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Irish History Podcast

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Fin Dwyer

From the Norman Invasion to the War of Independence, the Great Famine to the Troubles, the Irish History Podcast takes you on a journey through the most fascinating stories in Ireland's past. Whether it’s the siege of Dublin in 1171 or gun battles in the 1920s, the podcast vividly recreates a sense of time and place. Each episode is meticulously researched, creating character-driven narratives that are engaging and accessible for all. Since the first episode was released back in 2010, the podcast has covered scores of captivating stories. Major multi-part series have explored the Great Famine, the Norman Invasion, and Irish involvement in the Spanish Civil War. If you are looking for standalone episodes, there are lots of great interviews with leading Irish historians covering topics from medieval sex magic to Irish connections in the Jack the Ripper murders! Why not start with 'Three Days in July', an acclaimed mini-series from the summer of 2024. It explores the early years of the Troubles and the forgotten story of a young Londoner who was shot dead by the British Army in Belfast in 1970. Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

#395

Why Didn't Irish People Eat Fish During the Great Hunger?

During the Great Hunger of the 1840s, one million Irish perished from starvation and hunger-related diseases. However, Ireland is surrounded by some of the best fishing grounds in Europe. This begs the question: why didn't the Irish turn to the sea to survive? Some have argued that our ancestors didn't know how to fish or that they didn't like fish. The answer is, unsurprisingly, a little more complicated. This podcast delves into the complex historical, economic, and social factors that contributed to the tragic paradox of people starving in a sea of plenty. All 23 chapters of my book Life in Medieval Ireland is available for show supporters on Patreon here [https://www.patreon.com/posts/life-in-medieval-116757407] (https://www.patreon.com/posts/life-in-medieval-116757407) . (If you support the show on Acast+ I will post the book tomorrow. Its a little tricky to post 23 chapters without clogging up your feed!) Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

27 Nov 2024

30 MINS

30:54

27 Nov 2024

#394

Why Was Life Expectancy So Low in Ireland Until 1900?

Life expectancy in Ireland has doubled over the past 200 years, but why was it so low for so long? In this podcast, I delve into the factors that kept life expectancy down in Ireland's history and what those numbers truly mean. Did people really only live to 40 in the past? During the Great Hunger, life expectancy plummeted to just 20 years—what does this reveal about society at the time? Join me as I explore these questions and discuss what I believe to be one of humanity's greatest achievements: the remarkable doubling of life expectancy in recent times. Support the show at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

20 Nov 2024

37 MINS

37:25

20 Nov 2024

#393

1719: The Irish Rescue of the Polish Princess Bride

In 1719, the 17-year-old Polish Princess Maria Clementina Sobieska was seized by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. While the move shocked many in Europe, in the following months a group of Irish exiles plotted a daring rescue of Maria Clementina. This led to a dramatic 400-kilometer chase across 18th-century Europe. In this episode, I am joined by historian Richard Maher, an expert in the area, who explains why Irish exiles, known as the Wild Geese, risked their lives to rescue this Polish princess and how they hoped she might change the course of Irish history. You can follow Richard on Linkedin at https://ie.linkedin.com/in/richard-maher-a5ab8068 Subscribe to my new podcast with historian Damian Shiels. Its called Transatlantic - An Irish American History Podcast. You can hear the latest episode here https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

12 Nov 2024

32 MINS

32:12

12 Nov 2024

#392

Societal Collapse: Did It Happen in Irish History?

In this episode, I explore the ruins of a Temple and the intriguing concept of societal collapse and its relevance to Irish history. Often depicted as dramatic and apocalyptic, societal collapse is a topic that has captured the imagination of historians and the public alike. But how accurate is this narrative especially when applied to Ireland's past? Join me as I explore if events like the Great Hunger can be considered a societal collapse! Check out my new podcast 'Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast' with Damian Shiels https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

06 Nov 2024

31 MINS

31:52

06 Nov 2024

#391

Your Prehistoric Ancestors: More Sophisticated than you think!

