Irish History Podcast

In this episode I delve into the lasting impact of the Great Hunger on Ireland. Its often said that the Famine was a taboo subject and a 'Great Silence' surrounded the 1840s. In this podcast I challenge this myth and explore how grief, guilt, and trauma were expressed and processed by the survivors. Join me as I uncover the untold stories and voices that defy the myth of an unspoken past. I also argue that it was revisionist historians and official Ireland who shut down debate on this crucial topic. As always the history is structured around a story so the show begins with an unlikely person - the descendant of an Irish rebel living in India.If you want to hear my thoughts on whether the Great Famine was an act of genocide, check out this episode: Was the Great Famine Genocide? - Irish History Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Within the space of a few years following the Great Hunger, hundreds of thousands of Irish emigrants settled in New York quickly becoming one of the largest communities in the city.These Irish emigrants are synonymous with slums, starvation, and misery; however, groundbreaking new research challenges this one dimensional stereotype.While poverty was central to the lives of many Irish immigrants in the 19th century, it did not define their experience of New York. In this episode, Prof. Tyler Anbinder from George Washington University shares stories from his research that reveals a very different history than we often imagine.Based on his latest book, Plentiful Country, this interview will change your understanding of what New York was like for Irish emigrants in the later 19th century.Check out Tyler's new book Plentiful Country Plentiful Country to buy here There is an excellent audio version available as well Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1879 Vere Goold was a celebrity in Ireland. After winning Ireland’s first tennis championship, he reached the prestigious Wimbledon final later in the year.Exactly 30 years later he would die in the most notorious prison in the world – Devil’s Island.Known as the 'dry guillotine' the conditions in the French penal colony were horrendous.However few had sympathy for the Irish aristocrat.His crime had been unspeakable and shocked the world.This is the Life & Crimes of Vere Goold.-----As a listener to the show you can get a 30% discount off everything in the shop at https://www.irishhistorypodcast.ie/shop when you use the code SALE30. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arthur Henri Poole was one of the most celebrated photographers in early 20th-century Ireland. An Englishman by birth, he was also most well-known figures in the city of Waterford where he lived for over four decades.In 1928 Poole disappeared almost without trace. Even though he was well known in Waterford, it would be almost three years before many people in the city realised he was missing.Adding to the intrigue, his disappearance eerily mirrored that of another person connected to the Poole family two decades prior. This podcast explores the mystery surrounding Arthur Poole. ----Use the code SALE30 to get 30% off all purchases in the shop at Irishhistorypodcast.ie/shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How difficult was life in the Middle Ages? This is something archaeologists and historians have debated for decades. In recent years, new techniques, including genetic analysis, have given us new insights into the lives of our distant ancestors in the Medieval Era. Their findings are unsettling. Life in the Middle Ages was far more difficult than we imagine.My guest in this episode is Prof. Eileen Murphy from Queen's University Belfast. Eileen has recently published groundbreaking research on daily life in early medieval Ireland, based on her analysis of human remains excavated in Co. Roscommon. In this podcast, she answers all your questions on what life was like.Eileen shares her discoveries on how people survived in a hard and difficult world. It's not for the faint of heart.This episode is not suitable for children.Our interview is based on the book "The Forgotten Cemetery: Excavations at Ranelagh, Co. Roscommon," available for free at https://www.tii.ie/technical-services/archaeology/publications/tii-heritage/.Eileen is the deputy head of the School of Built & Natural Heritage at Queen's University Belfast: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The camera never lies or does it? In this episode, I take a trip to the National Photographic Archive in Temple Bar, Dublin. Joining me is the archivist, Nora Thornton. Nora not only leads you through the history of photography from its earliest days but also delves into the murky history of image manipulation. It's much older than modern photoshopping. From your great-grandmother, who was eager to alter her figure, to more significant political editing, there's a fascinating history that unfolded behind the scenes.You can visit the National Photographic Archive - its located on Meeting House Square in Templebar. You can also check out thousands of images from their collection that have been digitised here https://www.nli.ie/collections/our-collections/photographsThese are the images mentioned in the show No.1 https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000188503No.2 https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000188275No.3 https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000183831No.4 https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000354193  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1170, the Norman Lord Strongbow landed an army in Ireland. The following day, he launched a deadly assault on the nearby city of Waterford. Before the day was out, Strongbow had not only conquered Waterford in a brutal assault but also made time for his wedding.This marriage changed Ireland forever.Discover how the marriage of Aoife, a seventeen-year-old, and Strongbow, a man in his mid-forties, altered the course of Irish