Dublin's Historic South

Our Season 2 finale!!! This month we are joined by show regular, Evan McGuigan. Evan is a colleague of mine hailing from Monaghan a fellow historian in whose expertise lies in 20th Irish history but he also has a keen interest in the history of the courts and law-makers in Ireland. In fact he curated a very well received exhibition on this topic back in 2019. Fortunately for us his background and interests in political history & current affairs will be put to good use as we delve into the history of Milltown and a river that has been in nearly every episode of Dublin’s Historic South - the DodderThe Dodder played a vital role in the development of South Dublin and in the town of mills this couldn't be any more true. From laundries to mysterious rhinos this episode meandered through the history of Milltown - touching upon housing, industry, sport & politics and of course the ever present river. A fitting end to the season... Facebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryFor sources & reading list: Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com

Our  archaeology special! This month I was joined by show returnee, Camilla Pedersen. Camilla hails from Denmark but currently resides in Maynooth, her focus of study is on Viking period mythology and narrative tradition. An alumna of Maynooth University her  main research focus was on Early Irish narrative and literary tradition in comparison to Old Norse narrative tradition, and literary tropes of the supernatural, with special focus on shape-shifting. Her other areas of focus (which were put to good use)  are Old Irish linguistics, and prehistoric and early medieval archaeology. You can read her work as she has been published on her topics, most recently in 2019 with Amsterdam University Press. From Iron Age homesteads to castles buried under the M50, what is found below Cabinteely was the focus for this month's show. Revealing forgotten mass graves, possible Viking hoards and how development hinders megalithic access - we dug deep on the long, long history of Cabinteely, Loughlinstown & Carrickmines. Trowels at the ready, we honed in on where development clashes with heritage in this triangle between the mountains and the sea and how it revealed prehistoric, Viking & medieval history in well...spades...Facebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryFor sources & reading list: Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com

This month we delved into the history of a relatively new townland - Rathgar!(Pic: image.ie)This month saw the return of the ever brilliant, Trisha Ryan. A former colleague of mine and fellow historian, Trisha hails from Waterford. As both an archaeologist and historian, she is now based in Dublin with a background in Irish archaeology and museum education. She spends her days talking about everything from bronze age artefacts to Viking invasions and having been published in the field of education, who better to reveal what’s below the surface of this month’s episode all about Rathgar (& it's neighbouring Terenure)From humble farmland beginnings and a placename that means 'rough ringfort', as the centuries progressed Rathgar is rough no more. Coming into its own in the 19th century we revealed everything from gardening schools to forgotten castles...Facebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryFor sources & reading list: Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com

This month I was joined by not one but three members of the Kilmacud Stillorgan Local History Society as we focused on an area they know so well - Stillorgan!Joining me this month was:Bryan MacMahon, who is originally from Kerry and spent 30 years as a teacher in Cabinteely Community School. His book ‘Faith and Fury: the Evangelical Campaign in Dingle and West Kerry, 1825-45’ was recently published by Eastwood Books and he is a regular contributor to History Ireland and he has published articles on aspects of 19th century Kilmacud and Stillorgan.Peter Sobolewski, who is originally from Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo and has taught in London, North Augusta and finally Coolmine Community School in Blanchardstown. His publications include: 'The Blanchardstown Chronicle,' 'Kiltimagh, Our Life & Times,' 'A History of Kilmacud Crokes' & 'The History of the Parish of Balally.' On top of that he is also one of the founders of the Kilmacud Stillorgan Local History Society.&Anne O’Connor, who has lived in Stillorgan for the past 45 years - having moved all the way from Dundrum. She has been a committee member of KSLHS since its foundation in 2001 and completed the Local History and the Oral History Certificate courses in Dublin City Library. With a focus on 19th century Stillorgan, she is also involved in organising exhibitions and historical outings for the society and in the production of the annual journal Obelisk From land-hungry families to eccentric archbishops this episode centred around those who owned and lived at Stillorgan…this episode was peppered with their residencies, achievements and why it wasn’t a good idea to get on the wrong side of Stillorgan’s residents! Altered by continuous renovation, Anne, Peter & Bryan revealed a Stillorgan we can’t see anymore...You can get more information about Obelisk, the society's latest publications (on St. Laurence's Boys School) and indeed the society itself at: http://www.kilmacudstillorganhistory.ie/ (Title photo for this episode courtesy of kilmacudstillorganhistory.ie)Facebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryFor sources & reading list: Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com

