While we’re on the last week of our summer break, we’re bringing you one of our most popular episodes from the back catalogue.

For over four decades, contraception was not just taboo in Ireland—it was illegal. From 1935 to 1979, selling contraceptives and even accessing information about family planning was strictly banned by the Irish government. These laws reshaped daily life, leaving couples unable to plan their families and forcing many to navigate relationships under the shadow of fear and uncertainty.

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Laura Kelly from the University of Strathclyde, a leading authority on the history of contraception in Ireland. Laura reveals the origins of these bans, the motivations behind them, and the lasting consequences for Irish society.

Next week, I return with the fascinating history exploring why Ireland institutionalised over 1% of its population in psychiatric hospitals and mental asylums.

Find out more about Laura’s research and publications here.

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A story from the 1920s that will reshape the way you view our great grandparents lives!

Unfortunately, there’s no new show this week, but I wanted to re-share an episode I really enjoyed making two years ago. It'll well worth another spin.

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The history of the Great Hunger is often recounted through statistics and impersonal narratives. There are many reasons for this, but one significant factor is that many survivors were reluctant to share their stories of survival. In this episode, based on letters from the 1840s, I uncover a challenging chapter in our history. Among the stories recounted is that of widow Elisa Kelly, who was exploited by her neighbors, and John Molloy, who was left with no option but to beg for help. Their stories may be inglorious, but they reveal the harsh realities of life during the Famine.

Additional Narrations: Aidan Crowe & Therese Murray

Sound by Kate Dunlea

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On June 22nd 1922, the British Field Marshall, Henry Wilson was shot dead in London. The assassination sparked a major political crisis in Ireland. The British government blamed the killing on a faction of the IRA opposed to the recent Anglo-Irish Treaty. When they demanded action be taken against them, Michael Collins oversaw an attack on an IRA unit occupying the Four Courts in Dublin. This sparked the Irish Civil War.

Over the last century the incident has been shrouded in controversy.  Many at the time and since have accused Michael Collins himself of ordering the attack on Wilson. In this episode I am joined by John Dorney to discuss the assassination of Henry Wilson, the fallout and who was responsible.  

My exclusive supporters' series on the Irish Civil War with Dr Brian Hanley of Trinity College Dublin continued this week on Acast+ and Patreon. Ep #1 explains backdrop to the war, while Ep #2 profiles Michael Collins, his involvement in the war and his death in August 1922.

My guest on this week’s show is John Dorney. John’s website theIrishstory.com is one of the leading online resources on Irish History. He also the co host of the Irish History Show https://irishhistoryshow.ie/

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Spike Island in Cork Harbour is often referred to as 'Ireland’s Alcatraz'. While this famous island prison began life as a monastery it was transformed into a fortress during the American Revolutionary War. However Spike island gained it's notorious reputation during the Great Hunger of the 1840s when a prison was opened in the fort.

This episode recorded on Spike island tells the story of Ireland’s Alcatraz…

I would like to thank the team on Spike Island for facilitating the recording of this episode. In particular I would like to thank Tom O’Neill for his time and expertise.

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Visit Spike Island: https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/

If you want find out more about Spike Island these texts come highly recommended.

Spike Island: Saint Felons and Famine

Too beautiful for thieves and pickpockets: A history of the Victorian convict prison on spike island

Spike Island republican prisoners 1921

My exclusive Supporters Civil War Series with Dr Brian Hanley from Trinity College Dublin continues on Thursday. Episode II looks at Michael Collins and the Outbreak of the War. This is available on www.patreon.com/irishpodcast and Acast+.

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Between 1840 and 1860 the population of New York almost trebled growing from 300,000 to 800,000. This influx of migrants from Europe gave birth to modern Manhattan. At the heart of this story were the 250,000 Irish people who made the city their home in the aftermath of the Great Hunger. 

This is the story of the Famine Irish in New York.