Check out my new podcast 'Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast' with Damian Shiels https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod In this captivating episode, I explore the enigmatic world of prehistoric Ireland. I am joined by Professor Gabriel Cooney to discuss the lives of Ireland's earliest inhabitants. Our conversation challenges the stereotypes that often cloud our understanding of this distant past. We discuss what megalithic tombs can reveal about the societies that built them and what the latest DNA analysis has uncovered about life in prehistory. Spanning an incredible 8,000 years, this episode sheds light on the sophisticated societies that thrived long before the advent of written records. Drawing insights from Professor Cooney's acclaimed book, "Death in Irish Prehistory," this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what is often an overlooked aspect of our history. Gabriel's book Death in Irish Prehistory is available here https://shop.ria.ie/products/death-in-irish-prehistory https://shop.ria.ie/products/death-in-irish-prehistory Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

23 Oct 2024

31 MINS

31:16

23 Oct 2024

#390

Stigma, Famine & Emigration: A History of Mental Health in Ireland

By the late 1950s, over 20,000 individuals in the Republic of Ireland were confined in asylums—a staggering figure equivalent to 1 in every 133 Irish people at the time. This episode delves into how such a situation arose. Were Irish people inherently more susceptible to mental health issues, or was there something else at play? Centered around a single incident—a murder in Kilkenny in 1890—this episode uncovers how the Great Famine, emigration, and Victorian attitudes toward mental health created a society where anyone deemed to be suffering from mental ill-health was institutionalized. Originally released as Chapter 8 of my Irish Times bestseller, "A Lethal Legacy: A History of Ireland in 18 Murders," this episode marks the release of the book's paperback edition. I'm thrilled to share the audio of one of my favorite chapters with you. While it focuses on a murder, it offers profound insights into past and present attitudes toward mental health in Ireland. If you enjoy this episode, you can get your copy of "A Lethal Legacy" at [linktr.ee/alethallegacy] (https://linktr.ee/alethallegacy) . Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

16 Oct 2024

32 MINS

32:54

16 Oct 2024

#389

The Dirtiest City in Europe? Why Did Typhoid Thrive in Victorian Dublin?

In 1900, the life expectancy in Dublin was a mere 49 years, a stark indicator of the city's dire living conditions. The Victorian city was notorious for its filth and disease, which proved an ideal breeding ground for Typhoid. This episode explores how Dublin battled with this deadly disease for decades. This journey takes you through the Victorian sewage system and explains why Dublin's shellfish was lethal. Based on an interview with Dr. Carly Collier, we uncover the reasons why Typhoid was rampant in Dublin. She details the appalling living conditions of the time, where overcrowding and contaminated food created a minefield of dangers and risks. We also discuss how Typhoid was eventually eradicated. This aspect of the episode begins with 19th-century medical treatments such as bloodletting and progresses to the development of effective vaccines and antibiotics in the 20th century. To finish what is a fascinating show, we also discuss Ireland's most famous Typhoid patient - Mary Mallon, AKA Typhoid Mary. Carly is one of the team behind the Typhoidland exhibition running in the Royal College of Physicians on Kildare Street. Check out the exhibition: [https://typhoidland.org/exhibitions/dublin-2024/rcpi-exhibition/] (https://typhoidland.org/exhibitions/dublin-2024/rcpi-exhibition/) Their free audio tour is available to download: [https://typhoidland.org/walking-tour] (https://typhoidland.org/walking-tour) Subscribe to my new show Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast [https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod] (https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod) Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

09 Oct 2024

30 MINS

30:20

09 Oct 2024

#388

Emily Anderson: The Forgotten Irish Woman of Bletchley Park

In this captivating episode of the Irish History Podcast, Jackie Ni Chionna joins me to discuss the remarkable but forgotten Irish woman, Emily Anderson. Emily was an Irish code breaker who played a pivotal role at Bletchley Park during World War II. Despite her significant contributions to the Allied war effort, Emily has been forgotten in the wider history of the Second World War. In 2023, Jackie published "Queen of Codes," a biography of Anderson. In this episode, she shares the life and legacy of this extraordinary Irish woman, exploring her journey from the west of Ireland to the heart of Britain's top-secret code-breaking operations. Jackie vividly brings Emily Anderson's story to life, shedding light on her invaluable work and the challenges she faced in the male-dominated world of military intelligence. Tune in to discover the untold story of an unsung hero of World War II. You can get Jackie's book in audio, ebook, and hardcopy [here] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Queen-Codes-Anderson-Britains-Greatest-ebook/dp/B09YLYZJ6X) . Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

