Ireland has been gifted with a precious influx of people from a range of fascinating and exotic cultures in recent years. Most of them were fleeing some form of trauma and are currently making their way slowly through the Direct Provision system. These new members of our communities offer us a wonderful opportunity to get to know different parts of the world and different cultural practises that are often full of wisdom and new perspectives.

Home Stories is a podcast that aims to help us get to know our new neighbours from Africa, Asia and South America. Each ten-minute episode consists of a short, relaxed conversation with someone living in the Direct Provision Centres in Emo, Abbeyleix and Athlone. Amongst the myriad topics under discussion are pagan faiths, ploughing with oxen, rituals of kingship, traditional languages, polygamy, gospel singing, herbal cures, culinary delicacies and the hopes and dreams these new Irish residents have for their future in Ireland, and the part they would like to play in society.

Amongst the myriad topics we discuss are pagan faiths, ploughing with oxen, rituals of kingship, traditional languages, polygamy, gospel singing, herbal cures, culinary delicacies and the hopes and dreams these new Irish residents have for their future in Ireland, and the services they would like to perform to show their gratitude to Ireland.

”Home Stories” is a podcast funded by Creative Ireland through Laois and Westmeath County Councils. It is hosted by Manchán Magan and the chats were edited by Lauren Varian with music by Brían MacGloinn (of Ye Vagabonds) and Myles O’Reilly.