On this week’s Lyric Feature, we remember the poet, lecturer and regular contributor to our programmes Gerald Dawe who died last month.

Michael O’Shea was a musician from Carlingford, Co Louth who released one self-titled album in 1982 that is now regarded as a masterpiece of the Psychedelic Folk genre. Performed on oak door rescued from a skip in Munich.

‘Discovered’ by Guglielmo Marconi while singing at a fashionable soiree in London, the famous inventor subsequently brought Sheridan to Italy, to pursue her dream of becoming an opera singer.

As a child, Bairbre O'Hogan remembers her mother bringing an elderly friend to do her weekly shopping in Dún Laoghaire. Bairbre knew her as MrsVerschoyle, she only later appreciated just how successful and prolific an author she had been.

The sculptor Imogen Stuart and the poet Michael Coady died within a day of each other on the 24 and 25th  of March this year. Each is remembered with a programme from the RTÉ archive in this evening’s Lyric Feature. 

To mark the centenary of her birth, Liz Nolan explores the life and legacy of Maria Callas, the iconic Greek soprano, widely regarded as the most significant, inspiring and provocative opera star of the modern age.

Lapwing also know as green plovers

Jays are colourful, vocal, and highly intelligent woodland birds. In this episode ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn meet ornithologist Seán Ronayne in an autumn woodland to listen to stories these birds’ incredible capacity for mimicry.

Feather and Flock is a new six part series delving in to the ways of six iconic native Irish birds. Each episode combines ecology, folklore and history to uncover the incredible lives and journeys of these wild creatures. We begin with the Cuckoo.

Laoise O’Brien has spent the past twenty-five years championing an instrument often unfairly perceived as an instrument of torture, the recorder. Join Laoise as she embarks on a journey to tell the story of the recorder and its development during the ages.

An audio portrait of painter James Hanley, told through the eyes of his sitters, fellow artists, buyers, family and friends, a story of being creative, connecting and making a life in the uncertain world of the arts.

Micil Ned Quinn from Mullaghbawn in Co. Armagh was immersed in the folk arts from childhood and grew up to be a renowned traditional singer and songwriter. This programme celebrates and reflects upon the rural life and culture from which he came and that he himself embodied. (First tx 190323)

Ireland is on the verge of losing its population of breeding curlew, but could our songs, stories and art help us to save it?

An examination of the earliest notated music in Ireland: Medieval Monastic Chant.

We Only Want The Earth: Can music help us face the climate crisis?

We Only Want The Earth: Can music help us face the climate crisis?

The story of the women behind Dublin's forgotten National Ballet Company.

The story of Irishwoman Kate Meyrick who operated the most decadent London nightclubs of the Jazz Age

Traditional Irish musicians from Donegal reinterpret scores collected by Séamus Ennis in the 1940s.

This two-part series presented by J.J. O'Shea brings us the fruits of a project initiated by folklorist Ríonach Uí Ógáin and supported by the Irish Traditional Music Archive. The project revisits The Irish Folklore Commission's collection of tunes and songs which were transcribed and notated by Séamus Ennis in Connemara and Donegal.

Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan presents six poets from four continents who are making their mark on the world of Irish poetry.

In A Place of Pointed Stones, Jessica Traynor explores the history and folklore of Banagher with local historian James Scully, and we hear new poems and a new song inspired by her research

Writing Yourself Home is presented by the Irish born but Manchester based poet Vona Groarke. Through a series of conversations with four fellow Irish poets, Vona muses on the complex relationship between national identity and writing.

Gerald Dawe explores the social and cultural history of Dun Laoghaire, where he has lived for over 30 years, in poetry and conversation.

Poet Eleanor Hooker reflects on Lough Derg and its place in the lives of those who live near it and on it

Poet Seán Lysaght explores the Wild Nephin area of north Mayo.

The portrait painter James Hanley is the subject as sitter in this audio portrait of his life and work.

The story behind Patrick Kavanagh's On Raglan Road

Laoise O'Brien explores a millennium of music through her own experiences as a recorder player.

