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Irish History Podcast
Ireland's Nazi Commando II (Otto Skorzeny)
The last podcast looked at the arrival of the one time Nazi Commando Otto Skorzeny in Ireland in 1957 and the welcome he received from some of the most influential people in Dublin. This podcast continues this bizarre story using recently released files from Ireland's intelligence agency G2. These files contain serious allegations about Skorzeny in Ireland.
- Was he using Cork Harbour to smuggle arms to North Africa?
- Was he guilty of testing a gas gun on concentration camp inmates?
- Why did he reportedly meet with IRA leader Ruairi O'Bradaigh in Spain in 1971 with a view to import weapons to Ireland?
- Did Ireland's future prime minister Charles Haughey turn a blind eye to some of these activities?
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📢June 2023 Update - New Walking Tour 📢
I am thrilled to announce my brand new walking tour in Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Join me and explore 1,000 years of history from the Vikings to Cromwell & Strongbow to the Irish Revolution. Enhanced by wireless headsets 🎧 you will hear the sounds of the city through the ages and the words of the people who made history in Waterford. Tours take place each Saturday and places are strictly limited to 15 people. Book your place today at www.Irishhistorypodcast.ie/tours
*New Book: A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders *
My new book A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders is available for Pre-Order now. If you order your copy today at Easons and use the promo code FD10 you get a 10% discount
Easons https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993
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The IRA's Great Escape: Mountjoy Jail, 1925
27:50|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 DunleaStories We Don't Tell: Realities of Surviving the Great Hunger
37:00|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 MurraySound by Kate DunleaTyphoid Mary: Victim or Villain
01:16:00|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/transatlanticpodCoffin Ships: What Famine Emigrants Endured [Classic Replay]
45:54|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.A History of Beer in Ireland
30:10|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.htmlThe Bloody Summer of 1170: An Epic of Siege, Invasion & Conquest in Medieval Ireland
01:01:30|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 DunleaAdditional Narration by Aidan CroweSupport my research and get an ad-free episode at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast1798, Magdalene Laundries, and Exploring an Irish bandit Country - Keeping You in the Loop!
04:53|Why is there no show this week?Michael Collins: History Masked by Myths and Conspiracies
42:18|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 WarThe TroublesListen 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.Irish Emigrants in Tsarist Russia: A History
40:12|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 copyhttps://www.lilliputpress.ie/products/anarchy-and-authority?srsltid=AfmBOoqFNCTW-O6aWqZx2WSnQ_L9j9ZCKLSfk55XAz_BqJWs1_TKzK2yAngela's website: www.historianka.comFollow Angela on Instagram @angela_historiankaSupport the Irish History Podcast and get an ad-free version of the show at https://patreon.com/irishpodcast