The History of Ireland

The podcast investigates the riots in the Belfast shipyards in 1920. It discusses the tensions between Catholic nationalists and Ulster Unionists, the weakness of the Northern IRA, violence and discrimination against Catholics, and ongoing riots in Northern Ireland.

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This podcast explores the complexities of the Ulster Question during the Irish War of Independence. It delves into Ulster's history, the unique identity of Scottish and English settlers, and the impact of the Government of Ireland Act. It also discusses the demand for autonomy by Ulster Protestants and the complications of partition.

The podcast explores the Listowel Mutiny in Ireland and the brutal tactics used by the British forces. It discusses the miscommunication with the British forces, the dramatic confrontation and successful mutiny, and its aftermath. The podcast also delves into the sectarian violence and assassination in Northern Ireland and the resulting tensions.

British spy John Jameson infiltrates the IRA, delivers guns to Collins, and becomes a trusted collaborator until his true identity is revealed. The chapter highlights Jameson's bravery, patriotism, and the significant shift in the Intelligence War after his assassination.

The podcast explores how Michael Collins recruited allies from Britain during the war. It discusses the involvement of Art of Brian and Sean McGrath in the Irish Self-Determination League and their encounter with John Jameson. The meeting between Collins and Jameson is explored, along with the failed operation of Basil Thompson to infiltrate the IRA.

This episode explores the Irish Labour movement in 1920 and the railway worker strike that brought the country to a standstill. It discusses the fear of the Bolsheviks among the British upper classes, the support gained from dock workers, and the IRA's assistance in providing alternative transport for civilians. The episode also examines the impact of the railway system boycott on the Irish War of Independence and the disruption of food supplies.

A friendly fishing day turned into a high-profile kidnapping for the IRA in 1921. The podcast explores the abduction of Brigadier General Cuthbert Lucas and his subsequent escape. It also delves into the aftermath of the kidnapping, including British reprisals. The episode highlights the struggle for control in Ireland and the surprising limitations of the IRA's actions.

This podcast episode discusses the formation and implementation of the Flying Columns, a revolutionary unit in Ireland that played a vital role in the IRA's survival against the British. It explores their origins, departure from traditional fighting methods, and guerrilla warfare tactics used during the Irish War of Independence.

This episode delves into the factors that influenced the IRA's fighting style against the British. It explores their activities in 1920, including an audacious attack on Dublin Castle mail. The chapter also discusses the concept of theory versus instinct in guerrilla warfare and how T.E. Lawrence and the Boer War shaped the IRA's theory and practice of guerrilla warfare. Additionally, it explores how IRA brigades operated autonomously, combining theory and instinct to carry out attacks using hit and run tactics, raids on barracks, and weapons procurement.