Manchán Magan sees ancient site in Limerick in new light following cancer diagnosis

AUTHOR, traveller and documentary maker Manchán Magan listens to Lough Gur speak in a new RTÉ two-part programme.

Listen to the Land Speak sees Manchán reveal the profound knowledge and wisdom contained in our landscape and myths and explores how they have shaped the way we look at the world.

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Filmed over four seasons, the film unfolds from Winter Solstice to Bealtaine through Reek Sunday to Samhain. 

An RTÉ spokesperson said it reveals how the stories and myths associated with the rivers, mountains and lands around us are crucial to unlocking aspects of how we need to rebuild our relationship with nature.  

“Along his journey, he meets respected archaeologists, mythologists, writers and shamans that offer different perspectives on how our ancestors related to the land and landscape around them. 

“But it also becomes an unexpectedly personal story – because as he seeks to help heal society’s relationship with nature, Manchán also realises that there is a serious illness within himself that makes him see these ancient sites and beliefs in a whole new light,” said the spokesperson.

The first episode focusing on Loughcrew, Meath airs on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 10.10pm this Thursday, July 17. Then it is Lough Gur’s turn on the following Thursday night, July 24.

Manchán meets the first rays of Summer Solstice at Lough Gur and contemplates the sacred oaks, wells and bogs of our landscape but also his own cancer journey and how it is making him see these places in a new light. The programme won the Best Cinematography in an Irish Film award at the Galway Film Fleadh.