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.

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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

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In the final episode of this series we follow the 1798 rebellion into its most dramatic and desperate days. As fear grips Dublin and battles erupt across Wexford and Ulster the future of Ireland hangs in the balance. The story details the major clash on the Avoca River at Arklow and then finally brings us to the slopes of Vinegar Hill where the fate of the rising is decided. This episode also sees the exiled rebel leader Wolfe Tone return as a French invasion force finally arrives altering events in unexpected ways.

This all sets the stage for one of the darkest summers in Irish history as the island is subjected to a reign of terror that echoes the violence that swept through Paris in the bloodiest days of the French Revolution.

Support the show: Patreon.com/irishpodcast

Find a comprehensive reading list for the 1798 series: https://www.patreon.com/posts/138580354

Map of key locations: https://www.patreon.com/posts/143849510

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Additional narration by Aidan Crow and Therese Murray

Additional research by Stewart Reddin

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