Exploring the Intersection of Folklore and Landscape Concerning Forested Areas in Upland Ireland

This study examines the intersections and overlapping knowledge between Irish folklore, understandings of landscape and lived realities, and historical sources concerning communities in north county Cork. With an eye to contemporary statements that claim a need to build a “Irish Forest-Culture”, this project aims to investigate the historical and cultural roots of what that might mean and to who. This research asks the following questions, is there historical documentation, narratives, and folklore about forests and the environment in north county Cork? And if so, what do they contain? How do these historical narratives and pieces of folklore converge and/or diverge from contemporary narratives around landscape, folklore, and sense of place? The proposed research builds on a broader project, led by Dr. Jodie Asselin at the University of Lethbridge, which focuses on re-storying places that have been impacted by the establishment of Sitka spruce monoculture forest plantations. The research will include three months of fieldwork in Ireland conducting archival research, semi-structured interviewing, and participant observation. This project will help foster a continued relationship between Irish and Canadian studies, creating spaces where people can learn, share, and reflect on what it means to do research at local, national, and international levels.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jodie Asselin

Student:

Partner:

University College Dublin

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Lethbridge

Program: