Irish History Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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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.

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Throughout history, bread has consistently been one of the most popular foods across the world. For two centuries, Ireland was an exception.

Indeed, by the early 19th century, some communities in the west of Ireland had lost all knowledge of how to bake bread.

This was down to the remarkable history of the potato in Ireland.

Our ancestors had an insatiable appetite for spuds. In this podcast, I explore the history of the potato in Ireland beyond the Famine. Beginning back in the 16th century, I chronicle our enduring love of the humble potato!

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Traditional music is central to Irish culture and identity in the 21st century. Contrary to what we might think, this is a relatively recent development. As late as the 1960s Trad was perceived as unfashionable and musicians were not allowed to play in pubs. 

60 years later it has become extremely popular and recognised the world over. So what happen?

Last weekend I sat down with Tom Mulligan, a legend in Trad scene to talk about the history of Trad over the century. Tom hales from a well known musical family and owns the Cobblestone, the best known traditional music pub in the country. Indeed it was become something of a cultural institution over the last 35 years. 

In this interview Tom explains the roots of modern trad from Poland, Africa, the USA and back to Ireland. He also elaborates on the intriguing story of how trad went from a marginal genre in Irish society to its contemporary popularity.

While Trad has enjoyed a resurgence in recent decades, it faces an uncertain future in the 2020s. Property speculation in Dublin has seen numerous live music venues close in recent years to make way for hotels. There are fewer and fewer spaces for musicians in the city. 

Last year saw Tom's pub the Cobblestone became the latest to be earmarked for 'development'. Given its historic role in developing and nurturing trad music, this provoked large demonstrations and a campaign #dublinisdying. While the plans to build a hotel on the site were withdrawn last week, Tom explains how the Cobblestone is not out of the woods yet.

Follow the Cobblestone on twitter and Insta 

Music by Liam Costello

Support the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast or https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

This week's special supporters are

T Troy 

S Lucas

Alexander

W McGuire

C Steuland

 T Higgins

R Spowart

D Bohan

Greg

P McKey

P Myers

B Brady

B McDonough

K Stauffer

M Mulvale

T Murray

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This live podcast pokes in to the darker corners of the past looking at life in Victorian Waterford. Recorded live in Katty Barry’s in Waterford, it's a strange journey through macabre inquests that took place in pubs through to dentists who peddled cocaine!

The second half of the podcast looks at a bizarre murder involving a veteran of the Famine.

Support your history

www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

This week's special supporters are

A Murphy

M Callaghan

E Kelleher

D Dwyer

A Rogers

M Malone

L O'Brien

WJ Murphy

C Doran

J O'Hagan

M Dwyer

S Quinn

R Morse

M Durkin

S Reddin

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Stephen’s Green is one of Dublin’s well known areas. Located in the heart of the city centre, the Green is home to several prestigous instiutions and businesses including the Royal College of Surgeons, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Shelbourne Hotel. 

It's history however is very different. Originally a swampy marshland, it was home to numerous brothels and the city gallows. In this podcast I am joined by historian Frank Hopkins to explore the history of St Stephen's Green. 

We begin on the gallows as Frank explains how public executions were a form of entertainment for many Dubliners. Then moving through the centuries Frank explains who the notorious bodysnatchers of Goat Alley were and the history behind Copperfaced Jack, the man after whom the famous night club is named.

The show ends by introducing a certain A Hitler who was regular sight around St Stephens Green in the early 20th century! 

You can find Frank’s excellent book St Stephen's Green: A History of the Green online and in all good bookshops. 

What does 50/13 mean? 

With your support I am planning on releasing 50 episodes this year. 13 is the number of episodes I have produced so far with your support so we are on track! You can support the show and get ad free episodes, early access to the show and exclusive episodes.

Each week I acknowledge listeners who support the show. This week's special supporters are

The week's special supporters are:

J Arbaugh 

D Eggleston 

M Fields 

W Tolan 

S Corbet 

R D Moore 

L Slavens 

J Reilly 

C Donoghue 

D D Rau 

J Bates

D Celment 

B Conneely 

J Looney

R Morahan 

B White

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Irland Redaktion was a Nazi radio station established during the Second World War. It's sole purpose was to shape and influence Irish public opinion in favour of the Nazis. In this episode I am joined by William Quinlan, the winner of the Irish History Summit RSR competition. William, a stuident in St Jospeph's College Borrisoleigh, wrote his R.S.R. (Research Study Report) on Irland Redaktion. In this podcast he details the fascinating story of this little known station, explaining why it was initially broadcast in Irish, what the Nazis hoped to achieve and if it was successful.

The week's special supporters are:

R McCormick

I Wöstemeyer

A O'Brien

M Brady

J Ford

N Reilly

M Mullaney

N Feely

J FitzGerald

F D’Arcy

C T Morgan

C O’Neill

K Crossman

C Brennan

D Gleeson

A O'Brien

M Brady

J Ford

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What did Dublin look like before the authorities demolished the medieval city? 

How did Irish people address Queen Victoria during the Famine?

The answers to these questions lie in documents stored in Dublin City Library's archives which chronicles 800 years of life in the city. Until now the only way to access the archive and it's fascinating stories was to go in person to Pearse Street Library. 

That is all about to change. 

This week sees the launch of a ground breaking project as Dublin City Library and Archive publish 50,000 documents online. Better still they are asking history fans across the world to help transcribe this archive.

In this podcast librarian Padraic Stack brings you behind the scenes in the archive. He tells the fascinating stories of letters to the Queen during the Famine and how medieval Dublin was demolished. He also explains how you (yes you!) can get involved in transcribing these documents from the comfort of your home. 

Its a rare opportunity to get dirty in Dublin's archives! The link referenced in the show is here. 

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Its National Tree Week! In this special episode brought to you by Wolfgang Reforest, I investigate the history of Ireland's woodlands and forests. The show begins by looking what an actual native Irish woodland because woodlands and forests looked very different in the past.

Then we embark on a journery through 12,500 years of our history. From the distant past when 80% of the island was covered with forests through to the 1920s when there was scarcely a single tree in the Irish landscape, the story of our woodlands and forests is interwoven with the history of humans on the island.

From the development of agriculture to the Norman Invasion major changes in the way we live our lives has had huge consequences for the trees in the landscape.

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irishhistorychannel on YouTube

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