*PJ Curtis. Photograph: Mike Mulcaire

A Christmas tale of nostalgic Burren Yuletides as seen through the eyes of Kilnaboy’s PJ Curtis has been included in a national audio essay series.

Christmas in the Burren features in The Without Prejudice Podcast Audio Essay series produced by Donegal based Breezy Point Productions.

“Serene, beautiful and strangely mysterious” is how PJ Curtis describes the festive period in The Burren. The extract is taken from his book of essays, The Music of Ghosts. “A white Christmas in the Burren is extremely rare” with the oldest locals only able to recall one or two such instances. Curtis describes Mullaghmore as “the beating heart of The Burren” in the essay.

Broadcaster and musician, Pat Costelloe was given the task of narrating the essay with the observation from producer Marie-Ann McLoughlin Dwyer that Costelloe “creates the perfect festive atmosphere on this busiest of days during your Christmas calendar”.

Music from Bellharbour’s Chris Droney (Corcomroe) and Dublin born Máire Breathnach (Angels Candles) features in the podcast which can be listened to below.

Related News

ballyalla 14-03-25 1
Red flag raised at Ballyalla as bathing ban introduced
Rescue 115, the Shannon based Sikorsky S-92 helicopter
Four medical evacuations for Shannon-based Rescue 115 in one day
Ennistymon sign || Inset: Cllr Bill Slattery
Farmers raise concerns over poor condition of Ennistymon road
shannon airport terminal 1-2
Shannon Airport fastest-growing major airport for third consecutive month
Latest News
lidl shannon
Planning granted for bigger Lidl store to replace existing Shannon supermarket
scariff ogonnelloe vs truagh clonlara 21-08-26 linda rachael daly bonnie wiley murphy 1
Successive wins for Inamona & Scariff/Ogonelloe while Kilmaley & Feakle/Killanena get off the mark
roisin mcmahon 1
Roisin Mc revels in middle of the park to win player of the week
ballyalla 14-03-25 1
Red flag raised at Ballyalla as bathing ban introduced
kilmurry ibrickane vs lissycasey 14-08-26 matt shea keelan sexton 1
Kilmurry Ibrickane taking group form with a pinch of salt
Premium
Kilmurry Ibrickane taking group form with a pinch of salt
'Extremely disappointing' campaign has St Breckans on brink of relegation battle but return of 'missing element' offers Spa hope
Council stalls 171 unit residential scheme for former 'lunatic asylum' site due to bat and rodent concerns
63 Clare GP practices received €22m in 2025 to provide medical card scheme services
Defining game awaits Doonbeg with either quarter-final or relegation battle on the cards

Annual Subscription!

The Clare Echo annual subscription for just €69.99 a year. 

Prefer to pay monthly? Click the monthly option and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. 

Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.