The History of Ireland

Kevin Dolan

A podcast exploring how Ireland became Ireland.

  • 14 minutes 27 seconds
    S3 EP8 — A Lost Story of how the God's Fought Over Newgrange

    In this episode we look at the history behind how The Wooing of Étain was uncovered and then dive into the story itself — as the Dagda swindles a poor man out of his home in Newgrange.


    Imagery for the episode, used with permission, is Boann Bru Na Boinne by the iconic Jim FitzPatrick. You can view more of Jim's stunning work and purchase prints at jimfitzpatrick.com


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

    20 February 2025, 6:00 am
  • 19 minutes 50 seconds
    S3 EP7 — Were the Fomorians a Metaphor for Vikings?

    In this episode we finally get to the big clash between the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé. It's a brutal and beautiful piece of literature. It also may have been inspired by Viking invasions...


    Imagery for the episode, used with permission, is Lugh Attacks the Fomor by the iconic Jim FitzPatrick. You can view more of Jim's stunning work and purchase prints at jimfitzpatrick.com


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

    6 February 2025, 7:00 am
  • 11 minutes 35 seconds
    S3 EP6 – Why is Ireland's Father Deity So Different?
    In this episode we follow one of the strangest (and maybe raunchiest) moments in ancient Irish stories as the Dagda prepares for battle.

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

    16 January 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 19 minutes 55 seconds
    S3 EP5 – How Lugh shows what the Irish cared about
    In this episode we greet the arrival of Lugh as the Tuatha Dé prepare for battle. We also dive into what the characters of Lugh and Bres tell us about what the ancient Irish looked for in a leader.

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

    17 December 2024, 9:37 pm
  • 18 minutes 54 seconds
    S3 EP4 – How Bres the Beautiful came to be

    In this episode we look at life in Ireland under the rulership of Bres the Beautiful and learn who is father was, as well as explore what a story of Dian Cecht can tell us about ancient Irish writers.


    Cover image is an AI created image of Eriu staring out to sea. What do we think of something like this? I'm struggling to find good cover imagery for these stories so this feels a nice solution, but I'm also unsure and keen on to hear ye're thoughts.


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

    3 December 2024, 6:00 pm
  • 14 minutes 25 seconds
    S3 EP3 – The Coming of the Tuatha Dé

    In this episode we dive into the First Battle of Moytura, telling the story of how the Tuatha Dé came to Ireland.


    If you'd like to dive into the originals, check out UCC's CELT resource.


    The image is one of the Cong Stone Circles in Mayo, which is said to be linked to the Battle of Moytura.


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

    20 November 2024, 12:51 am
  • 14 minutes 51 seconds
    S3 EP2 – The Filí
    In this episode we look at the people behind the Irish mythological stories and explore how the stories we have today are a fascinating blend of Irish paganism and Christian pseudo-history.

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

    5 November 2024, 7:46 pm
  • 18 minutes 20 seconds
    S3 EP01 – Newgrange, The Celts & The People of the Sidbh
    It's a whole new season and we're doing something a little different – diving into the rich tapestry of Irish mythology. But before we jump into tales of gods and heroes, we need to set the stage. In this episode, we're exploring the uniquely Irish concept of the Sidhe looking at everything from Newgrange's Neolithic passage tombs to the arrival of the Celts, unpacking how these ancient structures shaped Ireland's mythological landscape.

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

    21 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 21 minutes 58 seconds
    S2 EP30 – The Aftermath of the Irish Civil War
    In this episode we look at the aftermath of the Irish Civil War and how it's still influencing Irish politics to this day.

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

    1 June 2024, 6:03 am
  • 13 minutes 56 seconds
    S2 EP29 – How The Free State Failed Women

    In this episode, we look at how Maggie Doherty and the McCarthy sisters were totally and utterly failed by the Free State and how their stories highlight how women suffered due to the conflict.


    Content Warning: This episode does discuss sexual assault.


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

    16 May 2024, 7:27 am
  • 13 minutes 56 seconds
    S2 EP28 – The End of the Irish Civil War
    In this episode we look at the last dying gasps of the Irish Civil War and dive into the psychological genius of De Valera's order to dump arms.

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

    19 April 2024, 7:55 am
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