history. I also explore how it elevated Aoife to one of the most powerful women in medieval Irish history.In addition, my supporters of "The Troubles" with Dr. Brian Hanley continues this week with part four, as we delve into the years 1970 and 1971. During this time, the IRA begins to engage the British Army across Northern Ireland.Get the first four episodes at patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 1930s stood out as one of the most dramatic decades in modern history. Fascism was on the rise, and Europe was hurtling towards the Second World War.However, it was a peculiar time in Ireland. The Revolutionary Era was firmly in the rearview, and the optimism and hope it once inspired had long faded. Irish society was increasingly dominated by the Catholic Church and conservative political forces. This podcast delves into life in Ireland during the 1930s by examining the experiences of a series of writers. These writers were critical of Irish society, and due to their political or religious beliefs, they found themselves labeled as outsiders. This podcast tracks their journeys as they left Ireland for London, where they mingled with the most renowned writers of the age, such as T.S. Eliot and George Orwell, and were drawn into the dramatic global politics of the time.My guest is Katrina Goldstone. Katrina has published a book Irish Writers and the 30s and is available here https://www.routledge.com/Irish-Writers-and-the-Thirties-Art-Exile-and-War/Goldstone/p/book/9780367634995You can find Katrina’s website https://www.katrinagoldstone.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1851 there were nearly 90,000 orphans in Irish Workhouses. Many of these children had lost their parents to hunger and disease. Others had been abandoned. This podcast explores the lives of these resilient children as they turned into young adults and rebelled against a world that had forsaken them... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Telling the time in hours and minutes seems so natural that we don’t even question where it came from. However it is a pretty recent development. For most of history our ancestors didn’t have clocks and understood time itself in a very different way. In this podcast we will journey back through the centuries to explore how our ancestors measured time. Its an intriguing story. In the medieval world the length of an hour changed every day while Dublin in the 1870s had two separate time zones!WhatsApp Irish History ChannelTelegram Irish History ChannelSupport the show and get my exclusive series on the Troubles www.patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On April 13th, 1922, three IRA volunteers chased a man through Central Park in New York. In front of dozens of witnesses, they shot him four times before escaping. This event marked the culmination of an international manhunt as the IRA tracked an informer across the world.In this episode, I am joined by New York Times Senior Editor Mark Bulik. During the interview, Mark shares the intriguing story of Patrick 'Cruxie' O'Connor and why he was hunted by the IRA in 1920s New York.Follow up on the episode at my new socials. WhatsApp Irish History ChannelTelegram Irish History ChannelGet Mark's book Ambush at Central Park - When the IRA Came to New York Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the Great Hunger of the 1840s, vast sums of money were sent to Ireland by people across the world. One of the most remarkable stories is that of the First African Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Even though many of the congregants were slaves, they still sent a donation.In this podcast, I interview Anelise Shrout, who shares this and other stories of remarkable generosity. Anelise also reveals why people chose to give money to Ireland above other causes and crises. We also discuss the motivation behind what was arguably the most controversial of all donations during the Great Hunger - that of the Charleston Hibernian Society, whose members were supporters of slavery and enslaves themselves. Get Anelise's book "Aiding Ireland - The Great Famine and the Rise of Transnational Philanthropy" at https://nyupress.org/9781479824601/aiding-ireland/.Follow Anelise on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dr.a.h.shrout/ and check out her website at https://www.anelisehshrout.com/.Become a supporter and get the next episode of my exclusive series on the Troubles at https://www.patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through most of the 20th century, authorities in Ireland operated a strict censorship regime when it came to film. At its height, around one in every three films was censored in Ireland. The reasons for this are often hard to fathom today. Scenes that showed a dancer's legs or even a long kiss were often edited out. Allusions to sex were considered far too racy. And this was all before they even got into the films that strayed into politics or religionIn this episode, I am joined by Aoife Breathnach and Lloyd Maedbh Houston to explore the very strange world of film censorship in Ireland on both sides of the border. Want to hear more? Lloyd joins Aoife on a special season of her podcast, Censored, that looks at censorship in film in Ireland. I highly recommend checking this out. You can find it at link to the podcast: https://play.acast.com/s/censored. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the late 1960s, Northern Ireland erupted into major violence, marking the opening phase of The Troubles. Over three decades, this conflict would claim thousands of lives and continues to dominate life in Ireland today.In my new exclusive supporters series, I am joined by Dr. Brian Hanley to explore how and why The Troubles began. This fascinating history begins in the 1920s when Northern Ireland was forged amid intense violence. Over six episodes, the series explores the rising tensions of the 1960s when Nationalists demanded equality and how seminal events such as the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday proved to be pivotal moments in our history.Episode 1 is exclusively available for supporters at https://www.patreon/irishpodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the mid 19th century Mormonism was one of the fastest growing religions in the world. However when Mormon missionaries arrived in Ireland in 1840 they failed to establish a foothold. Over time Ireland gained a reputation as the most hostile country on earth for Mormons.This podcast explores why this was the case. The answer is the complexities of Irish identity, our relationship with Catholicism and scandals surrounding the 19th century Mormon practice of polygamy.The show starts however with the bizarre story of a 19th century Irish conman who played a role in getting the church off the ground in the 1830s.Sources.If you are interested in exploring more about the history of Mormonism I would recommend the podcast Mormon Stories has an extensive back catalogue. https://www.mormonstories.orgBrent Barlow’s PhD thesis on the history of Mormonism is extremely useful - https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/4503/The website https://sites.google.com/site/patrickhenrymcguire2 is an excellent resource on the Irish born Mormon Patrick McGuireIrish Mormons- Reconciling identity in Global Mormonism by Hazel O’Brien is analysis of contemporary Mormonism. https://www.google.ie/books/edition/Irish_Mormons/WbW7EAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0Support the show and get my exclusive series on the outbreak of the TroublesPatreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story of the Samson is one most bizarre shipwrecks in Irish history.When this enormous sea crane ship crashed into the Irish coast, it's owners got more than they bargained for.While an RAF helicopter rescued the crew, a local man battled mountainous seas to climb aboard and claim the ship as his own!This began a 40 day saga…Check out pictures of wreck the Samson on new channelsWhatsApp Irish History ChannelTelegram Irish History ChannelSupport the show at: www.patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 1780s work began on a new city in Ireland. Called New Geneva it was designed to provide a new home for exiled revolutionaries from Switzerland. Today there are few traces of this now lost city. This masks a fascinating and dark history. When New Geneva failed, life there descended into barbarism and brutality.I have posted images of New Geneva to my new WhatsApp and Telegram channels WhatsApp Irish History ChannelTelegram Irish History Channel  Key sources Whatmore, R. Terrorists, Anarchists, and Republicans: The Genevans and the Irish in Time of Revolution https://www.omahonys.ie/terrorists-anarchists-and-republicans-p-10509914.htmlDurey, M. Andrew Bryson’s Ordeal An Epilogue to the 1798 Rebellion https://www.corkuniversitypress.com/9781859181447/andrew-brysons-ordeal/Support the show at patreon.com/irishpodcast Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been on an extraordinary journey since the show launched 14 years ago. From medieval battlefields to revolutions we've shared ringside seats to some of the greatest moments in history. My plan for 2024 is to embark on an even more ambitious journey with you. All is explained in this short episode...Become a supporter www.patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York, Boston, and Chicago dominate the history of Irish migration to the United States. However by 1900 one of the most Irish cities in the US was Butte Montana. Situated high in the Rocky mountains, Butte was just one of hundreds of Irish communities dotted across the American West. Beginning back in the California Goldrush of the 1850s, tens of thousands of Irish immigrants ventured into the American West. Seeking opportunity, they were often greeted with racism and distrust. This podcast tells the stories of the men and women who forged vibrant Irish communities in the face of adversity. My guest is historian Alan Noonan the author of 'Mining Irish-American Lives Western Communities from 1849 to 1920'. Alan shares the fascinating history of the Irish in the American West. He details the personal stories of larger-than-life figures, such as Mother Jones and Marcus Daly, who shaped the Irish story in the American West.You can get Alan's book 'Mining Irish-American Lives Western Communities from 1849 to 1920' here https://upcolorado.com/university-press-of-colorado/item/6201-mining-irish-american-lives. Check out Alan's website at noonanhistory.comWhat did you think?I would love to hear what you made of the episode. I will be starting a discussion on Friday with a few of my own reflections on an episode I thoroughly enjoyed making. You can find this discussion at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the past decade, podcasting has taken the world by storm. The advent of smartphones and the ground-breaking podcast 'Serial' would see podcasting surge in popularity.In 2020 alone over a million new shows were launched. But does it have a future? Some are not convinced.In the second and final part of my series on the history of podcasting I look at how podcasting became so popular and where it’s heading. The show features Blindboy, Jennifer Forde, Sam Bungey, Brian Greene and Sinead the host of Mens Rea.The final episode of the year will be out next week when we will look at the story of the Irish In the American West. Contributors to the episode Brian Greene https://www.briangreene.com/Blindboy Podcast https://play.acast.com/s/blindboyMens Rea https://mensreapod.com/West Cork https://www.westcorkpodcast.com/Snugcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/snugcast/id1603925189I mentioned This is the satire podcast from the Onion I mentioned https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/a-very-fatal-murder/id1333714430 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘You might not be a revolutionary, but you are living through a revolution.’ Podcasting is much older than you might imagine. A decade before the true crime show Serial took the world by storm, creators were making some of the earliest shows.  This podcast is a nostalgic trip through the early days of the internet in Ireland when podcasting emerged. Brian Greene who was making shows in the mid 2000s shares his memories of the early days of podcasting. I also interview some of your favourite hosts including Blindboy and Sinead, the host of Mens Rea.  The show also includes an ancient artefact of podcasting – an episode from the mid 2000s.  Special thanks to Brian Greene for his interview and sharing his research, Blindboy and Sinead the host of Men’s Rea. Thanks to Jennifer Forde & Sam Bungey the team behind West Cork, DJ Walsh & Eoin Tabb the hosts of Snugcast. While they feature in the next episode their interviews and insights were extremely useful in shaping this series. Brian Greene https://www.briangreene.com/Blindboy Podcast https://play.acast.com/s/blindboyMens Rea https://mensreapod.com/West Cork https://www.westcorkpodcast.com/Snugcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/snugcast/id1603925189 Support the show Patreon https://www.patreon.com/irishpodastAcast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a dark evening in early November 1847.A carriage makes it's way through lawless starving countryside in North Roscommon.A gun shot rings out, a man falls dead.A family mourns but a community rejoices.While the Great Hunger of the 1840s resulted in one million deaths, this one murder encapsulated the stark choices facing that generation of Irish people in a one gripping story. It is retold in this episode.Assassinated: A Story of Vengeance & Murder in the Great Hunger is the studio recording of chapter 4 of my new book ‘A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders’.You can get the full audiobook hereThe hardback is available here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the mid 1860s, Andersonville became one of the most feared places in America.This sleepy corner of Georgia gained notoriety in the later stages of the US Civil War when the Confederacy opened a prison camp there. Nearly one third of all prisoners who entered Andersonville never left. Among their number were hundreds of Irish men. This podcast tells their stories.I am joined by historian Damian Shiels who runs the Andersonville Irish project. An expert on Irish involvement in the US Civil War, Damian explains what Andersonville was and why conditions were so bad. He also shares his latest research including stories of prisoners who had fled the Great Hunger at home.You can find out more about the Andersonville Irish at https://irishamericancivilwar.com/andersonville-irish/Listen to my 2018 episode with Damian where we discuss broader Irish involvement in the US Civil War. https://play.acast.com/s/irishhistory/the-us-civil-war-and-the-great-famineSupport the show and get exclusive content today!Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistoryPatreonb https://www.patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writing histories of people who led secret lives is difficult because they leave few records. Yet that is precisely what my guest in today’s show has done. In this podcast, Dr Maurice Casey, shares the fascinating history of Rose McKenna and Sydney Arnold and how he uncovered their secret lives.In the early 20th century, this Latvian-Irish couple participated in two revolutions in Ireland and Russia. While Rose tried to arms for the IRA in London, they were also contemporaries of Ho Chi Minh when they lived in Moscow.Maurice shares this forgotten story with you in this episode.  You can read Maurice’s article on McKenna & Arnold here  Support the show-Patreon - Patreon.com/irishpodcastAcast+ - https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. My latest book, the Irish Times bestseller is available https://linktr.ee/alethallegacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we prepare to celebrate Halloween, this episode is a timely exploration of the history of the supernatural in Ireland.Ghosts have long played an important role in Irish history and culture. In this podcast I am joined by Dr Clodagh Tait, a historian of the supernatural. Our conversation focuses on a specific type of ghost referred to as a crisis apparition. These usually appeared far from home, often informing an emigrant about an imminent death in their family. We discuss where these stories and beliefs came from, why they were shared and how they have survived into the 21st century!You can read Clodagh's article mentioned in the show here https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14780038.2023.2258606Voice Actor Therese Murray also narrates a traditional Irish ghost story which took pace in Philadelphia in the late 19th century. This was taken from the book True Irish Ghost Stories by St. John Seymour which is available here https://archive.org/details/trueirishghostst14099gutSound by Kate Dunlea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have come down with a cold so rather than subject you to me coughing and spluttering through a show I have selected a classic from the archives. As I explain, I recently listened back to this episode after a chance meeting with my guest Cormac Leonard. The episode on the history of the Deaf community is the definition of forgotten history. Until recently the community was largely ignored by historians. In this episode Cormac explains how the deaf community shaped Irish history. He also shares individual stories such as John Neville who spent most of his life in a workhouse and the IRA volunteer William Leavey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 1920s and 30s Irish emigrants in Britain faced widespread racism and discrimination. Labelled drunks, subversives, and a threat to society, right wing politicians whipped up fear and hatred against the community.This podcast tells the forgotten stories of these