02 Oct 2024

41 MINS

41:24

02 Oct 2024

#387

The Making of a Ghost Town - The Rise and Fall of the Irish Kings of Cotton

In the 1850s, Portlaw was Ireland's most successful town. The population had grown tenfold in the previous 30 years. The local Cotton Mill, built by the Malcomson Family, provided work for thousands of people. However, by the early 20th century, everything had changed. The Cotton Mill was silent, and many of the houses had been abandoned. This episode explores the story of the Malcomson Family. Once known as the Kings of Cotton, they built one of the most successful business empires in the world in rural Ireland in the space of forty years. Their downfall was no less spectacular. This episode reveals the dramatic rise and fall of the Malcomson dynasty, showcasing their remarkable achievements but also uncovering the dark secrets of a company with controversial work practices that benefited from US slavery. Episode 2 of Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast is out now!You can hear the story of Ann Glover - The Irish Witch of Boston. [Listen here] (https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod) . Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

18 Sep 2024

34 MINS

34:33

18 Sep 2024

#386

Who was the first Irish person to cross the Atlantic Ocean?

I am delighted to share the very first episode of [Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast.] (https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod) It's a new show I am making with historian Damian Shiels which looks atIrish-American History. It's separate from the Irish History Podcast and Season 1 will be released each Monday. You can subscribe to [Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast] (https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod) to get future shows. In this first episode we look at who the first Irish person to reach the Americas was. There are a few intriguing candidates. ---Was it St. Brendan, the intrepid Irish monk who is said to have voyaged across the Atlantic centuries before Columbus? ---Could it have been an Irish woman taken captive by Vikings who reached Newfoundland around 1000 AD? ---Perhaps it was an Irish sailor aboard one of Columbus' ships? Next week I will be back with the Irish History Podcast with a show on the House of Malcomson, a dramatic story about the rise and fall of an Irish dynasty known of the Cotton Kings. Meanwhile the second episode of Transatlantic whcih looks at the Forgotten Irish Witch of Boston comes out next Monday and will be available here [https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod] (https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod) . Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

11 Sep 2024

44 MINS

44:29

11 Sep 2024

#385

Resisting Nazi Occupation: Ireland's Forgotten World War II Heroes

John Keany, Monica de Wichfeld, and Delia Murphy are not well-known figures, yet they are some of the most extraordinary people in modern Irish history. During the Second World War, they found themselves in Nazi-occupied Europe and took extraordinary risks to resist the Nazis. Some paid with their lives. This podcast tells their stories. The episode is based around a conversation with John Morgan and Clodagh Finn. Their new book, The Irish in the Resistance: The Untold Stories of the Ordinary Heroes Who Resisted Hitler, details the lives of Irish people who fought the Nazis. You can find links to the book below. **My big announcement for podcast fans [https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod] (https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod) ** You can buy John & Clodagh’s book [https://linktr.ee/irishintheresistance] (https://linktr.ee/irishintheresistance) You can follow John & Clodagh on Socials Clodagh Insta [https://www.instagram.com/clodaghfinnwrites] (https://www.instagram.com/clodaghfinnwrites) Twitter [https://x.com/FinnClodagh] (https://x.com/FinnClodagh) John Insta [https://www.instagram.com/johnm436/] (https://www.instagram.com/johnm436/) Twitter [https://x.com/maoilmordha] (%20https:/x.com/maoilmordha%0d) Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

04 Sep 2024

41 MINS

41:03

04 Sep 2024

#384

Ireland in World War II: Neutrality, Nazi Collaborators or Secret Allies?