Leontia Flynn, explores Sylvia Plath's lifelong admiration of WB Yeats. The programme also contains rare archive of Sylvia Plath speaking about Yeats and reading some of her work in a 1958 Library of Congress recording.

To mark the centenary of her birth, Liz Nolan explores the life and legacy of Maria Callas, the iconic Greek soprano, widely regarded as the most significant, inspiring and provocative opera star of the modern age.

Olivia O'Leary and poet Paddy Bushe follow the route of a long lost walk in Kerry, as described in a poem by Ellen Fitz-Simon, daughter of Daniel

Dorothea Herbet writer, poet, artist and proud spinster from Carrick On Suir. Ireland's Jane Austin. Unhoped for, unprecedented, discover the unique 'Dorothea The Doozy'.

Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan, Sliabh Luachra musician in residence, assists in the search for six old vinyl records. A story looking back at a musical tradition’s past and an effort to safeguard its future

When Sinéad O'Connor died in July this year the world was deprived of one of its most distinctive and significant voices. In 2015 Sinéad explored that voice with Iarla Ó Lionáird as part of his series Vocal Chords which was made for the Lyric Feature.

The literature and storytelling traditions associated with The Great Blasket have long been acclaimed both internationally and at home. It is surprising therefore that the music traditions of The Blaskets remain little heard. In The Western Island, J.J. O’Shea seeks to address this imbalance and explores this rich but lesser-known aspect of Blasket

Mary Brophy goes behind the scenes at the 71st Wexford Festival Opera as Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi and her team orchestrate their particular brand of alchemy. Featuring live excerpts from RTÉ lyric fm's recordings of the 2022 opening opera La Tempesta, location recordings and input from the talented cast of performers and crew.

In A Place of Pointed Stones, Jessica Traynor explores the history and folklore of Banagher with local historian James Scully, and we hear new poems and a new song inspired by her research

The opening episode Writing Yourself Home is presented by the Irish born but Manchester based poet Vona Groarke. Through a series of conversations with four fellow Irish poets, Vona muses on the complex relationship between national identity and writing.

Returning for a new three-part series Regan Hutchins joins old friends and makes new ones as he hears how we're spending our mornings, noons and nights. Episode 3 - Night

Irish composer and sound artist Robert Coleman brings us on a soundwalk of the River Dodder in South Dublin exploring the many facets of its wonderful, varied, rich history and its diverse wildlife. (Part 3 of 3)

Returning for a new three-part series Regan Hutchins joins old friends and makes new ones as he hears how we're spending our mornings, noons and nights. Episode 2 - Noon

Irish composer and sound artist Robert Coleman brings us on a soundwalk of the River Dodder in South Dublin exploring the many facets of its wonderful, varied, rich history and its diverse wildlife. (Part 2 of 3)

An audio tour of Joyce's Dublin by father and son Gerry and Daragh Dukes.

Irish composer and sound artist Robert Coleman brings us on a soundwalk of the River Dodder in South Dublin exploring the many facets of its wonderful, varied, rich history and its diverse wildlife. (1/3)

Returning for a new three-part series Regan Hutchins joins old friends and makes new ones as he hears how we're spending our mornings, noons and nights. Episode 1 - Morning

Ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían MacGloinn's six part series celebrating Irish trees. This week's tree is the Oak.

Ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían MacGloinn's six part series celebrating Irish trees. Episode 2 - Hazel

Ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían MacGloinn's series celebrating Irish trees. Episode 1 - Birch

The music of the neglected 19th Century Kerry composer Arthur O'Leary

Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan presents six poets from four continents who are making their mark on the world of Irish poetry.

Siobhán Mannion explores Kate O'Brien's banned novel about a young Irish woman's tumultuous trip to Spain in 1922

The story behind Patrick Kavanagh's On Raglan Road

The Naked Soul of Man a story of music, leadership and resilience on Shackleton's Endurance Expedition

The making of a performance based on the Civil War Gaol Journals of Dorothy Macardle

Oskar Cox-Jensen tells the stories of five songs, from across three centuries, which have travelled into and out of Ireland, across Europe, and around the world.

