Éamon de Valera: Visionary or Victorian?
Éamon de Valera is one of the most influential figures in modern Irish history. Born in New York in 1880s and raised in rural Limerick, he rose from obscurity to become a central figure in the Irish R...
4 Mars 50min
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 Dec 202545min
