The Ireland Podcast

As he approaches his 87th birthday, John Heron joins his son, Fender Jackson, for a deeply personal conversation about a lifetime of learning, community and his 42 consecutive years attending Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille.John reflects on discovering the Irish language, the friendships that have lasted decades, dancing with Mary McAleese, the vision of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, and why he believes anyone who spends a fortnight in Donegal with Oideas Gael will leave speaking Irish.Best known to many as co-founder of Heron Bros, this conversation instead reveals the man behind the business: a lifelong learner whose love of language, music and people has shaped more than four decades of summers in the Donegal Gaeltacht.A warm and affectionate conversation that celebrates Oideas Gael, the Irish language and the power of preserving family stories for future generations.Relevant Linkshttps://www.oideasgael.ie/https://youtu.be/emdJYEfbhBYhttps://www.irishnews.com/

Ten years after the Brexit referendum, Professor Katy Hayward joins The Ireland Podcast to look back at one of the most consequential political events in modern British and Irish history.Rather than debating Brexit's merits, this conversation traces how it happened. Beginning with the political climate before the referendum, Professor Hayward explains the promises, pressures and decisions that led to the vote, before examining why the Irish border became central to the negotiations that followed.In this first part of a multi-part conversation, we explore the years leading up to the referendum and the constitutional, political and social context that shaped the result.

In the concluding part of his conversation with The Ireland Podcast, Gerry Hanley reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped his musical journey. He shares stories of Sharon Shannon, Greg Cotter and the legendary London sessions of the 1970s, discusses why great musicians sound like themselves regardless of the instrument they play, and recalls the famous story of violin virtuoso Joshua Bell performing incognito as a busker in a Washington Metro station.The episode also features Gerry's 1983 recording with Roudledum alongside tracks from his recent CD, bringing to a close a warm and thoughtful conversation about music, memory and community.Roudledum - Traditional Irish Music And SongJigs: Thrush In The Bush / Rocking Chair / Fahy's In CGerry Hanley - In The Middle Of ItHornpipes: Slopes Of Benbulben / The Swan On The Lake / The Showman's FancyRelevant Linkshttps://gerryhanleymusic.com

In Part 1 of a two-part conversation, Galway accordion player Gerry Hanley reflects on a lifetime immersed in traditional music. He discusses the musicians who influenced him, the stories behind the tunes on his recent CD, sessions in Galway and London, and the role music has played throughout his life. The episode also captures a special moment as Gerry opens and plays a new accordion for the very first time!The episode features tracks from Gerry's CD, includingReels: The Land of Sunshine / Mulhaire's No. 9 / Laura Mulhaire'sJigs: Tommy Mulhaire's / Paddy Fahey's / The Piper's ChairSlow Air: Eanach DhinReels: Jackie Coleman's / The Bird in the Bush / Jenny's WeddingThe CD features Gerry Hanley on accordion, with Carl Hession on piano and production, Máirín Fahey on fiddle, and Eimear Coughlan on harp. Recorded by Eugene Killeen and mastered by Jack Talty.Note: At approximately 25 minutes in, Gerry opens a newly arrived accordion and plays its first notes. This section lasts about five minutes and includes some packaging and handling noise. Listeners who prefer to skip ahead can jump forward to the next music track or discussion segment.Relevant linkshttps://gerryhanleymusic.com

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