Micil Ned Quinn was renowned throughout Ireland as a traditional singer, songwriter and storyteller.

Paul McDermott immerses himself in the music of Sliabh Luachra by going on a quest to track down six Irish trad vinyl records released in 1977.

Ireland is on the verge of losing its population of breeding curlew, but could our songs, stories and art help us to save it?

Olivia O'Leary and poet Paddy Bushe follow the route of a long lost walk in Kerry, as described in a poem by Ellen Fitz-Simon, daughter of Daniel

Dorothea Herbert writer, poet, artist and proud spinster from Carrick on Suir. Ireland's Jane Austen. Unhoped for, unprecedented, discover the unique 'Dorothea The Doozy'

Leontia Flynn tells the story of the 1962 visit to Ireland of American poet Sylvia Plath.

Cathal Funge reveals the stories and music behind one of the great Irish albums, once lost to time only to be rediscovered by a new generation.

The life and poetry of Ethna MacCarthy, linguist, doctor, poet, and life-long friend of Samuel Beckett.

Unearthing Slow Airs traces the roots of four slow airs from four corners of Ireland to uncover how they have developed both culturally and musically, from their origin to now.

An audio walk through Marsh's Library, Ireland's first ever public library, a meander through centuries of knowledge, and rooms that hold stories that still captivate us today.

Sara Lodge retraces the Irish journeys of writer, artist and composer Edward Lear, best known as the author of The Owl and the Pussy-cat.

How technology is changing our relationship to maps and how we navigate our world.

Paper Boat Sets Sail is a documentary telling the story of the making of 'Paper Boat', a community opera for Galway.

Reflections on the experience of growing up as the child of Irish immigrants in London told through a collage of music, poetry and commentary

The story behind Patrick Kavanagh's On Raglan Road

Scottish poet Kenneth Steven explores the legend of Deirdre of the Sorrows, an ancient tale that continues to inspire writers and musicians today.

The Naked Soul of Man a story of music, leadership and resilience on Shackleton's Endurance Expedition

Ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían MacGloinn's six-part series celebrating Irish trees. Episode 6: Oak

Ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían MacGloinn's six-part series celebrating Irish trees. Episode 5 - Ash

Siobhán Mannion explores Kate O'Brien's banned novel about a young Irish woman's tumultuous trip to Spain in 1922.

The making of a performance based on the Civil War Gaol Journals of Dorothy Macardle.

Ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían MacGloinn's six-part series celebrating Irish trees. Episode 4 - Willow

Ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían MacGloinn's six-part series celebrating Irish trees. Episode 3 - Holly

Root and Branch celebrating Ireland's native trees with ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn. Episode 2 - Hazel

A new six-part series by ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds) celebrates some of Ireland's native trees. Episode 1: Birch

A sound story of maps, dark magic and dragons on this week's Lyric Feature

This special Bloomsday edition of the Lyric Feature is an audio tour of Joyce's Dublin by father and son Gerry and Daragh Dukes.

Cathal Funge reveals the stories and music behind one of the great Irish albums, once lost to time only to be rediscovered by a new generation.

Gerald Dawe explores the social and cultural history of Dun Laoghaire, where he has lived for over 30 years, in poetry and conversation.

Mary Brophy explores the influences, characters and obsessions that brought Ireland's historic gardens into being.

Poet Eleanor Hooker reflects on Lough Derg and its place in the lives of those who live near it and on it.

Poet Seán Lysaght explores the Wild Nephin area of north Mayo

Composer Linda Buckley and producer Helen Shaw explore the genetic connections between Iceland and Ireland through story and song.

Composer Linda Buckley and producer Helen Shaw explore the genetic connections between Iceland and Ireland through story and song. (First broadcast December 2019)

Writer Sara Baume and radio producer Regan Hutchins hit Cape Clear Island to find rare vagrant birds but find some meaning to life instead.

Unearthing Slow Airs traces the roots of four slow airs from four corners of Ireland to uncover how they have developed both culturally and musically, from their origin to now.

