The Ireland Podcast

What does Irish political culture reveal about how we think?Writer, journalist and playwright Colin Murphy joins The Ireland Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, culture, history and storytelling.Drawing on his new collection Colin Murphy's Political Plays: 100 Years of Irish History, Colin reflects on the relationship between political decision-making and national narratives, the influence of culture on public life, and why understanding politics requires more than understanding policy.The conversation explores Ireland's distinct political culture, the role of ambiguity in Irish literature, the impact of travel and lived experience, the responsibilities of writing about real people and events, and the tension between historical truth and dramatic storytelling.Along the way, we discuss Angola, South Africa, the financial crisis, documentary drama, David Hare, Jim Sheridan, Terence McKenna, consensus, individuality and the question of whether Irish culture encourages or resists dissent.Topics include:Irish political cultureStorytelling and national identityColin Murphy's Political PlaysThe Easter Rising and The TreatyThe Bank Guarantee and financial crisisTruth versus dramaConsensus and individualityIrish literature and ambiguityCulture, community and politicsTerence McKenna and the idea that "culture is not your friend"

John Manley, Political Correspondent with The Irish News, joins The Ireland Podcast to discuss the recent racist attacks in Belfast.We explore how the unrest developed, the role of social media, loyalism, political leadership, immigration, trust in institutions, and the wider social and political context in Northern Ireland.John also reflects on the challenges facing working-class unionist communities, the changing media landscape, and what gives him hope for the future.Recorded in Belfast on 15 June 2026.Relevant Linkshttps://www.irishnews.com

Andy McKee is one of the world's best-known modern fingerstyle guitarists. His groundbreaking instrumental compositions and viral YouTube success helped introduce a new generation to acoustic guitar music.In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, Andy joins me in Galway to discuss his musical journey, the influence of Michael Hedges and Preston Reed, writing instrumental music, alternate tunings, fan-fret guitars and the enduring appeal of acoustic guitar.Andy also reflects on being invited to Paisley Park by Prince, the impact of YouTube on his career, his love of Irish-made guitars, and why Ireland always feels a little like coming home.Recorded in Galway during Andy's Irish tour.Topics include:Prince and Paisley ParkThe story behind DriftingModern fingerstyle guitarMichael Hedges and Preston ReedFan-fret and harp guitarsLowden and Avalon guitarsSongwriting and creativityTouring IrelandRelevant Linkshttps://andymckee.com

In Episode 220 of The Ireland Podcast, Fender Jackson visits The Tipsy Fiddler, a Celtic-themed pub in Shanghai owned by Scottish musician Alan Cowell.Having lived in China for two decades, Alan shares the story of how he arrived in Shanghai as a musician, why he opened The Tipsy Fiddler, and what keeps him there after all these years.The conversation explores life in modern Shanghai, the challenges of running a pub after Covid, and the surprising popularity of Irish and Scottish traditional music among Chinese musicians. Along the way, Alan discusses music sessions, cultural exchange, Scottish and Irish musical traditions, and what he misses most about home.A conversation about pubs, music, migration and the unexpected places where Celtic culture continues to thrive.Relevant Linkshttps://thesession.org/sessions/3780https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g308272-d7362006-Reviews-Tipsy_Fiddler-Shanghai.html

A short visit to The Blarney Stone in Shanghai, meeting some of the people who find themselves in an Irish pub on a Saturday night in China.In this episode, Fender chats with Irish and international voices in Shanghai - including a Dublin toy developer, an Irish pharmaceutical worker, an English model, and a local Chinese regular.Topics include toy manufacturing in China, missing Irish conversation abroad, Shanghai life, Guinness, modelling, jazz clubs, Irish pubs overseas, and why places like The Blarney Stone matter when you are far from home.Part of the An Irishman in China mini-series.Relevant Linkhttps://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g308272-d4500480-Reviews-The_Blarney_Stone_Irish_Pub_Yong_Kang_Road-Shanghai.html

A couple of months ago I spent another week in Shanghai, one of the most fascinating cities I’ve ever visited. In this episode I revisit videos I filmed during the trip and reflect on the strange mixture of colonial history, futuristic architecture, live music, electric vehicles, museums, marriage markets and everyday life that makes Shanghai feel unlike anywhere else.Along the way:I get sketched by a street artist while recovering from gastroenteritisVisit the Shanghai Museum and a qipao exhibitionDiscover Shanghai’s marriage marketHear traditional Chinese music in the parkExplore the Bund and the French ConcessionReflect on China’s electric vehicle revolution and BYDEnd up in a Queen tribute night in an old temple-turned-music venueShanghai is one of those cities that feels like several different worlds happening at once.

Xishuangbanna, in China’s Yunnan Province, is a tropical city near the borders of Laos and Myanmar, known for its temples, night markets and elephant tourism.This episode wanders through crowded markets filled with colour, karaoke, strange foods and the unforgettable smell of durian. There’s torrential rain, beautiful temples, incredible food, curious encounters with locals, and even some unexpected hotel entertainment.A loose, atmospheric travel diary from southwest China after dark.

After living in China for eight years, Fender Jackson returns to Kunming for the first time since leaving during COVID.This episode is part travelogue, part memoir and part reflection on ordinary life in modern China.Topics include:housing complexes and skyscrapersoutdoor gymsChinese parks and public lifestreet food and night marketseBikes and urban designrobots and modern technologyteaching in Chinareturning to an old schoollife after COVIDcultural differences between China and the WestAlong the way, Fender reflects on memory, identity, creativity and the strange feeling of returning to a place that once felt like home.The episode closes with former students in China performing The Ecstasy of Gold by Ennio Morricone.New episodes from Xishuangbanna and Shanghai coming soon.

After living in China for eight years, Fender Jackson returns for the first time since leaving during COVID.In this personal episode of The Ireland Podcast, he reflects on life in Kunming and Shanghai, raising children in China, cultural differences, the emotional impact of the pandemic, grief, identity, Irish voices abroad, and the strange feeling of returning to a place that once felt like home.This episode also sets up a new series of travelogue and vlog-style episodes recorded during a recent return trip through Kunming, Xishuangbanna and Shanghai - including street food, Irish bars in China, random encounters and reflections on modern Chinese life.Featuring:Life in China during COVIDReturning to Kunming after four years awayChinese culture and daily lifeTeaching in ChinaIrish identity abroadPrince: The Musical on BanjoThe origins of The Ireland PodcastNew China travel episodes coming over the next few days.A quick note - some of the audio from this episode came out rougher than intended while testing a new recording setup. We decided to publish it anyway because the story itself felt important to tell.