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.
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.
This special episode of the Irish History Podcast, in partnership with An Post, marks the 250th anniversary of Daniel O’Connell’s birth.
In this podcast, I explore the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential figures. Known as 'The Liberator' O’Connell’s campaign for Catholic Emancipation in 1829 and his role in shaping modern Ireland are legendary, but his story is complex.
From his early days in Kerry and his experiences during the French Revolution to the personal demons that haunted him, O’Connell is an intriguing figure. Although a pacifist, he killed a rival in a fatal duel. A founding father of Irish nationalism, O’Connell was also a monarchist. This episode teases out these contradictions.
To mark the anniversary of his birth, An Post has released two commemorative stamps capturing pivotal moments in O’Connell’s story: his iconic ‘monster meetings’ and his release from prison in 1844. Check out the stamps at anpost.com/history.
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Brian Casey, historian and archives manager at the Dublin Cemeteries Trust, for a fascinating conversation recorded in Glasnevin Cemetery, just steps from O’Connell’s final resting place. Together, Brian and I explore the history behind this legendary figure.
You can get the commemorative stamps now at anpost.com/history and in selected post offices across Ireland.
Audio edit by Kate Dunlea.
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How do we decide who the most significant people in our history are? Whose story is worth telling? In this episode, I’m joined by Eoin Kinsella, managing editor of the Dictionary of Irish Biography, to explore how he and the team behind this remarkable resource tell the story of our island through biography. The DIB, a free to access to website has thousands of biographies on figures from Irish History.
From Henry McCullough, the only Irish musician at Woodstock, to Ann Lovett, whose tragic death forced a nation to confront uncomfortable truths, and Brendan Hughes, whose life mirrored the turbulence of the Troubles, this conversation delves into the complexities of who gets remembered—and why.
People mentioned in the episode.
Ann Lovett https://www.dib.ie/biography/lovett-ann-a10324
Eamon De Valera https://www.dib.ie/biography/de-valera-eamon-dev-a2472
Bang Bang https://www.dib.ie/biography/dudley-thomas-bang-bang-a2803
The Dice man https://www.dib.ie/biography/mcginty-thom-diceman-a5672
John Mitchel https://www.dib.ie/biography/mitchel-john-a5834
John Redmond https://www.dib.ie/biography/redmond-john-edward-a7602
Brendan Hughes https://www.dib.ie/biography/hughes-brendan-a9636
Dolours Price https://www.dib.ie/biography/price-dolours-a10048
Martin McGuinmess https://www.dib.ie/biography/mcguinness-james-martin-pacelli-a10375
Michael Collins https://www.dib.ie/biography/collins-michael-a1860
Daniel O’Connell https://www.dib.ie/biography/oconnell-daniel-a6555
Charles Stewart Parnell https://www.dib.ie/index.php/biography/parnell-charles-stewart-a7199
Francis Sheehy Skeffington https://www.dib.ie/biography/skeffington-francis-sheehy-a8105
Lady Mary Heath https://www.dib.ie/biography/heath-sophie-mary-lady-heath-nee-peirce-evans-other-married-name-eliott-lynn-a2963
Henry McCullough https://www.dib.ie/biography/mccullough-henry-campbell-liken-a10389
Eva Gore Booth https://www.dib.ie/biography/booth-eva-selina-gore-a0784
Do you have suggestion for entries. Contact the DIB at Dib@rai.ie
Sound by Kate Dunlea
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When we think of Ireland’s past, we usually envisage an island shaped by two languages: Irish and English. But hidden in the history of South Wexford is Yola, a unique dialect that survived for centuries after the Norman invasion, only to vanish almost without a trace.
In this episode, I am joined by Sascha Sanchi Cooney to explore the fascinating story of Yola: where it came from, who spoke it, what it sounded like, and why it disappeared. From medieval settlers to the Great Vowel Shift and the impact of Cromwell, the history of this dialect is intriguing.
Get a copy of Sasha's 2019 book The Forth & Bargy Dialect at your local library https://waterford.spydus.ie/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/WPAC/BIBENQ/458376473/1314333,1
Follow Sasha's work on Linkedin https://ie.linkedin.com/in/sascha-santschi-cooney-76a885188
Sound by Kate Dunlea.
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This episode continues the story of NORAID - the Irish American organisation who were the voice of the IRA in the US. Jamie Goldrick and I delve into the complicated history of wider Irish American involvement in the Troubles. It's a history full of contradictions on both sides of the Atlantic. In the Republic, many criticised NORAID’s actions, yet did little themselves. Meanwhile, NORAID had little to say about the Vietnam War or the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Together, Jamie and I pick apart this complex and often uncomfortable chapter in Irish and Irish American history.
