The History Show: Recent Episodes
RTÉ Radio 1
Bringing the past to life! Discover how Ireland and our world was shaped as Myles Dungan and guests explore events ranging from medieval times to the recent past. Listen live Sundays at 6pm on RTÉ Radio 1.
As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, Myles Dungan and guests explore the people, the principles, and the institutions that shaped the American Republic. With Daniel Carey, Brian Phillips Murphy, Paul McElhinney and Stewart McLaurin.
Myles Dungan takes a tour of Ireland's National Cemetery at Glasnevin. With guests Ultan Moran, Brian Casey and Georgina Laragy.
Marc McMenamin talks to Edward Burke about a violent incident in Donegal in 1920, and its connection to the family history of a major political figure. Local historian Robert Love joins Myles to talk about Donegal’s minority community and cross-community relations in the county.
Conflict and coexistence in County Donegal; The life and career of Harry Ferguson; and The Giotto Mission to Halley’s Comet.
40 years after the Giotto mission reached Halley’s Comet, astrophysicist Professor Susan McKenna-Lawlor recalls Ireland’s role in one of the great space missions of the 20th century. Report by Ian Kenneally and Flor MacCarthy.
Colm Flynn speaks to John Barron, author of the new book ‘Harry Ferguson: From Birth To The Black Tractor’, about Ferguson’s life and career.
Myles Dungan revisits his 1988 interview with Spike Milligan, about his work on the influential BBC radio comedy series The Goon Show.
Myles and guests discuss Fianna Fáil's origins, and open up two recently published books on Seán Lemass and Charles Haughey. With Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Ronan McGreevy and Eoin O'Malley.
Fianna Fáil History; and Spike Milligan’s influential radio comedy series The Goon Show.
Myles is joined by four historians who have been going through the 1926 census returns. With Liz Gillis, Mary McAuliffe, Cormac Moore and Marc McMenamin.
Iain Dale speaks about leaders across different systems of government, as explored in the publications he's edited - most recently 'The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership'.
James Bacon joins Myles to discuss how Irish conflicts were portrayed in comic books in the 20th century.
Julie Parsons on her family memoir 'People Like Us'; The first Irish-language newspaper; and Irish Conflict in Comics
Myles is joined by writer Julie Parsons, whose new book 'People Like Us' tells the story of her extended family.
Deirdre Ní Chonghaile joins Myles to discuss An Gaodhal, the Irish-language newspaper first published in New York in 1881, now available online from The University of Galway.
The story of the 1876 rescue of six Fenian prisoners from Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. With Brenda Malone and Frank MacGabhann.
Conor Heffernan joins Myles to discuss the rise of physical culture in the 19th century.
Myles Dungan and guests explore how Irish radio began; how pirate stations thrived in the 1970s and 1980s; and the story of Irish language broadcasting.
Myles Dungan and guests preview the upcoming release of the 1926 Irish census from the National Archives. With Orlaith McBride, Ida Milne, Gregory Walls, Patrick O'Donovan, Zoe Reid and John Gibney.
To discuss the social and cultural history of the pub, Myles talks to Donal Fallon, author of 'The Dublin Pub'; and Perry Share and MoonYoung Hong, editors of 'The Irish Pub'.
The Irish revolution in County Meath; The Donegal woman who helped launch the computer age; and Roger Casement is honoured in San Francisco.
Marc McMenamin reports, he talks to Turlough O'Riordan and Jane Grimson about the life of Irish-born tech pioneer Kay McNulty.
Ciaran Wallace joins Myles to talk about events in Meath during the revolutionary period.
Yvonne Judge reports from San Francisco, where Roger Casement was honoured with a plaque on the city's Rainbow Honour Walk.
David McCullagh on how Ireland quietly dismantled the Anglo-Irish Treaty - a peaceful revolution that transformed the Irish Free State into the Republic of Ireland.
Terry Prone joins Myles to discuss her recently published memoir "I'm Glad You Asked Me That: The Political Years"
David McCullagh on how the Anglo-Irish Treaty was undone; and Terry Prone on the art of communication in public life.
Marc McMenamin investigates who owns Lough Foyle; then Cormac Moore and Samuel Beckton join Myles to discuss the collapse of the Boundary Commission.
Damian Shiels joins Myles to discuss the Irishmen who fought for the Union in the American Civil War; and whose stories are revealed in forgotten U.S. pension files.
Irish-Americans in the Union military; and the collapse of the Boundary Commission a century ago
Ian Kenneally reports on the lives of sisters Sarah Atkinson and Anna Gaynor ('Sister Mary John), and their work helping the most vulnerable in Victorian Dublin.
At the West Cork History Festival, Myles speaks to Professor Sara Lodge about the real and imagined women who pioneered the detective story.
The Igoe Gang’s pursuit of Michael Collins; The Gaynor sisters’ legacy of compassion and care in 19th-century Ireland; and the mysterious case of the Victorian female detective
Ultan Courtney joins Myles to discuss the shadowy police unit that hunted Michael Collins and his men during the Irish War of Independence.
Myles Dungan and guests explore the origins and legacy of the Ordnance Survey in Ireland. Featuring Finnian O’Cionnaith, Aengus Ó Fionnagáin, Paddy Prendergast and Catherine Porter.
The Jews who tried to escape to Northern Ireland on the eve of World War Two; and a forgotten history of the occult.
Raphael Cormack joins Myles to discuss the mystics, miracle-workers, and spiritual showmen of the interwar years.
Noel Russell joins Myles to discuss his book 'The Saved and the Spurned', which tells the story of Jews in Vienna who tried to escape to Northern Ireland just before WW2.
Historian Dr Angela Byrne joins Myles with the untold story of a brutal murder in Donegal.
