Research Profile

Biography

Dr Jenny Butler is a Lecturer in the Study of Religions Department and a Principal Investigator of UCC's Environmental Research Institute (ERI). She sits on the College Executive Management Committee (CEMC) and on the University's Academic Council (including the AC Learning and Teaching Committee). In the Study of Religions Department, she is Director of Graduate Studies (PhD, MA - Religions, and Higher Diploma programmes) and teaches on Western esotericism, new and emergent religious movements, folk religion, and religions in the Irish context.

She is an internationally established researcher in the area of new religious movements and is a leading scholar in her field, having conducted the first ever ethnographic study of Irish contemporary Paganism. Her monograph 21st Century Irish Paganism: Worldview, Ritual, Identity is forthcoming from Routledge. She is also working on the edited collections Folk Metal: Critical Essays on Identity, Myth and Culture (Palgrave Macmillan) and The Twin Peaks Phenomenon: Essays on a Show Both Wonderful and Strange (McFarland).

As an active scholar, she has given over 100 conference presentations and invited lectures in Ireland and internationally. Among her most recent keynote addresses at international conferences were 'The Celtic Golden Age and Mystical Ireland: Historical Constructs and Contemporary Identities' at the Historical Fictions Research Network Conference, 17-19 February 2023, '"Dance Upon the Mountains Like a Flame": Myth, Ritual and Folklore in Contemporary Irish Paganism' at the Mythes et Folklores Celtiques dans le monde anglophone/Celtic Myths and Folklore of the English-speaking World at the University of Toulon, France, 18-19 November 2021 and 'Celtic Gods in a New Age: The Significance of Myth in the Identity, Worldview and Practice of Contemporary Irish Pagans' at the Second International Symposium on Mythology: Myths in the Ancient and Modern World at Ardahan University, Turkey, 8-10 June 2021.

Dr Butler is currently the President of The Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) and an elected Executive Committee Member (Second Term, Publications Officer) of the European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR). She
is a Committee Member of the Anthropological Association of Ireland (AAI). Her research interests are placed at the nexus of religion, culture and the environment, reflected in her scholarly collaborative activities: she is Co-Convenor of the UCC Eco-Humanities Research Group and a participant of the PRAXIS project, UCC Centre for Global Development. Dr Butler is an Officer of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE) and she founded the ESSWE Regional Research Network, the Irish Network for the Study of Esotericism and Paganism (INSEP). She is on the American Academy of Religion (AAR) Pagan Studies Unit Steering Committee.

Dr Butler has a wealth of experience of guest editing and working with academic journal teams and is currently on the Editorial Board of The Pomegranate: International Journal of Pagan Studies, and the Editorial Board of Folklore: Electronic Journal of Folklore. She is the Book Reviews Editor of Numen: International Review for the History of Religions.

Dr Butler is the General Editor of Brill's
Index to the Study of Religions Online (ISRO), a cross-searchable database and bibliography of journal article abstracts which contribute to the academic study of religions and which facilitates the work and international collaboration of all scholars working in this field.

Dr Butler has been in the Fáilte Ireland Conference Ambassador Club since 2016 and has been involved in organizing eleven conferences in Ireland, nine of which were hosted by UCC. She has brought four major international, interdisciplinary conferences to University College Cork. She has won four Conference Ambassador Awards from Cork Convention Bureau for conferences organized in 2016, 2019, and 2022; for the 19th European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) Conference on the theme of "Religions and States of Freedom" (2022), she was the overall winner of the Associate Conference Award presented to her by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney. In addition, she won a Conference Ambassador Award from Fáilte Ireland in 2023.  

Dr Butler's scholarly standing is evidenced by several distinguished awards and accolades, and she has been a Government of Ireland Research Scholar (2001-2004), a Dobbin Scholar (2010) and a Charlemont Scholar (2017). For two years running (2000 and 2001), she achieved the designation of UCC College Scholar and, since then, her research has been supported by the Irish Research Council, the Royal Irish Academy, the Ireland-Canada University Foundation, and the Ireland-Newfoundland Partnership (Department of the Taoiseach).

Dr Butler is currently working on a comparative ethnographic project, Fairy Lore and Landscapes, on otherworldly beings and legends tied to landscapes. The project explores the interconnections of worldviews, customs, and sense of place as intangible cultural heritage.

Dr Butler is interested in the interconnection of her work with art and culture and in her work has collaborated with The Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin, The Crawford Art Gallery, Cork, The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, The Glucksman Gallery, Cork, The Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, St Luke's Crypt, Cork, Galway Arts Centre, and the Triskel Arts Centre, Cork. She has also collaborated on events with bookshops, including Treadwell's Books, London and Peter Harrington Rare Books, London.

Dr Butler has featured on documentaries and shows on The Smithsonian Channel, The History Channel, VisionTV, RTÉ, Virgin Media, and TG4.

Her key interests are theory and method in the study of religions, the intersection of religions, folklore, and national and cultural identities, death studies, ritual studies, and religion and popular culture.


Research Interests


Dr Jenny Butler's primary research interests are in the following areas:
  • Theory and Method in the Study of Religions
  • Contemporary Paganism
  • New Religious Movements
  • Western Esotericism
  • Folk/Popular Religion
  • Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Pilgrimage
  • Ritual Studies
  • Traditional Cosmologies, Worldviews & Cultures
  • Mythology
  • Sacred Geography/Legends & Landscapes
  • Religion & Popular culture (Intersections)
  • Religion, Nationalism & National Identities

Research Grants

 ProjectFunding
Body
Start DateEnd DateAward
HEACOVID1901-JUL-2101-NOV-21€6,164.00
Royal Irish Academy Charlemont Grant (2017)Royal Irish Academy
Craig Dobbin Scholarship (2010)Ireland Canada University Foundation
Ireland-Newfoundland Supernatural BeliefGovernment Departments01-MAR-0930-SEP-09€3,500.00
Irish Research Council Postgraduate Scholarship (2001-2004)Irish Research Council

Publications

Books

 YearPublication
(2025)21st Century Irish Paganism: Worldview, Ritual, Identity.
Jenny Butler (2025) 21st Century Irish Paganism: Worldview, Ritual, Identity. Farnham, Surrey: UK: Routledge. [Details]

Book Chapters

 YearPublication
(2024)'Paganism'
Jenny Butler (2024) 'Paganism' In: Gladys Ganiel and Andrew R. Holmes (eds). Oxford Handbook of Religion in Modern Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [DOI] [Details]
(2022)'Esotericism, Romantic Nationalism and the Birth of the Irish State'
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Esotericism, Romantic Nationalism and the Birth of the Irish State' In: Hazel O'Brien and Brendan McNamara (eds). The Study of Religions in Ireland: Past, Present and Future. London: Bloomsbury. [Details]
(2021)'Brigit, Goddess and Saint, and Traditions of Birth'
Jenny Butler (2021) 'Brigit, Goddess and Saint, and Traditions of Birth' In: Salvador Ryan (eds). Birth and the Irish: A Miscellany. Dublin: Wordwell. [Details]
(2020)'Entering the Magic Mists: Irish Contemporary Paganism, Celticity and Indigeneity'
Jenny Butler (2020) 'Entering the Magic Mists: Irish Contemporary Paganism, Celticity and Indigeneity' In: Graham Harvey (eds). Indigenizing Movements in Europe. Sheffield: Equinox. [Details]
(2019)'The Nearest Kin of the Moon: Irish Pagan Witchcraft, Magic(k), and the Celtic Twilight'
Jenny Butler (2019) 'The Nearest Kin of the Moon: Irish Pagan Witchcraft, Magic(k), and the Celtic Twilight' In: Ethan Doyle White and Shai Feraro (eds). Magic and Witchery in the Modern West: Celebrating the Twentieth Anniversary of Ronald Hutton’s The Triumph of the Moon. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. [Details]
(2019)'Marriage Divination'
Jenny Butler (2019) 'Marriage Divination' In: Salvador Ryan (eds). Marriage and the Irish: A Miscellany. Dublin: Wordwell. [Details]
(2017)'The Sídhe and Fairy Forts'
Jenny Butler (2017) 'The Sídhe and Fairy Forts' In: Young, Simon and Houlbrook, Ceri (eds). Magical Folk: British and Irish Fairies 500 AD to the Present. London: Gibson Square. [Details]
(2016)'Death and Dying in Contemporary Irish Pagan Cosmology'
Jenny Butler (2016) 'Death and Dying in Contemporary Irish Pagan Cosmology' In: Ryan, Salvador (eds). Death and the Irish: A Miscellany. Dublin: Wordwell. [Details]
(2016)'The Ritual and Social Use of Tobacco in the Context of the Wake'
Butler, Jenny (2016) 'The Ritual and Social Use of Tobacco in the Context of the Wake' In: Ryan, Salvador (eds). Death and the Irish: A Miscellany. Dublin: Wordwell. [Details]
(2015)'Paganism in Ireland: Syncretic Processes, Identity and a Sense of Place'
Jenny Butler (2015) 'Paganism in Ireland: Syncretic Processes, Identity and a Sense of Place' In: Kathryn Rountree (eds). Modern Pagan and Native Faith Movements in Europe: Colonial and Nationalist Impulses. Oxford and Brooklyn, NY: Berghahn Books. [Details]
(2015)'Magic and Supernatural Themes in Carnivàle'
Jenny Butler (2015) 'Magic and Supernatural Themes in Carnivàle' In: Peg Aloi and Hannah Sanders (eds). Carnivàle and the American Grotesque: Critical Essays on the HBO Series. Jefferson, North Carolina: USA: McFarland.   [Details]
(2012)'St. Patrick, Folklore and Irish National Identity'
Jenny Butler (2012) 'St. Patrick, Folklore and Irish National Identity' In: Saint Urho - Pyhä Urho - From Fakelore To Folklore. Finland: University of Turku.   [Details]
(2011)'Irish Neo-Paganism: Worldview and Identity'
Jenny Butler (2011) 'Irish Neo-Paganism: Worldview and Identity' In: Ireland's New Religious Movements. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.   [Details]
(2009)'Neo-Pagan Celebrations of Samhain'
Jenny Butler (2009) 'Neo-Pagan Celebrations of Samhain' In: Treat or Trick? Halloween in a Globalising World. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.   [Details]
(2008)'Symbolic and Social Roles of Women in Death Ritual in Traditional Irish Society'
Jenny Butler (2008) 'Symbolic and Social Roles of Women in Death Ritual in Traditional Irish Society' In: Women, Pain and Death: Rituals and Everyday Life on the Margins of Europe and Beyond. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.   [Details]
(2007)'Holistic Health and New Age in the British Isles'
Jenny Butler and Maria Tighe; (2007) 'Holistic Health and New Age in the British Isles' In: Handbook of New Age. Leiden and Boston: Brill.   [Details]
(2005)'Druidry in Contemporary Ireland'
Jenny Butler (2005) 'Druidry in Contemporary Ireland' In: Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives. Santa Barbara, California; Denver, Colorado; Oxford, England: ABC-CLIO.   [Details]
(2004)'Neo-pagan Ritual Practice as Visual Culture and Creative Expression of Identity'
Jenny Butler (2004) 'Neo-pagan Ritual Practice as Visual Culture and Creative Expression of Identity' In: Communicating Cultures. New Brunswick, USA and London, UK: LIT Verlag.   [Details]

