Irish History

Less than two months into power and Ireland’s new government is already in turbulence, as its coalition leaders jostle for position within the political Frankenstein they have created. Their failure to foresee and prevent the virus…

'Where Did General Lucas Go?' became a popular song around North Cork 100 years ago. It concerned the kidnapping of a British General by the Irish Republican Army and was often sung by children to taunt British soldiers on the streets. The…

In 1918 a campaign song was written by an anonymous author for the General Election of that year. 'The Sinn Feiners Election Song' appeared on a ballad sheet which sold for a penny on the streets of Dublin. With the same air as 'The Boys of…

Charles M'Carthy was a colour sergeant in Her Majesty's 53rd Regiment of Foot and served across Europe and the West Indies. While stationed in County Cork he became involved with the Fenian movement. He was then stationed in Carrick-on-Suir…

In The Ocean Between, Irish artist Marianne Keating looks at the emigration of Irish people to Barbados and Jamaica as indentured labourers in the 17th and 19th centuries and the impact these Irish immigrants had on these two countries. In…

Easter Week 1916 saw many cats and dogs across Dublin run in fear of the chaos resulting in a significant number of homes across the capital having lost pets in the aftermath of the Rising. One pet who stubbornly stayed in his home was the…

According to the National Museum of Australia, the first rebellion in Australia took place in 1804 and it was a Kerryman who started it. Up to 300 convicts were led by Kerry born Philip Cunningham in a revolt on a New South Wales prison…

Irish Icons, International Interests is a new radio docu-drama series exploring the global connections of famous figures from Irish history. Launched on RTE Radio 1 Extra on Saturday 23rd February at 2pm, the show is also available as a…

Playwright Arthur Miller became a prominent name in 20th century theatre penning plays such as Death of a Salesman, All My Sons and A View from the Bridge to name just a few. He had built a sturdy career for himself in the theatre world but…

When the tide comes in the river runs deep and fast. Rushing beneath Galway’s Wolfe Tone Bridge and out past Spanish Arch to become the Atlantic. The ribbons are tied to the railings that face upriver, against the flow. Dashes of colour…