This month we barreled through the history of one of Dublin's most famous coastal towns - Dalkey!Joining me this month was show regular and the ever brilliant Evan McGuigan. Evan is a historian working in a castle and there he has recently curated the exhibition 'Delivering Justice' on the history of the courts in Ireland. With a background in 20th century political history, he has previously worked in various museums and libraries across Dublin city. With an added interest in significant political figures throughout the centuries he was perfect for delving into a town known for harbouring big names...Did you know that Dalkey's affluent repuatation dates as far back as the 14th century?From prehistoric stone-axe production to trailblazing advances in transport, Dalkey was put on the map long before the superstars moved in.Facebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryFor sources & reading list: Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com

This month we gave this episode a title: 'If You Seek History' - and there was plenty to be found once we went exploring throughout Shankill & RathmichaelJoining me this month was the formidable Dr. Sylvie Kleinman. With a background in the socio-political context of the late 18th and early 19th century, she has played a major role in highlighting the influence of the French on the likes of Wolfe Tone & Robert Emmet. She has previously worked for the Dictionary of Irish Biography and with an interest in military history - there was no way we could fit it all into one hour! So we didn't, enjoy the extra content!!  A long time resident of Shankill, Sylvie helped me delve into the fascinating history of this unassuming villageFrom forgotten ringforts to harbouring German spies, this village turned borough-encompassing  townland bears many a secret - that we only thoroughly enjoyed unveiling! We travelled from the Dublin Mountains out to the edge of Killiney encountering everything from the leadmine industry to shrewd landowners along the way...If you seek history...Shankill is where you'll find itFacebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryFor sources & reading list: Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com

This month we are back to our regular format and heading to the Dublin docklands to delve into the area of Ringsend... Joining me this month was show regular and ever brilliant Evan McGuigan. Evan is a historian working in a castle and there he has recently curated the exhibition 'Delivering Justice' on the history of the courts in Ireland. With a background in 20th century political history, he has previously worked in various museums and libraries across Dublin city. However, Evan can also be found sifting through the shelves at Tower Records, as he is also a music snob.  Did you know one of the Poolbeg stacks is slightly taller than the other ? From electricity generators to being imprisoned at Dublin Castle, this episode was a whirlwind tour of an area (and it’s residents) that’s steeped in history - Ringsend. We headed south of the Dublin Docklands this month to chat all things rays and the Rising focusing on the sense of community and how it co-existed with extensive development Over time, Ringsend seems to have built character as well as harboured a few characters along the way!Facebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryFor sources & reading list: Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com

Bonus content alert!!This month, the show veers off course a little...originally  meant to be an 18th century architecture special, it morphed into an absolute treat for you guys and became our 'Vicereine Special.' In what is entitled 'Dublin 2 - Part II' we meandered through the streets of Dublin's city centre and in the footsteps of the wives of the representatives of British administration. Their untold stories also in turn telling a story of the people who lived and more importantly worked in and around the home of the vicereine and the nerve centre of Dublin that was Dublin Castle. Joining me this month was the wonderful Dr. Myles Campbell -  a Research & Interpretation Officer at Dublin Castle for the OPW, he received his doctorate from TCD and has gone on to teach art and architectural history at TCD, UCD & NUI Maynooth. His publications include co-editing the 2017's Making Majesty: The Throne Room at Dublin Castle, contributions to the Irish Arts Review & Country Life and his latest publication which he edited - Vicereines of Ireland - Portraits of Forgotten Women. From bolstering the 'Free Trade Movement' in the late 19th century to developing niche artisans to serve these elite women throughout the Victorian period, by unfurling the effects of the role of the vicereine; 'the fabric of the city' takes on a whole new meaning - may the stories of these women remain in their rightful place of amongst the socio-political context of 17th-20th century Dublin and indeed Ireland.Myles' latest book accompanies the must-see exhibtion: 'Vicereines of Ireland: Portraits of Forgotten Women' running in the State Apartments at Dublin Castle until September 5th, 2021. The book is available nationwide!Happy listening!Facebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryEmail: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com 