Dr Simon Egan of Queen’s University Belfast explores how piracy, foreign fleets, and climate change transformed Ireland’s coasts in the 14th and 15th centuries.
The untold story of a brutal murder in Donegal; and Pirates, power, and the seas around Medieval Ireland.
Colm Flynn reports, he talks to Father Paul Lawlor at the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome.
Ian Kenneally joins Myles to discuss some of the Irish and Irish-American figures who helped shape professional American football.
Great Irish Wives; The Irish Priest Who Unearthed Rome's Past; and Irish links to professional American football
Myles is joined by Nicola Pierce, author of the new book 'Great Irish Wives: Remarkable Lives from History'
Myles is joined by Mary Muldowney, Dublin City Council Historian in Residence, who’ll be giving a number of talks as part of the upcoming festival.
Colm Flynn reports from Washington DC, he talks to Stewart McLaurin about a flock of visitors to The White House in 1918.
Myles is joined by Dr Gareth Prendergast, whose new book examines The Irish Civil War as a case study in counterinsurgency.
The Irish Civil War as a case study in counterinsurgency; Woodrow Wilson's Sheep; and the markets and lost industries of Dublins Northside.
Myles Dungan and guests discuss the Irish emigrant letters in the Imirce Collection at the University of Galway. With Breandán Mac Suibhne, Daniel Carey, Marie-Louise Rouget and Helen Hayes Sweeney.
Deirdre Mac Mathúna and Sean Delap join Myles to talk about the history exam paper, and the past, present and future of history education.
Myles is joined by Cormac Moore, author of the new book 'The Root of All Evil: The Irish Boundary Commission'.
The Papal Conclave; The Fenian Invasion of Canada; and Padraig Yeates on The Truth Recovery Process
Padraig Yeates joins Myles to discuss the Truth Recovery Process, a proposal to address the legacy of The Troubles.
Ian Kenneally reports, he talks to historians David Doolin and John Gibney about the Fenian Invasion of Canada in 1866.
Professor Louise Ryan on migration, oral history and the Irish in Britain; plus Darragh Gannon on Irish Nationalism in Britain in the revolutionary decade.
Myles is joined by Dr Darragh Gannon, author of 'Conflict, Diaspora, and Empire: Irish Nationalism in Britain, 1912-1922'
Louise Ryan talks about her research into migrant groups in Britain and her oral history interviews with Irish migrants in Britain.
Professor Maria McNamara of UCC on Ireland’s fossil heritage, and the campaign to create a new fossil map of Ireland.
Ian Kenneally reports, he talks to mountaineer Frank Nugent about the historical background to the Irish Expedition to Everest in 1993.
The Making of Eamon De Valera; The first Irish team to summit Everest; and the Great Irish Fossil Hunt
Myles is joined by Colum Kenny, author of the recently published book 'Dangerous Ambition: The Making of Eamon De Valera'
Myles is joined by Martin Griffin, author of 'Reading Espionage Fiction: Narrative, Conflict and Commitment from World War I to the Contemporary Era'
Melba Pattillo Beals of the Little Rock Nine talks to reporter Colm Flynn; and Myles is joined by historian Cecelia Hartsell.
Jonathan Creasy reports, he talks to Dr Brendan Kelly and poet Lianne O'Hara about how poetry can reveal the hidden history of the Psychiatric Hospital at Grangegorman.
The Little Rock Nine; The Grangegorman Histories Project; and how Espionage Fiction can reflect real life history
Conor Sweetman reports, he talks to Claudia Kinmonth about this skilled, shared tradition that brought women together.
Cottage industry in post-medieval Ireland; how women made and sold butter in centuries gone by; and Power and powerlessness in Union Ireland
Ciaran O'Neill joins Myles to discuss his recently published book, 'Power and Powerlessness in Union Ireland: Life in a Palliative State'
Liam Downey joins Myles to discuss poteen, lace, leather, and the other small-scale industries that sustained rural Ireland.
Michael Kennedy, John Gibney and Melissa Baird join Myles to discuss how politicians and diplomats responded to The Troubles, the Cold War and Ireland's accession to the EEC.
Ian Kenneally shares the saga of the strange creature spotted by three priests, in Lough Ree back in 1960.
Marc McMenamin reports on the life and work of the Donegal storyteller and his popularity in the USA.
The life of Donegal Storyteller Seumas MacManus; The Lough Ree Monster; and the legacy of T. K. Whitaker.
Anne Chambers joins Myles to discuss the many aspects of T.K. Whitaker’s work that have particular resonance for Ireland and the world today.
NUI students, graduates and staff's involvement in WW1 is discussed by Ronan McGreevy, Emer Purcell and Fionnuala Walsh.
A short history of beer in Ireland; And how students, graduates and staff of the National University of Ireland responded to World War One
Myles is joined by Christina Wade to talk about Irish beer history and the role of women in the trade.
The story of The Gaeltacht Civil Rights Movement known as An Ghluaiseacht; and the untold story of Republican women in the north during the Irish revolutionary period.
Myles speaks to Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, author of the book 'An Ghluaiseacht: Scéal Chearta Sibhialta na Gaeltachta'
Dr Margaret Ward joins Myles to talk about the untold story of republican women in the north.
Ian Kenneally reports. He speaks to Dr Helene O’Keeffe, co-editor of the 'Atlas of the Irish Civil War'
Myles Dungan looks at some of the most bitterly fought Presidential elections, with the help of Professor Glen Gendzel, Dr Sandra Scanlon, and selections from the RTÉ Radio Archives.
The Irish in Multicultural Britain; Dracula, Frankenstein and Ballyshannon; and the convening of the Irish Boundary Commission a century ago
Marc McMenamin reports, he talks to Professor Jarlath Killeen of TCD, and local historian Brian Drummond.
