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Irish History Podcast – Fin Dwyer — History
Irish History Podcast – Fin Dwyer

From the Norman Invasion to the War of Independence, the Great Famine to the Troubles, the Irish History Podcast takes you on a journey through the most fascinating stories in Ireland’s past. Whether it’s the siege of Dublin in 1171 or gun battles in the 1920s, the podcast vividly recreates a sense of time and place. Each episode is meticulously researched, creating character-driven narratives that are engaging and accessible for all.
Since the first episode was released back in 2010, the podcast has covered scores of captivating stories. Major multi-part series have explored the Great Famine, the Norman Invasion, and Irish involvement in the Spanish Civil War. If you are looking for standalone episodes, there are lots of great interviews with leading Irish historians covering topics from medieval sex magic to Irish connections in the Jack the Ripper murders!
Why not start with ‘Three Days in July’, an acclaimed mini-series from the summer of 2024. It explores the early years of the Troubles and the forgotten story of a young Londoner who was shot dead by the British Army in Belfast in 1970.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Copyright: © Fin Dwyer

Latest Episodes:

Who Will History Remember? Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

How do we decide who the most significant people in our history are? Whose story is worth telling? In this episode, I’m joined by Eoin Kinsella, managing editor of the Dictionary of Irish Biography, to explore how he and the team behind this remarkable resource tell the story of our island through biography. The DIB, a free to access to website has thousands of biographies on figures from Irish History.

From Henry McCullough, the only Irish musician at Woodstock, to Ann Lovett, whose tragic death forced a nation to confront uncomfortable truths, and Brendan Hughes, whose life mirrored the turbulence of the Troubles, this conversation delves into the complexities of who gets remembered—and why.

People mentioned in the episode.

Ann Lovett https://www.dib.ie/biography/lovett-ann-a10324

Eamon De Valera https://www.dib.ie/biography/de-valera-eamon-dev-a2472

Bang Bang https://www.dib.ie/biography/dudley-thomas-bang-bang-a2803

The Dice man https://www.dib.ie/biography/mcginty-thom-diceman-a5672

John Mitchel https://www.dib.ie/biography/mitchel-john-a5834

John Redmond https://www.dib.ie/biography/redmond-john-edward-a7602

Brendan Hughes https://www.dib.ie/biography/hughes-brendan-a9636

Dolours Price https://www.dib.ie/biography/price-dolours-a10048

Martin McGuinmess https://www.dib.ie/biography/mcguinness-james-martin-pacelli-a10375

Michael Collins https://www.dib.ie/biography/collins-michael-a1860

Daniel O’Connell https://www.dib.ie/biography/oconnell-daniel-a6555

Charles Stewart Parnell https://www.dib.ie/index.php/biography/parnell-charles-stewart-a7199

Francis Sheehy Skeffington https://www.dib.ie/biography/skeffington-francis-sheehy-a8105

Lady Mary Heath https://www.dib.ie/biography/heath-sophie-mary-lady-heath-nee-peirce-evans-other-married-name-eliott-lynn-a2963

Henry McCullough https://www.dib.ie/biography/mccullough-henry-campbell-liken-a10389

Eva Gore Booth https://www.dib.ie/biography/booth-eva-selina-gore-a0784

Do you have suggestion for entries. Contact the DIB at Dib@rai.ie

Sound by Kate Dunlea

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Yola: A History of Ireland’s Lost Language Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

When we think of Ireland’s past, we usually envisage an island shaped by two languages: Irish and English. But hidden in the history of South Wexford is Yola, a unique dialect that survived for centuries after the Norman invasion, only to vanish almost without a trace.

In this episode, I am joined by Sascha Santschi-Cooney to explore the fascinating story of Yola: where it came from, who spoke it, what it sounded like, and why it disappeared. From medieval settlers to the Great Vowel Shift and the impact of Cromwell, the history of this dialect is intriguing.

Get a copy of Sascha's 2019 book The Forth & Bargy Dialect at your local library https://waterford.spydus.ie/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/WPAC/BIBENQ/458376473/1314333,1

Follow Sascha's work on Linkedin https://ie.linkedin.com/in/sascha-santschi-cooney-76a885188

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish Americans & The Troubles: Unwelcome Outsiders or Allies? Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

This episode continues the story of NORAID - the Irish American organisation who were the voice of the IRA in the US. Jamie Goldrick and I delve into the complicated history of wider Irish American involvement in the Troubles. It's a history full of contradictions on both sides of the Atlantic. In the Republic, many criticised NORAID’s actions, yet did little themselves. Meanwhile, NORAID had little to say about the Vietnam War or the Civil Rights Movement in America.

Together, Jamie and I pick apart this complex and often uncomfortable chapter in Irish and Irish American history.

Jamie Goldrick is the producer of NORAID: Irish America & the IRA which screens on RTE on July 9th & 16th. Check it out on https://www.rte.ie/player/

There are a limited number of tickets for my live podcast on Daniel O’Connell in Glasnevin Cemetery. It takes place on July 24th, entry is free but booking is essential. Contact irishhistorypodcast@acast.com for your ticket today.

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NORAID: Did Irish Americans Fund the Provisional IRA? Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore the fascinating and controversial story of NORAID, the Irish American organisation at the heart of the new documentary NORAID: Irish America & the IRA. Joined by the film’s producer, Jamie Goldrick, we unravel the history that made NORAID so influential, examining its activities, its impact on the Troubles, and its lasting legacy in both Ireland and America. From high-profile stunts in Times Square to persistent allegations of gun running, this conversation offers fresh insights into a pivotal but often overlooked chapter of history.

NORAID: Irish America & the IRA screens on RTE on July 9th & 16th. Check it out on https://www.rte.ie/player/

Get your tickets to the live podcast on Daniel O’Connell at irishhistorypodcast@acast.com

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish Asylums: A Dark History We Don’t Talk About. Why? Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

In the 1950s, more than 20,000 people—over one percent of the adult population of Ireland—were locked away in mental asylums. This was the highest rate in the world, with more people confined in asylums than in all other institutions, including prisons, combined.

Yet, despite these staggering numbers, the story of Ireland’s asylums remains largely unspoken. In this episode, historian Fin Dwyer is joined by Prof Brendan Kelly to uncover the history behind these institutions. They explore the origins of Ireland’s asylums, the harsh realities faced by those inside, and the complex reasons why communities didn’t oppose these bleak institutions but often welcomed their opening. Through powerful stories and revealing statistics, this episode shines a light on a dark chapter of Irish history that we still struggle to confront.

Get an ad-free version of the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast

Get Brendan's book 'Inside Grangegorman' https://shop.ria.ie/products/asylum-inside-grangegorman

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Banned: The Hidden History of Contraception in Ireland (Listener Favourite) Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

While we’re on the last week of our summer break, we’re bringing you one of our most popular episodes from the back catalogue.

For over four decades, contraception was not just taboo in Ireland—it was illegal. From 1935 to 1979, selling contraceptives and even accessing information about family planning was strictly banned by the Irish government. These laws reshaped daily life, leaving couples unable to plan their families and forcing many to navigate relationships under the shadow of fear and uncertainty.

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Laura Kelly from the University of Strathclyde, a leading authority on the history of contraception in Ireland. Laura reveals the origins of these bans, the motivations behind them, and the lasting consequences for Irish society.

Next week, I return with the fascinating history exploring why Ireland institutionalised over 1% of its population in psychiatric hospitals and mental asylums.

Find out more about Laura’s research and publications here.

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[Classic Replay] A Criminal Conversation: Affairs & Divorce in 1920s Ireland Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

A story from the 1920s that will reshape the way you view our great grandparents lives!

Unfortunately, there’s no new show this week, but I wanted to re-share an episode I really enjoyed making two years ago. It'll well worth another spin.

In 1920s Ireland, Alice Morton’s marriage breakdown sparked a sensational divorce trial. Accused of adultery, Alice’s sex life was laid bare in court, subjecting her to public humiliation.Her husband sued her alleged lover for damages, treating Alice as property under the law. However rather than endure the shame and exposure, Alice fled and lived in hiding for nearly two years. This podcast tells her story.

Sound by Kate Dunlea. Additional Narrations Aidan Crowe & Therese Murray.

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The Irish Wake: A History Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

The Irish funeral wake is a unique tradition where family and friends gather around the body of the deceased to share stories, remember their life, and celebrate their legacy. Often resembling a lively party with plenty of drink, this ritual is both a farewell and a celebration.

Predating Christianity, the Irish wake stretches back thousands of years. In this episode, recorded at the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford, Donnchad Ó Ceallacháin and Clíona Purcell join Fin Dwyer to explore the fascinating history behind this enduring Irish custom.

Clíona and Donnchad are curators at the Irish Wake Museum. The museum is well worth checking out. Book your tickets at https://www.waterfordtreasures.com/museum/irish-wake-museum/

Sound: Kate Dunlea

Support the podcast and get an ad-free versions of the show at patreon.com/irishpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midwives & Mothers: A History of Birth in Ireland May 28, 2025

Show notes

In times past, childbirth was a profoundly communal and intimate experience, guided by the steady hands and wisdom of community midwives. Known as Bean Ghlúine—the Women of the Knee—these women were among the most important figures in rural Irish communities.

In this episode, I’m joined by historian Emma Laffey to explore the world of birth and midwifery in a time before pregnancy tests or pain relief. Through the remarkable story of community midwife Mary Anne Fanning, our conversation uncovers the history of birth and the key role midwives played in Irish communities. They delivered not just babies, but in an era of high infant mortality, they were also called upon to guide families through loss and tragedy.

*This episode discusses themes of childbirth and infant loss, which some listeners may find distressing.*

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Resources

Visit the Exhibition:

https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Country-Life/Exhibitions/Mary-Anne-Fanning-Remembering-our-Community-Midwiv

Read Emma's book Woman of the Knee Midwife & Handywoman for free

https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/people/an-bhean-ghluine/an-bheanghluine

Find out more about Irish community midwives

https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/category/topics/an-bhean-ghluine

Watch this interview with community midwife Bina Kelly interviewed in 1983

https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/people/an-bhean-ghluine/an-bhean-ghluine

iCAN: Irish Community Archive Network

https://www.ouririshheritage.org/

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Glenmalure & Memories of a Lost World - How Did Electrification Change Rural Ireland? May 21, 2025

Show notes

Nestled deep in the Wicklow Mountains, Glenmalure was once a stronghold for rebels and a sanctuary from the outside world. But long after the echoes of rebellion faded, the valley remained a place apart, where the comforts of modern life arrived late. Glenmalure was only connected to the electricity grid and running water in the late 20th century, and the rhythms of daily existence were shaped by isolation, resilience, and community spirit.

In this evocative episode, which concludes a series on the Wicklow Military Road, historian Fin Dwyer shares the stories of people who lived in this isolated and remote valley.

Recorded in a 200-year-old inn, this episode weaves together personal recollections, local history, and the enduring landscape of Glenmalure. It is a tribute to a way of life that has only recently disappeared!

The episode features the voices of Carmel O’Toole, Michael Fewer, Marion McEvoy, Hugh McLindon, and Pat Dunne. This episode would not have been possible by the hours of recordings with the Glenamalure Pure Mile Group.

Thanks to the Glenmalure Lodge for faciliating this episode.

A special thanks to Deirdre Burns, the Heritage Officer of Wicklow County Council.

This episode was funded by Wicklow County Council and the Heritage Council.

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

200 Anniversary Events to mark the death of Michael Dwyer

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Michael Dwyer, the rebel who played a pivotal role in the history of the Wicklow Military Road. On August 23rd, 2025, a special event is being organised to explore Michael Dwyer, his life, and his legacy. Find out more here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-dwyer-200-registration-1358221520129?aff=oddtdtcreator

Books on Glenmalure and the Wicklow Military Road:

Carmel O'Toole: Glenmalure: The Wild Heart of the Mountains

Michael Fewer: The Wicklow Military Road

Additional Sources:

Marion McEvoy https://marionmcevoy.com/

Glenmalure Lodge https://glenmalurelodge.ie/

Glenmalure hostel (the former home of Dr Kathleen Lynn) https://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/p/15098/glenmalure-hostel-hostelling-international/

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