
The Cork tsunami & other historic natural disasters
11 September 2023 - 27 minsThis podcast looks at forgotten story of the tsunami that hit Cork in 1755, the volcanic winter of 1816 and a meteor that was way to close for comfort in 1908. Although they dont feature prominently in history, they had huge impact at the time.
Articles referenced in the show
A seismic tsunami in the Irish annals, recorded at Iona in October 720 https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.05224
Folklore about the Cork tsunami http://www.deepmapscork.ie/past-to-present/climate/1755-lisbon-earthquake-tsunami-west-cork-coast/
The Tunguska impact event and beyond https://academic.oup.com/astrogeo/article/50/1/1.18/201316
Narrations - Aidan Crowe
Sound - Kate Dunlea.
My new book a book a lethal legacy i...

Irish Americans & The Troubles: Unwelcome Outsiders or Allies?
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.
33 mins
11 July Finished

NORAID: Did Irish Americans Fund the Provisional IRA?
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.
44 mins
9 July Finished

Irish Asylums: A Dark History We Don’t Talk About. Why?
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.
37 mins
2 July Finished

Banned: The Hidden History of Contraception in Ireland (Listener Favourite)
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.
28 mins
25 June Finished
![[Classic Replay] A Criminal Conversation: Affairs & Divorce in 1920s Ireland](https://img.resized.co/shuffle/eyJkYXRhIjoie1widXJsXCI6XCJodHRwczpcXFwvXFxcL2Fzc2V0cy5waXBwYS5pb1xcXC9zaG93c1xcXC82MTk1NjYzMzJlYWNjM2EzNjA3MDI1MThcXFwvMTc0OTU2MTA4NTk2My05YzA0Y2ZjMC00YTAxLTQ5YTQtODUzMi03MmRmN2E1YTJjYjkuanBlZ1wiLFwid2lkdGhcIjo4MCxcImhlaWdodFwiOjgwLFwiZGVmYXVsdFwiOlwiaHR0cHM6XFxcL1xcXC93d3cuZ29sb3Vkbm93LmNvbVxcXC9pbWFnZXNcXFwvbG9nby5zdmdcIixcIm9wdGlvbnNcIjpbXX0iLCJoYXNoIjoiODg3MDQ4YzQ4MDcxOGU4ZTM5YjcxNjExZTE2OGVjMTBlZmRmMTE4NiJ9/classic-replay-a-criminal-conversation-affairs-divorce-in-1920s-ireland.jpeg)
[Classic Replay] A Criminal Conversation: Affairs & Divorce in 1920s Ireland
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40 mins
11 June Finished

The Irish Wake: A History
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.
50 mins
4 June Finished