Myles is joined by Dr Kieran Connell, author of 'Multicultural Britain: A People's History'
Myles is joined by Dr Cormac Moore, to mark the anniversary of the Irish Boundary Commission's first meeting a century ago.
Ian Kenneally reports on the civil war killing of Richard Bertles, and two songs about him composed a century apart.
Myles speaks to Australian writer Thomas Keneally about John Mitchel, the focus of his latest historical novel 'Fanatic Heart'.
Myles is joined by Phyllis Gaffney to talk about how Ireland became a leader in modern language education in the 19th century.
Language learning in 19th century Ireland; The shooting of Richard Bertles during the Irish Civil War; and Thomas Keneally on his new novel about John Mitchel
Myles is joined by Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire, who is co-editor of the book 'Irish Food History: A Companion'
Myles is joined by Dr Maurice Casey to talk about the life of Wexford-born communist May O'Callaghan, who was once a resident of Moscow's fabled Hotel Lux.
The story of Wexford-born communist May O'Callaghan; and The Tempestuous Lives of Roger Casement.
Niall Quinn speaks to Myles Dungan about the life of Oscar Traynor, in a public interview recorded at the Hinterland Festival in Kells.
The Irish in the Resistance; On Board Air Force One on 9/11; and John Steinbeck's Irish Heritage
Myles is joined by Clodagh Finn and John Morgan, authors of 'The Irish In The Resistance: The Untold Stories of the Ordinary Heroes Who Resisted Hitler'
Marc McMenamin reports, he talks to local historians Douglas Bartlett and Brian Drummond.
Myles is joined by Liam O'Callaghan, author of the book 'Blood & Thunder: Rugby and Irish Life: A History'
Saint Brigid at 1500; Laurel and Hardy in Ireland; and a history of rugby and Irish life.
The Tailteann Games; The Quest for the Irish Celt; The Avignon Papacy; and Ronan Kelly’s essay ‘Two Wives’
Mairéad Carew joins Myles to talk about Harvard's investigation in the 1930s, which sought to determine the racial and cultural heritage of the Irish people.
Ian Kenneally reports, he talks to Dr Siobhán Doyle about this immense sporting and cultural event in the 1920s and 1930s.
Colm Flynn reports on the period in the 14th century when the papacy was based in Avignon in modern France.
Ronan Kelly with twin stories that demonstrate the invaluable role of a good partner, in trying times.
Floyd Patterson and Ireland; The life and death of 19th century Irish-American boxer Jimmy Elliott; & the modern architectural history of Dublin
Marc McMenamin reports on the enigmatic "Gentleman of Boxing" Floyd Patterson, and his Irish connections.
Ian Kenneally joins Myles to discuss the life and death of 19th century Irish-American boxer Jimmy Elliott.
Myles is joined by Ellen Rowley, editor of 'More Than Concrete Blocks: Dublin City's twentieth century buildings and their stories, Volume 3, 1973-1999'
Myles talks to Ruth McManus about the Marino housing scheme, plus Lorcan Clancy talks to Marino Residents Association members Mark Crowther, Patricia Normanly and Gerry Edgely.
Myles talks to Andy Bielenberg and John Dorney about their project, which investigates the death toll of the Irish Civil War.
How the Marino community transformed Dublin housing a century ago; and the Irish Civil War Fatalities Project which investigates the death toll of the conflict.
Myles is joined by Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc, author of the book "The Disappeared: Forced Disappearances in Ireland 1798-1998"
Ronan Kelly has been island-hopping – and he encountered two men with an eye for potential that's hiding in plain sight.
Two centuries of forced disappearance in Ireland; We visit the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco; and Ronan Kelly with twin tales from our island communities.
Flor MacCarthy reports from Monaco, speaking to Prince Albert II about an oasis of Irish culture, inspired by Grace Kelly’s connection to Ireland.
Cathal Póirtéir on the 19th century Donegal landlord who set out to improve Gweedore, County Donegal.
Cathy Scuffil on the local history tales revealed in a photograph taken over a century ago in south Dublin city.
The 19th century Donegal landlord who set out to improve Gweedore; and the local history tales revealed in a photograph taken over a century ago in Dublin.
Marc McMenamin on the life and death of mountaineer George Mallory, and the disputed fate of the 1924 Mount Everest Expedition.
Ian Kenneally reports on the lives of the last two men to own Belvedere House in Westmeath. He speaks to Ruth Illingworth and Jonathan Westaway.
Niamh Howlin and Donal Coffey join Myles to discuss how our courts system began, 100 years ago.
George Mallory's pursuit of Everest's Peak; The extraordinary lives of the last men to own Belvedere House in Westmeath; and the origins of the Irish courts system.
Myles Dungan presents the story of the two Irish engineers who changed the history of California, by bringing water to LA and San Francisco - allowing the cities to grow.
Myles visits the Records Branch of the Irish Land Commission in Port Laoise, to hear about the challenge of conserving and cataloguing its 11 million documents.
Ronan Kelly tells the stories of two men separated by centuries, but connected by their power within the Catholic Church - and, by their love of art.
The historian and author joins Myles to talk about the Anglo-Irish Treaty, The 1922 Constitution, and how life changed for ordinary citizens in the new Irish Free State.
Myles is joined by Eoin Kinsella and Frances Nolan, authors of 'The Irish Dental Association: A Centenary History'
A century of dentistry in Ireland; Joseph EA Connell on the transition to the new Irish Free State; and a story of two powerful men separated by centuries but connected by their love of art.
Lorcan Clancy talks to Deirdre Ní Chonghaile, who is working on a project that utilises AI to digitise the world's first Irish-language newspaper.