emigrants.The episode begins with humorous story of Martin King whose drunken escapades after downing half a bottle of whiskey revealed the racism at the heart of British society.The show goes on to look at what was often the grave consequences of this bigotry. In Liverpool the racist Irish Immigration Investigation Bureau campaigned against the Irish in the city. Meanwhile the deadly 1937 Kirkintilloch fire in Scotland illustrated the dangerous conditions in which seasonal workers lived. Written, narrated and produced by Fin DwyerAdditional Narrations Aidan CroweSound Kate Dunlea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1923 as the Irish revolution came to an end, large parts of the North Roscommon town of Arigna lay in ruins. While war and revolution had swept across Ireland over the previous years few places shared Arigna’s unique experience. When workers occupied local coalmines demanding better working conditions this began years of intense and bitter conflict with the authorities. This is the story of the Arigna Soviet You can find Oisín Ó Drisceoil's essay on the Arigna Soviet in Labour HIstory in Irish History here.Find out more about the Arigna Mining Experience at https://www.arignaminingexperience.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the turn of the 20th century alcoholism was a major problem in Irish society. The island had 17,300 pubs while around 40% of all prison sentences were alcohol related. There was a general sense alcohol addiction was out of control. The stereotype of the happy-go-lucky drunk certainly masked the reality of the Irish alcoholism. In this podcast I explore addiction in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century by focusing on the life of one woman - the Sligo native Sarah Garvey. ***My latest book A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders is out now. Get your eBook, audiobook, kindle or hardcopy here A Lethal Legacy | Linktree*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every book has an origin story. My new book ‘A Lethal Legacy – A History of Ireland in 18 Murders’ is no different. While the book goes on sale today, the origin story goes back to 2015 when I found a trove of old letters belonging to a grandmother I never knew.Tune in to find out more.THE BOOK LAUNCH IS ON TONIGHT (SEP 14) AT 6P.M. IN HODGES FIGGIS BOOKSHOP ON DAWSON ST.Get your eBook, audiobook, kindle or hardcopy here A Lethal Legacy | Linktree Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast looks at forgotten story of the tsunami that hit Cork in 1755, the volcanic winter of 1816 and a meteor that was way to close for comfort in 1908. Although they dont feature prominently in history, they had huge impact at the time.Articles referenced in the show A seismic tsunami in the Irish annals, recorded at Iona in October 720 https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.05224Folklore about the Cork tsunami http://www.deepmapscork.ie/past-to-present/climate/1755-lisbon-earthquake-tsunami-west-cork-coast/The Tunguska impact event and beyond https://academic.oup.com/astrogeo/article/50/1/1.18/201316Narrations - Aidan CroweSound - Kate Dunlea. My new book a book a lethal legacy is out this Thursday. You can still pre-order and get 10% off when you use the discount code FD10 at Eason.*The launch takes place Thursday September 14th in Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street in Dublin at 6pm*. If you are in Dublin drop in if you are around. It would be lovely to put a face to a listener!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1821 George IV was the first British monarch to visit Ireland in modern times. It was a historic occasion for multiple reasons. Not only was he the first king to set foot on Irish soil since the 17th century but he was the first to do so without an army.Many held out hope the king's arrival might usher in a new era in Irish history.However George himself had other ideas. Beginning as he meant to continue, George was dead drunk on arrival. The following weeks were defined by pomp, ceremony and scandal - everything we have come to expect from a modern royal visit.This show is based on research for my upcoming book that never made the final cut.The book, A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders, will be released on 14 September. You can still pre-order your copy today and get 10% off when you use the code FD10 at Eason.com. The article referenced in the show by Karina Holton is entitled ‘All our joys will be complated’: The visit of George IV to Ireland, 1821. Its available in Irish Historical Studies, 44(166), 248-269. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Great Hunger left deep scars on the Irish society. Many of those who survived the 1840s never fully survived the harrowing ordeal they had endured. They were traumatised in body and spirit. For the rest of their lives, they carried the physical and psychological injuries the Great Hunger inflicted on them.This podcast follows the life one of the last survivors in Dublin - Catherine Mulhern.This podcast was included in an early draft of my upcoming book A Lethal Legacy – A History of Ireland in 18 Murders. While it didn’t make the final edit for reasons explained in the show, it is a fascinating story.A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders is currently available for pre-order today. If you buy your copy at Easons.com & use the coupon code FD10 you will get 10% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1984, the Conservative Party, lead by the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, gathered in the seaside town of Brighton for their annual conference. In the early hours of October 12th a bomb ripped through the Grand Hotel where Thatcher and several other conservative leaders were staying. The following day the Provisional IRA would claim responsibility for the attack. This triggered one of the largest manhunts in history. While the plan was audacious, the police operation to catch the IRA team that planted the bomb was extraordinary. In this episode I am joined by Guardian journalist and author Rory Carroll to discuss the bombing, the wider historical context and the man hunt that followed. Rory has recent published an excellent book on the Brighton Bombing called Killing Thatcher the IRA, the manhunt and the Long War Against the Crown.