Claire Cunningham tells the stories of three poets whose work has been rediscovered: Emily Lawless, Freda Laughton and Ellen Taylor.

An Italian superstar castrato in Georgian Ireland as reimagined by the Irish Baroque Orchestra

Ireland's Changing Nature. Anja Murray on how culture has shaped our relationship with nature. Episode 3 Wildling

Episode 2 - 'Taming' explores the transformations that arose in both landscape and culture with the discovery of metals.

Ireland's Changing Nature. Anja Murray on how culture has shaped our relationship with nature. Episode 1 - After the Ice

Mary Brophy travels to the heartland of Irish-America to tell the story of one of our most iconic ballads Danny Boy in one city, and attempt to uncover how it rose to such heights. (First broadcast 4th July 2014)

Claire Cunningham tells the stories of three poets whose work has been rediscovered: Dorothea Herbert, Florence Mary Wilson and Angela Greene.

One day is a work of fiction which tells the story of a day in the life of a small village in the west of Ireland.

Dráma véarsaíochta agus ceoil is ea ‘Lá dá raibh’ mar a bhfuil a dhán féin á aithris ag an bhfile Louis de Paor le ceol nuachumtha ón gcumadóir Meiriceánach Dana Lyn.

Dráma véarsaíochta agus ceoil is ea ‘Lá dá raibh’ mar a bhfuil a dhán féin á aithris ag an bhfile Louis de Paor le ceol nuachumtha ón gcumadóir Meiriceánach Dana Lyn.

The Connemara singer and melodeon player Colm Ó Caodháin and the enduring legacy of his music.

An audio walk through Marsh's Library, Ireland's first ever public library, a meander through centuries of knowledge, and rooms that hold stories that still captivate us today.

Sara Lodge retraces the Irish journeys of writer, artist and composer Edward Lear, best known as the author of The Owl and the Pussy-cat.

The many lives of the Smock Alley Theatre. Uncover the history of Smock Alley over three centuries, from the archaeological discovery in 2010 of the original theatre's walls and roof, the struggle to bring the ruins back to life, and a return to staging performances.

Curt Adler explores the intriguing parallel lives of two musical Parisians, Marcel Proust and Erik Satie.

Ian Maleney explores the work of four contemporary Irish writers, and examines the traditions, landscapes, and ideas which run through their unique and surprising books. (First broadcast 25th November 2018)

Laoise O'Brien travels to Amsterdam with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland to follow their musical adventures in this historic and culturally rich city.

Words by Edward Lear. Setting by Emily Josephine Troupe Baritone Edward Robinson. Pianist David Owen Norris

Taking Flight is a series of radio essays by four different artists which were broadcast in October 2021 on Niall Carroll’s Classical Daytime. All the artists take the work of Patrick Kavanagh as a stepping off point for their own artistic pursuit.

Saucy Mistress Boldface is a peek through a Georgian window at life for women from 1746 to 1751 through a series of 221 letters from the Bishop Of Elphin to his only teenage daughter Alicia. We hear about music, fashions, lazy servants, exotic fruits and women’s health.

Brian McIvor unravels the mystery surrounding Allegri's Miserere Mei, one of the most celebrated and hauntingly beautiful pieces of early music.

Claire Cunningham tells the story of how the tiny island of Inishlacken, off the coast of Galway, inspired three Belfast artists 70 years ago and continues to inspire artists today

A Symphonic Life is an intimate portrayal of Ireland's most prolific symphonist, John Kinsella. Presenter: Mary Brophy.

