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.
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 Listeners
1 Comment
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 Irish History Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Irish History Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Irish History Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Irish History Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Mystery of Henry Wilson’s Assassination
Irish History Podcast
03/01/23 • 28 min
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/
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3 Listeners
![Irish History Podcast - Jack the Ripper: Irish Connections [From the Archives]](https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/episode_images/b7de1ecc325bbb678b55f4b28af0193dc76f30c5c36db62e9dc0e10b6f6ac8cf.avif)
Jack the Ripper: Irish Connections [From the Archives]
Irish History Podcast
08/02/23 • 29 min
“In the later half 1888 London was gripped by fear when five women were murdered within a few months of each other in the East End of the city. Initially dubbed the Whitechapel murders after the district where they took place, they are better known today by the sensational title of the Jack the Ripper murders.
Over the past century the case has become without doubt the most famous serial killings in history however the victims have been largely forgotten. The identity of the killer, frequently cast as an evil genius, dominates the seeming endless retellings of the murders both in fact and fiction.
However in 2019, this changed when Hallie Rubenhold published a book called The Five – The untold lives of the women killed by Jack the Ripper...”
In this interview with Hallie Rubenhold explores Irish connections to the notorious murders and shares her new research from her book ‘The Five’.
Pre-Order A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders today https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993
Use the Code FD10 & get 10% off today!
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 Listeners
The Slaves who helped Ireland during the Great Hunger
Irish History Podcast
02/21/24 • 30 min
During the Great Hunger of the 1840s, vast sums of money were sent to Ireland by people across the world. One of the most remarkable stories is that of the First African Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Even though many of the congregants were slaves, they still sent a donation.
In this podcast, I interview Anelise Shrout, who shares this and other stories of remarkable generosity. Anelise also reveals why people chose to give money to Ireland above other causes and crises. We also discuss the motivation behind what was arguably the most controversial of all donations during the Great Hunger - that of the Charleston Hibernian Society, whose members were supporters of slavery and enslaves themselves.
Get Anelise's book "Aiding Ireland - The Great Famine and the Rise of Transnational Philanthropy" at https://nyupress.org/9781479824601/aiding-ireland/.
Follow Anelise on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dr.a.h.shrout/ and check out her website at https://www.anelisehshrout.com/.
Become a supporter and get the next episode of my exclusive series on the Troubles at https://www.patreon.com/irishpodcast
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 Listeners
Bad Bridget: When American Dreams became Nightmares
Irish History Podcast
03/29/23 • 27 min
Emigration has been one of the defining features of Irish life since the Great Hunger. Generations have been drawn to the United States in the hope of finding a better life across the Atlantic. Many succeeded but for some these dreams became nightmares.
Over the last few years The Bad Bridget Project in Queens University Belfast by Dr Elaine Farrell and Dr Leanne McCormick has focused on criminal and deviant Irish women in North America. Now an award winning podcast and book, Leanne and Elaine join me in this episode share the stories they have uncovered.
These include Annie Young a woman who lived in grinding poverty, the sex workers Maud Merrill and Marion Canning and the somewhat unbelievable Ellen Nagle a child prosecuted for being stubborn!
Check out the Bad Bridget Podcast
Get the book Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem and the Lives Irish Emigrant Women
Become a supporter and get my exclusive Series on the Irish Civil War with Dr Brian Hanley
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Listener
Endgame Part I
Irish History Podcast
02/21/22 • 42 min
This is the first of three episodes which will be released over the next 8 days to conclude the War of Independence Series. Endgame I is a fast moving show that takes you back to Cork in the opening weeks of 1921. The war develops a new ferocity with the declaration of martial law. The episode is based around one of the enduring controversies of the war - the kidnapping of the widow Maria Lindsay. The episode also looks at the IRA's worst defeat - the Clonmult ambush and the largest battle of the war - Crossbarry. Then we move to Dublin and finish with the IRA assault on the Customs House.
Sound by Jason Looney
Additional Research Sam McGrath
Additional Narrations by Aidan Crowe and Therese Murray
Hand painted pewter figures of Irish Revolutionary - https://irishhistory.bigcartel.com/category/handcrafted-historic-models
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Listener
Endgame II
Irish History Podcast
02/23/22 • 39 min
This is the second last episode in the War of Independence series. In this podcast we travel to Belfast in the summer of 1921. Despite major violence, the city was preparing for what was only its third visit from a reigning monarch since 1690.
