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

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

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

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

Over a century after his death, Michael Collins remains one of Irish history's most iconic figures. Yet, his life and untimely death are still shrouded in myth and conspiracy. In this compelling episode, I am joined by historians Dr. Brian Hanley and John Dorney to peel back the layers of Collins' life to reveal the true history behind the myths.

Whether you view Collins as a hero or a controversial figure, this episode promises to challenge your perceptions and offer fresh insights into his complex legacy. It also explores how Neil Jordan's 1996 movie and various conspiracy theories continue to distort the history of this revolutionary leader.

Supporters of the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast have exclusive access to two series with Dr. Brian Hanley:

• The Irish Civil War
• The Troubles
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Listen to a full episode with John Dorney on Henry Wilson's Assassination.

Check out John's website: The Irish Story. Brian also released a podcast series, 'The Dirty War,' available on Spotify.

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

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Margaretta Eagar is a little-known figure in Irish history. In the early 20th century, she worked as a governess to the last Romanov Tsars of Russia. Eagar was just one of thousands of Irish people who emigrated to Imperial Russia. In this episode, historian Angela Byrne joins me to discuss why these Irish emigrants went east. Our fascinating conversation takes you from 17th-century political exiles to 19th-century tourists and, of course, the gripping story of Margaretta Eagar.

Our discussion is based around Angela’s book Anarchy & Authority: Irish Encounters with Romanov Russia. You can get your copy

https://www.lilliputpress.ie/products/anarchy-and-authority?srsltid=AfmBOoqFNCTW-O6aWqZx2WSnQ_L9j9ZCKLSfk55XAz_BqJWs1_TKzK2y

Angela's website: www.historianka.com

Follow Angela on Instagram @angela_historianka

Support the Irish History Podcast and get an ad-free version of the show at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast

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

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

St. Brigid is one of Ireland's most well-known saints. While Christian churches have experienced a crisis of faith in recent decades, she seems to buck the trend. People of all faiths and none can identify with this figure. In this short episode, I explore the history of St. Brigid, asking if she was a Christian saint or a pagan goddess and why she continues to relate in the 21st century.

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

Read more about St Brigid at https://www.dib.ie/biography/brigit-brighid-brid-bride-bridget-a0961

Support the show at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast

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

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

In March 1939, James Murphy, a Cork man, became a wanted figure in Nazi Germany. As Europe hurtled towards war, Murphy published an unedited English translation of Hitler’s notorious book, Mein Kampf, which revealed Hitler’s long-held intentions to invade Eastern Europe. However, Murphy's story is complicated. Often presented as an opponent of the Nazis, he had also, for a time, worked in the Third Reich.

The full story behind the translation is intriguing. It reveals how Murphy was manipulated by a secret anti-Nazi group known as the Red Orchestra. It also explores why Murphy, who was aware of many of the darker aspects of the Nazi regime, did not draw attention to them.

Sound: Kate Dunlea

Additional Narrations: Aidan Crowe

Support the show and get an ad-free version of the episode at Patreon.com/irishpodcast.

Selected Sources:

Maume P. Murphy, James Vincent, Dictionary of Irish Biography https://www.dib.ie/biography/murphy-james-vincent-a6080

Barnes, J. & P. James Vincent Murphy: Translator and Interpreter of Fascist Europe, 1880-1946

Evans, R. The Hitler Conspiracies The Third Reich and the Paranoid Imagination

Murphy James: Adolf Hitler; the drama of his career https://archive.org/details/Bellerophon5685_yahoo_AHDC/page/n69/mode/2up?q=Jews

Murphy, John Why did my grandfather translate Mein Kampf?

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30697262

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Over the past three decades, the Catholic Church has been engulfed by numerous sexual abuse scandals and accusations of power abuse. This has prompted many to question how it initially gained such influence in Ireland.

In this podcast, I delve into the history of the Catholic Church within modern Irish society. While its influence is often linked to the post-Irish Independence era of the 1920s, the foundations of Catholic power extend much further back. This episode charts the Church's dramatic rise since the 1780s, when it emerged from the Penal Laws and decades of repression. I reveal how it skillfully navigated through rebellions, the Great Hunger, and the struggle for independence, growing stronger with each crisis. Additionally, I explore the complex relationship between the Church and the British Empire, where bitter enmity in the 1700s transformed into a strategic partnership—a marriage of convenience that reshaped Irish history.

Support the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast

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

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Winston Churchill is one of the most famous figures of the 20th century. Hailed in Britain as the man who won the war, his legacy in Ireland is far more complex. In this episode, I delve into history behind the celebrated war hero who saved Britain who was also a staunch imperialist with a controversial past. Join me as I navigate the contrasting narratives and attempt to reconcile these two sides of a towering historical figure.

Support the show at patreon.com/irishpodcast

Let me know what you think at info at Irishhisitorypodcast.ie

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