Myles is joined by Mary McAuliffe and Harriet Wheelock, authors of "The Diaries of Kathleen Lynn: a Life Revealed Through Personal Writing"
The Diaries of Dr Kathleen Lynn; The Founding Father of Artificial Intelligence; and using AI to digitise the first Irish language newspaper.
Andy O'Donoghue on the life and career of Professor John McCarthy, the computer scientist who coined the term "Artificial Intelligence"
The killing of 15-year-old Francis Murphy in 1919; The moral panic over comic books in 1950s Ireland; and Harry Clarke's Geneva Window
Myles is joined by Zoë Reid, Keeper of Public Services & Collections with the National Archives.
Michael Vaughn and Padraig Óg O’Ruairc on the complex and unusual case of 15-year old Francis Murphy, who was killed in 1919.
Ian Kenneally reports, he talks to comic collector and author David McDonald about the short-lived comic "The Leprechaun"
To talk about the Irish Land Commission and its archives, Myles is joined by Terence Dooley, Catriona Crowe, Fiona Fitzsimons and Anne Murphy.
To talk about the politics of land in the new Irish State, Myles is joined by Terence Dooley, Tony McCarthy, Eoin Kinsella and William Nolan.
Barristers in Ireland; Peter Hillary on his father Edmund's ascent of Everest in 1953; and the story of the Coffin Ship during the Irish Famine.
Myles talks to Cian McMahon, author of the book "The Coffin Ship: Life and Death at Sea during the Great Irish Famine"
Marc McMenamin talks to Peter Hillary, son of Edmund Hillary, about his father's historic ascent of Everest 70 years ago
Niamh Howlin talks to Myles about her book, "Barristers in Ireland: An evolving profession since 1921"
Death, murder and politics in 19th century Monaghan; and Paul Bew on the lives of Charles Stewart Parnell and John Dillon.
Dr Michelle McGoff-McCann on her book 'The Irish Coroner: Death, murder and politics in Co. Monaghan, 1846-78'
Myles is joined by Paul Bew, Emeritus Professor of Irish Politics at Queens University Belfast, and a crossbench peer in the House of Lords.
A look at an extraordinary collection of taped interviews with revolutionaries, recorded in 1972. Myles is joined by Harlan Strauss, Jim Dolan, Conor Mulvagh and Ultan Courtney.
Myles Dungan looks at the story of Capel Celyn in Wales, and why it was submerged in water in the 1960s, displacing the small Welsh-speaking community who lived there.
William Nolan and Arlene Crampsie join Myles to discuss the series from Geography Publications, chronicling the history of all 32 counties.
James Walsh on the story of Irish silver miners in 19th century America, their fight for a fair wage, and why it’s important to remember this chapter of Irish-American labour history.
Chronicling the history of 32 counties in the History and Society series; and the Irish silver miners who fought for better pay and conditions in 19th century Colorado.
Athlone's Nuclear Bunker; The extraordinary life of Howe Peter Browne and his reforming Governorship of Jamaica; and an investigation into the tragic death of a Nigerian woman in Dublin in 1965.
Ronan Kelly on the death of an African woman in Dublin in 1965, who is buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery.
Anne Chambers talks to Myles about Howe Peter Browne, 2nd Marquess of Sligo, and his reforming Governorship of Jamaica.
Ian Kenneally reports on how the Irish government planned to respond to a nuclear war in the 1950s and 60s.
Michael Kennedy and Zoë Reid join Myles to talk about how The Irish Free State joined the League of Nations in 1923.
Lorcan Clancy reports from the Dublin suburb which began in the early 1920s as a housing scheme for ex-British Servicemen.
Ian Kenneally on the man who the Rugby World Cup trophy is named after - and how he became the key figure in the origin myth of the sport.
Ireland at the League of Nations; Homes for World War One Ex-Servicemen in Killester Garden Village; plus the story of William Webb Ellis and Rugby's origin myth
Mary Muldowney talks about the writer Robert Tressell, and the upcoming Tressell Festival on Saturday 6th of May at Liberty Hall.
The new TV Series 'The Silent Civil War'; a new comprehensive history of The Irish Defence Forces; and the life of Irish writer Robert Tressell.
Liz Gillis on the new RTÉ TV series, which explores inherited memories and unheard testimony of the Civil War.
Myles talks to Isadore Ryan, author of 'Roman Imbroglio: Italy and the Irish During World War Two'
The women left behind after Robert Falcon Scott's fatal expedition to the South Pole; The life and work of the Yeats sisters; and stories of the Irish in Italy during WW2.
The life and work of Elizabeth and Susan Yeats is discussed by Dr Angela Griffith and Eunan McKinney.
Colm Flynn speaks to Katherine MacInnes, author of the book 'Snow Widows: Scott's Fatal Antarctic Expedition Through the Eyes of the Women They Left Behind'
Sandra Scanlon of UCD on the United States Presidents who ran afoul of the law, from Ulysses S. Grant to Donald J. Trump.
Mairéad Carew on the extraordinary story of the British-Israelites, their strange excavations, and the campaign to save the Hill of Tara.
Tara and the Ark of the Covenant; A short history of Presidential criminality; and Westmeath woman Mary McCann's heroic response to the tragic General Slocum disaster.
Ian Kenneally on the Westmeath woman who became a national hero in the USA for her brave response to a steamboat fire.
Paul Huddie joins Myles to discuss two court battles in 1920s Ireland, which illustrate the legal and economic complexity of dissolving the union between Ireland and Great Britain.
Conor Sweetman reports on the tale of an important artefact from the Irish Civil War. He talks to Kenneth L.Smith-Christmas, Lar Joye and Brenda Malone from the National Museum of Ireland.