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Ireland adopted a position of neutrality. However, throughout the conflict, senior figures in the United Kingdom and the United States suspected the government in Dublin harboured Nazi sympathies. While the Royal Navy believed German U-boats were refuelling along the West Coast, actions taken by the Irish government only seemed to confirm a view that neutrality masked pro Nazi sympathies. For example when the Taoiseach Eamon de Valera paid a visit of condolence to the German legation on the death of Hitler, in a move that provoked outrage across the globe. This was just one of a catalogue of incidents that seemed to confirm that the Irish government was sympathetic to the Nazis. However at the same time, the Irish government were providing secret aid to the Allies. In this podcast I explore Irish attitudes during the Second World War and whether the Irish government really harboured Nazi sympathies. Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

28 Aug 2024

37 MINS

37:28

28 Aug 2024

#383

The Mystery Nazi Flight to Ireland - Who was really on board?

In this riveting episode I delve into one of the most intriguing and lesser-known stories of World War II: "The Mystery Nazi Flight to Ireland." On May 5th 1945, a German bomber unexpectedly landed in Ireland, sparking a media frenzy and wild speculation. Newspapers across the globe sensationalized the event, suggesting that Adolf Hitler and other high-ranking Nazi officials were on board, seeking refuge as the Third Reich collapse. Recently I visited the military archives to access the Irish Intelligence file on the incident. The plane had three passengers, all in German military uniform. Who were these men, and what led them to undertake such a perilous journey in the dying days of the war? Join me as we uncover the real story behind this mysterious flight, exploring the soldiers' backgrounds, their motivations, and the incredible circumstances that brought them to Ireland. Additional Narrations by Aidan Crowe. Sound by Kate Dunlea. Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

21 Aug 2024

23 MINS

23:19

21 Aug 2024

#382

Exploring a 5,000 year old Tomb

Portal Tombs are scattered across the Irish countryside. These monuments, around 5,000 years old, have been sites of ritual for millennia. Generation after generation, while spiritual beliefs changed, these ancient sites often remained sacred. In this podcast, I explore two of these tombs to understand how and why these mysterious tombs were built, and why humans return to particular landscapes over thousands of years. Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

14 Aug 2024

31 MINS

31:00

14 Aug 2024

#381

The History of Guinness Explained: A more controversial beer than you think!

Guinness is the most iconic Irish brand of all time. A large part of its success is based on a history the company has carefully crafted around the beer. However like all histories, the actual history of Guinness is complicated. In this episode, I am joined by Eoin Tabb and DJ Walsh to explore some of the more controversial aspects of the history of Guinness. So tune in to uncover the untold stories behind Ireland's famous stout. Become a member at [https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory] (https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory) . Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information. ... Read more

07 Aug 2024

30 MINS

30:00

07 Aug 2024

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#395

Why Didn't Irish People Eat Fish During the Great Hunger?

#394

Why Was Life Expectancy So Low in Ireland Until 1900?

#393

1719: The Irish Rescue of the Polish Princess Bride

#392

Societal Collapse: Did It Happen in Irish History?

#391

Your Prehistoric Ancestors: More Sophisticated than you think!

#390

Stigma, Famine & Emigration: A History of Mental Health in Ireland

#389

The Dirtiest City in Europe? Why Did Typhoid Thrive in Victorian Dublin?

#388

Emily Anderson: The Forgotten Irish Woman of Bletchley Park

#387

The Making of a Ghost Town - The Rise and Fall of the Irish Kings of Cotton

#386

Who was the first Irish person to cross the Atlantic Ocean?

#385

Resisting Nazi Occupation: Ireland's Forgotten World War II Heroes

#384

Ireland in World War II: Neutrality, Nazi Collaborators or Secret Allies?

#383

The Mystery Nazi Flight to Ireland - Who was really on board?

#382

Exploring a 5,000 year old Tomb

#381

The History of Guinness Explained: A more controversial beer than you think!