Edited Books

 YearPublication
(2025)Folk Metal: Critical Essays on Identity, Myth and Culture
Butler, Jenny (Ed.). (2025) Folk Metal: Critical Essays on Identity, Myth and Culture Basingstoke, United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan. [Details]
(2025)The Twin Peaks Phenomenon: Essays on a Show both Wonderful and Strange
Jenny Butler (Ed.). (2025) The Twin Peaks Phenomenon: Essays on a Show both Wonderful and Strange Jefferson, North Carolina: USA: McFarland. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2020)'Contemporary Pagan Pilgrimage: Ritual and Re-Storying in the Irish Landscape'
Jenny Butler (2020) 'Contemporary Pagan Pilgrimage: Ritual and Re-Storying in the Irish Landscape'. NUMEN: International Review for the History of Religions, 67 (5-6):613-636   [DOI] [Details]
(2018)'Entering the Magic Mists: Irish Contemporary Paganism, Celticity and Indigeneity'
Jenny Butler (2018) 'Entering the Magic Mists: Irish Contemporary Paganism, Celticity and Indigeneity'. International Journal For The Study Of New Religions, 9 (2):177-194 [Details]
(2015)'Remembrance of the Ancestors in Contemporary Paganism: Lineage, Identity and Cultural Belonging in the Irish Context'
Jenny Butler (2015) 'Remembrance of the Ancestors in Contemporary Paganism: Lineage, Identity and Cultural Belonging in the Irish Context'. Journal of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions, 2 (1):94-118 [Full Text] [Details]
(2009)'The Neo-Pagan Ritual Year and Gender'
Jenny Butler (2009) 'The Neo-Pagan Ritual Year and Gender'. Cosmos, 25 (25):191-200   [Details]
(2002)'The Neo-Pagan Ritual Year'
Jenny Butler (2002) 'The Neo-Pagan Ritual Year'. Cosmos, 18 :121-142   [Details]

Other Journals

 YearPublication
(2011)'An Ethnographic Study of Irish Neo-Pagan Culture'
Jenny Butler (2011) 'An Ethnographic Study of Irish Neo-Pagan Culture' The Boolean, 2 .   [Details]
(2003)'Ireland's Sacred Landscape: Neo-pagan Worldview and the Ritual Utilisation of Sacred Sites'
Jenny Butler (2003) 'Ireland's Sacred Landscape: Neo-pagan Worldview and the Ritual Utilisation of Sacred Sites' Beascna, 2 :29-45.   [Details]

Curated Exhibition

 YearPublication
(2022)David Tibet's Exhibition: TeaTime With the Channelers, Boole Library, July - December 2022.
Jenny Butler and Crónán Ó'Doibhlin (2022) David Tibet's Exhibition: TeaTime With the Channelers, Boole Library, July - December 2022. Curated Exhibition [Details]
(2019)Fairy Lore and Landscapes: Legends, Lore and Experiences Gathered Through Ethnographic Research.
Jenny Butler (2019) Fairy Lore and Landscapes: Legends, Lore and Experiences Gathered Through Ethnographic Research. Curated Exhibition [Details]

Conference Publications

 YearPublication
(2011)The Ritual Year and Gender
Collection of Papers; (2011) The Ritual Year 4: The Ritual Year and Gender . In: Butler, Jenny (Guest Editor) with Emily Lyle (General Editor) eds. The Ritual Year and Gender Cork,   [Details]
(2008)Ritual Year 3: The Ritual Year and History
Jenny Butler (2008) The Neo-Pagan Ritual Year and Historical Reinterpretations Ritual Year 3: The Ritual Year and History , pp.72-78 [Details]
(2007)Ritual Year 2: The Ritual Year and Ritual Diversity
Jenny Butler (2007) Midsummer Magic: Neo-Pagan Celebrations of the Summer Solstice Ritual Year 2: The Ritual Year and Ritual Diversity , pp.45-50   [Details]
(2004)Proceedings of the Congress Sacral Through the Eyes of the Lay and the Initiated
Jenny Butler (2004) Expressions of the Sacred in Contemporary Pagan Culture in Ireland . In: Piterskaja, E. S. and Kharitonova V. I eds. Proceedings of the Congress Sacral Through the Eyes of the Lay and the Initiated Moscow, Russia, , pp.162-171 [Details]

Commissioned Compositions

 YearPublication
(2013)The Amulet Project, Folklore and Social Change.
Jenny Butler (2013) The Amulet Project, Folklore and Social Change. Commissioned Compositions [Details]

Published Reports

 YearPublication
(2023)Report on the 8th Conference of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE8): Esotericism, Art and Creativity, 5-7 July 2022, International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) e-Bulletin Supplement Nov 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) Report on the 8th Conference of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE8): Esotericism, Art and Creativity, 5-7 July 2022, International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) e-Bulletin Supplement Nov 2023. IAHR, IAHR. [Details]
(2023)Report on the 19th Conference of the European Association for the Academic Study of Religions (EASR): Religions and States of Freedom, 27 June-1July 2022, International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) e-Bulletin Supplement Nov 2023.
Jenny Butler and James Kapaló (2023) Report on the 19th Conference of the European Association for the Academic Study of Religions (EASR): Religions and States of Freedom, 27 June-1July 2022, International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) e-Bulletin Supplement Nov 2023. IAHR, IAHR. [Details]
(2020)Report on the Conference of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture (ISSRNC): 'Religion/Water/Climate: Changing Cultures and Landscapes' held at University College Cork, June 13-16, 2019, International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) Bulletin 41, July 2020.
Jenny Butler (2020) Report on the Conference of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture (ISSRNC): 'Religion/Water/Climate: Changing Cultures and Landscapes' held at University College Cork, June 13-16, 2019, International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) Bulletin 41, July 2020. IAHR, Denmark. [Details]
(2017)‘The Study of Religions in Ireland’ in the ‘From Our Correspondents’ series of the British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR) Bulletin 130/May 2017.
Jenny Butler amd James Kapaló (2017) ‘The Study of Religions in Ireland’ in the ‘From Our Correspondents’ series of the British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR) Bulletin 130/May 2017. BASR, England. [Details]
(2007)Report on the Conference: Charming and Crafty: Witchcraft and Paganism in Contemporary Media. Harvard University, Cambridge, USA May 18th-21st 2006. In Journal of Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies (JASANAS), Vol. 3.
Jenny Butler (2007) Report on the Conference: Charming and Crafty: Witchcraft and Paganism in Contemporary Media. Harvard University, Cambridge, USA May 18th-21st 2006. In Journal of Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies (JASANAS), Vol. 3. Kempress Ltd, London.   [Full Text] [Details]

Articles

 YearPublication
(2012)The Cultural Significance of the Amulet Project.
Jenny Butler (2012) The Cultural Significance of the Amulet Project. Articles [Details]

Encyclopedia Entries

 YearPublication
(2018)'Healers' (Spirituality) in Encyclopedia of Women in World Religions: Faith and Culture Across History.
Jenny Butler (2018) 'Healers' (Spirituality) in Encyclopedia of Women in World Religions: Faith and Culture Across History. Santa Barbara, California:ABC-CLIO. Encyclopedia Entries. [Details]
(2015)'Changelings' in Spirit Possession around the World: Possession, Communion, and Demon Expulsion across Cultures.
Jenny Butler (2015) 'Changelings' in Spirit Possession around the World: Possession, Communion, and Demon Expulsion across Cultures. Santa Barbara, California:ABC-CLIO. Encyclopedia Entries. [Details]

Documentary

 YearPublication
(2022)Featured on HP Lovecraft and the Moon Bog (Directed by Jules Charleton).
Jenny Butler (2022) Featured on HP Lovecraft and the Moon Bog (Directed by Jules Charleton). Documentary [Details]
(2020)Featured on the television documentary St Patrick: Pilgrimage to Peace, first broadcast by Global Film Stories on 24 March 2020.
Jenny Butler (2020) Featured on the television documentary St Patrick: Pilgrimage to Peace, first broadcast by Global Film Stories on 24 March 2020. Documentary [Details]
(2019)Jenny Butler featured on RTÉ Television Documentary Divorcing God Presented by Oliver Callan, broadcast on RTÉ One on 12 June 2019.
Jenny Butler (2019) Jenny Butler featured on RTÉ Television Documentary Divorcing God Presented by Oliver Callan, broadcast on RTÉ One on 12 June 2019. Documentary [Details]
(2014)Featured on the television documentary titled 'Sacred Sites: Ireland' that was broadcast on The Smithsonian Channel, USA on 7 July 2014. This programme dealt with the connections between astronomical events and religious change.
Jenny Butler (2014) Featured on the television documentary titled 'Sacred Sites: Ireland' that was broadcast on The Smithsonian Channel, USA on 7 July 2014. This programme dealt with the connections between astronomical events and religious change. Documentary [Details]
(2014)Featured on the television documentary titled 'Patrick, Pagans, and Party Animals: The Amazing Legacy of St. Patrick of Ireland' produced by Asterisk Productions in Victoria, Canada for the Canadian multi-faith television network Vision-TV.
Jenny Butler (2014) Featured on the television documentary titled 'Patrick, Pagans, and Party Animals: The Amazing Legacy of St. Patrick of Ireland' produced by Asterisk Productions in Victoria, Canada for the Canadian multi-faith television network Vision-TV. Documentary [Details]
(2014)Featured on the documentary film 'Spiorad na Samhna' (Spirit of Samhain) about Samhain (Halloween) carnival in Derry made by Des Baker for Nemeton.
Jenny Butler (2014) Featured on the documentary film 'Spiorad na Samhna' (Spirit of Samhain) about Samhain (Halloween) carnival in Derry made by Des Baker for Nemeton. Documentary [Details]

Book Reviews

 YearPublication
(2015)Review of Richard Jenkins’ Black Magic and Bogeymen: Fear, Rumour and Popular Belief in the North of Ireland 1972-74 (2014, Cork University Press), Reviews and Critical Commentary, online publication of the Council for European Studies (CES).
Jenny Butler (2015) Review of Richard Jenkins’ Black Magic and Bogeymen: Fear, Rumour and Popular Belief in the North of Ireland 1972-74 (2014, Cork University Press), Reviews and Critical Commentary, online publication of the Council for European Studies (CES). Book Reviews [Details]
(2015)Review of Dennis Gaffin’s Running with the Fairies: Towards a Transpersonal Anthropology of Religion (2013, Cambridge Scholars Publishing), Fieldwork in Religion.
Jenny Butler (2015) Review of Dennis Gaffin’s Running with the Fairies: Towards a Transpersonal Anthropology of Religion (2013, Cambridge Scholars Publishing), Fieldwork in Religion. Book Reviews [Details]
(2013)Review of Kathryn Rountree’s Crafting Contemporary Pagan Identities in a Catholic Society (2010, Ashgate) in The Pomegranate Journal of Pagan Studies.
Jenny Butler (2013) Review of Kathryn Rountree’s Crafting Contemporary Pagan Identities in a Catholic Society (2010, Ashgate) in The Pomegranate Journal of Pagan Studies. Book Reviews [Details]
(2005)Review of Kathryn Rountree's Embracing the Witch and the Goddess - Feminist Ritual-Makers in New-Zealand in Cosmos, Vol. 21, No. 1: June 2005, 127-129.
Jenny Butler (2005) Review of Kathryn Rountree's Embracing the Witch and the Goddess - Feminist Ritual-Makers in New-Zealand in Cosmos, Vol. 21, No. 1: June 2005, 127-129. Book Reviews   [Details]