Jonathan C. Creasy reports from the Woodbury Poetry Room at Harvard University, home of a rich collection of literary audio recordings - and the life of one of its most important curators, John “Jack” Lincoln Sweeney.
The rediscovery of a field gun used to shell the Four Courts; Court battles over military charity assets in 1920s Ireland; women who applied for Military Service Pensions in the 1920s and '30s; and the 'Library of Voices' at Harvard University.
Mary McAuliffe on the challenges facing women applying for military service pensions in the 1920s and 1930s.
Sexual violence during the civil war through the prism of one individual's experience; The local and national legacy of civil war executions in Athlone; and the introduction of customs barriers on the northern border in April 1923.
Ian Kenneally reports on the local and national legacy of the executions in Athlone in 1923.
Lindsey Earner-Byrne and Sinead McCoole join Myles to talk about the extraordinary story of Mary M, and her letter which reveals a harrowing experience in 1920s Ireland.
Cormac Moore joins Myles to talk about the introduction of customs barriers on the northern border in 1923, and how that cemented partition.
Gerard Shannon joins Myles to talk about the life and death of the republican leader Liam Lynch.
The life and death of republican leader Liam Lynch; and 800 years of industry in Harold's Cross.
Cathy Scuffil joins Myles to talk about 800 years of industry in Harold's Cross in Dublin.
Gerard Lovett joins Myles to discuss his book 'Ireland’s Special Branch: The inside story of their battle with the IRA, 1922–1947'
A social history of contraception in modern Ireland; and the story of Ireland's Special Branch from the 1920s to the 1940s.
Dr Laura Kelly joins Myles to discuss her new book 'Contraception and Modern Ireland A Social History, c. 1922–92'
The golden age of Irish cinemagoing; Kate Kennedy's fight for equal pay in 19th century San Francisco; and a rocket engineer's perspective on the moon landing.
Marc McMenamin talks to Jesse Kitchens, who played an important role in the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
Ruth McManus joins Myles to talk about the social outlet of cinemas in 20th century Ireland.
Commandant Daniel Ayiotis joins Myles to talk about his book 'The Military Archives: A History'.
The life of Margaret (Gretta) Cousins and the forty years she spent in India advocating for the empowerment of women; and the history of Ireland's Military Archives.
Sinead McCoole joins Myles to discuss the life of Margaret (Gretta) Cousins, and the forty years she spent in India advocating for the empowerment of women.
Myles is joined by Ronan McGreevy, author of the recently published book 'Great Hatred - The Assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson MP'
Reconstructing the first Irish boat to sail around the world; the assassination that sparked the Irish Civil War; and flat earth fever in 19th century Athlone.
Ian Kenneally on the career of Samuel Rowbotham, known as 'Parrallax' - who caused a sensation in 19th century Athlone when he proclaimed the earth was flat.
Flor MacCarthy reports from Hegarty's Boatyard in West Cork, where they're reconstructing Conor O'Brien's 'Saoirse' - the first Irish boat to sail around the world.
Myles Dungan is joined by Cathy Scuffil, Noelle Grothier and Lar Joye to talk about what was happening at Christmas time one hundred years ago.
Gerard Shannon on his book 'Alderman Joseph MacDonagh, TD – Tipperary's Forgotten Revolutionary Politician'
Colm Flynn reports from Bethlehem, he talks to Father Rami Askarieh about the town's long history as a site of Christian pilgrimage.
Lorcan Clancy reports, he talks to Eda Sagarra and Fiona Murray, editors of the book 'The Men and Women of the Anglo-Irish Treaty Delegations 1921'
The life and death of forgotten revolutionary Joseph MacDonagh; the long history of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem; and the men and women of the Anglo-Irish Treaty Delegations.
'Stories of the Revolution' from West Cork; The trauma and testimony of the Irish Civil War; and the pioneering treatment of shell shock in Ireland.
Eamon Delaney on the groundbreaking initiative to treat traumatized World War One soldiers, at Richmond War Hospital in Dublin.
Síobhra Aiken on her book which examines the overlooked testimonies of civil war veterans.
Flor MacCarthy reports on a new publication and archive that collects thousands of previously unrecorded stories from West Cork.
The establishment of the Irish Free State one hundred years ago is discussed by Colum Kenny, Brian Hanley and Liz Gillis.
The life of the Irish-born artist, illustrator, and committed communist is discussed by Dr Sabine Egger and Dr Fergal Lenehan.
Niamh Ní Charra and Liz Gillis join Myles to preview the campaign, in which events are taking place nationwide to highlight the richness and diversity of archives all over Ireland.
The Irish artist who left her mark on East German children's literature; The persecution of Irish speakers under British rule; and we preview Explore Your Archive week.
Pádraig Óg Ó’Ruairc on how the use of the Irish language was discouraged and curtailed over the centuries.
Michael Kennedy joins Myles to talk about what's covered in Documents on Irish Foreign Policy Volume 13: 1965-1969
Dr Bronagh Ann McShane on how Irish women dealt with religious persecution in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Conor Sweetman reports on the story behind the song. He talks to Irish musician Ian Lynch and German folklorist Guido Fackler.
Irish foreign policy in the 1960s; the story behind the 'Song of the Peat Bog Soldiers'; and how Irish nuns dealt with persecution in the 16th and 17th centuries.
To discuss the history of An Garda Síochána, Myles is joined by Garda Stephen Moore, Superintendent Paul Maher and security consultant Sheelagh Brady.
Dr Antonia Hart joins Myles to talk about her research into Irish businesswomen in the 19th and early 20th century.
Conor Sweetman reports on the life and legacy of the Irish republican from Fingal. We hear from historians Dr Declan Brady and Professor Diarmaid Ferriter.
