The History of Ireland

In this episode we get back into The Wooing of Étain, exploring her life as a fly and witness how she is reborn 1000 years later... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we look at how a Welsh bishop with fringe apocalyptic ideas became the patron saint of Ireland – defeating a whole load of druids in the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Étain represent the moon? And did The Wooing of Étain teach druids how to read the moon's movement over decades? In this episode we explore how connected to the natural world Irish stories really are and meet the eponymous Étain for the first time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"I'm glad one of the old crowd got me" is what Liam Lynch said after he was shot in the Knockmealdown Mountains and in this episode we look at the dying breaths of both the anti-Treaty IRA and it's iron willed leader Liam Lynch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.