-----------My upcoming book 'A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders' will be released on September 14th 2023.Pre-Order at Easons today and get 10% off when you use the coupon code FD10 https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993-----------You can get Rory's book Killing Thatcher: The IRA, the Manhunt and the Long War on the Crown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bunmahon is an idyllic seaside town in Co Waterford but it has a deep dark history. It's a story that begins in an abandoned mine and ends in a search for a lost town...Need I say more?You can find out more about Bunmahon at the local visitor centre.My upcoming book 'A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders' will be released on September 14th 2023. Pre-Order at Easons today and get 10% off when you use the coupon code FD10 https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally released in 2019. Over the past week I was recording the audio version of 'A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders' so I didnt have time to prepare a new episode but this is worth a relisten! Normal service resumes next week.“In the later half 1888 London was gripped by fear when five women were murdered within a few months of each other in the East End of the city. Initially dubbed the Whitechapel murders after the district where they took place, they are better known today by the sensational title of the Jack the Ripper murders. Over the past century the case has become without doubt the most famous serial killings in history however the victims have been largely forgotten. The identity of the killer, frequently cast as an evil genius, dominates the seeming endless retellings of the murders both in fact and fiction. However in 2019, this changed when Hallie Rubenhold published a book called The Five – The untold lives of the women killed by Jack the Ripper…”In this interview with Hallie Rubenhold explores Irish connections to the notorious murders and shares her new research from her book ‘The Five’.Pre-Order A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders today https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993 Use the Code FD10 & get 10% off today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I mention in the episode I am recording the audio version of A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders this week! Don't forget to pre-order at Easons and use the code FD10 to get 10% off!Edward O’Rourke is not a name you expect to encounter in the history of Eastern Europe, yet he is a celebrated figure in the Polish city of Gdansk for the role he played in opposing the rise of the Nazis in the city in the 1930s.In this episode I am joined by the Irish Times journalist Derek Scally to explore the life of Edward O'Rourke which was in a word unique. This episode reveals why a man born near Minsk in the Russian Empire in 1876 was named O’Rourke and how he went to oppose Fascism at a time when many of his contemporaries were supporting Hitler.  This is the image at the start of the show https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Landmesser#/media/File:August-Landmesser-Almanya-1936.jpg  Follow Derek on twitter - @DerekinBerlin Articles references in the podcast https://www.irishtimes.com/news/irishman-honoured-in-polish-city-where-he-warned-of-nazi-danger-1.642893 - https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2023/07/04/sean-lester-and-edward-phelan-irish-world-leaders/     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'The Road to War' is the first episode in a five part Irish History Podcast production on the Irish Civil War. The full series, exclusively available for supporters, features the leading Irish historian Dr Brian Hanley from Trinity College Dublin. Over the five episodes the series covers the full story of the Irish Civil War from the National Army assault on the Four Courts through to the IRA order to dump arms in 1923. The series also explores the legacy and memory of the conflict, looking at how movies like Michael Collins leave us with a problematic understanding of the Civil War. Become a supporter on Patreon and Acast+ today and get the full seriesPatreon https://patreon.com/irishpodcastAcast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistoryWhen you become a supporter today you will getThe five part series on the Irish Civil WarMy Audiobook on the Black DeathHours of Bonus podcasts only available to supportersAd free contentEarly Access to the show   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**This is the second of two episodes on the story of Irish people who fought in the French Resistance. Part I was released last week.**Few Irish people recognise the names Sr Katherine Anne McCarthy or Patricia O'Sullivan. However during the Second World War II they were among the dozens of Irish women who fought in the underground war against the Nazi occupation of France. The stories of these women are unbelievable. My guest in this episode, Dr David Murphy, from Maynooth University reveals the risks they took and the harrowing consequences for those who were caught. If you have family members who served in the Resistance get in touch with David at [email protected].**I am currently working on a new series on the history of podcasting. I have interviewed some of the biggest names in podcasting and now I am looking for your input. I would be really grateful if you could complete this short survey on your experience as a listener at https://irishhistorypodcast.ie/listenersurvey.