Exhibition

 YearPublication
(2023)'Landscape and Lore' public talk and reflections on the artwork in Sarah Long's art exhibition The Licks Within The Lip at St Luke's Crypt, Cork City, 21 October 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) 'Landscape and Lore' public talk and reflections on the artwork in Sarah Long's art exhibition The Licks Within The Lip at St Luke's Crypt, Cork City, 21 October 2023. Exhibitions [Details]
(2022)In connection with the 'Meat and Potatoes' Exhibition at the Crawford Gallery, Cork, Dr Butler gave a lecture as part of the event at the gallery, 'Samhain: The Origins of an Irish Halloween and the Festive Foods of Humans and Fairies' on 31 October 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) In connection with the 'Meat and Potatoes' Exhibition at the Crawford Gallery, Cork, Dr Butler gave a lecture as part of the event at the gallery, 'Samhain: The Origins of an Irish Halloween and the Festive Foods of Humans and Fairies' on 31 October 2022. Exhibitions [Details]
(2022)Collaborated with artist Marie Brett on the exhibition 'The Hidden Mountain, the Fort and the Five Trees' held at the Sirius Arts Centre Cobh, Co. Cork, 23 March – 15 October 2022. Dr Jenny Butler wrote the text for the walls of the exhibition and was a discussant on a panel to dicuss the work alongside the artist and the curator Miguel Amado.
Jenny Butler (2022) Collaborated with artist Marie Brett on the exhibition 'The Hidden Mountain, the Fort and the Five Trees' held at the Sirius Arts Centre Cobh, Co. Cork, 23 March – 15 October 2022. Dr Jenny Butler wrote the text for the walls of the exhibition and was a discussant on a panel to dicuss the work alongside the artist and the curator Miguel Amado. Exhibitions [Details]

Guest Lectures

 YearPublication
(2022)Visiting Lecturer at the Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, 13-17 June 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) Visiting Lecturer at the Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, 13-17 June 2022. Guest Lectures [Details]
(2020)Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Turkish Folklore, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, 24-28 February 2020.
Jenny Butler (2020) Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Turkish Folklore, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, 24-28 February 2020. Guest Lectures [Details]
(2019)Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Ethnology and Anthropology, University of Zadar, Croatia, 29 April - 3 May 2019.
Jenny Butler (2019) Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Ethnology and Anthropology, University of Zadar, Croatia, 29 April - 3 May 2019. Guest Lectures [Details]
(2018)Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Social Anthropology, Panteio University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece, 23 - 27 April 2018.
Jenny Butler (2018) Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Social Anthropology, Panteio University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece, 23 - 27 April 2018. Guest Lectures [Details]
(2016)Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, Nicolaus Copernicus University (UMK) Toruń, Poland, 17 - 20 April 2016.
Jenny Butler (2016) Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, Nicolaus Copernicus University (UMK) Toruń, Poland, 17 - 20 April 2016. Guest Lectures [Details]
(2011)Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Social Anthropology and Folkloristics, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, 12-16 September 2011.
Jenny Butler (2011) Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Social Anthropology and Folkloristics, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, 12-16 September 2011. Guest Lectures [Details]
(2009)Visiting Lecturer at the Department of European Ethnology, University of Turku, Finland, 19-24 April 2009.
Jenny Butler (2009) Visiting Lecturer at the Department of European Ethnology, University of Turku, Finland, 19-24 April 2009. Guest Lectures [Details]

Invited Lectures

 YearPublication
(2023)'Samhain: Stories and Sites' at The Hill of Uisneach Samhain Celebration, Uisneach Hill, Co. Westmeath, Ireland, 11 November 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) 'Samhain: Stories and Sites' at The Hill of Uisneach Samhain Celebration, Uisneach Hill, Co. Westmeath, Ireland, 11 November 2023. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2023)'A Call of the Sidhe: Magical Engagement with the Fairies of Irish Tradition in Fin-de-siècle Esotericism and Contemporary Paganism' at the Occult Convention II, Parma, Italy, 26 August 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) 'A Call of the Sidhe: Magical Engagement with the Fairies of Irish Tradition in Fin-de-siècle Esotericism and Contemporary Paganism' at the Occult Convention II, Parma, Italy, 26 August 2023. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2023)'From Otherworldly Landscapes to the Bottom of the Garden: Cultural Representations of Fairies and their Abodes', public talk as part of 'The Meaning of Gardens: Culture, Territory and the Sacred' Symposium at The Panacea Museum in Bedford, England, 6 July 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) 'From Otherworldly Landscapes to the Bottom of the Garden: Cultural Representations of Fairies and their Abodes', public talk as part of 'The Meaning of Gardens: Culture, Territory and the Sacred' Symposium at The Panacea Museum in Bedford, England, 6 July 2023. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2023)'Hollow Earth Concepts in Folklore, Mythology and Esotericism' for the In Detail talk at The Glucksman Gallery as part of the exhibition 'Hollow Earth: Art, Caves and the Subterranean Imaginary', 24 May 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) 'Hollow Earth Concepts in Folklore, Mythology and Esotericism' for the In Detail talk at The Glucksman Gallery as part of the exhibition 'Hollow Earth: Art, Caves and the Subterranean Imaginary', 24 May 2023. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'Fairy Belief Narratives, Indigenous Knowledge and Connection to Place' for the International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR) The Belief Narrative Network (BNN) on 2 December 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Fairy Belief Narratives, Indigenous Knowledge and Connection to Place' for the International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR) The Belief Narrative Network (BNN) on 2 December 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'The Cailleach: Goddess, Creator, Protector' for the Hugh Lane Gallery in connection with the 'Bones in the Attic' exhibition, 28 October 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'The Cailleach: Goddess, Creator, Protector' for the Hugh Lane Gallery in connection with the 'Bones in the Attic' exhibition, 28 October 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'Magic, the Otherworld, and the Festival of Samhain' for Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage, 27 October 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Magic, the Otherworld, and the Festival of Samhain' for Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage, 27 October 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'Samhain, the Environment and Feminism' jointly for the UCC Environmental Society and UCC Feminist Society, 26 October 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Samhain, the Environment and Feminism' jointly for the UCC Environmental Society and UCC Feminist Society, 26 October 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'Wise Women and Fairy Doctors: Otherworldly Connections in the Irish Context' as part of the event 'Witches, Wise Women and What to Wear (For Your Afterlife): Histories From the Dark Side', Youghal Mall Arts Centre, County Cork, 19 August 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Wise Women and Fairy Doctors: Otherworldly Connections in the Irish Context' as part of the event 'Witches, Wise Women and What to Wear (For Your Afterlife): Histories From the Dark Side', Youghal Mall Arts Centre, County Cork, 19 August 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'Wise Women: Women, Power and the Otherworld in Irish Tradition' for the Hugh Lane Gallery Culture Club in connection with the Bones in the Attic exhibition, 12 August 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Wise Women: Women, Power and the Otherworld in Irish Tradition' for the Hugh Lane Gallery Culture Club in connection with the Bones in the Attic exhibition, 12 August 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'Walking the Tightrope: Navigating Insider and Outsider Meanings and Expectations During Ethnographic Research on Contemporary Paganism in Ireland' for a Fieldwork Seminar Series, Institut für Nordische Philologie, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 11 February 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Walking the Tightrope: Navigating Insider and Outsider Meanings and Expectations During Ethnographic Research on Contemporary Paganism in Ireland' for a Fieldwork Seminar Series, Institut für Nordische Philologie, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 11 February 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'Guardians of the Earth: Eco-Cosmology and Contemporary Paganism' for the UCC Eco-Humanities Lunchtime Seminar Series, 3 March 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Guardians of the Earth: Eco-Cosmology and Contemporary Paganism' for the UCC Eco-Humanities Lunchtime Seminar Series, 3 March 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2022)'Imbolc and St Brigid's Day: Fire, Fertility and the Increasing Light' for the UCC Bus Stop Chat, 1 February 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) 'Imbolc and St Brigid's Day: Fire, Fertility and the Increasing Light' for the UCC Bus Stop Chat, 1 February 2022. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021)'Contemporary Paganism, Magic, and Megaliths' for University College Dublin Newman Centre for the Study of Religions, 23 November 2021.
Jenny Butler (2021) 'Contemporary Paganism, Magic, and Megaliths' for University College Dublin Newman Centre for the Study of Religions, 23 November 2021. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021)'Contemporary Pagan Communities in Ireland' for the Department of Anthropology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile/Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, 12 November 2021.
Jenny Butler (2021) 'Contemporary Pagan Communities in Ireland' for the Department of Anthropology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile/Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, 12 November 2021. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021)'Halloween in Irish Cultural Context' for the School of University Arts and Sciences, Selkirk College, British Columbia, Canada, 28 October 2021.
Jenny Butler (2021) 'Halloween in Irish Cultural Context' for the School of University Arts and Sciences, Selkirk College, British Columbia, Canada, 28 October 2021. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021)'The Otherworld in Irish Tradition' for Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, English Philology Department, 1 October 2021.
Jenny Butler (2021) 'The Otherworld in Irish Tradition' for Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, English Philology Department, 1 October 2021. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021)'Kindle the Magic Flame: Contemporary Paganism and Ireland’s Sacred Landscape' for the Florida International University's Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs Program in the Study of Spirituality, 10 June 2021.
Jenny Butler (2021) 'Kindle the Magic Flame: Contemporary Paganism and Ireland’s Sacred Landscape' for the Florida International University's Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs Program in the Study of Spirituality, 10 June 2021. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2020)'Witch or Wise Woman? Gaelic Tradition and Changing Worldviews in Irish History' for Friends of the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Boscastle, Cornwall, 13 December 2020.
Jenny Butler (2020) 'Witch or Wise Woman? Gaelic Tradition and Changing Worldviews in Irish History' for Friends of the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Boscastle, Cornwall, 13 December 2020. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2020)Rituals and Festivals of Ireland at the Department of Turkish Language and Literature, Çankırı Karatekin University, Turkey, 28 February 2020.
Jenny Butler (2020) Rituals and Festivals of Ireland at the Department of Turkish Language and Literature, Çankırı Karatekin University, Turkey, 28 February 2020. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2019)'Paganism as Religion in Contemporary Ireland' at the Pascal Paoli University of Corsica, 12 December 2019.
Jenny Butler (2019) 'Paganism as Religion in Contemporary Ireland' at the Pascal Paoli University of Corsica, 12 December 2019. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2018)'St Patrick Vs the Goddess' for an Irish Mythology undergraduate programme run at University College Cork by Texas State University, 17 July 2018.
Jenny Butler (2018) 'St Patrick Vs the Goddess' for an Irish Mythology undergraduate programme run at University College Cork by Texas State University, 17 July 2018. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2018)'Away With the Fairies: An Slua Sídhe, Death and Fairy Places' at Clonakilty Samhain18 Festival, Clonakilty, County Cork, 03 November 2018.
Jenny Butler (2018) 'Away With the Fairies: An Slua Sídhe, Death and Fairy Places' at Clonakilty Samhain18 Festival, Clonakilty, County Cork, 03 November 2018. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2017)'May Day Magic: Fairies, Witches and Dew-Charms' for the Blarney and District Historical Society in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (Blarney Secondary School), 4 May 2017.
Jenny Butler (2017) 'May Day Magic: Fairies, Witches and Dew-Charms' for the Blarney and District Historical Society in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (Blarney Secondary School), 4 May 2017. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2016)'Saint Patrick, Folklore and Irish National Identity' for the Imagine Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics at the Linen Hall Library, Belfast, 19 March 2016.
Jenny Butler (2016) 'Saint Patrick, Folklore and Irish National Identity' for the Imagine Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics at the Linen Hall Library, Belfast, 19 March 2016. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2016)'Irish Fairy Lore' (sold out) Public Talk at Treadwells (esoteric bookshop), Bloomsbury, London, 4 March 2016.
Jenny Butler (2016) 'Irish Fairy Lore' (sold out) Public Talk at Treadwells (esoteric bookshop), Bloomsbury, London, 4 March 2016. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2015)'Halloween', Public Talk in the Series 'Van Valentijn tot Zwarte Piet' (From Valentine to Black Pete) at KANTL (The Royal Academy of Dutch Language and Literature), Ghent, Belgium, 27 October 2015.
Jenny Butler (2015) 'Halloween', Public Talk in the Series 'Van Valentijn tot Zwarte Piet' (From Valentine to Black Pete) at KANTL (The Royal Academy of Dutch Language and Literature), Ghent, Belgium, 27 October 2015. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2015)'Irish Fairy Folklore' for Ballygarvan Historical Society, Cork Airport Hotel, 26 February 2015.
Jenny Butler (2015) 'Irish Fairy Folklore' for Ballygarvan Historical Society, Cork Airport Hotel, 26 February 2015. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2015)'Irish Fairy Legends and Bealtaine' for the event 'Bealtaine at Triskel Christchurch' at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork City, 9 May 2015.
Jenny Butler (2015) 'Irish Fairy Legends and Bealtaine' for the event 'Bealtaine at Triskel Christchurch' at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork City, 9 May 2015. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2015)'Cailleach: The Divine Hag' at Loughcrew Equinox Festival, Loughcrew, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, 23 March 2015.
Jenny Butler (2015) 'Cailleach: The Divine Hag' at Loughcrew Equinox Festival, Loughcrew, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, 23 March 2015. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2014)'The Divine Feminine in Irish Tradition' presented at Féile Draíochta, The Camden Court Hotel, 4 October 2014.
Jenny Butler (2014) 'The Divine Feminine in Irish Tradition' presented at Féile Draíochta, The Camden Court Hotel, 4 October 2014. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2014)'The History and Traditional Celebration of Samhain in Ireland' for the event 'Samhain at Triskel Christchurch' at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork City, 31 October 2014.
Jenny Butler (2014) 'The History and Traditional Celebration of Samhain in Ireland' for the event 'Samhain at Triskel Christchurch' at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork City, 31 October 2014. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2014)'Irish Paganism: Worldview, Ritual and Identity' for a class of American students taking the 'World Religions and Global Issues in Ireland' course as part of the USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium) programme at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), 31 July 2014.
Jenny Butler (2014) 'Irish Paganism: Worldview, Ritual and Identity' for a class of American students taking the 'World Religions and Global Issues in Ireland' course as part of the USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium) programme at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), 31 July 2014. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2013)'Living the Magical Life: Supernatural Forces in Contemporary Pagan Worldview' at the Marginalised and Endangered Worldviews Study Centre (MEWSC) launch, University College Cork, 1 October 2013.
Jenny Butler (2013) 'Living the Magical Life: Supernatural Forces in Contemporary Pagan Worldview' at the Marginalised and Endangered Worldviews Study Centre (MEWSC) launch, University College Cork, 1 October 2013. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2013)'Fairy Legends and the Otherworld in Irish Tradition' for a group of visiting American grandparents and their grandchildren, EIL Intercultural Learning Programme, at The Ambassador Hotel, Cork City, Ireland, 4 July 2013.
Jenny Butler (2013) 'Fairy Legends and the Otherworld in Irish Tradition' for a group of visiting American grandparents and their grandchildren, EIL Intercultural Learning Programme, at The Ambassador Hotel, Cork City, Ireland, 4 July 2013. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2011)'Irish Neo-Paganism: Worldview and Ritual Practices' for The Association of Icelandic Folklorists (Félag Þjóðfræðinga Á Íslandi) at The University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland, 14 September 2011.
Jenny Butler (2011) 'Irish Neo-Paganism: Worldview and Ritual Practices' for The Association of Icelandic Folklorists (Félag Þjóðfræðinga Á Íslandi) at The University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland, 14 September 2011. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2009)'Glimpsing the Supernatural: from Pagan Gods to Fairies' for Mythic Links Mythology Group, Dublin, Ireland, 2 April 2009.
Jenny Butler (2009) 'Glimpsing the Supernatural: from Pagan Gods to Fairies' for Mythic Links Mythology Group, Dublin, Ireland, 2 April 2009. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2007)'Fire, Fairies and Sun Gods: Tara and Contemporary Paganism' for The Office of Public Works, Hill of Tara Visitor Centre, Co. Meath, Ireland, 18 July 2007.
Jenny Butler (2007) 'Fire, Fairies and Sun Gods: Tara and Contemporary Paganism' for The Office of Public Works, Hill of Tara Visitor Centre, Co. Meath, Ireland, 18 July 2007. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2007)'Danú as Mother-Goddess in Irish Mythology' for IRD Duhallow Public Seminar Danú and Spirituality – a Spirit of Belonging, Rathmore, Co. Kerry, 10 March 2007.
Jenny Butler (2007) 'Danú as Mother-Goddess in Irish Mythology' for IRD Duhallow Public Seminar Danú and Spirituality – a Spirit of Belonging, Rathmore, Co. Kerry, 10 March 2007. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2006)'Traditional Irish Festival Celebrations' for The Centre for Irish Cultural Studies, Sacred Heart University, Dingle Campus, Kerry, January 2006.
Jenny Butler (2006) 'Traditional Irish Festival Celebrations' for The Centre for Irish Cultural Studies, Sacred Heart University, Dingle Campus, Kerry, January 2006. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2004)'Oral History and Cultural Memory: Fairy Landscapes' for Cloyne Literary and Historical Society, Cloyne, East Cork, Ireland, 14 August 2004.
Jenny Butler (2004) 'Oral History and Cultural Memory: Fairy Landscapes' for Cloyne Literary and Historical Society, Cloyne, East Cork, Ireland, 14 August 2004. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2003)'Folklore, Landscape and Mythology of West Cork' for Cork County Vocational Education Committee, Maria Immaculata Community College, Dunmanway, West Cork, 16 September 2003.
Jenny Butler (2003) 'Folklore, Landscape and Mythology of West Cork' for Cork County Vocational Education Committee, Maria Immaculata Community College, Dunmanway, West Cork, 16 September 2003. Invited Lectures [Details]