Deirdre Ní Chonghaile on the wax cylinder Collection of pioneering sound recordist Tomás Ó Máille.
The Wax Cylinder Recordings of Tomás Ó Máille; the life and legacy of republican Frank Lawless; and Irish women in business in the 19th and early 20th century.
Liz Gillis reports from Sacred Heart Boys National School in Ballygall, on a group of young men who are delving into the history of their local community.
Halloween traditions; the history of Irish Fairies; and a group of young men exploring their local history in North Dublin.
Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh shares memories of Halloween traditions from Ireland's National Folklore Collection.
Michael Houlihan on the history of the supernatural beings that captured the imagination of Irish people for centuries.
Marc McMenamin joins Myles to talk about recently re-discovered audio recordings, which contain first hand accounts of Ireland during World War 2.
Liz Gillis talks about the life and work of the first woman to serve as Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Marc McMenamin on 'Ireland's Secret War' during WW2; and Liz Gillis on the life and work of Kathleen Clarke.
Ciarán Wallace and Zoë Reid on the project to virtually recreate the Public Record Office of Ireland, which was destroyed in 1922.
Hotel owner Annie Farrington's recollections of the outbreak of the Irish Civil War; and an update on Beyond 2022, the project to virtually recreate The Public Record Office of Ireland.
Myles is joined by Harry Bradshaw, to discuss the life and work of pioneering sound recordist and music producer Bill Stapleton. (1921 - 1983)
Brian Willan joins Myles to discuss his forthcoming book about Charles Frederick Ball, one of the best known botanists and horticulturists in Ireland.
The oral history of the Irish Civil War; The fake disease that saved Jews in Italy from the Nazis; and Charles Frederick Ball's journey from Dublin's Botanic Gardens to Gallipoli.
Lucia Ryan reports from Rome on the story behind the fake disease that saved Jews in Italy from the Nazis during World War 2.
Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh brings us a selection of oral history recordings from 1979, from civilians and combatants involved in the Irish Civil War.
Marc McMenamin reports. He talks to writer Tom Sigafoos about a local legend that grew around the sinking of a Royal Navy ship, off Tory Island in 1884.
Dr Paul Huddie joins Myles to discuss the Crimean War in the 1850s, its effect on Irish society, and parallels with what’s happening today.
The Crimean War; The Sinking of the ‘cursed’ ship HMS Wasp in 1884; and the revolutionary memoir of Irish republican Máire Comerford.
Myles is joined by Hilary Dully, editor of Máire Comerford’s memoir ‘On Dangerous Ground – A Memoir of the Irish Revolution’
Marc McMenamin reports, he talks to historians Mark McGowan and Jared Ross about religious tensions among the Irish community in 19th century Canada.
Damian Shiels on his project to identify Irish men who fought and died in the American Civil War, who are buried in Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia.
Myles is joined by Dr Róisín Healy and Dr Gearóid Barry, editors of a new anthology collecting family wartime stories of staff members at NUI Galway.
The Irish men who died at Andersonville during the American Civil War; Saint Patrick’s Day riots in Toronto; and Family Histories of World War II
Cathy Scuffil shares what she's learned about words and place names that are derived from the Irish language.
Simon Topping talks to Myles about his research into an overlooked aspect of World War 2.
A murder mystery on Ireland's Eye; American soldiers in Northern Ireland during World War 2; and the words and place names we use every day, that are derived from the Irish language.
Colm Flynn speaks to Dean Ruxton about a historical murder mystery that divided the public and media 170 years ago.
Sherra Murphy joins Myles to talk about the origins of Dublin’s Natural History Museum.
The Garda Mutiny in 1922; a Welsh perspective on Frongoch internment camp; and the origins of Dublin's Natural History Museum.
Liam McNiffe talks about the early history of an Garda Síochana, and how a mutiny in 1922 shaped our police service into what it is today.
Conor Sweetman reports on the movement to build a museum in Frongoch, Wales to commemorate the Irish prisoners held there in 1916. He speaks to Mabon Ap Gwynfor and Alwyn Jones.
The Irishman who mapped Mount Everest; Modern music with a medieval makeover; and how Irish republican women split over the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
Ian Kenneally and Frank Nugent on The Mount Everest Reconnaissance Expedition - led by Irishman Charles Howard-Bury in 1921 - which created the first map of the mountain.
Colm Flynn talks to Youtube sensation Hildegard von Blingin' - who gives modern popular music a medieval makeover.
Cormac O'Malley on the life of his father, Ernie O'Malley. The book 'Ernie O'Malley: A Life' by Harry F. Martin & Cormac O'Malley is published by Irish Academic Press.
Michael B. Barry talks to Myles about his new book 'Fake News and the Irish War of Independence'. This is an extended version of the interview that went out on air.
Liz Gillis joins Myles to talk about the lives of the secretaries who accompanied the plenipotentiaries to London.
Marc McMenamin reports from Toronto on how Canada remembers the Irish Famine. He speaks to historian Jared Ross and University lecturer Pa Sheehan.
Women of the Treaty; Irish Famine Emigrants in Canada; The life of Ernie O'Malley as told by his son Cormac O'Malley; plus Fake News and the Irish War of Independence.
Myles and guests discuss some recently published books that might make good Christmas presents. Mark Duncan, Sinead McCoole and Cathy Scuffil share their picks.
Myles Dungan and guests explore how this fateful document was finalised, and the highly charged Dáil debates that followed. We hear from Darragh Gannon, Leann Lane, Diarmaid Ferriter, John Gibney, Zoe Reid and Dara Lynne Lenehan.
Liam Cahill on the life of Mossie Quinlan, a young man from Waterford who joined the International Brigades and fought in the Spanish Civil War.
