Irish History Podcast

In 1925, nineteen IRA prisoners orchestrated a daring escape from Mountjoy Jail in the heart of Dublin. Join me and historian Sam McGrath as we delve into the history of the IRA following the Civil War and uncover the remarkable story behind this audacious breakout.Sound: Kate Dunlea

The history of the Great Hunger is often recounted through statistics and impersonal narratives. There are many reasons for this, but one significant factor is that many survivors were reluctant to share their stories of survival. In this episode, based on letters from the 1840s, I uncover a challenging chapter in our history. Among the stories recounted is that of widow Elisa Kelly, who was exploited by her neighbors, and John Molloy, who was left with no option but to beg for help. Their stories may be inglorious, but they reveal the harsh realities of life during the Famine.Additional Narrations: Aidan Crowe & Therese MurraySound by Kate Dunlea

Typhoid Mary has inspired books, movies, and even a Marvel character, but the history of the Irish woman behind the name is less well known. Mary Mallon was born in County Tyrone in the late 19th century before emigrating to the US. While she initially enjoyed a successful career as a cook, she became the central figure in a major scandal when she was accused of spreading typhoid. This podcast tells her story.This podcast is the first episode of Season II of "Transatlantic," a new show I make with historian Damian Shiels on Irish-American history. You can subscribe to Transatlantic https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod

By 1855, over two million Irish people had fled Ireland to escape the devastation of the Great Hunger. The journeys of these emigrants were often harrowing, and the term "Coffin Ship" has become synonymous with their perilous crossings of the Atlantic.While the term evokes images of misery, what was the actual experience like? This episode, originally released over two years ago, reveals the reality of life at sea in the late 1840s and 1850s.It is centered around a conversation with historian Dr. Cian T. McMahon, author of the excellent book "The Coffin Ship."You can get a copy of The Coffin Ship - Life and Death at Sea here.

Being hard drinkers is one of the most common stereotypes of Irish people around the world. While Irish consumption of alcohol is nowhere near the highest in Europe, there is no question beer and pubs are deeply ingrained in our culture.In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Christina Wade, who recently published a book on the history of beer in Ireland, to explore the fascinating aspect of our history. Tracing the story back thousands of years, Christina takes you from medieval alehouse to the modern pubs exploring Ireland's enduring love affair with the pint!Get your copy of Christians book Filthy Queens: A History of Beer in Ireland.https://www.omahonys.ie/filthy-queens-a-history-of-beer-in-ireland-p-10604392.html

In May 1170, a small group of mercenaries landed in a remote corner of County Wexford, setting the stage for a dramatic chapter in Irish history. Just fourteen miles away, in the medieval city of Waterford, their arrival sparked intense debate and uncertainty. How would the city react to this looming threat? What unfolded was a real-life medieval epic of siege, invasion, and conquest that would forever change the course of Ireland. Join me as we journey back to the 12th century and explore this gripping story, brought to life with immersive soundscapes. Experience the tension, the battles, and the sieges that defined Ireland's history for centuries.Sound by Kate DunleaAdditional Narration by Aidan CroweSupport my research and get an ad-free episode at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast