Irish History Podcast - Fin Dwyer - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

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:

Glendalough & The History Tourists Are Never Told May 14, 2025

Show notes

Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Its medieval monastery and stunning mountain landscape attract around one million tourists every year. However behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a history that rarely makes it into the tourist brochures.

In this episode, I veer off the well-trodden paths to uncover the real stories of Glendalough: stories of violence, exploitation, and transformation that have shaped the valley for centuries. This includes its early medieval history as a 'military industrial complex' and a very special interview with Robbie Carter - a former lead miner in the area.

This episode will change the way you see one of Ireland's most famous historic sites.

The podcast features Frank Tracy, Graeme Warren, Margaret Duff Garvey Pat Reid and Robbie Carter. A special thanks to Deirdre Burns.

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

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

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

A History of Ireland's Last Great Wilderness May 07, 2025

Show notes

Vast, windswept, and seemingly untouched—the landscape around the Sally Gap in Wicklow is a place where history appears to vanish into the heather and mist. With no houses and few traces of human settlement, this moorland feels like a true wilderness.

Yet, the story of this landscape is one forged by ancient forces, human ambition, and exploitation.

In this episode, I continue my journey down the Wicklow Military Road into what some have called one of Ireland’s last great wildernesses, uncovering a hidden history that stretches back thousands of years.

Written, Produced & Narrated by Fin Dwyer

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Featuring: Frank Tracy, Deirdre Burns, Faith Wilson, Michael Fewer, Graeme Warren & Margaret Duff Garvey.

This episode was funded by Wicklow Co Council and The Heritage Council.

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

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

Breaking Ireland's Bandit Country: The Wicklow Military Road Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

In 1800, in the wake of the 1798 Rebellion, the British military began construction of the Wicklow Military Road. Designed to bring control to the so-called “bandit country” of the Wicklow Mountains, this road now winds through some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes in Ireland. Its history is as dramatic as the scenery it traverses. Built in an Ireland still reeling from insurrection, the road has, over the past two centuries, borne witness to some of the most remarkable—and often dark—chapters in our history. From disappearances during the Irish Civil War to a German war cemetery, the Wicklow Military Road is a route steeped in intrigue and untold stories. This podcast explores this road through Ireland's bandit country.

Thanks to Michael Fewer, Margaret Duff Garvey, Joan Kavanagh, Faith Wilson & Frank Tracy.

Special Thanks to Deirdre Burns.

Written & Produced: Fin Dwyer

Narration: Fin Dwyer

Sound: Kate Dunlea

Funded by Wicklow Co Co & The Heritage Council

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

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

What happened to Ireland’s Protestant Community after the Revolution? Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Between 1911 and 1926, the Irish Protestant population fell by over 30%. This podcast explores why this happened, as well as how the majority who remained adapted to life in the Free State.

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

The IRA's Great Escape: Mountjoy Jail, 1925 Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

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

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

Stories We Don't Tell: Realities of Surviving the Great Hunger Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

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 Murray

Sound by Kate Dunlea

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

Typhoid Mary: Victim or Villain Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

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

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

Coffin Ships: What Famine Emigrants Endured [Classic Replay] Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

A History of Beer in Ireland Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

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

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

The Bloody Summer of 1170: An Epic of Siege, Invasion & Conquest in Medieval Ireland Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

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 Dunlea

Additional Narration by Aidan Crowe

Support my research and get an ad-free episode at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast

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

Related Podcasts