Claire Cunningham tells the stories of three poets whose work has been rediscovered: Olivia Elder, Cathleen O'Neill and Madge Herron

Singers Ian Bostridge, Natalie Perez and Sophie Daneman on Beethoven's settings of Irish folk songs. Presented & Produced by Jon Tolansky (First broadcast 1st November 2020)

An exploration of the rich diversity of flora and fauna and archaeological sites along the River Inny in South Kerry. Presented and produced by JJ O'Shea. Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast 7th March 2021)

Oskar Cox-Jensen tells the stories of five songs, from across three centuries, which have travelled into and out of Ireland, across Europe, and around the world. A Rockfinch production Producer: Claire Cunningham Sound supervision: Tinpot Productions Recording supervisor: Craig Jackson Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly

Ye Vagabonds Brían Mac Gloinn tells the story in word and song of the rescue of 18 Dutch sailors off Arranmore Island in December 1940. Written, presented and performed by Brían Mac Gloinn. Produced by Brían Mac Gloinn & Eoin O Kelly (First TX 24th Dec 2020)

A radio essay based around the poetry of Patrick Kavanagh, The Meadow is written in the voice of unnamed fictional character, whose long life has been lived in the rhythms and sounds of a place deeply known. Narrated by Eleanor Methven Producers: Tadhg O’Sullivan and The Patrick Kavanagh Centre  Written By: Tadhg O’Sullivan

Zoë Comyns explores the life of Ethel Voynich, the Cork born writer, revolutionary and composer who became a Soviet literary sensation. Presented and produced by Zoë Comyns. Producer for RTÉ lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast 15th March 2020)

Island Time is a multimedia monologue written and performed by Kevin Barry at Inis Oírr Lighthouse. Sound design is by Foley artist Jean McGrath and the piece was made with support from the Commissioners of the Irish Lights. Produced by Eoin O Kelly and Elizabeth Laragy (First broadcast 21st March 2021)

On the Ice Edge is a sound composition by Louise Manifold which was inspired by the artist’s participation in survey work on board the Marine Institute’s Celtic Explorer. It features original text by Louise Manifold performed by Adrian Crowley, sound recordings by John Brennan and Louise Manifold with sound design by foley artist Jean McGrath.

Kevin Barry's Island Time and Louise Manifolds On the Ice Edge. Work from Aerial / Sparks at Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture. Produced by Eoin O Kelly and Elizabeth Laragy (First broadcast 21st March 2021)

An Italian superstar castrato in Georgian Ireland as reimagined by the Irish Baroque Orchestra. Written, researched and presented by Michael Lee  Produced by Michael Lee and Eoin O Kelly

A meditation on lost time and the creative process, with musicians from the Edges of Light. Presenter: Ellen Cranitch Producer: Eoin Brady

Narrated & Written by Manchán Magan Producers: Eithne Hand and The Patrick Kavanagh Centre Contributors: Brian Mac An Bhaird & Gretta Kieran Producer for RTÉ Lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly

Narrated & Written by Jaki McCarrick Producers: Aidan Guilfoyle and The Patrick Kavanagh Centre Sound Editing: Aidan Guilfoyle Producer for RTÉ Lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly

An RTÉ archive clip from 1970 of Seán Ó Riada talking with Liam Nolan about The Beatles and The Chieftains.

Narrated & Written by Annemarie Ní Churreáin Producers: Eithne Hand and The Patrick Kavanagh Centre Producer for RTÉ Lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly

Anja Murray on how culture has shaped our relationship with nature. Episode 3 Wildling Presented & Produced by Anja Murray Researcher: Lenny Antonelli Original Score: Kevin Murphy Editing and sound design: Julien Clancy Producer for lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly

Anja Murray on how culture has shaped our relationship with nature. Episode 2 - Taming Presented & Produced by Anja Murray Researcher: Lenny Antonelli Original Score: Kevin Murphy Editing and sound design: Julien Clancy Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly

Anja Murray on how culture has shaped our relationship with nature. Episode 1 - After the Ice Presented & Produced by Anja Murray   Researcher: Lenny Antonelli   Original Score: Kevin Murphy   Sound Design: Julien Clancy    Producer for lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly 

The life and poetry of Ethna MacCarthy, linguist, doctor, poet, and life-long friend of Samuel Beckett. Presented and produced by Claire Cunningham. A Rockfinch production with support from the BAI. Sound Supervision Tinpot Productions Producer for RTÉ lyric fm Eoin O Kelly

