The new series of Creedon's Atlas of Ireland finds presenter John Creedon as passionate as ever about uncovering the true meaning of Irish place names.
Familiar faces joining him on his journey include spoken word performer Emmett Kirwan, comedian Pat Shortt and architect Hugh Wallace, popping up from from Tallaght, to Tipperary, and Waterford to the Beara Peninsula.
In this first episode of the new series, John starts his journey pondering why the word 'bard' appears in so many place names right across the country.
He sets off on a mission to find out how Ireland’s bards originally told the story of Ireland and he is hopeful their version of the story still exists today.
He heads to Tallaght County Dublin where he meets actor and Tallaght native Emmet Kirwan. They discuss the meaning of the name Tallaght and how it inspired Emmet’s latest work which is a radio play about an ancient Bard by the name of Tuan.
Prof. Pádraig Ó Macháin tells John how the early Christian Church ensured the narrative of Irish history was written down for the first time through the eyes of Christianity in Monasteries like St Maelruan’s in Tallaght.
In Bruree County Limerick, Dr Emma Nic Carthaigh takes John back in time to reveal some startling insights into the life and status of the bards or ‘Filí’ in Irish society.
John meets his old friend Pat Shortt to find out how New Birmingham in County Tipperary inspired D’Unbelievables. He investigates the legacy of the coalmining industry in rural Tipperary.
He meets Architect Hugh Wallace and investigates Portlaw in County Waterford a purpose built town with an incredible story to tell.
And John heads to the land of his mother’s people, The Beara Penninsula, to learn about An Cailleach an ancient Irish Goddess and he is delighted to discover her power still present in the women of Beara.
Watch Creedon's Atlas of Ireland Sundays on RTÉ One.
