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
Feb 19, 2025 • 42min
Michael Collins: History Masked by Myths and Conspiracies
Over a century after his death, Michael Collins remains one of Irish history's most iconic figures. Yet, his life and untimely death are still shrouded in myth and conspiracy. In this compelling episode, I am joined by historians Dr. Brian Hanley and John Dorney to peel back the layers of Collins' life to reveal the true history behind the myths.Whether you view Collins as a hero or a controversial figure, this episode promises to challenge your perceptions and offer fresh insights into his complex legacy. It also explores how Neil Jordan's 1996 movie and various conspiracy theories continue to distort the history of this revolutionary leader.Supporters of the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast have exclusive access to two series with Dr. Brian Hanley:The Irish Civil WarThe TroublesListen to a full episode with John Dorney on Henry Wilson's Assassination.Check out John's website: The Irish Story. Brian also released a podcast series, 'The Dirty War,' available on Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Dec 11, 2024 • 45min
Irish Lives in Victorian London: History and Influence
Victorian London was a city of immense wealth, but also shocking poverty. The historian Jerry White described it as "a metropolis of wealth, grandeur, culture, and sophistication alongside a hell of starving, degrading, and heart-rending poverty." The largest city in the world at the time, London was also home to tens of thousands of Irish emigrants. While there was a wealthy Irish elite, the vast majority were poor labourers.While surviving the daily grind of life in the slums of the Victorian city, they also faced suspicion and racism.In this podcast, historian Breda Corish shares their stories based on her research in the Whitechapel area of the city.A graduate of University College London, Breda's research focuses on the Irish in London over the centuries. You can read her work on her website www.irishlondonhistory.com. Follow her on social media at @N16Breda on Twitter and BlueSky @n16breda.bsky.social.Support the show at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 27, 2024 • 31min
Why Didn't Irish People Eat Fish During the Great Hunger?
The podcast explores the tragic irony of the Great Hunger, where access to abundant fish didn’t translate to survival. It reveals how historical misconceptions and British policies complicated fishing practices. Residents of coastal communities faced dire economic challenges, even pawning their fishing gear. The discussion sheds light on social dynamics and infrastructural shortcomings that limited effective fishing, exacerbating the food crisis. It challenges the idea that simply fishing could have alleviated the suffering during this dark chapter in Irish history.
Nov 20, 2024 • 37min
Why Was Life Expectancy So Low in Ireland Until 1900?
Life expectancy in Ireland has doubled over the past 200 years, but why was it so low for so long? In this podcast, I delve into the factors that kept life expectancy down in Ireland's history and what those numbers truly mean. Did people really only live to 40 in the past? During the Great Hunger, life expectancy plummeted to just 20 years—what does this reveal about society at the time? Join me as I explore these questions and discuss what I believe to be one of humanity's greatest achievements: the remarkable doubling of life expectancy in recent times. Support the show at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 12, 2024 • 32min
1719: The Irish Rescue of the Polish Princess Bride
In 1719, the 17-year-old Polish Princess Maria Clementina Sobieska was seized by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. While the move shocked many in Europe, in the following months a group of Irish exiles plotted a daring rescue of Maria Clementina. This led to a dramatic 400-kilometer chase across 18th-century Europe.In this episode, I am joined by historian Richard Maher, an expert in the area, who explains why Irish exiles, known as the Wild Geese, risked their lives to rescue this Polish princess and how they hoped she might change the course of Irish history.You can follow Richard on Linkedin at https://ie.linkedin.com/in/richard-maher-a5ab8068Subscribe to my new podcast with historian Damian Shiels. Its called Transatlantic - An Irish American History Podcast. You can hear the latest episode here https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
