Best Irish Times Atlantic Podcasts (2025)

1
Irish Americans & The Troubles: Unwelcome Outsiders or Allies? 33:13

5d ago33:13

33:13

This episode continues the story of NORAID - the Irish American organisation who were the voice of the IRA in the US. Jamie Goldrick and I delve into the complicated history of wider Irish American involvement in the Troubles. It's a history full of contradictions on both sides of the Atlantic. In the Republic, many criticised NORAID’s actions, yet…

1
NORAID: Did Irish Americans Fund the Provisional IRA? 44:32

7d ago44:32

44:32

In this episode, we explore the fascinating and controversial story of NORAID, the Irish American organisation at the heart of the new documentary NORAID: Irish America & the IRA. Joined by the film’s producer, Jamie Goldrick, we unravel the history that made NORAID so influential, examining its activities, its impact on the Troubles, and its lasti…

1
Irish Asylums: A Dark History We Don’t Talk About. Why? 37:54

14d ago37:54

37:54

In the 1950s, more than 20,000 people—over one percent of the adult population of Ireland—were locked away in mental asylums. This was the highest rate in the world, with more people confined in asylums than in all other institutions, including prisons, combined. Yet, despite these staggering numbers, the story of Ireland’s asylums remains largely …

1
Poveglia Island: Italy’s Plague Ghosts & the Most Haunted Island in the World 37:32

15d ago37:32

37:32

Send us a text Welcome to Talk Spooky With Me! In this spine-chilling episode, we travel to Italy’s infamous Poveglia Island—a place so haunted locals refuse to set foot there. Once a quarantine zone for plague victims and later a psychiatric hospital, Poveglia is rumored to be cursed by thousands of restless souls. Discover the dark history of thi…

1
Banned: The Hidden History of Contraception in Ireland (Listener Favourite) 28:12

21d ago28:12

28:12

While we’re on the last week of our summer break, we’re bringing you one of our most popular episodes from the back catalogue. For over four decades, contraception was not just taboo in Ireland—it was illegal. From 1935 to 1979, selling contraceptives and even accessing information about family planning was strictly banned by the Irish government. …

1
[Classic Replay] A Criminal Conversation: Affairs & Divorce in 1920s Ireland 40:52

1M ago40:52

40:52

A story from the 1920s that will reshape the way you view our great grandparents lives! Unfortunately, there’s no new show this week, but I wanted to re-share an episode I really enjoyed making two years ago. It'll well worth another spin. In 1920s Ireland, Alice Morton’s marriage breakdown sparked a sensational divorce trial. Accused of adultery, …

1
The Irish Wake: A History 50:11

1M ago50:11

50:11

The Irish funeral wake is a unique tradition where family and friends gather around the body of the deceased to share stories, remember their life, and celebrate their legacy. Often resembling a lively party with plenty of drink, this ritual is both a farewell and a celebration. Predating Christianity, the Irish wake stretches back thousands of yea…

1
Annabelle: The Devil Doll That Haunted a Nursing Student – True Paranormal Case 19:57

2M ago19:57

19:57

Send us a text Is the infamous “Annabelle” doll cursed? In this chilling episode of Talk Spooky With Me, host Kimberly Nikole explores the real-life horror behind the Raggedy Ann doll believed to be possessed by a demonic entity. From mysterious occurrences to occult rituals, uncover how this haunted toy terrorized a nursing student—and what happen…

1
Midwives & Mothers: A History of Birth in Ireland 28:47

2M ago28:47

28:47

In times past, childbirth was a profoundly communal and intimate experience, guided by the steady hands and wisdom of community midwives. Known as Bean Ghlúine—the Women of the Knee—these women were among the most important figures in rural Irish communities. In this episode, I’m joined by historian Emma Laffey to explore the world of birth and mid…

1
Glenmalure & Memories of a Lost World - How Did Electrification Change Rural Ireland? 36:54

2M ago36:54

36:54

Nestled deep in the Wicklow Mountains, Glenmalure was once a stronghold for rebels and a sanctuary from the outside world. But long after the echoes of rebellion faded, the valley remained a place apart, where the comforts of modern life arrived late. Glenmalure was only connected to the electricity grid and running water in the late 20th century, …