On this week's programme - War, murder and memory in East Clare; the courtship and marriage of Charlotte Brontë; and one young man from Waterford's experience in the Spanish Civil War.
Colm Flynn reports on the famous author's real-life courtship, marriage, and honeymoon in Ireland. He talks to Pauline Clooney and Michael O'Dowd about their new books on the subject.
Tomás Mac Conmara talks to Myles about his book 'The Scariff Martyrs: War, Murder and Memory in East Clare'
Grave robbing in 18th and 19th century Dublin; The first Irish proposals in the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations; and cultural attitudes to the British monarchy during World War One.
Historian Mícheál Ó Doibhilín talks about the grisly practice of grave robbing in the 18th and 19th centuries, and why Dublin became the bodysnatching capital of Europe.
Dr Darragh Gannon joins Myles for an update on the ongoing Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations, a century ago this week.
Heather Jones talks to Myles about her new book on cultural perceptions of the British monarchy during the First World War.
Dr Margaret Ward and Lucy Keaveney join Myles to talk about Anna Parnell, the founder of the Ladies Land League, and her extraordinary life and legacy.
Dr Colum Kenny joins Myles to talk about his book about the town of Kenmare, Co. Kerry during the Famine. It's called 'Kenmare: History and Survival - Father John O'Sullivan and the Famine Poor'.
Colm Flynn talks to Dr Eric Lewis Williams about Harriet Tubman, and how her Christian faith inspired her to seek liberation for her people.
The life and legacy of Anna Parnell; how Harriet Tubman's faith inspired her to seek liberation for her people; and the town of Kenmare, County Kerry during the Famine years.
Darragh Gannon on the first week of the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations in London, a century ago this week.
Myles and guests discuss the lead up to Truce in July 1921 and what happened afterwards; and Darragh Gannon joins Myles to talk about the first week of the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations.
How did both sides react to the Truce that officially concluded the Irish War of Independence? Myles is joined by Lisa Dolan, Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc and Liz Gillis.
A clash between the Limerick IRA and the Crown Forces in May 1921; Tipperary Republican Dan Breen's wedding during the War of Independence; and Rosita Sweetman on the Irish Women's Liberation Movement in the early 1970s.
Conor Sweetman reports. He talks to historian Sean Hogan about the romance between Dan Breen and Brigid Malone during the Irish War of Independence.
Kay Sheehy reports on an engagement in Granagh, County Limerick, which took place a century ago on the 10th of May 1921.
Rosita Sweetman joins Myles to look back on the Irish Women's Liberation Movement she co-founded in the early 1970s.
Dr Deirdre Ní Chonghaile joins Myles to discuss Sean-nós songs collected in Pennsylvania in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sean-nós songs in 19th century Pennsylvania; how the USA closed its door to Irish immigrants; and when the Nazis bombed Dublin's North Strand.
Ray O'Hanlon joins Myles to discuss his new book 'Unintended Consequences' - which tells the Irish emigration story in the context of the US government's legislative reforms on immigration.
Marc McMenamin reports on the North Strand Bombing in 1941. He speaks to historian Aaron O'Maonaigh and Dr Ciaran Reilly of the Arts and Humanities Institute, Maynooth University.
To discuss echoes and lessons from the pandemic a century ago that can inform our present situation, Myles is joined by Dr Ida Milne.
Joe Mooney of the East Wall History Group, and historian Liz Gillis on the storied history of the LNWR Hotel at North Wall Quay.
Lessons from the Influenza pandemic a century ago; War and Peace in a Docklands Hotel; and a preview of the new TG4 documentary 'Uimhir 6'.
Myles is joined by Dr Darragh Gannon of Queen’s University Belfast, who for years now has been researching how interactions across national boundaries shaped Ireland’s revolution.
Leanne McCormick and Elaine Farrell join Myles to talk about their research into criminal and 'deviant' Irish immigrant women in 19th century America.
Colm Flynn reports on the life and 1928 Presidential campaign of Irish-American Al Smith, the first Catholic to run for President as a major party nominee.
The life and 1928 Presidential campaign of Al Smith; Criminal Irish women in 19th century America; and a global perspective on the Irish revolutionary period.
Timothy O'Grady shares two stories of revolutionary veterans featured in the 1970s documentary 'Curious Journey', and Liz Gillis also joins Myles to talk about the importance of this documentary work.
We'll revisit the documentary 'Curious Journey', an oral history of Ireland's revolution; and Cormac Moore joins us to talk about the Government of Ireland Act of 1920.
To talk about the Government of Ireland Act of 1920, and the first steps towards partition, Myles is joined by historian Cormac Moore.
Colm Flynn reports on the real life tragedy that inspired the song 'The Lifeboat Mona'. He speaks to folk singer Peggy Seeger and lifeboat captain Murray Brown.
The story of The Lifeboat Mona; The Burning of Cork; Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental shares his childhood memories; And the career and disappearance of bandleader Glen Miller.
Lorcan Clancy reports on the military career and disappearance of bandleader Glenn Miller, 76 years ago.
Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental tells our reporter Conor Sweetman about his experiences during World War 2, and why he decided to speak out about them in recent years.
Michael Lenihan talks to Myles about the Burning of Cork a century ago, one of the most infamous Crown Forces reprisals of the War of Independence.
We preview the new major TV documentary on the Irish Famine; tell the story of the enigmatic skyjacker D.B. Cooper; and open up the new book 'Women and the Irish Revolution'
Colm Flynn reports on the story of the enigmatic outlaw who hijacked a plane and stole 200,000 dollars from the US Government in 1971.
Professor Peter Gray joins Myles to talk about a few aspects of the Great Famine, and preview a new major TV documentary on the subject.