We have a running joke on this show that big houses and James Joyce feature in nearly every episode...... in honour of that - this month was our Bloomsday Special! I was joined by the insightful local historian Brian  Smith as we delved into the days James Joyce spent in Glasthule's smaller neighbour - Sandycove. Why focus on Glasthule then? Sandycove isn't a townland and as you stroll along the coastline up to Dún Laoghaire you find yourself more so in Glasthule than you thought! Brian has had an interest in history from when he was researching his own family history 40 years ago. Since then, he has published three Genealogy books, numerous local history articles, with the Dún Laoghaire  Borough Historical Society and a couple of booklets on items of local interest - which included the brilliant: ‘The Streets of Glasthule' Here is a link to where you can find some of his work:Publications | DLBHS.COM – The website of Dun Laoghaire Borough History SocietyDubray Books. The Streets of Glasthule: The Streets of Glasthule, Co. DublinFrom the various theories of the area's namesake to an evening out dining, we questioned the notion of Glasthule being considered a 'sleepy coastal town.'  We covered Martello towers, the famous neighbours of Joyce and how Sandycove & Glathule were on the receiving end of  a WWII bomb in 1940.  What we duly noted about Glasthule is that despite it's reputation, sleepy it is not! Happy Bloomsday! (The radio show epsiode of Dublin's Historic South - Glasthule was aired on June 16th 2021 on Dublin South FM)Facebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryEmail: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com

BONUS CONTENT ALERT! Season 2 continues and it's third episode focused on the area of the Liberties! A long time coming, this episode may need a Part II (...or even a Part III) and illuminating an area steeped in history was the insightful; James Madigan. Which is why it's a bit longer! James is a local historian, a tour guide in the Liberties and a founding member of the Liberties Cultural Association. He organises events for this association, fundraises for local charities and is involved with the protection of The Liberties’ historic structures. James’ background lies in archaeology with a post grad in Irish Folklore. And having previously worked as a history tutor he is also the Co-ordinator of the Liberties Folklore Project, a collaboration with the National Folklore Collection.**EDIT, 72-74 Francis St. not Meath St.**Please note there might be some background noise...the joys of the city centre! As we headed into what a local described to me as the heart of medieval Dublin we examined trade, it's marketplaces and their laws (and punishments) right up to the 18th century and the locality's biggest employers - the alcohol industry. The benefits and indeed the tragedies of which included the Great whiskey Fire of 1875.  This episode barely scratched the surface of one of the most unique parts of Dublin as we delved into the etymology of 'The Liberties' and barrelled (pun intended) through the centuries to bring listeners a taste of an area defined by trade, faith & most importantly, community. Speaking of, the award winning Liberties Cultural Association were represented by James on this episode but their efforts in monitoring development and ensuring it benefits community. Please check out what is only some of their past and continuing projects below :International Women's Day,  2021https://youtu.be/k5wkSfurG8QHyatt Centric, Liberties Legendshttps://fb.watch/4bqSW7Y2MQ/Quakers In the Liberties, 2020https://youtu.be/jVJgKGBfIHwArmistice Day in the Grotto, 2019https://fb.watch/5qgrZU2Z1O/Pride of Place, 2019https://vimeo.com/352476515Meet The Shopkeepers, 2018https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/welcome-to-the-liberties-new-students-get-a-taste-of-inner-city-dublin-life-1.3605846And of course we mentioned the great Eamonn MacThomais and his jaunts around Dublin, now an important part of media history in Ireland, catch them here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjqvIcFdfdo   https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v6BEO0To490 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0r5a-e2GJaM https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TbPbvqeZBa4&feature=youtu.beFor the reading list or just to say hi :)Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.comFacebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryHappy listening!

