The rich archaeological and cultural heritage of Rathcroghan, Co Roscommon, will feature prominently on RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground this Thursday, 9th of January, at 7 pm. The programme, now in its 32nd series, will delve into the Farming Rathcroghan project, a unique initiative dedicated to protecting the area’s historical landscape while supporting the livelihoods of its farming community.
Rathcroghan, once the ancient capital of Connacht and the royal seat of Queen Medb, is a site of immense historical, mythological, and archaeological significance. It boasts over 240 archaeological features, including burial mounds, ringforts, and the renowned Rathcroghan Mound, believed to have been a royal assembly site. The programme highlights how local farmers, archaeologists, and the wider community are working together to preserve this heritage while ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Presenter Stephen Robb, who joins Ear to the Ground this season, brings his expertise in agriculture and innovation to the segment. Speaking with members of the Rathcroghan community, Robb explores the delicate balance between conserving an invaluable piece of Ireland’s past and supporting the modern farming traditions that have defined the region for centuries.
This week’s episode of Ear to the Ground will also examine pressing rural issues in other parts of the country.
In Co Wicklow, Ella McSweeney investigates the challenges posed by Ireland’s growing deer population. With over 250,000 deer culled under licence in the past five years, the report highlights the ecological, agricultural, and safety concerns associated with overpopulation. McSweeney speaks to farmers, foresters, and hunters who are calling for urgent measures to manage the impact of the expanding herds.
Meanwhile, Darragh McCullough travels to Donegal to meet Paddy Gallagher, a sheep farmer whose life was transformed following a devastating traffic accident in 2019 that left him blind. Despite his injuries, Gallagher continues to farm independently, and the segment explores his resilience, adaptability, and determination to maintain his livelihood.
The episode airs on RTÉ One on Thursday, 9th of January, at 7 pm, with a repeat on Sunday, 12th of January, at 1.10 pm.
As one of Ireland’s most important archaeological landscapes, Rathcroghan is not only a site of historical intrigue but also a key location in Irish mythology. It is famously linked to the Táin Bó Cúailnge (Cattle Raid of Cooley) and figures such as Queen Medb, Fergus mac Róich, and the Morrígan. The area is also associated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, believed to have originated at Oweynagat (Cave of the Cats), a nearby site often referred to as a portal to the Otherworld.
The Farming Rathcroghan project, featured in this week’s Ear to the Ground, exemplifies the importance of collaboration in preserving Ireland’s cultural heritage while supporting rural communities. For more on this story and other rural issues, tune in to RTÉ One or visit the programme’s website.