Magazine article

 YearPublication
(2006)Halloween's Celtic Roots (Interview with Jenny Butler).
Archaeology: A Publication of the Archaeological Institute of America; (2006) Halloween's Celtic Roots (Interview with Jenny Butler). http://www.archaeology.org/online/interviews/butler.html: Magazine article   [Details]

Online Multimedia

 YearPublication
(2022)RTÉ Brainstorm article 'Clíodhna: the Cork Goddess, Banshee and Queen of the Fairies', 26 January 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) RTÉ Brainstorm article 'Clíodhna: the Cork Goddess, Banshee and Queen of the Fairies', 26 January 2022. Online Multimedia [Details]
(2020)RTÉ Brainstorm Was St Patrick a Feminist?.
Jenny Butler (2020) RTÉ Brainstorm Was St Patrick a Feminist?. Online Multimedia [Details]

Radio Documentary

 YearPublication
(2017)Featured on Aftering: Talking Death presented by Valerie Vetter, broadcast on 103.2 Dublin City FM, 25 September 2017.
Jenny Butler (2017) Featured on Aftering: Talking Death presented by Valerie Vetter, broadcast on 103.2 Dublin City FM, 25 September 2017. Radio Documentary [Details]

Thesis/Dissertation

 YearPublication
(2012)Irish Neo-Paganism: Worldview, Ritual and Identity.
Jenny Butler (2012) Irish Neo-Paganism: Worldview, Ritual and Identity. Thesis/Dissertation [Details]

Video recording / TV

 YearPublication
(2022)Featured on the 6-part TG4 television documentary series, An Diabhal Inti – The Devil's In Her, exploring the religious beliefs and social conditions underlying witchcraft accusations in Irish history.
Jenny Butler (2022) Featured on the 6-part TG4 television documentary series, An Diabhal Inti – The Devil's In Her, exploring the religious beliefs and social conditions underlying witchcraft accusations in Irish history. Video recording / TV [Details]
(2020)Interviewed for RTÉ Brainstorm video How the Irish Really Invented Halloween, 23 October 2020.
Jenny Butler (2020) Interviewed for RTÉ Brainstorm video How the Irish Really Invented Halloween, 23 October 2020. Video recording / TV [Details]
(2020)Featured in a piece on Changelings for The Elaine Show on Virgin Media, broadcast 30 October 2020.
Jenny Butler (2020) Featured in a piece on Changelings for The Elaine Show on Virgin Media, broadcast 30 October 2020. Video recording / TV [Details]
(2014)Television Appearance on RTÉ’s programme RTÉ Today show with Daithi O Sé and Maura Derrane to discuss the traditional celebration of Samhain (Halloween).
Jenny Butler (2014) Television Appearance on RTÉ’s programme RTÉ Today show with Daithi O Sé and Maura Derrane to discuss the traditional celebration of Samhain (Halloween). Video recording / TV [Details]

Discussion

 YearPublication
(2023)Discussant on Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) Roundtable: The Study of Religions and Ireland, 15 December 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) Discussant on Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) Roundtable: The Study of Religions and Ireland, 15 December 2023. Discussion [Details]
(2023)Discussant at Peter Harrington Rare Books Occult Webinar Friends on the Other Side, 17 October 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) Discussant at Peter Harrington Rare Books Occult Webinar Friends on the Other Side, 17 October 2023. Discussion [Details]
(2023)Public Conversation between Jenny Butler and Rossana Henriques in response to Anton Vidokle's film Autotrofia (2020) at the Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, 30 September 2023.
Jenny Butler and Rossana Henriques (2023) Public Conversation between Jenny Butler and Rossana Henriques in response to Anton Vidokle's film Autotrofia (2020) at the Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, 30 September 2023. Discussion [Details]
(2023)Discussant on the panel Into the Mystic as part of the George Russell Easter Festival, Aonach Mhacha, Armagh, Northern Ireland, 1 April 2023.
Jenny Butler (2023) Discussant on the panel Into the Mystic as part of the George Russell Easter Festival, Aonach Mhacha, Armagh, Northern Ireland, 1 April 2023. Discussion [Details]
(2022)Discussant on the Panel: Thin Curation and Intuitive Convocation - A Methodology for Curating Esoteric Art and Propagating Rhizomatic Occulture at Trans-States 3: The Art of Deception, University of Northampton, 9-10 September 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) Discussant on the Panel: Thin Curation and Intuitive Convocation - A Methodology for Curating Esoteric Art and Propagating Rhizomatic Occulture at Trans-States 3: The Art of Deception, University of Northampton, 9-10 September 2022. Discussion [Details]
(2022)Discussant on the panel alongside artist Marie Brett and curator Miguel Amado exploring the themes of the exhibition 'The Hidden Mountain, the Fort and the Five Trees' held at the Sirius Arts Centre Cobh, Co. Cork, 23 April 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) Discussant on the panel alongside artist Marie Brett and curator Miguel Amado exploring the themes of the exhibition 'The Hidden Mountain, the Fort and the Five Trees' held at the Sirius Arts Centre Cobh, Co. Cork, 23 April 2022. Discussion [Details]
(2022)Discussant on the panel at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles on March 19 2022 as part of singer-songwriter Edel Meade's 'Brigids and Patricias' tour to discuss violence against women and the killing of Bridget Cleary in Tipperary in 1895.
Jenny Butler (2022) Discussant on the panel at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles on March 19 2022 as part of singer-songwriter Edel Meade's 'Brigids and Patricias' tour to discuss violence against women and the killing of Bridget Cleary in Tipperary in 1895. Discussion [Details]
(2018)Discussant on the Panel on the art exhibition 'Prism: The Art and Science of light', The Glucksman Gallery, Cork, 14 December 2018.
Jenny Butler (2018) Discussant on the Panel on the art exhibition 'Prism: The Art and Science of light', The Glucksman Gallery, Cork, 14 December 2018. Discussion [Details]
(2014)Discussant on the Panel of the Exhibition Launch at Galway Arts Centre of The Amulet Collaboration: A Journey of Trust National Exhibition Tour 2014/2015 on 1 August 2014.
Jenny Butler (2014) Discussant on the Panel of the Exhibition Launch at Galway Arts Centre of The Amulet Collaboration: A Journey of Trust National Exhibition Tour 2014/2015 on 1 August 2014. Discussion [Details]

