The Medieval Irish History Podcast

The Medieval Irish History Podcast

Author: The Medieval Irish History Podcast Language: English Episodes: 60
For anyone curious about the centuries often summarized as simply "Vikings and monks," The Medieval Irish History Podcast offers a far richer and more nuanced journey. Hosted by Dr. Niamh Wycherley, this series moves beyond the stereotypes to reveal a complex, dynamic, and surprisingly vibrant world. Each episode is built around a lively and engaging conversation with a leading expert, delving into specific aspects of a period that is frequently evoked yet deeply misunderstood. Listeners will hear discussions that unpack new and exciting research, challenging outdated narratives and bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront. The podcast serves as a direct line to the latest academic insights, exploring everything from politics and religion to daily life and material culture, all grounded in the landscape of medieval Ireland. It’s an invitation to reconsider what you think you know, presented through accessible and thoughtful dialogue. This podcast is supported by the Department of Early Irish at Maynooth University and Taighde Éireann, ensuring a foundation of scholarly rigor while remaining genuinely engaging for anyone with an interest in the past. The views expressed within each episode belong to the individual speakers, contributing to a multifaceted and authentic exploration of history.
Episodes
Gráinne Ní Mháille and Joan Fitzgerald with Emily Little [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:10
We have a special episode today with recent Maynooth graduate Emily Little winner of the NUI Mansion House prize for her BA in Irish history. Emily is currently a secondary school teacher and studying for her Professiona…
The Viking Paradigm with Prof. Alex Woolf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:56
This week we welcome back Prof. Alex Woolf (University of St. Andrews) to the podcast to question whether ‘the Vikings’ is a useful concept that helps us understand history. We explore why certain people left Scandinavia…
Spooky Samhain with Dr Hannah Mac Auliffe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:51
"Great was the darkness of that night and its horror, and demons would appear on that night always."Oíche shamhna shona daoibh go léir! Happy Hallowe'en! To accompany you on any trick or treating or early morning/late ni…
Medieval Medicine with Prof. Deborah Hayden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:49
This week Prof. Deborah Hayden, our Head here in the Dept. of Early Irish, Maynooth University, explains what it was like both to go the, or become a, doctor in medieval Ireland! Taking us through a chronological develop…
Poets and Poetry with Dr Elizabeth Boyle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:30
Welcome back for season three! Hope you missed us as much as we missed recording our chats on all things medieval Ireland! Today we have Dr Elizabeth Boyle back for the first episode of the new season (as is becoming tra…
Sin and Penance with Dr Elaine Pereira Farrell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:28
Welcome to the last episode of season two! Thank you everyone for their continued support. Today we chat to one of the foremost experts on the Penitentials, Dr Elaine Pereira Farrell, who explains how these prescriptive…
The Royal Irish Academy Library with Barbara McCormack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:09
In this episode, we chat about the incredible academic and public resource that is the Library in the Royal Irish Academy. Academy Librarian Barbara McCormack tells us all about the collection of medieval manuscripts inc…