Believe it or not, it was a crime to sell contraception in Ireland between 1935 and 1979. The Irish government also banned all literature on family planning for decades as well. This had a profound impact on life in Ireland. Couples couldn't plan families

While Ireland remained neutral in the Second World War several Nazi agents were smuggled into the country. Their aims varied, some sought to establish contact with the IRA while others were spies. In this episode, I interview historian Marc McMenamin abou

There is a photo essay to accompany this episode here Conwy castle in Wales in one of Europe's most spectacular medieval castles. Built in the 1280s by Edward I the castle has withstood sieges and the ravages of time. On Sat October 8th I organised a

This bonus episode, exclusively available to supporters, includes more interviews with Martin and Oisin from Strokestown Park House. In this episode we delve deeper into those final decades at the house as Olive Packenham Mahon struggled to adjust to life

In this final episode of Ireland's Last Aristocrat, you will hear how Olive Packenham Mahon adjusted to life in Ireland after the War of Independence. This follows her story through the chaotic early days of the Irish Free State, her futile attempts to bu

Olive's unpublished diary and letters reveal a story of war, revolution and scandalous relationships in Ireland during the War of Independence.After being raised in splendour with servants taking care of her every need (see part I), this episode follows O

I hope you enjoyed part I of Ireland's Last Aristocrat. While the second episode in the series drops next week, this exclusive supporters-only podcast has bonus material. Recorded in Strokestown Park House it features more interviews with historian a

Olive Packenham Mahon was born into wealth and privilege in 1894, but the legacy of a secret funeral and the spectre of war and revolution defined her life. She was no ordinary aristocrat - Olive was the last of her kind...A special thanks to Oisin O

Olive Pakenham Mahon was one of Ireland's last Aristocrats. Haunted by a secret funeral in her families past, revolution and war defined her life. She was anything but normal...Subscribe to the Irish History Podcast where you listen to podcasts https://li

You may not recognise the name Bridget ODonnel, but she is one of the most recognisable women in Irish history. In December 1849 her image (pictured in the episode artwork and here) appeared in The Illustrated London News. Over the following decades she