Interview

 YearPublication
(2014)Interviewed for Transceltic website about Samhain (Halloween) traditions: http://www.transceltic.com/pan-celtic/interview-dr-jenny-butler-celtic-folklore-traditions-of-halloween.
Jenny Butler (2014) Interviewed for Transceltic website about Samhain (Halloween) traditions: http://www.transceltic.com/pan-celtic/interview-dr-jenny-butler-celtic-folklore-traditions-of-halloween. Interview   [Details]
(2014)Interviewed for Ethan Doyle White’s blog on Pagan Studies, Albion Calling: http://ethandoylewhite.blogspot.ie/2014/01/an-interview-with-dr-jenny-butler.html.
Jenny Butler (2014) Interviewed for Ethan Doyle White’s blog on Pagan Studies, Albion Calling: http://ethandoylewhite.blogspot.ie/2014/01/an-interview-with-dr-jenny-butler.html. Interview   [Details]

Radio Feature

 YearPublication
(2022)Interviewed on Voice of Islam Radio Station DriveTime Show about the festival of Samhain, 31 October 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) Interviewed on Voice of Islam Radio Station DriveTime Show about the festival of Samhain, 31 October 2022. Radio Feature [Details]
(2021)Interviewed for a piece on RTÉ Today with Claire Byrne about Samhain and Halloween traditions, 29 October 2021.
Jenny Butler (2021) Interviewed for a piece on RTÉ Today with Claire Byrne about Samhain and Halloween traditions, 29 October 2021. Radio Feature [Details]
(2019)Feature length interview about ‘Fairy Lore and Landscapes Exhibition’ in Boole Library, UCC, curated by Jenny Butler, on Artefact Arts and Culture Show broadcast on Community Radio Youghal, 23 May 2019.
Jenny Butler (2019) Feature length interview about ‘Fairy Lore and Landscapes Exhibition’ in Boole Library, UCC, curated by Jenny Butler, on Artefact Arts and Culture Show broadcast on Community Radio Youghal, 23 May 2019. Radio Feature [Details]
(2018)Interview on talkRADIO UK Steph and Dom Parker Show about St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2018.
Jenny Butler (2018) Interview on talkRADIO UK Steph and Dom Parker Show about St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2018. Radio Feature [Details]
(2016)Radio Kerry 96-98FM, Kerry Today with Jerry O'Sullivan interview about St Patrick, along with Storyteller Eddie Lenihan, on 16 March 2016.
Jenny Butler (2016) Radio Kerry 96-98FM, Kerry Today with Jerry O'Sullivan interview about St Patrick, along with Storyteller Eddie Lenihan, on 16 March 2016. Radio Feature [Details]
(2014)Interviewed on Rita Duffy’s online radio show The Crypt about Samhain (Halloween), 1 November 2014.
Jenny Butler (2014) Interviewed on Rita Duffy’s online radio show The Crypt about Samhain (Halloween), 1 November 2014. Radio Feature [Details]
(2013)Interviewed by Brian O'Connell for The Pat Kenny Radio Show about Goth Subculture, 2013.
Jenny Butler (2013) Interviewed by Brian O'Connell for The Pat Kenny Radio Show about Goth Subculture, 2013. Radio Feature [Details]
(2013)Interviewed by presenter David Jenkins for The Irish Voice Programme, Canberra, Australia 7 April 2013.
Jenny Butler (2013) Interviewed by presenter David Jenkins for The Irish Voice Programme, Canberra, Australia 7 April 2013. Radio Feature [Details]
(2013)Interviewed by presenter David Jenkins for 2XX FM Community Radio in Canberra, Australia, 19 August 2013.
Jenny Butler (2013) Interviewed by presenter David Jenkins for 2XX FM Community Radio in Canberra, Australia, 19 August 2013. Radio Feature [Details]
(2020)Invited contributor on numerous occasions to Cork’s 96FM The Opinion Line with PJ Coogan and Deirdre Shaughnessy to discuss cultural issues.
Jenny Butler (2020) Invited contributor on numerous occasions to Cork’s 96FM The Opinion Line with PJ Coogan and Deirdre Shaughnessy to discuss cultural issues. Radio Feature [Details]
(2018)Interviewed on various occasions on WLR FM (Waterford Local Radio).
Jenny Butler (2018) Interviewed on various occasions on WLR FM (Waterford Local Radio). Radio Feature [Details]

Podcast - Media

 YearPublication
(2022)Feature length interview, 'Pagans and Pentacles with Dr Jenny Butler' for Episode 95 of The Nordic Mythology Podcast.
Jenny Butler (2022) Feature length interview, 'Pagans and Pentacles with Dr Jenny Butler' for Episode 95 of The Nordic Mythology Podcast. Podcast - Media [Details]
(2022)Interviewed on Cork's RedFM 104-106 Red Business Podcast with Jonathan Healy alongside Evelyn O'Sullivan from Cork Convention Bureau about Fáilte Ireland's Conference Ambassador Programme, 15 December 2022.
Jenny Butler (2022) Interviewed on Cork's RedFM 104-106 Red Business Podcast with Jonathan Healy alongside Evelyn O'Sullivan from Cork Convention Bureau about Fáilte Ireland's Conference Ambassador Programme, 15 December 2022. Podcast - Media [Details]
(2021)Feature length interview about 'Approaches to Death in Contemporary Irish Paganism and in Irish Traditional Culture' for the Rejected Religion Podcast (Part 1 broadcast 11 November 2021, Part 2 broadcast 12 November 2021).
Jenny Butler (2021) Feature length interview about 'Approaches to Death in Contemporary Irish Paganism and in Irish Traditional Culture' for the Rejected Religion Podcast (Part 1 broadcast 11 November 2021, Part 2 broadcast 12 November 2021). Podcast - Media [Details]
(2020)Feature length interview about '21st Century Irish Paganism' for the Rendering Unconscious Podcast which is streamed on Spotify, iTunes and Podbean and in video format on Trapart Books, Films and Editions (Trapart Youtube Channel).
Jenny Butler (2020) Feature length interview about '21st Century Irish Paganism' for the Rendering Unconscious Podcast which is streamed on Spotify, iTunes and Podbean and in video format on Trapart Books, Films and Editions (Trapart Youtube Channel). Podcast - Media [Details]
(2015)Podcast ‘21st Century Irish Paganism' for the Religious Studies Project, 5 October 2015.
Jenny Butler (2015) Podcast ‘21st Century Irish Paganism' for the Religious Studies Project, 5 October 2015. Podcast - Media [Details]

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2023Fáilte Ireland Conference Ambassador Award Fáilte Ireland
2022Cork Convention Bureau Overall Winner of the Association Conference Award for Organization of the European Association for the Study of Religions Conference Cork Convention Bureau
2022Cork Convention Bureau Conference Ambassador Award for Organization of the 8th European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism Conference Cork Convention Bureau
2019Cork Convention Bureau Conference Ambassador Award for the Organization of the 9th International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture Conference Cork Convention Bureau
2017Royal Irish Academy Charlemont Grant Royal Irish Academy
2016Cork Convention Bureau Conference Ambassador Award for Organization of the ISFNR Charms, Charmers and Charming 'Innovation and Tradition' Conference Cork Convention Bureau
2010Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF) Dobbin Scholarship Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF)
2008Ireland-Newfoundland Partnership Research Bursary Ireland-Newfoundland Partnership
2001Government of Ireland Research Scholarship in the Humanities and Social Sciences The Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS)
2001Title of UCC College Scholar - CACSSS Scholarship awarded in recognition of high scholarly achievement University College Cork's CACSSS Scholarships Scheme
2000Title of UCC College Scholar - CACSSS Scholarship awarded in recognition of high scholarly achievement University College Cork's CACSSS Scholarships Scheme

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Environmental Research Institute (ERI) Principal Investigator/Affiliated Researcher22-JUN-23 /
Co-Convenor of the UCC Eco-Humanities Working Group Co-Convenor01-JAN-23 /
Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) Secretary17-JUN-16 / 17-JUN-20
ACE Short Course Approval Board - Board Member, CACSSS Representative Board Member, CACSSS Representative19-MAR-21 /
European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) Executitve Committee Officer - Publications Officer Publications Officer01-JAN-20 / 01-JAN-22
Anthropological Association of Ireland (AAI) Committee Member Committee Member01-DEC-22 / 01-DEC-24
Irish Network for the Study of Esotericism and Paganism (INSEP) Founder01-MAY-15 /
European Association of Social Anthropologists (EASA) Pilgrimage Studies Network Member01-MAY-19 /
National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) Member04-FEB-19 /
European Association for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE) Full Member01-JAN-15 /
American Academy of Religion Member30-SEP-17 /
Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions Publications Officer11-MAY-15 / 17-JUN-16
Fáilte Ireland Conference Ambassador Club Member01-MAR-16 /
Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions Committee Member12-MAY-13 / 11-MAY-15
International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture Member08-NOV-15 /
Société Internationale d'Ethnologie et de Folklore (SIEF) Member11-JUN-06 /
Belief Narrative Network (BNN) of the International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR) Member04-SEP-16 /
International Association for Comparative Mythology (IACM) Member19-MAY-15 /

