Dr. Gillian Kenny, a scholar known for her critiques of romanticized ancient legal systems, dismantles the myths surrounding Brehon Law, revealing its patriarchal roots. Topics include the dark realities of sex magic and slavery in medieval society. Kenny highlights the real struggles of women within this legal framework and critiques the notion of equality, demonstrating how Brehon Law actually reinforced hierarchies. Additionally, they discuss the intricate relationships and magical beliefs that flourished in Gaelic Ireland, shedding light on a complex historical culture.

Step back to 1324 and listen to the chilling story of Ireland’s first Witchcraft Trial in my latest episode. In 1324, the Bishop of Ossory, Richard Ledrede, accused Alice Kyteler, a wealthy and influential woman, of witchcraft and heresy. Alongside Alice's story, we explore the tragic fate of Petronilla de Meath, the first person in Ireland to be executed for witchcraft.Marking the 700th anniversary of these dark events, we delve into the societal fears, power struggles, and personal stories that shaped this infamous trial.Join me for a gripping journey through medieval Ireland.Research and production was funded by the Library and Heritage Services at Kilkenny County Council with the support of The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blindboy joins to explore mythology's origins from ancient events like the Great Flood. They discuss Greek and Irish myths, linking them to modern conspiracy theories. The conversation explores fantasy, shared mythic roots, and the historical impact of Christianity on myths during times of fear and uncertainty.

In the early 1970s, the British Army engaged in psychological operations (psy-ops) and black propaganda to cover up their actions during the Falls Curfew. This episode reveals the shadowy tactics used to manipulate public perception and obscure the truth. In this third and final part of Three Days in July, I uncover how the security forces manipulated Zbigniew Uglik's memory and histroy. They also intimated and harassed his family into silence when they demanded the truth. The episode also uncovers those involved and their motives behind these deceptive practices.Listen to Part I.Listen to Part IISubscribe to the Irish History Podcast here Become at supporter and get access to the my exclusive series with Dr Brian Hanley on the outbreak of the Troubles at https://patreon.com/irishpodcastCredits:Written and Researched by Fin DwyerBased on Original Research by the Belfast writer and journalist Pádraig Ó Meiscil. His substack is available here. You can reach him by email at padraigomeiscill@yahoo.ieA Special Word of Thanks to Marta Riehle Stern for sharing her family's history.Interviewees: Marta Riehle Stern & Pádraig Ó MeiscilAdditional Narrations by Aidan Crowe and Therese MurraySound by Kate DunleaAdditional Thanks: Sebastian Zimnoch and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On July 3rd 1970, months of rising tensions in Belfast erupted as the British Army laid siege to thousands of homes in the Lower Falls, a large working-class community. This event, known as the Battle of the Falls, became a key moment in the Troubles. While this is a well-known episode in the conflict, this podcast focuses on the forgotten story of Zbigniew Uglik.In last week's episode, I explored who Zbigniew Uglik was and how he ended up in Belfast in July 1970. This podcast follows Zbigniew into the heart of the Lower Falls as the Battle of the Falls erupted. We will follow his story as he navigated through the unfolding chaos and urban warfare in Belfast.The show reveals an untold story of a young Londoner who found himself at the crossroads of modern Irish history.Credits:Written and Researched by Fin DwyerBased on Original Research by the Belfast writer and journalist Pádraig Ó Meiscil. His substack is available here. You can reach him by email at padraigomeiscill@yahoo.ieA Special Word of Thanks to Marta Riehle Stern for sharing her family's history.Interviewees: Marta Riehle Stern & Pádraig Ó MeiscilAdditional Narrations by Aidan Crowe and Therese MurraySound by Kate DunleaAdditional Thanks: Sebastian Zimnoch and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the summer of 1970, Belfast stood on the precipice of war. By June, months of rising tensions burst into violence, setting the stage for one of the most controversial British military operations of the Troubles – the Falls Curfew. This three-day siege of a large nationalist working-class community marked a point of no return for many.During the Curfew, four people were murdered.Among the victims was Zbigniew Uglik, a young Londoner. His death has been shrouded in rumour for decades. In this first episode of "Three Days in July," I set out to uncover the truth about Zbigniew, a forgotten victim of the Troubles, and reveal how the British Army twisted his death to defend the indefensible.Zbigniew’s story is a fascinating one that started in Eastern Poland in the early days of World War II. An innocent man, his tragic death at the hands of the British Army highlights the human cost of the Troubles.Through careful research and respectful storytelling, the series will shed light on his life and the circumstances surrounding his death. We’ll also delve into the dark world of Black Propaganda, a sinister tool used during the conflict to mislead and deceive. This episode sets the stage for understanding how lies and misinformation played a role in the tragic events of those days.Credits:Written and Researched by Fin DwyerBased on Original Research by the Belfast writer and Journalist Pádraig Ó Meiscil. His substack is available here. You can reach him by email at padraigomeiscill@yahoo.ieA special word of thanks to Marta Riehle-Stern for sharing her family's history.Interviewees: Marta Riehle-Stern, Pádraig Ó Meiscill & Dr Brian HanleyAdditional Narrations by Aidan Crowe and Therese MurraySound by Kate DunleaAdditional Thanks: Sebastian Zimnoch and Stephanie Ní Thiarnaigh Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Joyce aka Lord Haw Haw was Ireland's most notorious Nazi. Raised in the west of Ireland he was an unlikely spokesman for Hitler's Third Reich. Nevertheless millions tuned in to his sinister broadcasts on behalf of the Nazi regime during the Second World War. This podcast follows his journey from Galway to Hitler’s Third Reich. In his teenage years, he acted as a scout for the Black and Tans and was implicated in one of the most notorious murders of the Irish War of Independence. This set the stage for his rise through violent far-right extremism, which eventually led him to Nazi Germany.Support the show and get access to my exclusive series on the Outbreak of the Troubles https://patreon.com/irishpodcastCheck out my episode on Ireland Redaktion which explores the history of Nazi propaganda towards Ireland https://shows.acast.com/irishhistory/episodes/irland-redaktion-world-war-ii-nazi-propaganda-in-ireland-125 Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delving into the aftermath of the Great Hunger in Ireland, this podcast challenges the idea of a 'Great Silence' surrounding the traumatic events of the 1840s. It explores how grief, guilt, and trauma were expressed by survivors and discusses the impact of revisionist historians on shaping the narrative. Through the intriguing story of the Fitzgerald family and the legacy of Cecil's groundbreaking book on the famine, the podcast sheds light on the lasting impact of this tragic period in Irish history.

Within the space of a few years following the Great Hunger, hundreds of thousands of Irish emigrants settled in New York quickly becoming one of the largest communities in the city.These Irish emigrants are synonymous with slums, starvation, and misery; however, groundbreaking new research challenges this one dimensional stereotype.While poverty was central to the lives of many Irish immigrants in the 19th century, it did not define their experience of New York. In this episode, Prof. Tyler Anbinder from George Washington University shares stories from his research that reveals a very different history than we often imagine.Based on his latest book, Plentiful Country, this interview will change your understanding of what New York was like for Irish emigrants in the later 19th century.Check out Tyler's new book Plentiful Country Plentiful Country to buy here There is an excellent audio version available as well Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.