Myles is joined by Linda Connolly, editor of the new book 'Women and the Irish Revolution: Feminism, Activism, Violence'
Myles Dungan and guests explore the events of Bloody Sunday. the 21st November 1920. We hear from Liz Gillis, Éanna de Búrca, James Durney, Fergus Sammon and Cathy Scuffil.
Grace Neville joins Myles to talk about the time Charles de Gaulle spent in Ireland in 1969, a story told in the new TG4 documentary 'De Gaulle in Éirinn'.
Dr Sinead McCoole on a group of Salesian sisters who set up a school in Limerick at the height of the War of Independence in 1920.
On this week's programme - The Salesian Sisters in War of Independence era Limerick; the first sculpture of historical women in New York's Central Park; and Cold War perceptions of the Irish Republican left.
Colm Flynn speaks to sculptor Meredith Bergmann about the new 'Womens Rights Pioneers Monument' in New York's Central Park.
Dr John Mulqueen joins Myles to talk about his new book on how Ireland was perceived as a potential Soviet pawn during the Cold War.
Myles is joined by Dr Mary McAuliffe, author of the first biography of the rebel, feminist, activist and schoolteacher Margaret Skinnider.
Marc McMenamin reports from Berlin on the Stasi, the East German secret police, and how Germans today reckon with a history of surveillance and suppression.
The long and radical life of Margaret Skinnider; the history of the Stasi and the suppressive regime in East Germany; and the 'Forgotten Fallen', National Army Soldiers who died during the Irish Civil War.
Historian James Langton talks about the National Army Soldiers who died during the Irish Civil War, who are profiled in his new book 'The Forgotten Fallen'.
Eithne Hand talks to Myles about Percival and Marie Lea-Wilson, and the story of how Caravaggio's long lost masterpiece was re-discovered.
Author Joe Joyce talks about the history that underpins his new novel '1691' which centres on the Battle of Aughrim, the decisive clash in the Williamite War.
Lar Joye talks to Myles about century-old grenades and other munitions from the Irish revolutionary era, that are still being found today.
The story behind the recovery of Caravaggio's masterpiece 'The Taking of Christ'; War of Independence era munitions still around today; and Joe Joyce on the history that underpins his new novel '1691'.
Librarian Helena Byrne shares her research into women's soccer in Ireland, and particularly a seminal match played 50 years ago, on 10th May 1970.
The inventor of the mobile phone; the 'Templemore Miracles' of 1920; Mary Robinson's Presidential campaign; and the history of women's soccer in Ireland.
Reporter Julien Clancy talks to photographer Conor Horgan about Mary Robinson's Presidential campaign in 1990.
Reporter Colm Flynn speaks to Marty Cooper, the man responsible for the creation of the mobile phone in the 1970s.
Tipperary historian Sean Hogan on the 'supernatural manifestations, accompanied by cures’ that attracted thousands of pilgrims to the Tipperary town in 1920.
In tonight's special episode, Myles Dungan investigates the stories of two branches of his own extended family, the McKennas and the Clintons, during the Irish War of Independence.
Catherine Fleming tells Myles about Sister Kate McCarthy, the Irish nun who was involved in the French resistance movement and was incarcerated by the Nazis.
Historian Dr Padraig Óg O’Ruairc shares his research on three killings that took place during the Irish War of Independence.
On this week's programme: The Nazi plan to invade Ireland during World War Two; the extraordinary life of Sister Kate McCarthy; and Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc investigates three century-old murders.
To talk about the credit union movement in Ireland, Myles is joined by David McAuley, CEO of Donore Credit Union, Ireland’s first community-based credit union.
To talk about the ongoing restoration of Notre Dame, and the building's long and storied history, Myles is joined by Dr Laura O’Brien.
Topics include Notre Dame Cathedral; Magdalene Laundries; Ireland's First Credit Union; The Tunguska Event; and Historical Activities During Lockdown.
Lorcan Clancy reports on the mysterious 1908 explosion over Siberia in Russia, an event which baffled scientists for decades.
Julien Clancy reports, he talks to documentary filmmaker Steven O'Riordan about the hidden history of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries.
How Ireland shunned the RIC during the War of Independence; the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964; and a historical perspective on how global emergencies affect the environment.
Colm Flynn reports, he speaks to Jon Mooallem - author of the new book 'This Is Chance!: The Shaking of an All-American City; a Voice That Held It Together'
Dr Brian Hughes on how the Royal Irish Constabulary and their families were shunned in Ireland during the War of Independence.
Atmospheric scientist Róisín Commane joins Myles to provide a historical perspective on how global emergencies affect the climate.
Myles is joined by Dr William Murphy, lecturer in Modern Irish History at DCU, and author of the book 'Political Imprisonment and the Irish, 1912-1921'.
Historian Cormac Ó Comhraí joins Myles to tell us more about this enigmatic revolutionary. Cormac is co-author of the book 'Peadar Clancy: Easter Rising Hero, Bloody Sunday Martyr'
The 1920 hunger strikes in Mountjoy and Cork City Gaols; The life and death of Peadar Clancy; and the IRA's destruction of Income Tax Offices and RIC Barracks.
Historian and author Liz Gillis joins Myles to talk about the IRA operation in April 1920 to burn Income Tax Offices and RIC Barracks all around Ireland.
Julien Clancy reports. He speaks to Una Sealy, who gives an "artist's impression" of Dublin in the 1980s. The series 'Here's The Thing' is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television license fee.
Dr Liam McNiffe, a historian and author talks about the circumstances surrounding the IRA's execution of an alleged informer in Leitrim in 1921.
The execution of a Methodist farmer in 1921 Leitrim; an "artist's impression" of Dublin in the 1980s; the 16th century lives of the daughters of the first Earl of Cork; and Dublin antiques dealer Ian Dowling.