The Irish in America's Indian Wars: A Dark History
In the late nineteenth century the United States pushed west and its expansion unleashed devastating violence against Native Americans. Forced from their lands and herded onto reservations Native comm...
25 Feb 50min
Wild Animals and Public Entertainment in Georgian Ireland
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, lions, tigers and even elephants toured towns and cities across Ireland. Long before modern zoos, travelling menageries brought wild animals from...
18 Feb 28min
Why Didn't the Romans Invade Ireland?
While the Roman Empire conquered much of western Europe and established a powerful presence in Britain, Ireland remained beyond its grasp. But why? In this episode, I am joined by Dr Jacqueline Cahill...
11 Feb 55min
The Ulster Special Constabulary - A Troubled History
The Ulster Special Constabulary was one of the most controversial forces in modern Irish history. Formed amid the violence and uncertainty of the early 1920s, it was viewed by many nationalists as a s...
4 Feb 45min
The Mystery of St Brigid
Each February Ireland celebrates St Brigid, one of the most beloved figures in Irish history. She is woven into the landscape, the calendar and the culture, yet a simple question hangs over her story....
28 Jan 28min
Daily Life in a Medieval Irish Castle: What was it really like?
What was daily life in a medieval Irish castle really like? In this special episode recorded in Barryscourt Castle I explore the reality behind the myths. My guest Jamie O’Callaghan guides you throug...
21 Jan 40min
The Secret Sex Lives of our Ancestors
This episode includes discussion of sex and is not suitable for younger listeners.Sex has always been a key part of Irish life. Yet given its intimate and private nature it often leaves little trace i...
17 Des 202545min
Railway of Death: The Irishman Who Survived Japanese Prison Camp in World War II
The forgotten story of the Irishman forced to work on Japan's Railway of Death which inspired the film The Bridge over the River Kwai.In 1942 Britain suffered one of its worst defeats when Singapore f...
10 Des 202540min