1
The Angels of Mons: World War I Battlefield Ghosts—Haunting Historical Tale 31:25

2M ago31:25

31:25

Send us a text During the chaos of World War I, British troops reported mysterious angelic figures at the Battle of Mons. Join Kimberly as she delves into eyewitness reports, wartime legend, and spiritual interpretations to uncover: were these divine protectors—or shared illusions born of fear? 🕯️ Talk Spooky With Me Podcast – Where the shadows spe…

1
Glendalough & The History Tourists Are Never Told 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Its medieval monastery and stunning mountain landscape attract around one million tourists every year. However behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a history that rarely makes it into the tourist brochures. In this episode, I veer off the well-trodden paths to uncover the…

1
A History of Ireland's Last Great Wilderness 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

Vast, windswept, and seemingly untouched—the landscape around the Sally Gap in Wicklow is a place where history appears to vanish into the heather and mist. With no houses and few traces of human settlement, this moorland feels like a true wilderness. Yet, the story of this landscape is one forged by ancient forces, human ambition, and exploitation…

1
Mary Hayes Chenoweth: The Forgotten Healer Who Could See Inside You | Wisconsin’s Paranormal History 10:12

2M ago10:12

10:12

Send us a text Have you ever heard of a woman who claimed she could see inside the human body—and heal with her mind? In this episode of Talk Spooky With Me, we uncover the chilling and inspiring true story of Mary Hayes Chenoweth, a 19th-century artist, spiritualist, and Wisconsin’s forgotten paranormal pioneer. 🔮 Topics Covered: The spiritualist …

1
The Cooneen Poltergeist: Haunted Irish Family & The Mid-Atlantic Exorcism 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

Send us a text Dive into one of Ireland’s most chilling hauntings with Talk Spooky With Me Podcast as we unravel the terrifying true story of the Cooneen Poltergeist. In this gripping episode, we investigate a rural Irish family tormented by relentless paranormal forces that defied explanation — from phantom knockings and levitating objects to ghos…

1
Breaking Ireland's Bandit Country: The Wicklow Military Road 42:21

3M ago42:21

42:21

In 1800, in the wake of the 1798 Rebellion, the British military began construction of the Wicklow Military Road. Designed to bring control to the so-called “bandit country” of the Wicklow Mountains, this road now winds through some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes in Ireland. Its history is as dramatic as the scenery it traverses. Bui…

1
London’s First Ghost Murder Trial: The Spirit That Drove a Man to Kill 27:50

3M ago27:50

27:50

Send us a text We are Back in Hammersmith, London for Episode 3! In 1804 Hammersmith, London, a village gripped by fog suspected a ghost prowling Black Lion Lane. When one terrified man fired his musket—and killed another—the result was one of England’s strangest murder trials. Tonight, we unravel how fear, folklore, and faulty justice collided. Ke…

1
What happened to Ireland’s Protestant Community after the Revolution? 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

Between 1911 and 1926, the Irish Protestant population fell by over 30%. This podcast explores why this happened, as well as how the majority who remained adapted to life in the Free State. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Doomed by Witchcraft: Whitewater’s Haunted Halls & the Dark Secrets of Second Salem 13:09

3M ago13:09

13:09

Send us a text In this chilling episode of Talk Spooky With Me Podcast, we pull back the veil on Whitewater, Wisconsin—a town so steeped in dark legends it’s earned the name “Second Salem.” Explore the haunted halls of Whitewater’s college campus, where ghostly apparitions roam, witches’ curses linger, and cryptic tunnels hide sinister secrets. Dis…

1
The IRA's Great Escape: Mountjoy Jail, 1925 27:50

3M ago27:50

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

1
The Vanishing House of Hammersmith: Time Glitch or Phantom Architecture? 8:24

3M ago8:24

8:24

Send us a text A house that materializes, then vanishes—only to haunt witnesses forever. In our debut episode, Kimberly Nikole investigates the disappearing house legend in Hammersmith, London. Explore eyewitness accounts, historic documents, and modern theories behind one of the strangest paranormal vanishings recorded. Press play… if you dare. A …

1
Stories We Don't Tell: Realities of Surviving the Great Hunger 37:00

3M ago37:00

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 rec…

1
Typhoid Mary: Victim or Villain 1:16:00

4M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

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 …

1
Coffin Ships: What Famine Emigrants Endured [Classic Replay] 45:54

4M ago45:54

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, origin…

1
A History of Beer in Ireland 30:10

4M ago30:10

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 Irel…

1
The Bloody Summer of 1170: An Epic of Siege, Invasion & Conquest in Medieval Ireland 1:01:30

4M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

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 e…

1
1798, Magdalene Laundries, and Exploring an Irish bandit Country - Keeping You in the Loop! 4:53

