In this episode I delve into the lasting impact of the Great Hunger on Ireland. Its often said that the Famine was a taboo subject and a 'Great Silence' surrounded the 1840s. In this podcast I challenge this myth and explore how grief, guilt, and trauma were expressed and processed by the survivors. Join me as I uncover the untold stories and voices that defy the myth of an unspoken past. I also argue that it was revisionist historians and official Ireland who shut down debate on this crucial topic.

As always the history is structured around a story so the show begins with an unlikely person - the descendant of an Irish rebel living in India.

If you want to hear my thoughts on whether the Great Famine was an act of genocide, check out this episode: Was the Great Famine Genocide? - Irish History Podcast

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Within the space of a few years following the Great Hunger, hundreds of thousands of Irish emigrants settled in New York quickly becoming one of the largest communities in the city.

These Irish emigrants are synonymous with slums, starvation, and misery; however, groundbreaking new research challenges this one dimensional stereotype.

While poverty was central to the lives of many Irish immigrants in the 19th century, it did not define their experience of New York.

In this episode, Prof. Tyler Anbinder from George Washington University shares stories from his research that reveals a very different history than we often imagine.

Based on his latest book, Plentiful Country, this interview will change your understanding of what New York was like for Irish emigrants in the later 19th century.

Check out Tyler's new book Plentiful Country

Plentiful Country to buy here

There is an excellent audio version available as well

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In 1879 Vere Goold was a celebrity in Ireland. After winning Ireland’s first tennis championship, he reached the prestigious Wimbledon final later in the year.

Exactly 30 years later he would die in the most notorious prison in the world – Devil’s Island.

Known as the 'dry guillotine' the conditions in the French penal colony were horrendous.

However few had sympathy for the Irish aristocrat.

His crime had been unspeakable and shocked the world.

This is the Life & Crimes of Vere Goold.

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As a listener to the show you can get a 30% discount off everything in the shop at https://www.irishhistorypodcast.ie/shop when you use the code SALE30.

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