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2023)ESOLIT: Esotericism and Literature Network of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE) Founding Conference,
Jenny Butler (2023) 'When the Breath of Twilight Blows to Flame the Misty Skies': Esoteric Literature and Ireland's Celtic Revival. [Oral Presentation], ESOLIT: Esotericism and Literature Network of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE) Founding Conference, Zoom , 08-DEC-23. [Details]
(2023)Sacred Dichotomies: Time and Space in Contemporary Pagan Rituals,
Jenny Butler (2023) Fairy Places, Power Centres and Otherworldly Time in Contemporary Irish Pagan Rituals. [Oral Presentation], Sacred Dichotomies: Time and Space in Contemporary Pagan Rituals, University of Glasgow , 25-NOV-23. [Details]
(2023)20th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Academic Study of Religions (EASR)—Religions and Technologies,
Jenny Butler (2023) Hi-Tech Utopias: The Raëlian Movement, Science and Spirituality. [Oral Presentation], 20th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Academic Study of Religions (EASR)—Religions and Technologies, Vilnius, Lithuania , 04-SEP-23 - 08-SEP-23. [Details]
(2023)Women in the Freedom Struggle in India and Ireland: Reformism, Nationalism and Transnationalism in Perspective,
Jenny Butler (2023) Gender, Magic, and the Irish Revolution. [Oral Presentation], Women in the Freedom Struggle in India and Ireland: Reformism, Nationalism and Transnationalism in Perspective, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India , 13-MAR-23 - 14-MAR-23. [Details]
(2023)The Historical Fictions Research Network Conference,
Jenny Butler (2023) The Celtic Golden Age and Mystical Ireland: Historical Constructs and Contemporary Identities. [Keynote Speaker], The Historical Fictions Research Network Conference, Online , 17-FEB-23 - 19-FEB-23. [Details]
(2022)19th European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR)—Religions and States of Freedom,
Jenny Butler (2022) Esotericism, Romantic Nationalism, and the Birth of the Irish State. [Oral Presentation], 19th European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR)—Religions and States of Freedom, University College Cork , 27-JUN-22 - 01-JUL-22. [Details]
(2022)European Association for the Study of Religions Conference,
Jenny Butler (2022) Religions and States of Freedom. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], European Association for the Study of Religions Conference, University College Cork . [Details]
(2022)7th Art and Psyche Symposium: The Otherworld,
Jenny Butler (2022) Contemporary Irish Paganism, Ritual Magic, and the Celtic Otherworld. [Keynote Speaker], 7th Art and Psyche Symposium: The Otherworld, Limerick School of Art & Design, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) , 09-APR-22 - 09-APR-22. [Details]
(2021)Mythes et Folklores Celtiques dans le monde anglophone/Celtic Myths and Folklore of the English-speaking World,
Jenny Butler (2021) 'Dance Upon the Mountains Like a Flame': Myth, Ritual and Folklore in Contemporary Irish Paganism. [Keynote Speaker], Mythes et Folklores Celtiques dans le monde anglophone/Celtic Myths and Folklore of the English-speaking World, University of Toulon, France , 18-NOV-21 - 19-NOV-21. [Details]
(2022)8th European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism Conference (ESSWE8),
Jenny Butler (2022) Western Esotericism, Art and Creativity: Art, Performance and Innovation. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], 8th European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism Conference (ESSWE8), University College Cork . [Details]
(2021)18th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions--Resilient Religion,
Jenny Butler (2021) The Ever-Living Ones: Contemporary Paganism, Old Gods, and the Resilience of Tradition in Modern Ireland. [Oral Presentation], 18th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions--Resilient Religion, The University of Pisa , 30-AUG-21 - 03-SEP-21. [Details]
(2021)Second International Symposium and Exhibition on Mythology: Myths in the Ancient and Modern World,
Jenny Butler (2021) Celtic Gods in a New Age: the Significance of Myth in the Identity, Worldview and Practice of Contemporary Irish Pagans. [Keynote Speaker], Second International Symposium and Exhibition on Mythology: Myths in the Ancient and Modern World, Ardahan University, Turkey , 08-JUN-21 - 10-JUN-21. [Details]
(2021)SIEF Ritual Year Seasonal Webinar Series (Winter), hosted by the Estonian Literary Museum and the Centre of Excellence in Estonian Studies (Tartu),
Jenny Butler (2021) St Brigit's Day and the Festival of Imbolc: Themes of Regeneration and Fertility. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], SIEF Ritual Year Seasonal Webinar Series (Winter), hosted by the Estonian Literary Museum and the Centre of Excellence in Estonian Studies (Tartu), Webinar , 01-FEB-21. [Details]
(2020)Putting Magic in Place Symposium,
Jenny Butler (2020) Touching the Numinous: Fairy Places in Legend and Experience of the Irish Landscape. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Putting Magic in Place Symposium, Universtity of Oxford , 04-DEC-20 - 07-DEC-20. [Details]
(2019)Trans-States: The Art of Revelation,
Jenny Butler (2019) Extraterrestrials, Revelation and Planetary Consciousness: From Zecharia Sitchin to Raëlism. [Oral Presentation], Trans-States: The Art of Revelation, University of Northampton, England , 13-SEP-19 - 14-SEP-19. [Details]
(2019)British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR)—Visualising Cultures: Media, Religion and Technology,
Jenny Butler (2019) Roundtable Discussant in Plenary Session: Film Studies and Religious Studies. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR)—Visualising Cultures: Media, Religion and Technology, Leeds Trinity University , 02-SEP-19 - 04-SEP-19. [Details]
(2019)British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR)—Visualising Cultures: Media, Religion and Technology,
Jenny Butler (2019) Sex, Sacrifice and Secrecy: Screen Media, News Media and the Lived Realities of Pagan Practitioners. [Oral Presentation], British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR)—Visualising Cultures: Media, Religion and Technology, Leeds Trinity University , 02-SEP-19 - 04-SEP-19. [Details]
(2019)European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE)—Western Esotericism and Consciousness: Visions, Voices, Altered States,
Jenny Butler (2019) Discussant on the Roundtable during the Panel Accessing Contemporary Esoteric Techniques for Altering Consciousness. [Other], European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE)—Western Esotericism and Consciousness: Visions, Voices, Altered States, University of Amsterdam , 02-JUL-19 - 04-JUL-19. [Details]
(2019)European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE)—Western Esotericism and Consciousness: Visions, Voices, Altered States,
Jenny Butler (2019) 'Away with the Fairies': Intersections of Contemporary Paganism and Traditional Irish Culture in the Panel 'Consciousness and Communication with Non-Humans in Contemporary Esotericism'. [Oral Presentation], European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE)—Western Esotericism and Consciousness: Visions, Voices, Altered States, University of Amsterdam , 02-JUL-19 - 04-JUL-19. [Details]
(2019)European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR)—Continuations and Disruptions Conference,
Jenny Butler (2019) 'Till the Stars had Run Away and the Shadows Eaten the Moon': Druids' and Witches' Engagement with Irish History, Folklore, and Ideas of Celticity. [Oral Presentation], European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR)—Continuations and Disruptions Conference, University of Tartu, Estonia , 25-JUN-19 - 29-JUL-19. [Details]
(2019)International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture--Religion/Water/Climate: Changing Cultures and Landscapes Conference,
Jenny Butler (2019) 'To the Waters and the Wild': The Significance of Water in Contemporary Irish Pagan Cosmology and Practice. [Oral Presentation], International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture--Religion/Water/Climate: Changing Cultures and Landscapes Conference, University College Cork , 13-JUN-19 - 16-JUN-19. [Details]
(2019)Dynamics of Place: Conceptions of Sacred Space and Materiality in Japan and Ireland,
Jenny Butler (2019) Discussant on the Roundtable of the International Workshop 'Dynamics of Place'. [Other], Dynamics of Place: Conceptions of Sacred Space and Materiality in Japan and Ireland, University College Cork , 27-MAY-19 - 27-MAY-19. [Details]
(2019)Society for the Anthropology of Religion (SAR)—Politics of Religious Knowledge and Ignorance Conference,
Jenny Butler (2019) Identity Politics and Power Play at the Holiest Mountain in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Society for the Anthropology of Religion (SAR)—Politics of Religious Knowledge and Ignorance Conference, Victoria College, University of Toronto , 21-MAY-19 - 23-MAY-19. [Details]
(2019)14th international SIEF (Societé Internationale d’Ethnologie et de Folklore) Congress—Track Changes: Reflecting on a Transforming World,
Butler, Jenny (2019) Brigid's Way: Goddess, Saint and the Narration of Religious Heritages on an Irish Pilgrim Path. [Invited Oral Presentation], 14th international SIEF (Societé Internationale d’Ethnologie et de Folklore) Congress—Track Changes: Reflecting on a Transforming World, University of Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain , 14-APR-19 - 17-APR-19. [Details]
(2018)Irish Network for the Study of Esotericism and Paganism—Magic(k) and Festivals Conference,
Butler, Jenny (2018) Contemporary Paganism and the Festival of Samhain. [Oral Presentation], Irish Network for the Study of Esotericism and Paganism—Magic(k) and Festivals Conference, University College Cork , 26-OCT-18. [Details]
(2018)Irish Network for the Study of Esotericism and Paganism—Magic(k) and Festivals Conference,
Butler, Jenny (2018) Organiser. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Irish Network for the Study of Esotericism and Paganism—Magic(k) and Festivals Conference, University College Cork , 26-OCT-18. [Details]
(2018)Eco-Cosmology, Sustainability and a Spirit of Resilience Conference—Anthropological Association of Ireland Conference,
Butler, Jenny (2018) Green Magic and the Green Man: Contemporary Eco-Paganism and Holistic Cosmology. [Oral Presentation], Eco-Cosmology, Sustainability and a Spirit of Resilience Conference—Anthropological Association of Ireland Conference, University College Cork , 21-SEP-18 - 22-SEP-18. [Details]
(2018)III International Field Ethnographic Symposium 'An Hour with Kvass': Drinks in the Culture of the Peoples of the Urals and Volga Region,
Butler, Jenny (2018) Alcoholic Drinks in Irish Culture. [Oral Presentation], III International Field Ethnographic Symposium 'An Hour with Kvass': Drinks in the Culture of the Peoples of the Urals and Volga Region, Ludorvay Museum, Udmurtia, Russia , 18-SEP-18 - 20-SEP-18. [Details]
(2018)Borders and Boundaries: 'Religion' on the Periphery—Joint Conference between the British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR) and the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR),
Butler, Jenny (2018) Goddesses, Saints and Fairies: Re-Storying and Symbolic Boundaries of Ireland's Sacred Landscapes. [Oral Presentation], Borders and Boundaries: 'Religion' on the Periphery—Joint Conference between the British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR) and the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR), Queen's University Belfast , 03-SEP-18 - 05-SEP-18. [Details]
(2018)Exploring the Hermetic Future III, Research Seminar organised by The Center for History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents of the University of Amsterdam,
Butler, Jenny (2018) Disciplinary Approaches to the Study of the 'Supernatural'—Report on Current Research Projects. [Oral Presentation], Exploring the Hermetic Future III, Research Seminar organised by The Center for History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents of the University of Amsterdam, Domaine de Taurenne, Aups, France , 28-JUL-18 - 30-JUL-18. [Details]
(2018)16th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR)—Multiple Religious Identities,
Butler, Jenny (2018) Entering the Magic Mists: Irish Contemporary Paganism, Celticity and Indigeneity. [Oral Presentation], 16th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR)—Multiple Religious Identities, Bern, Switzerland , 17-JUN-18 - 21-JUN-18. [Details]
(2018)First Marginalised and Endangered Worldviews Study Centre (MEWSC) Winter School—Endangered Cultures and Sustainability,
Butler, Jenny (2018) Fairies, Forts, and Farmlands: Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Sense of Place, and Sustainable Living. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], First Marginalised and Endangered Worldviews Study Centre (MEWSC) Winter School—Endangered Cultures and Sustainability, Indira Ghandi Tribal University (IGTU) in Amarkantak, India , 08-JAN-18 - 12-JAN-18. [Details]
(2018)First Marginalised and Endangered Worldviews Study Centre (MEWSC) Winter School--Endangered Cultures and Sustainability,
Butler, Jenny (2018) Guardians of the Earth: Contemporary Paganism, Sacred Landscape and Environmental Activism. [Oral Presentation], First Marginalised and Endangered Worldviews Study Centre (MEWSC) Winter School--Endangered Cultures and Sustainability, Indira Ghandi Tribal University (IGTU) in Amarkantak, India , 08-JAN-18 - 12-JAN-18. [Details]
(2017)European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) Annual Conference—'Communicating Religion',
Butler, Jenny (2017) Imagination, Creative Expression and Religious Traditions of Contemporary Pagans in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) Annual Conference—'Communicating Religion', University of Leuven, Belgium , 18-SEP-17 - 21-SEP-17. [Details]
(2017)Sixth Annual Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions Conference—Religion, Myth and Migration,
Butler, Jenny (2017) Contemporary Pagan Migrants and the Utilisation of Myth in Creating a Sense of Place. [Oral Presentation], Sixth Annual Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions Conference—Religion, Myth and Migration, Waterford Institute of Technology , 16-JUN-17. [Details]
(2017)Sixth Annual Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions Conference—Religion, Myth and Migration,
Butler, Jenny (2017) Co-organiser. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Sixth Annual Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions Conference—Religion, Myth and Migration, Waterford Institute of Technology , 16-JUN-17. [Details]
(2017)International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture ‘Mountains and Sacred Landscapes’ Conference,
Butler, Jenny (2017) Croagh Patrick Mountain as a Site of Cultural Hybridity and Religious Syncretism. [Oral Presentation], International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture ‘Mountains and Sacred Landscapes’ Conference, The New School. New York City , 20-APR-17 - 23-APR-17. [Details]
(2017)Scotland and Ireland: Religion and the Enlightenment,
Butler, Jenny (2017) Enlightenment Thought, Irish and Scottish Folklore and the Consequences of Categorisations. [Oral Presentation], Scotland and Ireland: Religion and the Enlightenment, University College Cork’s Blackstone LaunchPad , 06-APR-17 - 07-APR-17. [Details]
(2016)Borders/Debordering: Towards a New World Culture of Hospitality,
Butler, Jenny (2016) Beyond Bordered Lands: Contemporary Paganism, Spiritual Unity and Conceptualisations of Geo-Physical Space. [Oral Presentation], Borders/Debordering: Towards a New World Culture of Hospitality, Hotel Špik, Gozd Martuljek, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia , 30-JUN-16 - 03-JUL-16. [Details]
(2016)5th Annual Conference of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) - 'Religion and Revolution',
Butler, Jenny (2016) Revolution in the Academy: Challenging the Scientific (Rationalistic) Paradigm in the Study of Religions. [Oral Presentation], 5th Annual Conference of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) - 'Religion and Revolution', University College Cork , 16-JUN-16 - 17-JUN-16. [Details]
(2016)9th International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR) Charms, Charmers and Charming Conference - Tradition and Innovation,
Butler, Jenny (2016) Magic in the Flesh: Tattoos as Charms. [Oral Presentation], 9th International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR) Charms, Charmers and Charming Conference - Tradition and Innovation, University College Cork, Ireland , 06-MAY-16 - 08-MAY-16. [Details]
(2016)10th Anniversary of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture (ISSRNC) Conference – Religion, Science and the Future,
Butler, Jenny (2016) Scientific Rationalism, Cultural Cannibalism, and the Case of Irish Fairy Beliefs. [Oral Presentation], 10th Anniversary of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture (ISSRNC) Conference – Religion, Science and the Future, Gainesville, Florida , 14-JAN-16 - 17-JAN-16. [Details]
(2015)The Traditional Cosmology Society Conference—Shamanism and Cunning Folk: Traditional and Modern Perspectives,
Butler, Jenny (2015) Cunning Folk in the Irish Context: Wise Women, Fairy Doctors and the Consequences of Contact with the Otherworld. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], The Traditional Cosmology Society Conference—Shamanism and Cunning Folk: Traditional and Modern Perspectives, Edinburgh College of Art , 31-OCT-15. [Details]
(2015)Fourth Annual Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) Conference--The Study of Religions in Ireland: People, Places, Projects,
Butler, Jenny (2015) Irish Fairy Beliefs and Folk Religion. [Oral Presentation], Fourth Annual Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) Conference--The Study of Religions in Ireland: People, Places, Projects, Trinity College Dublin , 11-MAY-15 - 11-MAY-15. [Details]
(2015)Annual Anthropological Association of Ireland Conference 2015--Permanence & Transition: Anthropological Perspectives,
Butler, Jenny (2015) Divine Encounters: Contemporary Pagan Artwork, Liminal Spaces, and the Creative Process. [Oral Presentation], Annual Anthropological Association of Ireland Conference 2015--Permanence & Transition: Anthropological Perspectives, University College Cork , 06-MAR-15 - 07-MAR-15. [Details]
(2014)Third Annual ISASR Conference--Religion and Remembering,
Butler, Jenny (2014) Remembering the Ancestors in Contemporary Paganism. [Oral Presentation], Third Annual ISASR Conference--Religion and Remembering, Union Theological College, Belfast in collaboration with Queen's University Belfast , 23-MAY-14 - 24-MAY-14. [Details]
(2013)Meanings of Madness: Critical and Creative Perspectives,
Butler, Jenny (2013) Folklore and Madness: Traditional Beliefs and Contemporary Popular Conceptions of Madness in the Irish Context. [Oral Presentation], Meanings of Madness: Critical and Creative Perspectives, University College Cork , 13-NOV-13 - 14-NOV-13. [Details]
(2013)ISASR Conference 2013 - Ireland, America and Transnationalism: Studying Religions in a Globalised World,
Butler, Jenny (2013) Fairy Trees and Holy Wells as Sites of Nexus between Different Popular Religious Traditions. [Oral Presentation], ISASR Conference 2013 - Ireland, America and Transnationalism: Studying Religions in a Globalised World, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin , 10-MAY-13 - 12-MAY-13. [Details]
(2013)Marginalised and Endangered Worldviews Study Centre (MEWSC) Seminar,
Butler, Jenny (2013) Living the Magical Life: Supernatural Forces in Contemporary Pagan Worldview. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Marginalised and Endangered Worldviews Study Centre (MEWSC) Seminar, University College Cork , 01-OCT-13 - 02-OCT-13. [Details]
(2012)ISASR Conference - Emerging Perspectives: Religions and Ireland,
Butler, Jenny (2012) Paper: Researching Irish Neo-Paganism: exploring issues of ethnographic practice, spiritual experience narrative and religious worldview. [Oral Presentation], ISASR Conference - Emerging Perspectives: Religions and Ireland, Study of Religions Department, University College Cork , 25-MAY-12 - 26-MAY-12. [Details]
(2012)ISASR Conference - Emerging Perspectives: Religions and Ireland,
Butler, Jenny (2012) Member of Action Committee to organise the first conference of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions. [Conference Organising Committee Member], ISASR Conference - Emerging Perspectives: Religions and Ireland, Study of Religions Department, University College Cork , 26-MAY-11 - 26-MAY-12. [Details]
(2011)The Association of Icelandic Folklorists (Félag Þjóðfræðinga Á Íslandi),
Butler, Jenny (2011) Irish Neo-Paganism: Worldview and Ritual Practices. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], The Association of Icelandic Folklorists (Félag Þjóðfræðinga Á Íslandi), Irish Neo-Paganism: Worldview and RitualThe University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland , 14-SEP-11 - 14-SEP-11. [Details]
(2009)Alternative spiritualities, the New Age and New Religious Movements in Ireland,
Butler, Jenny; (2009) Paper: Irish Neopaganism: Worldview and Identity. [Oral Presentation], Alternative spiritualities, the New Age and New Religious Movements in Ireland, NUI Maynooth, Ireland , 30-OCT-09 - 31-OCT-09. [Details]
(2009)The Power of the Mask Conference,
Butler, Jenny; (2009) Paper: Masks and Processions in the Traditional Irish Ritual Year. [Oral Presentation], The Power of the Mask Conference, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania , 02-JUL-09 - 06-JUL-09. [Details]
(2008)The Ritual Year and Gender Conference,
Butler, Jenny; (2008) Guest Editor RY4: The Ritual Year and Gender. [Editorship of Whole Conference Proceedings], The Ritual Year and Gender Conference, Cork, Ireland , 22-JUN-08 - 26-JUN-08. [Details]
(2008)The Ritual Year and Gender Conference,
Butler, Jenny; (2008) Organiser: Fourth conference of the SIEF Ritual Year Working Group. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], The Ritual Year and Gender Conference, Cork, Ireland , 22-JUN-08 - 26-JUN-08. [Details]
(2008)The Ritual Year and Gender Conference,
Butler, Jenny; (2008) Paper: The Neo-Pagan Ritual Year and Gender. [Oral Presentation], The Ritual Year and Gender Conference, Cork, Ireland , 22-JUN-08 - 26-JUN-08. [Details]
(2008)Transcending European Heritages: Liberating the Ethnological Imagination,
Butler, Jenny; (2008) Paper: Celticity as a Cultural Resource in Irish Neo-Paganism. [Oral Presentation], Transcending European Heritages: Liberating the Ethnological Imagination, University of Ulster, Derry, Northern Ireland , 16-JUN-08 - 20-JUN-08. [Details]
(2007)The Ritual Year and History,
Butler, Jenny; (2007) Paper: History of Neo-Paganism and Neo-Pagan Reinterpretations of History. [Oral Presentation], The Ritual Year and History, Straznice, Czech Republic , 25-MAY-07 - 29-MAY-07. [Details]
(2007)Challenging Cultures of Death: Mercy Not Sacrifice,
Butler, Jenny; (2007) Paper: Neo-Paganism as a Life-Embracing Spirituality. [Oral Presentation], Challenging Cultures of Death: Mercy Not Sacrifice, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland , 02-NOV-07 - 04-NOV-07. [Details]
(2007)Trees in Legend and Tradition: English Folklore Society Conference,
Butler, Jenny; (2007) Paper: Fairy Trees and Sacred Groves: Trees in Neo-Pagan Worldview and Ritual Practice. [Oral Presentation], Trees in Legend and Tradition: English Folklore Society Conference, Weald and Downland Folk Museum, Singleton, East Sussex, England , 01-SEP-07 - 02-SEP-07. [Details]
(2007)Charms, Charmers and Charming Conference,
Butler, Jenny; (2007) Paper: Neo-Pagan Charms. [Oral Presentation], Charms, Charmers and Charming Conference, Pécs, Hungary , 11-MAY-07 - 13-MAY-07. [Details]
(2006)The Ritual Year and Ritual Diversity,
Butler, Jenny; (2006) Paper: Neo-Pagan Celebrations of the Summer Solstice. [Oral Presentation], The Ritual Year and Ritual Diversity, Gothenburg, Sweden , 07-JUN-06 - 11-JUN-06. [Details]
(2006)International Conference on Halloween,
Butler, Jenny; (2006) Paper: Neo-Pagan Celebrations of the Festival of Samhain. [Oral Presentation], International Conference on Halloween, Glasgow, Scotland, UK , 31-OCT-06 - 01-NOV-06. [Details]
(2006)Charming and Crafty: Witchcraft and Paganism in Contemporary Media,
Butler, Jenny; (2006) Paper: Irish Witchcraft and Paganism in Contemporary Media. [Oral Presentation], Charming and Crafty: Witchcraft and Paganism in Contemporary Media, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA , 18-MAY-06 - 21-MAY-06. [Details]
(2005)14th Congress of the International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR),
Butler, Jenny; (2005) Paper: Personal Spiritual Narratives of Irish Neo-Pagans. [Oral Presentation], 14th Congress of the International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR), Tartu, Estonia , 26-JUL-05 - 31-JUL-05. [Details]
(2005)The 5th Celtic-Nordic-Baltic Folklore Symposium on Folk Legends,
Butler, Jenny; (2005) Paper: Celtic Legends and the Irish Neo-Pagan Community. [Oral Presentation], The 5th Celtic-Nordic-Baltic Folklore Symposium on Folk Legends, Reykjavík, Iceland , 15-JUN-05 - 18-JUN-05. [Details]
(2004)The Ritual Year Conference,
Butler, Jenny; (2004) Paper: The Neo-Pagan Ritual Year. [Oral Presentation], The Ritual Year Conference, University of Edinburgh, Scotland , 07-JUL-04 - 07-JUL-04. [Details]
(2004)Sacral Through the Eyes of the Lay and the Initiated,
Butler, Jenny; (2004) Paper: Expressions of the Sacred in Contemporary Pagan Culture in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Sacral Through the Eyes of the Lay and the Initiated, Moscow, Russia , 20-JUN-04 - 30-JUN-04. [Details]
(2004)ASANAS (Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies) Goes Mainstream?,
Butler, Jenny; (2004) Paper: Neo-Paganism and the Domain of Alternative Healing in Contemporary Ireland. [Oral Presentation], ASANAS (Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies) Goes Mainstream?, University of Wolverhampton, England , 21-MAY-04 - 21-MAY-04. [Details]
(2003)Alternative Spirituality and New Age Studies (ASANAS),
Butler, Jenny; (2003) Paper: Ireland's Neo-Pagan Community: Worldview and Ritual. [Oral Presentation], Alternative Spirituality and New Age Studies (ASANAS), Open University in Milton Keynes, England , 30-MAY-03 - 01-JUN-03. [Details]
(2003)Language, Literature and the Imaginaire,
Butler, Jenny; (2003) Paper: The Imaginaire of Neo-Pagan Discourse: Perceptions of Landscape. [Oral Presentation], Language, Literature and the Imaginaire, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland , 02-MAY-03 - 04-MAY-03. [Details]
(2003)From Vernacular Religion to Contemporary Spirituality: Locating Religion in European Ethnology,
Butler, Jenny; (2003) Paper: Neo-Pagan Ritual Practice in Ireland as Cultural Process. [Oral Presentation], From Vernacular Religion to Contemporary Spirituality: Locating Religion in European Ethnology, Open University, Milton Keynes, England , 10-JAN-03 - 11-JAN-03. [Details]
(2002)Communicating Cultures,
Butler, Jenny; (2002) Paper: Irish Neo-Pagan Ritual Practice: Visual Representations of Culture and Creative Expressions of Identity. [Oral Presentation], Communicating Cultures, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland , 20-JUN-02 - 22-JUN-02. [Details]
(2002)Ireland's Heritages: Critical Perspectives on Consumption, Method and Memory,
Butler, Jenny; (2002) Paper: Ireland's Sacred Landscape: Neo-Pagan Worldview and the Ritual Utilisation of Heritage Sites. [Oral Presentation], Ireland's Heritages: Critical Perspectives on Consumption, Method and Memory, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) in Castlebar, Ireland , 18-OCT-02 - 20-OCT-02. [Details]