**📢Walking Tour 📢I am thrilled to announce my brand new walking tour in Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Join me and explore 1,000 years of history from the Vikings to Cromwell & Strongbow to the Irish Revolution. Enhanced by wireless headsets 🎧 you will hear the sounds of the city through the ages and the words of the people who made history in Waterford. Tours take place each Saturday and places are strictly limited to 15 people. Book your place today at www.Irishhistorypodcast.ie/tours*New Book: A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders *My new book A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders is available for Pre-Order now. If you order your copy today at Easons and use the promo code FD10 you get a 10% discount Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The struggle of the French Resistance against the Nazi Occupation of France remains one of the most famous chapters in World War II history. It has been immortalized in numerous film and books. However the story of the dozens of Irish people who served in the Resistance has been almost completely forgotten. In this podcast I interview Dr David Murphy from Maynoooth University who has researched the Irish people who served in the Resistance.While the writer Samuel Beckett is the most famous David reveals the forgotten history of other Irish volunteers and their experience of the war.**I am currently working on a new series on the history of podcasting. I have interviewed some of the biggest names in podcasting and now I am looking for your input. I would be really grateful if you could complete this short survey on your experience as a listener at https://irishhistorypodcast.ie/listenersurvey.**If you are aware of Irish people who served in the Resistance David is working on a database and you would love to hear from you. You can get in touch with him at [email protected] a supporter & access dozens of exclusive podcastsPatreon www.patreon.com/irishpodcastAcast https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory📢Walking Tour 📢I am thrilled to announce my brand new walking tour in Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Join me and explore 1,000 years of history from the Vikings to Cromwell & Strongbow to the Irish Revolution. Enhanced by wireless headsets 🎧 you will hear the sounds of the city through the ages and the words of the people who made history in Waterford. Tours take place each Saturday and places are strictly limited to 15 people. Book your place today at www.Irishhistorypodcast.ie/tours*New Book: A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders *My new book A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders is available for Pre-Order now. If you order your copy today at Easons and use the promo code FD10 you get a 10% discount Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode needs a bit of an introduction. While the term Rotten Prod, short for Rotten Protestant, sounds like a sectarian slur, the phrase has a very different and fascinating history. It actually originated within the Protestant community in Ulster to describe a person considered disloyal to Unionism. At the turn of the 20th century, the majority of Ulster Protestants were Unionists, meaning they supported Ireland remaining in the United Kingdom. However a largely forgotten minority, many of whom were Protestant working class socialists, rejected this view. Believing a United Ireland of one kind or another was better for workers, this left them alienated from their own community. Labelled Rotten Prods, they not only faced vilification but often violence from their neighbours and workmates. In this podcast, I interview Emmet O’Connor historian in the University of Ulster and author of the book Rotten Prod, the unlikely career of Dongaree Baird. Our discussion focused on the life of James 'Dongaree' Baird a man who lived and worked in the epicentre of sectarian violence in 1920s Ireland - the Belfast Shipyards.Emmet's book Rotten Prod, the unlikely career of Dongaree Baird is available here My upcoming book, A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders will be released on September 14th! I think you will love the book, it was shaped by your feedback over the years and written with you in mind. If you pre-order your copy today at Easons & get a 10% discount with the listener coupon code below.Link https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993 Coupon Code FD10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is short, but has a big reveal! For nearly two years I have been working on a new book and I can finally tell you all about it. Published by Harper Collins, it's called 'A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders.' In this podcast I explain what you can expect from the book, how it was shaped by you and, most importantly, how you can get your hands on a copy.A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland hits the shelves on September 14th. Pre-order your copy today today from Easons at https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993 and use the coupon code FD10 to get a 10% discount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 1916 Rising is one of the most famous events in Irish history but it’s easy to forget it took place in a city that 300,000 people called home. In this podcast (originally released over three years ago) I explore Dublin on eve of the rising revealing what the city was like in the early 20th century. You will hear the sounds of Dublin, what the city looked like, even how it smelled by following the city coroner Dr Louis A Byrne.He and his contemporaries would find Dublin of the 2020s almost unrecognisable. As you will hear their Dublin would be equally strange and bewildering to us.Get your tickets for my new walking tour here https://www.irishhistorypodcast.ie/historytours Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cromwellian Conquest of Ireland took place over 370 years ago. Despite the passage of time the man who led that conquest remains one of the most reviled figures in Irish history. In this podcast I look at why he, above others, is so reviled in Ireland.