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

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Manage episode 492022499 series 2625
Content provided by Fin Dwyer. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Fin Dwyer or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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 unspoken. In this episode, historian Fin Dwyer is joined by Dr Brendan Kelly to uncover the history behind these institutions. They explore the origins of Ireland’s asylums, the harsh realities faced by those inside, and the complex reasons why communities didn’t oppose these bleak institutions but often welcomed their opening. Through powerful stories and revealing statistics, this episode shines a light on a dark chapter of Irish history that we still struggle to confront.


Get an ad-free version of the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast


Get Brendan's book 'Inside Grangegorman' https://shop.ria.ie/products/asylum-inside-grangegorman


Sound by Kate Dunlea.


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

  continue reading

423 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 492022499 series 2625
Content provided by Fin Dwyer. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Fin Dwyer or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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 unspoken. In this episode, historian Fin Dwyer is joined by Dr Brendan Kelly to uncover the history behind these institutions. They explore the origins of Ireland’s asylums, the harsh realities faced by those inside, and the complex reasons why communities didn’t oppose these bleak institutions but often welcomed their opening. Through powerful stories and revealing statistics, this episode shines a light on a dark chapter of Irish history that we still struggle to confront.


Get an ad-free version of the show at Patreon.com/irishpodcast


Get Brendan's book 'Inside Grangegorman' https://shop.ria.ie/products/asylum-inside-grangegorman


Sound by Kate Dunlea.


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

  continue reading

423 episodes

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