In this episode I interview Dr Tyler Anbinder from George Washington University. An expert in the history of New York, Tyler vividly explain New York of the 1850s and how the Famine Irish adapted to life in the city. You can find Tyler’s books here https://history.columbian.gwu.edu/tyler-anbinder. I would recommend Five Points: The Nineteenth-Century New York City Neighborhood that Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, and Became the World's Most Notorious Slum

My series on the civil war continues next week when myself and Dr Brian Hanley discuss Michael Collins, the man, the myth and his role in the conflict. You can get the series on Acast+ or at the $5 tier on patreon.com/irishpodcast

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

This episode continues the story of emigration and Irish Coffin Ships during the Great Famine. Dr Cian T. McMahon, the author of The Coffin Ship - Life and Death at Sea during the Great Famine discusses

• The death rate onboard coffin ships
• What factors determined whether someone lived or died.
• How Irish Famine emigrants adjusted to life in the U.S.

You can get a copy of The Coffin Ship - Life and Death at Sea here

If you want listen to more stories form the Great Hunger my 30 part podcast series is available here.

My exclusive supporters Civil War series with Dr Brian Hanley kicks this Thursday here on Patreon and Acast+

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

Between 1845 - 1855 over two million people left Ireland to escape hunger, poverty and disease during the Great Hunger. The experience of these emigrants was often harrowing. The term Coffin Ship has became synonymous with their journeys across the Atlantic. 

While the term conveys misery, what was the experience actually like?

In the first of two podcasts on the subject, I am joined by Dr Cian T. McMahon author of The Coffin Ship - Life and Death at Sea during the Great Famine. Cian's work is deeply personal. Laced with hundreds of individual narratives he creates a vivid account of the complexities of escaping hunger in Ireland in the 1840s. 

You can get a copy of The Coffin Ship - Life and Death at Sea here  

If you want listen to more stories form the Great Hunger my 30 part podcast series is available here. 

My exclusive series on the Irish Civil War with Dr Brian Hanley kicks off next week. Exclusively available for show supporters on Acast+ and patreon.com/irishhistory, the series will be an expert guide to one of the most formative conflicts in modern Ireland.

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

Are we living through historic times? The Russian Invasion of Ukraine, the Queen's death, Liz Truss and Elon Musk have all dominated the headlines in 2022. However headlines don't always make history. Will the events of our lifetime be remembered in the future?

In this episode I look at how the last twelve months might be remembered by future historians.

Become a supporter at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast

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Life in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century was difficult to say the least. Working Class Dubliners were lucky if they reached 50. In those five or so decades, they worked dangerous jobs and lived in appalling conditions.

In this episode I am joined by Dr Ciara Breathnach. Ciara has spent several years researching the records of Dublin's Coroners Court for her book 'Ordinary Lives, Death, and Social Class: Dublin City Coroner's Court, 1876-1902'. As the Coroner investigated suspicious, unexplained and unusual deaths, this research gave Ciara a unique insight into life in Dublin around 1900.

Over the course of our interview Ciara explained how Dubliners lived and died. She also shares some individual cases from the Coroner's Court which provides a deeply personal history of the time and the challenges people faced.

You can find Ciara’s Profile at the University of Limerick where she is an Associate Professor in History https://www.ul.ie/research/dr-ciara-breathnach

Her book Ordinary Lives, Death, and Social Class: Dublin City Coroner's Court, 1876-1902 is available here https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ordinary-lives-death-and-social-class-ciara-breathnach/1141544052 (You can also ask your local library to order the book!)

My audiobook on the Black Death in Ireland is available for download at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. This can be purchase for a one off payment of €5.99 or is available for show supporters at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

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Castlekevin was once a thriving settlement deep in the Wicklow Mountains. However in the 14th century after decades of warfare the historical record fell silent. 

Over the past year the Roundwood & District Historical & Folklore Society have been working with a team of archaeologists to uncover the story of this lost town and castle. Using ground penetrating radar, drones and ecological surveys the team have started to unlock the lost story of this forgotten town.

This podcast reveals what was found...