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
Academic Council Learning and Teaching Committee Member2024 /
Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) President2021 /
Anthropological Association of Ireland (AAI) Committee Member2022 /
Executive Committee of the European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) Publications Officer2020 / 2022
American Academy of Religion (AAR) Pagan Studies Unit Steering Committee Member of Steering Committee2022 /
Academic Council Full Member2020 / 2023
Member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture (ISSRNC) At-Large Member of the Board of Directors2019 /
Officer of the Executive Committee of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE) Officer2019 /
CACSSS College Executive Management Committee (CEMC) Elected Committee Member2018 /
Secretary of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions Secretary2016 / 2020
Anthropological Association of Ireland (AAI) Committee Member Committee Member2018 /
UCC Community Engagement Committee Member Member2017 / 2018
ISSRNC Conference 2019 Organising Committee Member Organiser2018 / 2019
ISASR/BASR Joint Conference 2018 Organising Committee Member Co-organiser2018 / 2018
ISASR Sixth Annual Conference Organising Committee Member Co-organiser2017 / 2017
International Society for Folk Narrative Research (ISFNR) 9th Charms, Charmers and Charming Conference Organising Committee Member Member2016 / 2016
Publications Officer, ISASR Committee Publications Officer2015 /
ISASR Fifth Annual Conference Organising Committee Member Conference Organising Committee2016 / 2016
ISASR Fourth Annual Conference Organising Committee Member Member2014 / 2015
ISASR Third Annual Conference Organising Committee Member Member of Organising Committee2013 / 2014
Member of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions Committee Member2013 / 2016
Member of the Action Committee of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR) Member2011 / 2012

