From Bastardstown to Slutsend: A History of Irish Place Names

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 Sanchi 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 Sasha'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 Sasha'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.

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 [email protected] for your ticket today. Sound by Kate Dunlea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 [email protected] Sound by Kate Dunlea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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