A special word of thanks to:

Roundwood & District Historical & Folklore Society, the National Monuments Service Community Monuments fund, Yvonne Whitty, Dr Paul Naessens, Faith Wilson, Ivor Kenny, Dr Ger Dowling, Wicklow Co Council Heritage Officer Deirdre Burns, Martin Timmons, Mary Rochford, Chris Corlett and Catherine Wright in Wicklow Archives .

Additional narrations from Aidan Crowe

Sound by Kate Dunlea

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The Black Death changed Europe and Ireland forever. This disease which swept across the continent through 1348 carried off around 40% of the population. Its aftermath was no less sensational as social upheavel, wars and revolts broke out across Europe. Ireland was no different, indeed it was arguably affected in more profound ways than most of the continent.

Over last few months I have produced a new hour three hour audio feature on the Black Death in Ireland based on my 2016 book 1348: A Medieval Apocalypse.

This podcast previews the audiobook explaining the fascinating history behind these events.

How can you get your audiobook of The Black Death in Ireland?

Get the book as a one time purchase. You can buy the book for €5.99 in a one time purchase here https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Select 'The Black Death in Ireland Audiobook' and then you can download the audio to your podcast app.

Become a supporter. Supporters of the show at patreon.com/irishpodcast also have access to the book. This recurring monthly fee also gives you access you my extensive back catalogue of exclusive show and my upcoming series on the Civil War. Find out more at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast

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Believe it or not, it was a crime to sell contraception in Ireland between 1935 and 1979. The Irish government also banned all literature on family planning for decades as well. This had a profound impact on life in Ireland. Couples couldn't plan families or engage in recreational sex without fear of pregnancy. This devastated relationships and left many people with a very limited understanding of sex and pregnancy. 

In this podcast I interview Dr Laura Kelly from the University of Srathcylde. Laura is a leading expert in this area and she explains the background to contraception in Ireland, why it was banned and the devastating consequences of the ban. 

Find out more about Laura's research and publications here. 

Follow Laura on twitter here.

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Typhoid Mary has inspired books, movies, and even a Marvel character, but the history of the Irish woman behind the name is less well known. Mary Mallon was born in County Tyrone in the late 19th century before emigrating to the US. While she initially enjoyed a successful career as a cook, she became the central figure in a major scandal when she was accused of spreading typhoid.

This podcast tells her story.

This podcast is the first episode of Season II of "Transatlantic," a new show I make with historian Damian Shiels on Irish-American history. You can subscribe to Transatlantic https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod

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While Ireland remained neutral in the Second World War several Nazi agents were smuggled into the country. Their aims varied, some sought to establish contact with the IRA while others were spies.

In this episode, I interview historian Marc McMenamin about the attempts of Irish Military Intelligence's to catch these spies and agents.

Marc also explains the attitude of the IRA towards these individuals & the forgotten Irish code breakers in the war.

Its a fascinating story.

Marc has published two books on Irish Military Intelligence in the Second World War Codebreaker & Ireland's Secret War both of which are fantastic reads.

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Conwy castle in Wales in one of Europe's most spectacular medieval castles. Built in the 1280s by Edward I the castle has withstood sieges and the ravages of time. On Sat October 8th I organised a supporters trip to the castle. Early the following morning, as the sun rose over the medieval town I recorded this episode. Using the acoustics of the castle and the walls I explain the history, what the castle looks like today and how its elaborate and lethal defences worked in the middle ages. 

Deadly stuff in all meanings of the word!

Support the show at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

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In this final episode of Ireland's Last Aristocrat, you will hear how Olive Packenham Mahon adjusted to life in Ireland after the War of Independence. This follows her story through the chaotic early days of the Irish Free State, her futile attempts to budget as money ran out and how she would end up an eccentric living in a mansion that crumbled around her. 

There will be a bonus episode of recordings from Strokestown Park House for supporters at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast later this week. By becoming a supporter you will also get access to my upcoming series on the Irish Civil War.