Pat Feeley examines origins of the traditional Irish song the Limerick Rake. Presented and produced by Pat Feeley. (first broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on January 31st 1989)

Pat Feeley meets with poet Sean Healy who has moved home to Kerry and is working as a farm labourer. Presented and Produced by Pat Feeley (First broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on 3rd July 1977)

Pat Feeley meets with people from all walks of life as he travels along the banks of the River Feale which has its origins in Co. Cork. Presented and Produced by Pat Feeley (First broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on March 13th 1981)

This collaboration between former RTÉ lyric fm Composer in Residence, Sebastian Adams, and writer and broadcaster Jools Gilson, is a rainy fairy tale for your ears, broadcast on the eve of St. Swithin's Day. Written by Jools Gilson Sound Design: Sebastian Adams (First broadcast July 14th 2017)

Jimmy Noone was postman for 21 years in the village of Keadue, Co. Roscommon. He shares some of his memories with Pat Feeley. Presented and Produced by Pat Feeley (First broadcast December 7th 1994)

Pat Feeley travels to the Sliabh Luachra region in search of the story of one of Ireland's greatest traditional fiddle players, Tom Billy Murphy. Presented & Produced by Pat Feeley (First broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on April 26th 1980) Series compiled by Peter Curtin

The Song And The Story was a short series that explored the stories behind popular and not so well-known Irish songs. In this edition, Pat discovers the origins of the Clare song ‘Spancil Hill’. Presented and Produced by Pat Feeley (First broadcast August 24th 1990)

Mary Brophy explores the influences, characters and obsessions that brought Ireland's historic gardens into being. Writer & Presenter: Mary Brophy Producer : Neal Boyle An IWR Media production Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast Nov 2017)

Mary Brophy explores the influences, characters and obsessions that brought Ireland's historic gardens into being. Writer & Presenter: Mary Brophy Producer : Neal Boyle An IWR Media production Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast Nov 2017)

Programme 4  Conflicted States Art critic Cristín Leach explores how ideas of Ireland and Irish identity have been visually represented, over three hundred years. An IWR Media production. Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast Jan 2020)

The life and poetry of Francis Ledwidge, who was killed in Flanders on 31st July 1917 just weeks before his 30th birthday. Produced by Claire Cunningham Sound supervision by Tinpot Productions. Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast 2017)

Conductor Peter Whelan's fascinating research into the 18th century Irish baroque musician, Matthew Dubourg. Presenter : Máire Nic Gearailt Producer: Joe O’Dubhghaill  Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly

Programme 3   Nation States Art critic Cristín Leach explores how ideas of Ireland and Irish identity have been visually represented, over three hundred years. An IWR Media production for RTE lyric fm. Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast Jan 2020)

A profile of the experimental multi-instrumentalist and composer the late Jolyon Jackson. Presented and Produced by Peter Curtin. Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First Broadcast June 2017)

Programme 2 Politics & Poverty Art critic Cristín Leach explores how ideas of Ireland and Irish identity have been visually represented, over three hundred years. An IWR Media production. Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast Jan 2020)

Programme 1: Land & Life Art critic Cristín Leach explores how ideas of Ireland and Irish identity have been visually represented, over three hundred years. An IWR Media production. Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly

Irish violin bow-maker Gary Leahy takes us on a sonic journey in search of exotic materials for a top end bow from Brazilian pernambuco wood to Mongolian pony tail hair. Presented & Produced by Eamon Little Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast Dec 2016)

Poet Pat Boran brings us on a poetic exploration of Bull Island in Dublin Bay. A Rockfinch Production Sound supervision by Tinpot Productions Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast October 2020)

An exploration of the powerful and enigmatic poem "The Song of Amergin" and the ancient Milesian legend in which it appears. Presented and Produced by JJ O’Shea Producer for lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast September 2020)

Ian Maleney explores the work of four contemporary Irish writers, and examines the traditions, landscapes, and ideas which run through their unique and surprising books. Presented & Produced by Ian Maleney Producer for lyric: Eoin O Kelly (First broadcast Nov 2018)