Season 2 continues and it's second episode focused on the area of Saggart! And returning to the show was the ever brilliant, Camilla Pedersen. To remind everyone, Camilla hails from Denmark but currently resides in Maynooth and her focus of study is on Viking period mythology and narrative tradition. An alumna of Maynooth University, her main research focus was on Early Irish narrative and literary tradition in comparison to Old Norse narrative tradition, and literary tropes of the supernatural, with special focus on shape-shifting. Her other areas of focus (which were put to good use in this epsiode) are Old Irish linguistics, and prehistoric and early medieval archaeology. You can read her work as she has been published on her topics, most recently in 2019 with Amsterdam University Press. As we headed to the west side of South Dublin we focused on Saggart. From being caught up in frequent attacks and rebellions to becoming a 'day-out' destination spot for Dubliners, Saggart's strategic position went from being a hindrance to a help. At this gateway to the south-west we explored the myriad of megalithic sites on its hills to how industry put it on the map - by providing the paper the Irish Republic Proclamation was printed on at Swiftbrook Paper Mills. Long gone now, we applauded the local residents for retaining it's history and ensuring that what is left of 'old' Saggart - very much stays there!For the reading list or just to say hi :)Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.comFacebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryHappy listening!

This month’s episode, kicking off Season 2,  focused on the area of Ballsbridge! And joining me was show regular; Evan McGuigan. To remind everyone, Evan is a colleague of mine hailing from Monaghan (so still remotely recording),  a fellow historian in whose expertise lies in 20th Irish history but he also has a keen interest in the history of the courts and law-makers in Ireland. In fact he curated a very well received exhibition in Dublin Castle on this topic back in 2019. Fortunately for us his background and interests in political history & current affairs was put to good use as we delved into to the other side on D4! From its humble beginnings as a marshy pitstop out of the city centre, the area grew into one of the wealthiest parts of not just the county, but the country. We explored a townland that, at one time, balanced large-scale industry next to leafy surburbia - while small pockets of it were filled by Ireland's rebels, artists & writers. From the RDS, to Raglan Road to the 'Embassy Belt' Ballsbridge's history is that it attracts not just people of high-status but also people of high volume. For the reading list or just to say hi :)Email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.comFacebook: @dublinshistoricsouthTwitter: @DublinsHistoricInstagram: @lfitzhistoryHappy listening, it's good to be back!

To mark the end of Dublin's Historic South's first season, please enjoy this little mini episode featuring tidbits from the episodes. These extras may not have made the final cut but they will tide you over until Season 2 kicks off in March 2021! Stay tuned and take care :)@DublinsHistoric on Twitter@lfitzhistory on Instagram@dublinshistoricsouth on FacebookFor any questions and indeed the reading lists please email: dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com 

THE SEASON 1 FINALE!!! - Episode XII was recorded over Zoom to delve into the largest townland of South Dublin - Tallaght! (photo: southdublinlibraries.ie) From a prominent ecclesiastical centre to an exploding population, this episode explored how a townland can completely transform in the space of one lifetime. To wrap the end of 12 monthly episodes, it was an absolute pleasure to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Michael Keyes and we examined how Tallaght is laid out to explore it's long history, skirmishes and all...Michael studied history at Maynooth University and completed a PhD there in 2009. He went on to published a book on the political campaigns of Daniel O’Connell and Charles Stewart Parnell in 2011. Since then he has worked with South Dublin County Libraries, most recently as Local Studies Librarian based in The County Library in Tallaght, making him the ideal co-host for all things Dublin 24. From Dundrum to Tallaght Season 1 featured areas from all over the county south of the Liffey and will be back to continue its journey after a short break in March 2021!

Episode XI was recorded thanks to workplace guidelines, at a distance (sorry if it is a bit low!) all about the Dublin 2 and I, Laura Fitzachary had the pleasure of having the incomparable  actress Jennifer Laverty join me for a festive version of the show.   Jennifer is a colleague of mine who hails from Belfast where she studied English and Drama at Queens University. She has been a professional actress for almost 20 years training in the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and Stella Adler in New York.  After appearing in numerous productions in Theatre, Film and Television both in the UK and Ireland you may recognise her from: Love/Hate, Ripper Street and the TV series Titanic- Blood and Steel. No stranger to stage or screen she was perfect for our Christmas Special! Straying a little from our usual format we only focused on parts of Dublin 2, examining the postal districts of Dublin a little closer. From theatre stages becoming nationalist training grounds to Christmas Lights sparking national outrage, December's episode took a festive look at the area's 'drama-tic' history as we treaded the boards of the history of south Dublin's inner city.