You can find out more about Strokestown Park House and how you can visit Olive Packenham Mahon's home a thttps://strokestownpark.ie/

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Olive's unpublished diary and letters reveal a story of war, revolution and scandalous relationships in Ireland during the War of Independence.

After being raised in splendour with servants taking care of her every need (see part I), this episode follows Olive Packenham Mahon through the Irish revolutionary era. After the outbreak of World War I everything changed. 

The Packenham Mahons and other aristocrats found themselves on the wrong side of history as revolution swept through Ireland. 

Olive recorded her experiences in an unpublished diary and letters which provide the basis for this episode. While these recount an unusual perspective on the Irish revolution, they also reveal a love affair that scandalised her family!

There is also bonus episode with exclusive content for supporters here.

Artwork - Keith Hynes

Sound - Kate Dunlea

Narrations - Aidan Crowe and Therese Murray

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Olive Packenham Mahon was born into wealth and privilege in 1894, but the legacy of a secret funeral and the spectre of war and revolution defined her life. 

She was no ordinary aristocrat - Olive was the last of her kind...

A special thanks to Oisin O'Driscoll, Martin Fagan & Tony Aspel and all the team at Strokestown Park House for their time.

Olive Packenham Mahon's home Strokestown Park House is open to the public. You can find out more at https://strokestownpark.ie/.

Sound by Kate Dunlea. 

Artwork by Keith Hynes

Additional narrations by Aidan Crowe and Therese Murray.

There is a bonus episode with exclusive content from Strokestown available later in the week for show patrons at

Patreon - patreon.com/Irishpodcast

Acast+ - https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

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

Olive Pakenham Mahon was one of Ireland's last Aristocrats. Haunted by a secret funeral in her families past, revolution and war defined her life. She was anything but normal...

Subscribe to the Irish History Podcast where you listen to podcasts https://linktr.ee/irishhistory

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You may not recognise the name Bridget O’Donnel, but she is one of the most recognisable women in Irish history. In December 1849 her image (pictured in the episode artwork and here) appeared in The Illustrated London News. Over the following decades she became the face of the Great Famine. Today she is one of the most recognisable women in Irish history, but who was Bridget O’Donnel?

Is it possible she never existed but was the creation of an artist called James Mahony?

Hear the full story of the woman behind this iconic image.

Additional narrations from Therese Murray

H/T to Mark Lagan for his help in this!

The poster of Bridget mentioned in the episode is available here.

Dont forget the supporters trip to Conwy Castle is fast approaching - we leave on October 8th! If you would like to join me on this trip to this amazing castle get in touch today at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

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In this special episode brought to you by NOW, I look into why humans are fascinated with dragons. Did you know mythology around dragons is older than organised religion and spiritual beliefs of any kind? Meanwhile images of dragons has been found on all continents in societies from ancient Ireland to China. In this podcast I look at why dragon myths are so old, where did this mythology came from and what does it mean? 

Additional narrations - Aidan Crowe

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2022 has been stressful so this episode treats you to 15 minutes of escapism. It brings you back to Dublin in 1320 in a soundscape of the medieval city. Reconstructed by trawling through 700 year old records for distinctive sounds; it was originally released back in 2014 but is definitely worth another listen. 

I am currently binge editing audio for an upcoming series but I will be back next week with a fresh episode!

Join me on patreon, get access to hours of bonus content and join me on my upcoming trip to the stunning Conwy Castle in Wales - www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

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Over the next two weeks I will be busy writing and editing an upcoming series called Ireland's Last Aristocrat. In the meantime I have dusted down two episodes I thought you might enjoy diving back into. This podcast was released in 2019. It's one of was the most listened to and generated the most feedback! It asks if the Great Hunger was a genocide.

Become a supporter and join me on the trip to Conwy - https://www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

Tickets for this Saturdays live show in Waterford on Michael Collins are available here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-history-snugcast-history-from-the-high-stool-tickets-390149617007

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

By 1855, over two million Irish people had fled Ireland to escape the devastation of the Great Hunger. The journeys of these emigrants were often harrowing, and the term "Coffin Ship" has become synonymous with their perilous crossings of the Atlantic.