****Get tickets for my new walking tour mentioned in the episode are available here.****The episode is recorded in the ruins of Dunhill Castle. An exclusive supporters video tour of the castle is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1397 Ramón de Perellós left the city of Avignon in the Kingdom of France, setting out on a 2,000 km journey to Ireland. His ultimate destination was a fabled gateway to the afterlife on Station Island, Lough Derg, Co Donegal. In this episode you will follow in the footsteps of de Perellós on this medieval pilgrimage. Forget the problems of the modern world and prepare yourself for a gruelling journey by land and sea through medieval Europe. Written produced and narrated by Fin Dwyer, sound by Kate DunleaSupport the show www.patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The history of Belfast has been dominated by the Troubles of the late 20th century and the longer history of sectarian conflict in the city. However Belfast holds a lesser-known yet significant chapter in its past—it's connections to the slave trade. In this episode, I am joined by Tom Thorpe who uncovers Belfast's complex ties to slavery in the United States. Join us as Tom sheds light on how Belfast's economy became intertwined with the slave trade and explores the emergence of a radical anti-slavery movement within the city. To delve deeper into this fascinating topic check out Tom's walking tour at  antislaverybelfast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 1880s Charles Stewart Parnell was the most famous Irish politician of his generation. Dubbed 'the uncrowned king of Ireland' he was respected and admired across the political spectrum.However 1890 he was embroiled in a sensational scandal that rocked the Victorian world when it emerged he had been in a decade long relationship with a married woman. In this episode I am joined by Dr Lloyd (Meadhbh) Houston. Their recent book Irish Modernism and the Politics of Sexual Health explores the impact this scandal had on Irish politics and society.They explain who Parnell was, his rise and then his spectacular downfall.If you want to learn more about the Land War - check out my Patron's Exclusive Podcast on this fascinating conflict that changed Irish history here https://www.patreon.com/posts/patrons-podcast-7434081You can find Lloyd's book here. It's an academic text so its on the pricey side but you can read Lloyd's work at their website https://lmhouston.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disert is a remote townland in the Bluestack Mountains in Co Donegal. For reasons that are not entirely clear, our ancestors have been drawn here for thousands of years. There is no question it is a special place.Located in the shade of a sacred mountain - Carnaween - it was a site of pagan worship associated with some of the most famous figures in Irish mythology. There are stories relating to Finn MacCumhail (McCool), Diarmaid and Grainne in the surrounding area.It was also used by early Irish Christians and medieval pilgrims. In the 18th century Catholics were drawn to Disert when their religion was suppressed by the penal laws. Even into the 20th century it was used as a cillín to bury unbaptised children. Today the local community continues to pray at the site.The questions remains why? What is special about this site?Over the last few years archaeologists led by Dr Fiona Beglane from Atlantic Technological University, Sligo have been excavating Disert to try and understand its complex story.Her international team of archaeologists from the Institute for Field Research and California State University Los Angeles have made some fascinating discoveries.Last summer I visited Disert to record an episode at the excavation. In this podcast Fiona shares what her team uncovered in this remarkable place...Thanks to Dr Fiona Beglane for her time and archaeologist Rebekka Grace who arranged the recordings.Find out more about Disert at https://disertheritage.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Neil Jackman and myself continue our journey down the Lingaun Valley, one of Ireland’s oldest frontiers. As we move closer to the present day we explore an 800 year old church, a castle and a battlefield from the 1798 rebellion looking at how this once contested frontier fell into obscurity after thousands of year.Support the show at patreon.com/irishpodcastCheck out Neil’s episodes 26 and 28 of Neil’s Podcast Amplify Archaeology which cover topics related the Lingaun. If you are planning a a trip down to explore the Lingaun Neil’s website Tuath.ie has all you need. This article on Knockroe is a great place to startYou can read more about Knockroe at https://www.tuatha.ie/knockroe-passage-tomb/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lingaun Valley is a little known valley that forms the border between Co Kilkenny and Co Tipperary. However for thousands of years this small river formed one of the most important frontiers in Ireland.While the societies and kingdoms that fought and died over this valley are long vanished the region is littered with their remains in the tombs, religious sites, castles and battlefields.A few weeks ago I met up with archaeologist Neil Jackman, an expert in the region and we spent a morning exploring the valley. Our initial intention was to focus on the Lingaun, but our conversations took in a range of topics from what life was like 5,000 years ago, to the spiritual beliefs of our distance ancestors down to the story of battle in the 1798 rebellion!Check out Neil’s episodes 26 and 28 of Neil’s Podcast Amplify Archaeology which cover topics related the Lingaun.If you are planning a a trip down to explore the Lingaun Neil’s website Tuath.ie has all you need. This article on Knockroe is a great place to start https://www.tuatha.ie/knockroe-passage-tomb/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.