Episode X was recorded over Zencastr all about the Donnybrook (photo: rte.ie) and I, Laura Fitzachary welcomed back the ever insightful Evan McGuigan to the show.  Evan is also a historian working in a castle and there he recently curated the exhibition 'Delivering Justice' on the history of the courts in Ireland. With a background in 20th century political history, he has previously worked in various museums and libraries across Dublin city. However, Evan can also be found sifting through the shelves at Tower Records, as he is also a music snob.  Reverting back to our usual format  we delved into Donnybrook and it's long history as a major civil parish in Dublin. From renegade priests tacking couples together to the demise of the teenage disco, this episode takes the topic of social history on the nose by examining the history of socializing. With a particular focus on great work done on Donnybrook Fair, this month's show centres around the age old inner tug-of-war: revelry vs restraint... 

Episode IX is the Halloween Special recorded over Zoom all about the Dublin Mountains and I, Laura Fitzachary welcomed back the fabulous Camilla Pedersen to the show. Camilla hails from Denmark but currently resides in Maynooth and her focus of study is on Viking period mythology and narrative tradition. Her other areas of focus are Old Irish linguistics, and prehistoric and early medieval archaeology and she has been published on her topics, most recently in 2019 with Amsterdam University Press. Taking a break from the usual format this episode examines how local traditions, customs and lore echo across this landscape's summits. Across the peaks of the Dublin Mountains we examined prehistoric burial tradition and how it is interlaced with mythology and the otherworld at Giant's Grave and of course, the Hellfire Club. From the dark side of fairies to following the perambulations of the devil himself, this month's show reveals a darker side to South Dublin's history

Episode VIII is all about Clondalkin and I, Laura Fitzachary was delighted to welcome the return of Trisha Ryan. Trisha is an archaeologist and historian from Waterford based in Dublin, with a background in Irish archaeology and museum education and spends her days talking about everything from bronze age artefacts to Viking invasions. With a BA in Archaeology and History and a MA in Archaeology, she was the natural choice for this episode as it is our 'Viking Special'  We follow their activities in Ireland by focusing on the development (or survival) of the monastic site of St. Crónán Mochua. From Irish chieftains getting their own back to how the name Crónán is now synonymous with the use of the Irish language in Clondalkin today, this episode noted how aspects of early Medieval Ireland linger on the landscape!

Episode VII is all about Dún Laoghaire and I, Laura Fitzachary, welcomed the brilliant Anthony Kelly to the show this month. An artist based in Dublin, his practice involves sonic and visual approaches to making his work and this includes painting, drawing, sound recording, sculpture, sound installation, film/video, and improvised sound performance. Although diverse in construction, his work chiefly concentrates on the shifting and fragmentary nature of sensory experience. To explore this he uses the discarded or overlooked aspects of the world around us which he enlarges and amplifies to create his work. His creative work frequently involves collaboration and Anthony has received funding from the Arts Council of Ireland and Culture Ireland. His work has been exhibited widely in Ireland and abroad and one of his current ongoing projects includes A Sound Map of Dún Laoghaire, which he coordinates with David Stalling. It’s so impressive, it has formed the backbone of this entire episode! From dealing with the tumultuous waters of Ireland to the cultural significance of the Top Hat, this episode was formed around the Sound Map where we explore the sonic environment of this townland and record it’s rapid change through what we hear. Anthony very kindly let me use clips of some recordings which have been dotted throughout! You can listen to the full clips and other recordings at A Sound Map of Dún Laoghaire  & farpointrecordings.comReading Lists available from dublinshistoricsouth@outlook.com@DublinsHistoric on Twitter@lfitzhistory on Instagram@dublinshistoricsouth on Facebook

Episode VI is all about Lucan and I, Laura Fitzachary welcomed the fabulous Camilla Pedersen to the show this month. Camilla hails from Denmark but currently resides in Maynooth and her focus of study is on Viking period mythology and narrative tradition. Her other areas of focus are Old Irish linguistics, and prehistoric and early medieval archaeology and she has been published on her topics, most recently in 2019 with Amsterdam University Press. She will also bring doughnuts to your house and generously impart her knowledge of past and present archaeological excavations in Ireland. We travelled from 19th century to the 1990's to reveal the finds of Pettycannon lands and Lucan reminding us and the listener of the importance of walking around the area you live in. This episode meandered through Lucan, from the origin of the placename to stressing the importance of community, local history and how we remember it.