Irish History Podcast
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 19, 2025 • 46min
Coffin Ships: What Famine Emigrants Endured [Classic Replay]
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.
7 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 30min
A History of Beer in Ireland
Dr. Christina Wade, historian and author of "Filthy Queens: A History of Beer in Ireland," dives into the rich tapestry of Ireland's beer history. She discusses how ale was central to social and dietary practices in medieval times, revealing surprising truths about historical drinking habits. Wade highlights the evolution from home-brewing to public pubs, shedding light on the pivotal roles women played in the brewing industry. The impact of the Great Hunger on beer culture is also examined, showcasing how crises shaped pub life and consumption.
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Bloody Summer of 1170: An Epic of Siege, Invasion & Conquest in Medieval Ireland
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 DunleaAdditional Narration by Aidan CroweSupport my research and get an ad-free episode at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 26, 2025 • 5min
1798, Magdalene Laundries, and Exploring an Irish bandit Country - Keeping You in the Loop!
Why is there no show this week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 42min
Michael Collins: History Masked by Myths and Conspiracies
Dr. Brian Hanley, an expert in 20th-century Irish history, and John Dorney, a historian known for his work on the Irish Civil War, delve into the complexities of Michael Collins' life and legacy. They dissect the myths surrounding Collins’ assassination, highlighting the mysterious connections to the killing of Henry Wilson. The discussion also challenges romanticized perceptions of Collins, examining the brutal realities of the Civil War and the origins of conspiracies about his death. This engaging conversation redefines Collins as a multifaceted figure in Irish history.
Feb 12, 2025 • 40min
Irish Emigrants in Tsarist Russia: A History
Margaretta Eagar is a little-known figure in Irish history. In the early 20th century, she worked as a governess to the last Romanov Tsars of Russia. Eagar was just one of thousands of Irish people who emigrated to Imperial Russia. In this episode, historian Angela Byrne joins me to discuss why these Irish emigrants went east. Our fascinating conversation takes you from 17th-century political exiles to 19th-century tourists and, of course, the gripping story of Margaretta Eagar.Our discussion is based around Angela’s book Anarchy & Authority: Irish Encounters with Romanov Russia. You can get your copyhttps://www.lilliputpress.ie/products/anarchy-and-authority?srsltid=AfmBOoqFNCTW-O6aWqZx2WSnQ_L9j9ZCKLSfk55XAz_BqJWs1_TKzK2yAngela's website: www.historianka.comFollow Angela on Instagram @angela_historiankaSupport the Irish History Podcast and get an ad-free version of the show at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 5, 2025 • 13min
St Brigid: Pagan Goddess or Christian Saint?
Delve into the captivating life of St. Brigid, a figure straddling the realms of pagan goddess and Christian saint. Discover her surprising relevance in today's society amidst a decline in traditional faith. Unravel the complex legacy that intertwines her mythological roots with her historical impact, and ponder her cultural significance in contemporary Ireland. Explore the enduring symbolism she represents, highlighting her role in bridging two belief systems.
Jan 29, 2025 • 39min
Hitler's Irish Translator: Nazi Sympathiser or Following Orders?
James Vincent Murphy, an Irish translator, ignited controversy in 1939 by publishing an unedited English version of Hitler's Mein Kampf. His life reveals a fascinating duality; once viewed as a Nazi opponent, he had connections within the regime. The podcast unpacks how Murphy was manipulated by an anti-Nazi group called the Red Orchestra and explores his moral dilemmas amid political chaos. Listeners learn about his challenging upbringing and the complex legacy he left, raising questions about the boundaries between compliance and resistance in a terrifying era.
Jan 22, 2025 • 39min
The Irish Catholic Church: How did it become so powerful?
Over the past three decades, the Catholic Church has been engulfed by numerous sexual abuse scandals and accusations of power abuse. This has prompted many to question how it initially gained such influence in Ireland. In this podcast, I delve into the history of the Catholic Church within modern Irish society. While its influence is often linked to the post-Irish Independence era of the 1920s, the foundations of Catholic power extend much further back. This episode charts the Church's dramatic rise since the 1780s, when it emerged from the Penal Laws and decades of repression. I reveal how it skillfully navigated through rebellions, the Great Hunger, and the struggle for independence, growing stronger with each crisis. Additionally, I explore the complex relationship between the Church and the British Empire, where bitter enmity in the 1700s transformed into a strategic partnership—a marriage of convenience that reshaped Irish history.Support the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 33min
Winston Churchill: The Irish View on a British Legend
Winston Churchill is celebrated as a war hero but viewed differently in Ireland. The podcast examines his early life in Dublin and how it shaped his controversial views on Irish independence. It tackles his imperialist beliefs and decisions during critical historical moments, including the Irish War of Independence and WWII. The dual nature of his legacy is explored, revealing both contributions and serious flaws, urging listeners to reconsider the complexities behind this towering figure.