While the term evokes images of misery, what was the actual experience like? This episode, originally released over two years ago, reveals the reality of life at sea in the late 1840s and 1850s.

It is centered around a conversation with historian Dr. Cian T. McMahon, author of the excellent book "The Coffin Ship."

You can get a copy of The Coffin Ship - Life and Death at Sea here.

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

Since the dawn of history humans have been intrigued by the weather. However while it has the potential to sustain or destroy life, our ability to accurately forecast it is very recent. In this podcast I am joined by meteorologists Evelyn Cusack and Noel Fitzpatrick to explain the fascinating history of weather forecasting. Our desire to predict the weather is a story driven by war, natural disasters, human ingenuity and super computers.

You can find the Met Eireann podcast here https://www.met.ie/education/the-met-eireann-podcast/. The specific episode referenced by Noel in relation to Newgrange is available here https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-met-%C3%A9ireann-podcast/id1469018144

Become a member on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Irishpodcast and get access to

• My upcoming exclusive series on the Civil War with Dr Brian Hanley
• Join me on the supporters' trip to Conwy Castle in Wales
• Early access to the show
• Ad free episodes
• Hours of supporters only content

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

The 1950s were a dismal time in Ireland. While the economy tanked, the catholic church, at the height of its power, maintained strict control over social life. Desperate to find a better life, nearly 500,000 Irish people emigrated. This staggering figure was equivalent to 80% of those born in the Free State between 1931 and 1941. This was a level of emigration unseen since the days of the Great Hunger of the 1840s.

The vast majority went to Britain with many making London their home. However they found the English capital isolating, lonely and unwelcoming. The poster in boarding houses stating ‘No Dogs, No Blacks, No Irish’ embodied the racism they faced. While many of the 1950s generation are no longer with us, in the late 1990s author Catherine Dunne recorded their stories. The experiences of these emigrants were the basis for her book An Unconsidered People - the Irish in London. 

In this moving episode Catherine recounts the experiences they shared with her, the racism they faced as well as the isolation and loneliness. She also reveals the importance of solidarity within the Irish community, the legendary Irish clubs such as the Galtymore in Cricklewood and how many made a better life in the face of adversity.

You can find Catherine’s book An Unconsidered People - the Irish in London at https://www.newisland.ie/nonfiction/an-unconsidered-people-the-irish-in-london

Follow Catherine’s 

catherinedunneauthor.com

facebook.com/Author.CatherineDunne

twitter.com/DunneCatherine

Become a member on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Irishpodcast and get

• My upcoming exclusive series on the Civil War with Dr Brian Hanley
• Join me on the supporters' trip to Conwy Castle in Wales
• Early access to the show
• Ad free episodes
• Hours of supporters only content

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

Hey folks, I have a few important announcements for you:

🎙️🎙️Starting in September supporters (at the $5 tier or more) will receive an exclusive series on the Civil War with Dr Brian Hanley from Trinity College Dublin. You can hear more on this above. Become a supporter to get the series

Patreon - Patreon.com/irishpodcast

Acast+ - https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

🛥️🏰I am delighted to invite announce my a supporters' trip to Wales to visit the stunning Conwy Castle. Conwy is spectacular - you can see a video here https://irishhistorypodcast.ie/video-tour-of-conwy-castle-wales/. If you are a supporter (or become one!) on Acast+ or Patreon and would like to join me, I am currently looking for expressions of interest from you for a trip in September or early October. Let me know on patreon or at info@irishhistorypodcast.ie if you are interested.

🎙️ 🍻Live Show - I am doing a live show with Snugcast in Phil Grimes pub, Waterford on August 20th. There are only 30 tickets available for this special event. Get yours now here. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-history-snugcast-history-from-the-high-stool-tickets-390149617007

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In the series finale 'Redemption', we follow Ellen's life in Australia where a strange and unexpected redemption awaits.

