Old Ways to New Days

Foreword by Daithi O Se

Step back into a world where turf fires warmed the hearth, water was drawn from the well, and stories told by flickering candlelight lit up the night.

In Old Ways to New Days, folklorist Shane Lehane brings the soul of Ireland’s past to life in a beautifully woven tapestry of tradition, transformation and memory. From the magic of birth to the customs of death and mourning; from matchmakers and milking stools to butter charms and fairy lore, Lehane traces the arc of a society rooted in the land, as it evolved with the arrival of bicycles, electricity, cinema and the wireless.

At once scholarly and deeply personal, this is a celebration of how the old ways still echo in Irish memory and lore, even as the new days roll on. Wonderfully illustrated with dip-pen drawings, this is a book to treasure and a poignant reminder of who we were, and how we came to be.

Author Biography

Shane Lehane is a lecturer and course director in Cultural and Heritage Studies at Cork College of FET and teaches Folklore at University College Cork. With over 35 years’ experience, he is known for his engaging lectures on Irish folk custom, tradition, and belief – exploring festivals, the life cycle, and vernacular life. Passionate about folklife, he highlights the significance of everyday objects, architecture, and food in Irish heritage.

Shane has published widely, including influential works on beekeeping and the Skelligs, and frequently contributes to local journals and history societies. A familiar face on Irish media, he is the resident folklorist on RTE’s The Today Show, sharing insights on Irish folk traditions.

Away from academia, Shane enjoys life in the countryside with his partner, tending to his bees, growing rare tomato varieties, and crafting traditional furniture and currachs – pursuits that reflect his deep connection to Ireland’s material and cultural heritage.