Jamie Goldrick is the producer of NORAID: Irish America & the IRA which screens on RTE on July 9th & 16th. Check it out on https://www.rte.ie/player/
There are a limited number of tickets for my live podcast on Daniel O’Connell in Glasnevin Cemetery. It takes place on July 24th, entry is free but booking is essential. Contact irishhistorypodcast@acast.com for your ticket today.
Sound by Kate Dunlea
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the 1950s, more than 20,000 people—over one percent of the adult population of Ireland—were locked away in mental asylums. This was the highest rate in the world, with more people confined in asylums than in all other institutions, including prisons, combined.
Yet, despite these staggering numbers, the story of Ireland’s asylums remains largely unspoken. In this episode, historian Fin Dwyer is joined by Prof Brendan Kelly to uncover the history behind these institutions. They explore the origins of Ireland’s asylums, the harsh realities faced by those inside, and the complex reasons why communities didn’t oppose these bleak institutions but often welcomed their opening. Through powerful stories and revealing statistics, this episode shines a light on a dark chapter of Irish history that we still struggle to confront.
Get an ad-free version of the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast
Get Brendan's book 'Inside Grangegorman' https://shop.ria.ie/products/asylum-inside-grangegorman
Sound by Kate Dunlea.
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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.
In 1920s Ireland, Alice Morton’s marriage breakdown sparked a sensational divorce trial. Accused of adultery, Alice’s sex life was laid bare in court, subjecting her to public humiliation.Her husband sued her alleged lover for damages, treating Alice as property under the law. However rather than endure the shame and exposure, Alice fled and lived in hiding for nearly two years. This podcast tells her story.
Sound by Kate Dunlea. Additional Narrations Aidan Crowe & Therese Murray.
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The Irish funeral wake is a unique tradition where family and friends gather around the body of the deceased to share stories, remember their life, and celebrate their legacy. Often resembling a lively party with plenty of drink, this ritual is both a farewell and a celebration.
Predating Christianity, the Irish wake stretches back thousands of years. In this episode, recorded at the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford, Donnchad Ó Ceallacháin and Clíona Purcell join Fin Dwyer to explore the fascinating history behind this enduring Irish custom.
Clíona and Donnchad are curators at the Irish Wake Museum. The museum is well worth checking out. Book your tickets at https://www.waterfordtreasures.com/museum/irish-wake-museum/
Sound: Kate Dunlea
Support the podcast and get an ad-free versions of the show at patreon.com/irishpodcast
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In times past, childbirth was a profoundly communal and intimate experience, guided by the steady hands and wisdom of community midwives. Known as Bean Ghlúine—the Women of the Knee—these women were among the most important figures in rural Irish communities.
In this episode, I’m joined by historian Emma Laffey to explore the world of birth and midwifery in a time before pregnancy tests or pain relief. Through the remarkable story of community midwife Mary Anne Fanning, our conversation uncovers the history of birth and the key role midwives played in Irish communities. They delivered not just babies, but in an era of high infant mortality, they were also called upon to guide families through loss and tragedy.
*This episode discusses themes of childbirth and infant loss, which some listeners may find distressing.*
Sound by Kate Dunlea
Resources
Visit the Exhibition:
Read Emma's book Woman of the Knee Midwife & Handywoman for free
https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/people/an-bhean-ghluine/an-bheanghluine
Find out more about Irish community midwives
https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/category/topics/an-bhean-ghluine
Watch this interview with community midwife Bina Kelly interviewed in 1983
https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/people/an-bhean-ghluine/an-bhean-ghluine
iCAN: Irish Community Archive Network
https://www.ouririshheritage.org/
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Nestled deep in the Wicklow Mountains, Glenmalure was once a stronghold for rebels and a sanctuary from the outside world. But long after the echoes of rebellion faded, the valley remained a place apart, where the comforts of modern life arrived late. Glenmalure was only connected to the electricity grid and running water in the late 20th century, and the rhythms of daily existence were shaped by isolation, resilience, and community spirit.
In this evocative episode, which concludes a series on the Wicklow Military Road, historian Fin Dwyer shares the stories of people who lived in this isolated and remote valley.
Recorded in a 200-year-old inn, this episode weaves together personal recollections, local history, and the enduring landscape of Glenmalure. It is a tribute to a way of life that has only recently disappeared!