5M ago4:53

4:53

Why is there no show this week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Michael Collins: History Masked by Myths and Conspiracies 42:18

5M ago42:18

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. W…

1
Irish Emigrants in Tsarist Russia: A History 40:12

5M ago40:12

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 conve…

1
St Brigid: Pagan Goddess or Christian Saint? 12:57

5M ago12:57

12:57

St. Brigid is one of Ireland's most well-known saints. While Christian churches have experienced a crisis of faith in recent decades, she seems to buck the trend. People of all faiths and none can identify with this figure. In this short episode, I explore the history of St. Brigid, asking if she was a Christian saint or a pagan goddess and why she…

1
Hitler's Irish Translator: Nazi Sympathiser or Following Orders? 38:47

6M ago38:47

38:47

In March 1939, James Murphy, a Cork man, became a wanted figure in Nazi Germany. As Europe hurtled towards war, Murphy published an unedited English translation of Hitler’s notorious book, Mein Kampf, which revealed Hitler’s long-held intentions to invade Eastern Europe. However, Murphy's story is complicated. Often presented as an opponent of the …

1
The Irish Catholic Church: How did it become so powerful? 38:37

6M ago38:37

38:37

Over the past three decades, the Catholic Church has been engulfed by numerous sexual abuse scandals and accusations of power abuse. This has prompted many to question how it initially gained such influence in Ireland. In this podcast, I delve into the history of the Catholic Church within modern Irish society. While its influence is often linked t…

1
Winston Churchill: The Irish View on a British Legend 32:50

6M ago32:50

32:50

Winston Churchill is one of the most famous figures of the 20th century. Hailed in Britain as the man who won the war, his legacy in Ireland is far more complex. In this episode, I delve into history behind the celebrated war hero who saved Britain who was also a staunch imperialist with a controversial past. Join me as I navigate the contrasting n…

1
Irish Lives in Victorian London: History and Influence 44:45

7M ago44:45

44:45

Victorian London was a city of immense wealth, but also shocking poverty. The historian Jerry White described it as "a metropolis of wealth, grandeur, culture, and sophistication alongside a hell of starving, degrading, and heart-rending poverty." The largest city in the world at the time, London was also home to tens of thousands of Irish emigrant…

1
Why Didn't Irish People Eat Fish During the Great Hunger? 30:54

8M ago30:54

30:54

During the Great Hunger of the 1840s, one million Irish perished from starvation and hunger-related diseases. However, Ireland is surrounded by some of the best fishing grounds in Europe. This begs the question: why didn't the Irish turn to the sea to survive? Some have argued that our ancestors didn't know how to fish or that they didn't like fish…

1
Why Was Life Expectancy So Low in Ireland Until 1900? 37:25

8M ago37:25

37:25

Life expectancy in Ireland has doubled over the past 200 years, but why was it so low for so long? In this podcast, I delve into the factors that kept life expectancy down in Ireland's history and what those numbers truly mean. Did people really only live to 40 in the past? During the Great Hunger, life expectancy plummeted to just 20 years—what do…

1
1719: The Irish Rescue of the Polish Princess Bride 32:12

8M ago32:12

32:12

In 1719, the 17-year-old Polish Princess Maria Clementina Sobieska was seized by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. While the move shocked many in Europe, in the following months a group of Irish exiles plotted a daring rescue of Maria Clementina. This led to a dramatic 400-kilometer chase across 18th-century Europe. In this episode, I am joined by…

1
Societal Collapse: Did It Happen in Irish History? 31:52

8M ago31:52

31:52

In this episode, I explore the ruins of a Temple and the intriguing concept of societal collapse and its relevance to Irish history. Often depicted as dramatic and apocalyptic, societal collapse is a topic that has captured the imagination of historians and the public alike. But how accurate is this narrative especially when applied to Ireland's pa…

1
Your Prehistoric Ancestors: More Sophisticated than you think! 31:16

9M ago31:16

31:16

Check out my new podcast 'Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast' with Damian Shiels https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod In this captivating episode, I explore the enigmatic world of prehistoric Ireland. I am joined by Professor Gabriel Cooney to discuss the lives of Ireland's earliest inhabitants. Our conversation challenges the stereotyp…

