Podcast Archive

Welcome to the podcast archive page for "The Letter from Ireland Podcast". Here you'll find a link to all of our podcast episodes covering Irish Genealogy & Family History, Irish Surnames, Irish Culture & Customs, Ireland Travel and much more.

 

Browse the podcast episodes listed on this page and jump to one that interests you, or enter a placename, surname or other item in the search box below to see related podcasts.

All of our podcasts to date

Sherlock film poster

James Bond Meets Sherlock Holmes – An Irish Story (#709)

Today we take to the streets of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. Edinburgh was the home to Seán Connery, the actor who played James Bond for many years. We also examine another native of Edinburgh – Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the immortal detective Sherlock Holmes. We chat about their Irish roots –…

Strokestown Park House copy - Murder in The West of Ireland - (#708)

Murder in The West of Ireland – (#708)

In this episode we cover two infamous real life murder cases in the west of Ireland during the 1800s. The first murder was as a result of mass evictions from an Irish estate during the famine – and the second involved a travesty of justice where the accused were tried in a language they did…

Elvis Headshot jpg - Elvis and The Fighting Irish - (#707)

Elvis and The Fighting Irish – (#707)

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland podcast we look at the place the humble Irish club called the “shillelagh” has in Irish history and tradition. Also, did you know that Shillelagh is also a place?The ancestors of a very special singer came from those parts – or did they? Lots of LOVELY Irish…

7408459 m - A Valentine Card From Ireland - (#706)

A Valentine Card From Ireland – (#706)

In this special St. Valentine’s episode of the Letter from Ireland podcast we share the story of Saint Valentine’s association with the city of Dublin – and the tale of love and loss of a young couple who were married in Kilmainham jail shortly before he was executed for partaking in the Easter rising of…

The Chieftains, The Essential album cover

The Death of An Irish Chieftain – (#705)

In this special musical episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast we celebrate the music of the Irish traditional group known as The Chieftains. Following the death of their leader late last year, Paddy Moloney, we have come to the end of a musical career that has seen The Chieftains popularise Irish music around the globe…

Imbolc

A Celtic Spring – (#704)

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast we celebrate the upcoming season of Celtic spring here in Ireland – known as Imbolc. We choose music and stories to understand more of this significant time in the Celtic calendar – a time that became supplanted by the festival of Saint Brigid over time. Enjoy! You…

Irish Scotland 1 - Ireland, Scotland & Robbie Burns - (#703)

Ireland, Scotland & Robbie Burns – (#703)

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast we look at the overlap culturally between Ireland and Scotland. This is especially relevant as we approach the annual Robbie Burns night – what has effectively turned into Scotland’s national day. Join us for plenty of chat, music, entertainment and a bit of education along the…

Irish DNA Testing - Two Giants of Irish Literature - (#702)

Two Giants of Irish Literature – (#702)

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Podcast, we look at the life and works of two of Ireland’s most famous literary giants – George Bernard Shaw and James Joyce. We take an unusual angle on the stories of both and throw in some music to help set the mood for the time through…

Animals - All God's Creatures Have a Place in the Choir - (#701)

All God’s Creatures Have a Place in the Choir – (#701)

In this episode we look at many of the Irish surnames, music and stories that feature the names of many of these animals. We also hear the story of an Irishman who had a special place to play in the protection of animals with the founding of the Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the UK – as well as lots of Irish music to enjoy along the way!

An Irish road to Monasterboice with Mike, Carina and Jayne standing in front of hedgerow

What Drives Genealogists Crazy About Ancestry.com – (#607)

In this episode, Mike Collins chats with Jayne McGarvey (our Green Room genealogist) about what drives a genealogist crazy about how some people use ancestry.com. We talk through the strengths and weaknesses of ancestry.com, problems specific to Irish ancestry research and how people can improve the way they use ancestry.com. Lots of nuggets from a practising Irish ancestry genealogist.