With George V due to arrive on June 22nd over 10,000 troops were drafted into Belfast in a massive security operation. What unfolded was unquestionably the most significant royal visit to Ireland since the 17th century.
Sound by Jason Looney, additional research Sam McGrath with additional narrations from Aidan Crowe & Therese Murray.
The three episodes in Endgame are being released over 8 days. Its around 2 hours of content from scripts totalling over 20,000 words. It took a lot of time to make and would not have been possible without the support of listeners on patreon and Acast+. If you are not listening on Acast+ or Patreon you can support the show here
https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory
https://patreon.com/irishpodcast
Check out the range of pewter figures of Irish revolutionaries from the War of Independence at https://irishhistory.bigcartel.com/category/handcrafted-historic-models
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Listener
Murder at Mother Mountain
Irish History Podcast
06/15/23 • 43 min
Mother Mountain is situated in a remote corner of Co Tipperary. An axe-murder that took place here in March 1846 shocked Irish society. Indeed had it not been obscured by the Great Famine Mother Mountain may well have been remembered alongside Maamtrasna as one of the notorious Irish murder cases of the 19th century. Find out why.... Book your place on my Famine tour at www.dublinfaminetour.ie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is brought to you by www.irishNewspaperArchives.com/podcast
As a listener to the show you can get 30% off monthly or yearly subscriptions by using the Coupon Code Pod30 at www.irishNewspaperArchives.com/podcast
Become a supporter & access dozens of exclusive podcasts
Patreon www.patreon.com/irishpodcast
Acast https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory
📢June 2023 Update - New Walking Tour 📢
I am thrilled to announce my brand new walking tour in Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Join me and explore 1,000 years of history from the Vikings to Cromwell & Strongbow to the Irish Revolution. Enhanced by wireless headsets 🎧 you will hear the sounds of the city through the ages and the words of the people who made history in Waterford. Tours take place each Saturday and places are strictly limited to 15 people. Book your place today at www.Irishhistorypodcast.ie/tours
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Listener
Ireland's Alcatraz - the Story of Spike Island
Irish History Podcast
02/22/23 • 30 min
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+.
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Listener
The Story of Irish Coffin Ships Continued...
Irish History Podcast
01/25/23 • 24 min
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+
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Listener
Irish Volunteers in the French Resistance Part I
Irish History Podcast
06/28/23 • 25 min
The struggle of the French Resistance against the Nazi Occupation of France remains one of the most famous chapters in World War II history. It has been immortalized in numerous film and books. However the story of the dozens of Irish people who served in the Resistance has been almost completely forgotten. In this podcast I interview Dr David Murphy from Maynoooth University who has researched the Irish people who served in the Resistance.
While the writer Samuel Beckett is the most famous David reveals the forgotten history of other Irish volunteers and their experience of the war.
**I am currently working on a new series on the history of podcasting. I have interviewed some of the biggest names in podcasting and now I am looking for your input. I would be really grateful if you could complete this short survey on your experience as a listener at https://irishhistorypodcast.ie/listenersurvey.**
If you are aware of Irish people who served in the Resistance David is working on a database and you would love to hear from you. You can get in touch with him at [email protected]
Become a supporter & access dozens of exclusive podcasts
Patreon www.patreon.com/irishpodcast
Acast https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory
📢Walking Tour 📢
I am thrilled to announce my brand new walking tour in Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Join me and explore 1,000 years of history from the Vikings to Cromwell & Strongbow to the Irish Revolution. Enhanced by wireless headsets 🎧 you will hear the sounds of the city through the ages and the words of the people who made history in Waterford. Tours take place each Saturday and places are strictly limited to 15 people. Book your place today at www.Irishhistorypodcast.ie/tours
*New Book: A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders *
My new book A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders is available for Pre-Order now. If you order your copy today at Easons and use the promo code FD10 you get a 10% discount
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Listener
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
Featured in these lists
FAQ
How many episodes does Irish History Podcast have?
Irish History Podcast currently has 399 episodes available.
What topics does Irish History Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Irish History, Ireland, History, Podcasts and Interviews.
What is the most popular episode on Irish History Podcast?
The episode title 'The Mystery of Henry Wilson’s Assassination' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Irish History Podcast?
The average episode length on Irish History Podcast is 28 minutes.
How often are episodes of Irish History Podcast released?
Episodes of Irish History Podcast are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Irish History Podcast?
The first episode of Irish History Podcast was released on Mar 14, 2010.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ
Comments
@anonymous
Feb 16
Like
Reply