Support the show:

Patreon https://patreon.com/Irishpodcast

Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

This week's special supporters are:

Z Hamming

R Downes

E Zimmer

G Hickey

R Hurley

M Nutty

E Rushe

P Kopf

C Wilson

J Guth

K McNamara

M Kelly

L Rosewood

D Gleason

C Stapleton

MJ Brodie

G Robertson

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The trials are over, the sentences have been passed down and there is nothing left but the punishment. However as we have seen in the story so far, this is story is if anything unpredictable.

Support the show:

Patreon https://patreon.com/Irishpodcast

Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

This week's special supporters are

StephenA

M Mulhern

B Donohoe

K Connolly

S Wall

G Browne

D Healy

B Cleary

P Lynch

L Anderson

K L Mayer

E Lewis

E Jordan

D Hensey

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The trial begins in Nenagh Courthouse in August 1846. What lies ahead for the accused is more uncertain than ever - murder in 19th century Ireland carries the death sentence.

Get add free early access to the next episode and help fund the show

Patreon https://patreon.com/Irishpodcast

Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

This week's special supporters are 

B Flaherty

E Fogarty

H Lewis

C Rowland

D Browne

P Foran

P Hurley

C Wright 

P Meagher

M McLoughlin

A Dunne

A Philbrick

K Finn 

M Gray

J Nixon

K O'Connor

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In part 2 of Murder at Mother Mountain Ellen’s life changes forever on March 10th 1846 when the violence that overshadowed her life finally comes to her door...

Support the show

www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

This week's special supporters are 

M Renee

D Mosier 

A Dacy

A O'Brien 

M Kelly

J A C McGowan

K L. Daly 

E Laurent

B Walsh

D Hill 

C Bleakley

M Lynch

A Jameson

G B. Lane

G B Lane

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To accompany Murder at Murder Mountain, I am releasing five deep dive episodes which delve into the history of the early 19th century Ireland in greater detail. These will be released between the main episodes. 

This is deep dive looks at the pre-Famine catholic church. While religion was very important during Ellen Kennedy's childhood, the catholic church emerging from centuries of repression was a very different organsation than it is today. In this podcast Salvador Ryan, professor of Ecclesiastical History in Maynooth, discusses religion and wider spiritual beliefs in the decades before the famine. 

He also explains why rituals surrounding pattern days and ancient holy wells (also mentioned in episode one) were frowned on by the church hierarchy.

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

Ellen Kennedy was born into in Western Tipperary in 1803. Her youth was one nurtured by violence. Hunger and food shortages were common. The stark inequalities lead to frequent outbreaks of violence. In this deeply unequal society young women like Ellen faced the threat of abduction and forced marriage.

Ellen however was far from average...

Support the show and get early access to the next episode.

Patreon http://patreon.com/irishpodcast

Acast+ https://play.acast.com/s/irishhistory

Additional Research - Liam Costello

Additional narrations - Aidan Crowe and Therese Murray

Theme tune - The Banks of Sullane

Performed by Nell Ní Chróinín

Uilleann Pipes Pipes - Liam Costello

This week's special supporters are

P Lynch

A Hannum

M Bushert

S Gray

S Winsor

K Neue

N Barry

B Duffy

M O'Donnell

A Funge

B Nicholson

B Poon

J Gladden

The J & L show

M Guinane

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Being hard drinkers is one of the most common stereotypes of Irish people around the world. While Irish consumption of alcohol is nowhere near the highest in Europe, there is no question beer and pubs are deeply ingrained in our culture.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Christina Wade, who recently published a book on the history of beer in Ireland, to explore the fascinating aspect of our history. Tracing the story back thousands of years, Christina takes you from medieval alehouse to the modern pubs exploring Ireland's enduring love affair with the pint!