The episode features the voices of Carmel O’Toole, Michael Fewer, Marion McEvoy, Hugh McLindon, and Pat Dunne. This episode would not have been possible by the hours of recordings with the Glenamalure Pure Mile Group.
Thanks to the Glenmalure Lodge for faciliating this episode.
A special thanks to Deirdre Burns, the Heritage Officer of Wicklow County Council.
This episode was funded by Wicklow County Council and the Heritage Council.
Sound by Kate Dunlea.
200 Anniversary Events to mark the death of Michael Dwyer
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Michael Dwyer, the rebel who played a pivotal role in the history of the Wicklow Military Road. On August 23rd, 2025, a special event is being organised to explore Michael Dwyer, his life, and his legacy. Find out more here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-dwyer-200-registration-1358221520129?aff=oddtdtcreator
Books on Glenmalure and the Wicklow Military Road:
Carmel O'Toole: Glenmalure: The Wild Heart of the Mountains
Michael Fewer: The Wicklow Military Road
Additional Sources:
Marion McEvoy https://marionmcevoy.com/
Glenmalure Lodge https://glenmalurelodge.ie/
Glenmalure hostel (the former home of Dr Kathleen Lynn) https://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/p/15098/glenmalure-hostel-hostelling-international/
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Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Its medieval monastery and stunning mountain landscape attract around one million tourists every year. However behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a history that rarely makes it into the tourist brochures.
In this episode, I veer off the well-trodden paths to uncover the real stories of Glendalough: stories of violence, exploitation, and transformation that have shaped the valley for centuries. This includes its early medieval history as a 'military industrial complex' and a very special interview with Robbie Carter - a former lead miner in the area.
This episode will change the way you see one of Ireland's most famous historic sites.
The podcast features Frank Tracy, Graeme Warren, Margaret Duff Garvey Pat Reid and Robbie Carter. A special thanks to Deirdre Burns.
This episode was funded by Wicklow Co Council and the Heritage Council.
Sound by Kate Dunlea.
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Vast, windswept, and seemingly untouched—the landscape around the Sally Gap in Wicklow is a place where history appears to vanish into the heather and mist. With no houses and few traces of human settlement, this moorland feels like a true wilderness.
Yet, the story of this landscape is one forged by ancient forces, human ambition, and exploitation.
In this episode, I continue my journey down the Wicklow Military Road into what some have called one of Ireland’s last great wildernesses, uncovering a hidden history that stretches back thousands of years.
Written, Produced & Narrated by Fin Dwyer
Sound by Kate Dunlea
Featuring: Frank Tracy, Deirdre Burns, Faith Wilson, Michael Fewer, Graeme Warren & Margaret Duff Garvey.
This episode was funded by Wicklow Co Council and The Heritage Council.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Michael Dwyer, the rebel who played a pivotal role in the history of the Wicklow Military Road. On August 23rd, 2025, a special event is being organised to explore Michael Dwyer, his life, and his legacy. Find out more here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-dwyer-200-registration-1358221520129?aff=oddtdtcreator
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In 1800, in the wake of the 1798 Rebellion, the British military began construction of the Wicklow Military Road. Designed to bring control to the so-called “bandit country” of the Wicklow Mountains, this road now winds through some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes in Ireland. Its history is as dramatic as the scenery it traverses. Built in an Ireland still reeling from insurrection, the road has, over the past two centuries, borne witness to some of the most remarkable—and often dark—chapters in our history. From disappearances during the Irish Civil War to a German war cemetery, the Wicklow Military Road is a route steeped in intrigue and untold stories. This podcast explores this road through Ireland's bandit country.
Thanks to Michael Fewer, Margaret Duff Garvey, Joan Kavanagh, Faith Wilson & Frank Tracy.
Special Thanks to Deirdre Burns.
Written & Produced: Fin Dwyer
Narration: Fin Dwyer
Sound: Kate Dunlea
Funded by Wicklow Co Co & The Heritage Council
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Michael Dwyer, the rebel who played a pivotal role in the history of the Wicklow Military Road. On August 23rd, 2025, a special event is being organised to explore Michael Dwyer, his life, and his legacy. Find out more here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-dwyer-200-registration-1358221520129?aff=oddtdtcreator
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1925, nineteen IRA prisoners orchestrated a daring escape from Mountjoy Jail in the heart of Dublin. Join me and historian Sam McGrath as we delve into the history of the IRA following the Civil War and uncover the remarkable story behind this audacious breakout.
Sound: Kate Dunlea
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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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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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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.
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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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