Strap Yer Boots

• 008: Petticoat Loose: The Haunting of Knockmealdowns

  Gather round, folklore fiends—this one is a wild ride. This week on Strap Yer Boots, we’re diving into the eerie legend of Petticoat Loose, one of Ireland’s most infamous restless spirits. Was she a wronged woman or a wicked one? A supernatural menace or just a misunderstood soul cursed to wander the Knockmealdown Mountains for eternity?Join us, Laura & April, as we trace the roots of this chilling tale, from whispered stories of a hard-drinking, sharp-tongued woman accused of murder, to the terrifying accounts of her ghost appearing to lost travelers in the dead of night. We’ll explore how Petticoat Loose became a cautionary figure, doomed to roam the Irish landscape—and why her presence is still felt in the shadow of the Knockmealdowns today.So, lace up those boots and step carefully… you never know who (or what) might be watching from the mist.Got a spooky story of your own? Drop us a message on—we love hearing from our fellow folklore fanatics!References for this episode:SilentOwl: Petticoat Loose. The Witch of Baylough.Instagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

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• 007: Wisdom & Wonder: A Chat with Professor Michael Maunsell

  In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we sit down with the legendary Professor Michael Maunsell, PhD—an adventurer, academic, and advocate for mountain communities worldwide. With over 40 years of experience in mountain environments as a climber, researcher, and educator, Mike’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.Before stepping into academia at 34, Mike spent over two decades as a climbing instructor, mastering the art of resilience and leadership on the rock face. But his passion for the mountains didn’t stop there. As a former Board Member of Mountaineering Ireland and Vice-President of the UIAA’s International Mountain Protection Commission, he played a key role in securing vital funding for disadvantaged mountain communities, improving lives and protecting biodiversity. He’s even represented the UIAA on the UN Framework Commission on Climate Change, advocating for sustainability at a global level.Now an academic in Environmental Science and Sustainability, Mike is shaping the next generation of leaders, empowering students through communication and advocacy. He’s spoken at some of the world’s top conferences, from the Times Higher Education Impact Forum to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's Mountain Tourism Conference.Join us as we talk about risk, reinvention, and the power of the mountains—not just as landscapes, but as places of opportunity, challenge, and change. Strap yer boots—it’s going to be an epic one!🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms! #StrapYerBoots #MichaelMaunsell #Mountaineering #Sustainability #EducationForAllInstagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

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• 006: When the Winds Roar: Ireland’s Worst Storms

  Grab your raincoat, strap yer boots, and hold onto your hats—April & Laura here and we are about to take you through the wildest weather Ireland has ever seen. In this stormy episode of Strap Yer Boots, we’re diving into three of the most notorious tempests in Irish history, from gale-force winds to torrential downpours that had even the hardiest of locals saying, “That’s enough of that!” 🌬️🌧️We’ll be chatting about the worst of the worst—those storms that left a trail of chaos, flooded fields, and a nation wondering if it’s always this dramatic. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom (well, maybe a little bit), we’ve also got some hilarious facts and weird weather tidbits that’ll leave you looking at the sky with a whole new perspective.So, hunker down, pour yourself a cup of tea (you’ll need it), and join us for a whirlwind of stories, laughs, and some serious stormy talk. Who knows, you might even learn how to spot a storm coming... or at least how to laugh when the weather app says "cloudy with a chance of chaos!" 🌪️Instagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

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• 005: Pilgrims & Peaks: The Story of Croagh Patrick

  In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we’re diving into one of Ireland’s most iconic and sacred mountains—Croagh Patrick.We chat about what makes this peak so different from any other mountain, not just in Ireland but around the world. It’s more than just a climb; it’s a pilgrimage, steeped in history, spirituality, and myth. We unpack the fascinating legends tied to St. Patrick, including how he’s said to have fasted at the summit for 40 days (imagine the views—and the hunger!).But it’s not all ancient tales—we also share what it’s like to climb Croagh Patrick today, the rugged beauty of its rocky paths, and the unique energy that comes with following in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims from centuries past. Whether you’re into history, hiking, or a little bit of both, this episode is packed with stories that’ll inspire you to lace up your boots and maybe even plan your own ascent.Strap yer boots, hit play, and join us on this legendary journey!Instagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

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• 004: Waterford to the Wilderness: Adam Sweeney Interview

  In this episode of Strap Yer Boots, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Irish mountaineer Adam Sweeney from Waterford, and let us tell you—his story is nothing short of epic. Adam takes us through his jaw-dropping experiences, including how he became the only member of his team to summit both Ama Dablam in Nepal and summit Aconcagua in Argentina. His stories are packed with grit, determination, and the kind of resilience that’ll leave you questioning your own excuses for skipping leg day. But Adam isn’t stopping there—he’s gearing up for his biggest challenge yet: summiting Mount Everest in 2026. We talked about how he’s preparing for this, what it takes to keep going when the odds are stacked against you, and the mindset needed to conquer not just mountains, but life itself.This episode is raw, inspiring, and filled with moments that’ll have you on the edge of your seat (or, you know, your hiking boots). Strap yer boots, hit play, and let’s climb together!4oInstagram @strapyerbootsWebsite strapyerboots.comContact [email protected]

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