Get your copy of Christians book Filthy Queens: A History of Beer in Ireland.

https://www.omahonys.ie/filthy-queens-a-history-of-beer-in-ireland-p-10604392.html

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Ellen Kennedy was born into in Western Tipperary in 1803. Her youth was one nurtured by violence…

Listen to an exclusive preview of episode 1 now at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast or Acast+https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

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

Over the last decade there has been countless events to mark the centenary of the Irish Revolution. However 2022 is also the 175th anniversary of Black ‘47, one of worst years of the Great Hunger. This has received little or no attention. This begs the question does the Great Famine matter anymore or is it fading in to the distant past?

In this podcast I looked at the impact of the Great Famine, asking what if any meaning it has for day to day life in the 21st century. 

Sources mentioned:

The school's folklore collection is available at https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes

My series on the great Famine is available here https://irishhistorypodcast.ie/category/podcast/the-great-famine/

The article on the Year of Slaughter - the Famine of the 1740s is available here https://irishhistorypodcast.ie/1741-the-year-of-slaughter/

The Special Supporters for this episode are 

S Steinkerchner

K Chapman

A Stewart-Mailhiot

K Samar

B O'Donovan

K Costello 

B Dunphy 

Tarabu

J Donelan

J.M. Culver

W Edwards

 D Lawall 

T McCool 

J Lavin

D Federman

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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

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

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

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

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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Irishhistory on Insta

irishhistory on Twitter

irishhistorychannel on YouTube

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In May 1170, a small group of mercenaries landed in a remote corner of County Wexford, setting the stage for a dramatic chapter in Irish history. Just fourteen miles away, in the medieval city of Waterford, their arrival sparked intense debate and uncertainty. How would the city react to this looming threat? What unfolded was a real-life medieval epic of siege, invasion, and conquest that would forever change the course of Ireland. Join me as we journey back to the 12th century and explore this gripping story, brought to life with immersive soundscapes. Experience the tension, the battles, and the sieges that defined Ireland's history for centuries.

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Additional Narration by Aidan Crowe

Support my research and get an ad-free episode at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast

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

In 1888 Ireland's most unusual railway, the Lartigue monorail, opened for business. Although largely forgotten, the story of this unique train is intriguing. Operating between the 1880s and the 1920s, it carried everything from tourists to livestock.

This show (recorded in Listowel, Co Kerry) explains how this train inspired by camels in the Sahara went onto support an early form of mass tourism in the west of Ireland. 

Special thanks to John Looney, Martin Griffin and Michael Guerin for their time. 

Sound by - Jason Looney

Additional Narrations - Therese Murray. 

Support your history

Patreon - https://patreon.com/irishpodcast

Irish History Podcast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

You can visit the Lartigue Monorail and Museum and ride the monorail today. Find out more at https://www.lartiguemonorail.com

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Grace O'Malley or Granuaile is an iconic name in Irish history. Born in 1530, she emerged as a powerful leader in the West of Ireland in ruthless and violent era as the Tudor reconquest of the Island was in full swing. Grace is often called a pirate queen, a chieftain or even in some tellings a queen of the west. In this episode I interview her biographer Anne Chambers about the real woman and her remarkable life. 

Anne's book 'Grace O'Malley Ireland's Pirate Queen' is available at her website http://www.graceomalley.com/.

Check out the pin of grace in the shop https://irishhistory.bigcartel.com/product/grace-o-malley-pin

Support the show

Patreon: https://patreon.com/irishpodcast

Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

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We've made it! This is the final episode in the War of Independence series. The episode begins as Michael Collins and an Irish negotiating team lock horns with Lloyd George and Winston Churchill in London. When a controversial treaty is agreed we return to Dublin to see how it is received. The show also includes extensive recreations of the famous Treaty debates from Aidan and Therese.

I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you so much for you support. I have some really great content lined up for coming weeks. These include shows on 

• Grace O'Malley the 16th century pirate queen
• The history of Ireland's monorail. 
• A history of hurling. 
• A six part series on life in pre-famine Ireland told through a 19th century murder.
• A series on the history of podcasting in Ireland (its older than you think!)

Sound - Jason Looney

Addition research - Sam McGrath

Additional Narrations - Aidan Crowe and Therese Murray

www.irishhistorypodcast.ie/shop

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