1
Stigma, Famine & Emigration: A History of Mental Health in Ireland 32:54

9M ago32:54

32:54

By the late 1950s, over 20,000 individuals in the Republic of Ireland were confined in asylums—a staggering figure equivalent to 1 in every 133 Irish people at the time. This episode delves into how such a situation arose. Were Irish people inherently more susceptible to mental health issues, or was there something else at play? Centered around a s…

1
The Dirtiest City in Europe? Why Did Typhoid Thrive in Victorian Dublin? 30:20

9M ago30:20

30:20

In 1900, the life expectancy in Dublin was a mere 49 years, a stark indicator of the city's dire living conditions. The Victorian city was notorious for its filth and disease, which proved an ideal breeding ground for Typhoid. This episode explores how Dublin battled with this deadly disease for decades. This journey takes you through the Victorian…

1
Emily Anderson: The Forgotten Irish Woman of Bletchley Park 41:24

10M ago41:24

41:24

In this captivating episode of the Irish History Podcast, Jackie Ni Chionna joins me to discuss the remarkable but forgotten Irish woman, Emily Anderson. Emily was an Irish code breaker who played a pivotal role at Bletchley Park during World War II. Despite her significant contributions to the Allied war effort, Emily has been forgotten in the wid…

1
The Making of a Ghost Town - The Rise and Fall of the Irish Kings of Cotton 34:33

10M ago34:33

34:33

In the 1850s, Portlaw was Ireland's most successful town. The population had grown tenfold in the previous 30 years. The local Cotton Mill, built by the Malcomson Family, provided work for thousands of people. However, by the early 20th century, everything had changed. The Cotton Mill was silent, and many of the houses had been abandoned. This epis…

1
Who was the first Irish person to cross the Atlantic Ocean? 44:29

10M ago44:29

44:29

I am delighted to share the very first episode of Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast. It's a new show I am making with historian Damian Shiels which looks at Irish-American History. It's separate from the Irish History Podcast and Season 1 will be released each Monday. You can subscribe to Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podc…

1
Resisting Nazi Occupation: Ireland's Forgotten World War II Heroes 41:03

10M ago41:03

41:03

John Keany, Monica de Wichfeld, and Delia Murphy are not well-known figures, yet they are some of the most extraordinary people in modern Irish history. During the Second World War, they found themselves in Nazi-occupied Europe and took extraordinary risks to resist the Nazis. Some paid with their lives. This podcast tells their stories. The episod…

1
Ireland in World War II: Neutrality, Nazi Collaborators or Secret Allies? 37:28

11M ago37:28

37:28

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Ireland adopted a position of neutrality. However, throughout the conflict, senior figures in the United Kingdom and the United States suspected the government in Dublin harboured Nazi sympathies. While the Royal Navy believed German U-boats were refuelling along the West Coast, actions taken by the Irish go…

1
The Mystery Nazi Flight to Ireland - Who was really on board? 23:19

11M ago23:19

23:19

In this riveting episode I delve into one of the most intriguing and lesser-known stories of World War II: "The Mystery Nazi Flight to Ireland." On May 5th 1945, a German bomber unexpectedly landed in Ireland, sparking a media frenzy and wild speculation. Newspapers across the globe sensationalized the event, suggesting that Adolf Hitler and other …

1
Exploring a 5,000 year old Tomb 31:00

11M ago31:00

31:00

Portal Tombs are scattered across the Irish countryside. These monuments, around 5,000 years old, have been sites of ritual for millennia. Generation after generation, while spiritual beliefs changed, these ancient sites often remained sacred. In this podcast, I explore two of these tombs to understand how and why these mysterious tombs were built,…

1
The History of Guinness Explained: A more controversial beer than you think! 30:00

11M ago30:00

30:00

Guinness is the most iconic Irish brand of all time. A large part of its success is based on a history the company has carefully crafted around the beer. However like all histories, the actual history of Guinness is complicated. In this episode, I am joined by Eoin Tabb and DJ Walsh to explore some of the more controversial aspects of the history o…

1
Sex Magic, Divorce & Inforcing the Patriarchy - Brehon Law Explained [Classic Re-Release] 29:31

12M ago29:31

29:31

Brehon Law, the ancient legal system that ruled Ireland during the Middle Ages, is often romanticised as egalitarian and even feminist. But, in this riveting episode, Dr. Gillian Kenny shatters these myths. Join us as we delve deep into a world where sex magic and slavery were prevalent, and discover how Brehon Law actually reinforced a patriarchal…

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