What was daily life in a medieval Irish castle really like? In this special episode recorded in Barryscourt Castle I explore the reality behind the myths. My guest Jamie O’Callaghan guides you through reconstructed rooms that reveal everything from deadly defenses to secret chambers to show how people lived and all too often died in a medieval castle. We also talk about food, entertainment and the often bizarre customs that shaped life in one of Ireland's most impressive castles in the late Middle Ages.

There is a video to accompany this podcast at https://www.patreon.com/posts/148600059

You can find out more about Barryscourt at heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/barryscourt-castle

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

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This episode includes discussion of sex and is not suitable for younger listeners.

Sex has always been a key part of Irish life. Yet given its intimate and private nature it often leaves little trace in the historical record. One rare exception comes from the Presbyterian Kirk Session, a church court that kept detailed accounts of behaviour it considered sinful. These records open a unique window into how people in eighteenth century Ireland navigated desire, shame, romance and rule breaking.

In this episode I am joined by Dr Leanne Calvert whose book Pious and Promiscuous: Life, Love and Family in Presbyterian Ulster uncovers the hidden sex lives of ordinary men and women in the 18th century. The conversation explores beliefs about sex, the reality of everyday relationships, courtship, affairs, pregnancy and the ways communities tried to control intimacy.

Get your copy of Leanne's book Pious and Promiscuous: Life, Love and Family in Presbyterian Ulster herehttps://shop.ria.ie/products/pious

Leanne's Blog: https://promiscuouspresbyterian.wordpress.com/

Work profile: https://pure.ul.ie/en/persons/leanne-calvert/

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

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

The forgotten story of the Irishman forced to work on Japan's Railway of Death which inspired the film The Bridge over the River Kwai.

In 1942 Britain suffered one of its worst defeats when Singapore fell to the Japanese Army. Tens of thousands were taken prisoner including the Dubliner Don Kennedy. This began a brutal ordeal. Don was forced to help build what became known as Japan’s Railway of Death through the jungles of South East Asia.

In this episode Don’s son Fergus tells the remarkable story of how his father became involved in constructing the notorious River Kwai railway. Fergus shares how his father endured starvation, disease and brutality in the jungles of South East Asia.

Fergus has published Don’s story in his recent book From Ballybunion to the Kwai. You can get your copy here https://www.gillbooks.ie/history/history/ballybunion-to-the-river-kwai

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

Support the show at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

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