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
University College Cork Lecturer in the Study of Religions (2013-Present)01-SEP-13 /
University College Cork Lecturer in Folklore and Ethnology (2002-2012)01-SEP-02 / 30-DEC-11
UCC Cork Folklore Project (CFP) Research Coordinator01-JAN-06 / 31-DEC-06
UCC History Archives - Oral History Project Interviewer01-JAN-08 / 01-DEC-10
Dublin City University (DCU) Instructor of Celtic Studies Summer School, Centre for Talented Youth (CTYI)01-JUN-06 / 01-JUL-06
Dublin City University (DCU) Instructor, Centre for Talented Youth (CTYI) (2003-2008)04-OCT-03 / 26-JUL-08
Cork County Vocational Education Committee (VEC) Instructor of a course on Local History01-MAR-05 / 15-JUN-05
Disability Support Service (DSS), University College Cork Disability Support Tutor01-SEP-05 / 01-JUN-06
Ashton Community College, Blackrock, Cork Instructor of Adult Education Night Class01-SEP-05 / 30-APR-06

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2022University College Cork Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher EducationTeaching and Learning in Higher Education
2013University College Cork PhDFolklore and Ethnology
2001University College Cork BAPhilosophy and Folklore (Joint Honours)

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
RTE - Researcher for Television Programme
Research was carried out for a television programme on festivals. The research focused on mythology and folklore surrounding one festival in particular and documented how this time was celebrated historically in Ireland.

Outreach Activities

 Description

The Amulet Art Project: Dr Jenny Butler was involved, in an advisory capacity, with The Amulet: A Collaborative Arts Project (2009-2015). The project was based at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) April through December 2010 for Phase 1, which involved local Cork community groups of women, led by the Ballyphehane & Togher Community Art & Craft Initiative. The groups created remembrance amulets and layettes for stillborn babies and also made keepsake amulets for living babies, using traditional crafts such as crocheting, beadwork and knitting. The artist Marie Brett (MA in Visual Art from Goldsmiths College, University of London), CUMH staff (including directors of Neo-Natal and Bereavement and Loss sections), HSE Cork Arts & Health Programme and The Arts Council were partners on the venture. Cork Film Centre collaborated with the group to help produce an audiovisual record of the project. Dr Butler held a consultative role on the project with regard to folklore surrounding stillbirth and dead child traditions. A commentary piece by her entitled ‘The Cultural Significance of the Amulet Project’ was included in The Amulet artist’s book (2012). Another essay of hers titled ‘The Amulet Project, Folklore and Social Change’ was published in Anamnesis: The Amulet Project, a companion volume to the audiovisual art exhibition Anamnesis by Marie Brett and The Amulet Collaboration: A Journey of Trust, held in The Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork, 7 March-1 April, 2013. Dr Butler took part in the national exhibition tour 2014/2015, and was a panel member for the discussion event at the exhibition’s launch at Galway Arts Centre on 1 August 2014.

Centre for Adult Continuing Education Short Courses on Folklore and Mythology (Various Courses Taught 2011-2024)

Organiser and Auditor of UCC’s Folklore Society (2002-2003)

Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
Numen: International Review For The History Of Religions Editor01-JAN-20 -
Folklore: Electronic Journal Of Folklore Member of Editorial Board19-MAR-21 -
Journal Of The Irish Society For The Academic Study Of Religions Co-Editor11-MAY-15 -
Pomegranate Member of Editorial Board18-DEC-17 -
Cosmos Guest Editor01-MAR-11 - 01-DEC-11
Beascna Member of Editorial Board01-SEP-03 - 30-DEC-06
Beascna Member of Advisory Board01-SEP-10 -

Other Activities

 Description

YouTube Channel:

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

Dr Butler's modules and teaching areas are at the forefront, in pedagogical terms, of understanding the changing Irish religious landscape in the context of the country's cultural and social history and she currently coordinates and teaches the modules RG2309: Contemporary Religions in Ireland, RG2314: Folk Religion in a Global Age, and RG2310: Western Esotericism and New Religious Movements.

Dr Butler's teaching areas include the examination of worldviews, traditional cosmologies, and ritual. Her teaching interests range from the customs and beliefs of the early modern period in Ireland to contemporary urban ethnology, popular culture, visual culture and media studies and how these areas intersect with religions.

Dr Butler holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (awarded by UCC), a Digital Badge in Universal Design in Learning (UDL) and a Postgraduate Research Supervision Digital Badge, both awarded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. She also completed University College Cork's Connected Curriculum Digital Badge.

Dr Butler has worked in the area of Adult Education through University College Cork's Centre for Adult Continuing Education (CACE) (2011-Present), and is currently the CACSSS Representative on the ACE Short Course Approval Board. She has also taught through UCC's Diploma in Local and Regional Studies. Additionally, she has worked as an instructor for the Vocational Education Committee's (VEC) Adult Education community-based programmes as well as working for the UCC Disability Support Service, UCC.

Dr Butler also has extensive experience working with children and teenagers and from 2003-2008, she was employed with the Centre for Talented Youth, Ireland (CTYI) and has taught on a variety of programmes, including summer schools. 

Dr Butler has been a Visiting Lecturer through the Erasmus+ Teaching Staff Mobility Programme at universities in Italy (2022), Turkey (2020), Croatia (2019), Greece (2018), Poland (2016), Iceland (2011) and Finland (2009).


Recent Postgraduates

 Graduation YearStudent NameInstitutionDegree TypeThesis Title
2019Colin Duggan University College CorkPHDThe Theosophical Society and Politics: Esoteric Discourse, Esoteric Monism, and Theosophical Identity in Late 19th and Early 20th Century Britain and Ireland

Contact details


  • Lecturer
  • j.butler@ucc.ie
  • Study of Religions Department
    College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS)
    O'Rahilly Building
    University College Cork

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Department of Folklore and Ethnology

Béaloideas agus Eitneolaíocht

5 Elderwood,College Rd Cork,Ireland

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