Between Worlds: The Otherworld and Magic in the Case of Bridget Cleary

Between Worlds: The Otherworld and Magic in the Case of Bridget Cleary

Speaker: Dr Jenny Butler

Lecture Series

This talk explores the folklore of the otherworld and magic as relevant to this case as well as examining the sociocultural reality and political dynamics at play in late-nineteenth century Ireland.

• Dec 6, 2025

• 10:30 am-12:00 pm

• €10 (cash only)

• The Council Chamber, County Hall, Emmet Street, Clonmel, Co Tipperary E91 N512

Synopsis

On 15th March 1895, 26-year-old Bridget Cleary was burned, most likely burned alive. While in her nightdress, her husband, Michael, threw lamp oil over her in the presence of relatives and neighbours gathered at their home in Ballyvadlea, a townland outside the village of Cloneen in County Tipperary. In the trial records, Michael Cleary and others involved claimed that they believed there was a changeling, a fairy creature, in Bridget’s place and that they were attempting to get the real Bridget back. This talk explores the folklore of the otherworld and magic as relevant to this case as well as examining the sociocultural reality and political dynamics at play in late-nineteenth century Ireland.

Biography

Dr Jenny Butler is a Lecturer in University College Cork’s Study of Religions Department and a Principal Investigator of UCC’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI). She is the President of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR). Her research interests are at the nexus of the study of religion and folklore, including otherworld traditions, mythology, pilgrimage, sacred landscapes, and ritual studies.

Lectures Booking:

• Admission is €10 (cash only)

• Booking in advance

• Email to museum@tipperarycoco.ie