Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige

An Chailleach agus Samhain

2026-10-31

In this special Oíche Shamhna Real Take, I'm revisiting a conversation I had this time last year with musician, broadcaster and academic Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.

We spoke the day after I'd seen her perform her show The Cailleach at An Taibhdhearc, Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, in Galway.

In this snippet, Doireann speaks about the significance of An Chailleach, an ancient female figure deeply rooted in Irish mythology and folklore. She shares stories of how An Chailleach shaped the landscape of Ireland and she sings the beautiful traditional song Éiníní.

We talk about this liminal time of year, and Doireann reflects on growing up with a deep respect for an slua sí, the fairy folk, and the beliefs and traditions passed down through generations. There was a deep understanding and respect for an saol eile, the otherworld. It wasn't necessarily about seeing something, but simply knowing and trusting that it existed.

And some lovely news from her! She's releasing her debut solo album, An Tairseach, and the song Éiníní, which you'll hear her sing in this episode, is also the opening track on the album.

The album is available to pre-order, so do check out her music and support her work.

Find Doireann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doireannnighlacain/

If you'd like to hear our full conversation, originally released on Oíche Shamhna 2025, you can find it here on Ready to Be Real.

And for more on the origins and traditions of Samhain, you might also enjoy my chat with folklorist Dr Billy Mag Fhloinn.

Bainigí sult as Oíche Shamhna!

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303

Latest episode

2026-10-31

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In Ready to Be Real, broadcaster Síle Seoige sits down with people from all walks of life for honest, open and thought-provoking conversations about the experiences that shape us.

From well-known faces to people with extraordinary stories, and experts offering fresh perspectives, these are conversations that go beyond the surface.

With warmth, curiosity and a willingness to explore difficult subjects, Síle creates a space for vulnerability, laughter, reflection and genuine connection.

Covering everything from relationships, parenting and mental health to identity, loss, personal growth and the wider issues affecting our communities, Ready to Be Real is about understanding ourselves, each other and the world we live in.

Some conversations will challenge you. Others will comfort, inspire or simply make you smile.

All are rooted in the belief that there is something powerful in sharing our stories, and that listening to others can change how we see our own lives.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.