features that dominants its landscape is the RTE which was built in the 1960s, Jim Byrne from Ballindaggin worked for RTE for over 30 years and in the following account relates the co …

This time our focus turns to Myshall nestled in the foothills of Mount Leinster. This small place has a strong community and very active Muintir na Tire group who have a wonderful vision for the interests of the village. In this programmes we hear from …

Hiking is a very popular recreational activity enjoyed by many people. The following programme features Michael Monaghan and Jim Quirke and begins with Micheal Conry former soil scientist with Teagasc Research Centre Oak Park Carlow and author and hist …

There is something about mountains and the tops of mountains that inspire awe and wonder in people…. Indeed several mountains around the world are considered sacred and it could well be the case that Mt Leinster, the highest peak in the Blackstairs, …

The Blackstairs Mountains are a home for numerous animals and plants. In this programme we speak with Lorcan Scott Wildlife Officer with the Heritage Council but first with Michael Monaghan, who loves hillwalking and in the following piece speaks about …

Rathanna has to be one of the places that has the best view of Mt Leinster. Its located right at the bottom of the mountain and by all accounts its populated by people who love the place. This programme was recorded before the lockdown and features Eri …

There are many hiking trails in the mountain and in this programme we focus on one trail, The Columban Way pilgrim route, which honours St Columbanus who was born close to Myshall in 543AD. Patsy McClean is President of the National Association of St C …

So far we’ve covered hiking, wildlife, some of the villages around the Blackstairs, stories, archaeology…. and today we put a focus on two things.. art and how the environment inspires so many artists living in the area and then also memories and how …

In this program we feature ghost stories, an account of the abduction of the Kennedy Sisters and the story of the Last Wolf in Ireland, which was shot on Mount Leinster. The programme features, Jimmy and Sean Keogh, Margaret Minchin and begins with Sei …

In this programme we go on a journey through a handful of some of the many place names on the mountain and talk to local farmer Paddy Dwyer in Ballycrystal and to Barry Dalby, owner of East West Mapping who created a brilliant map of the Blackstairs mo …

Today we return to the subject of people who came from the mountain area, some how have made it to the history books and others who were well known and liked locally. The programme features Margaret Minchin from Corries, Bagenalstown and begins with Mi …