Shows
Tales of The TroublesAugust 1975: Bayardo Bar MurdersThis episode explores one of the deadliest attacks of the Troubles: the IRA bombing of the Bayardo Bar in Belfast on the 13th of August 1975, which killed five people and injured over fifty. It situates the event within a month of escalating violence, political deadlock, and the unravelling of the IRA truce.
2026-03-2615 min
Tales of The TroublesJuly 1975: The Miami Showband MassacreOn 31 July 1975, one of the darkest nights in Irish music history unfolded when members of The Miami Showband were ambushed and murdered at a fake British Army checkpoint by loyalist paramilitaries. This episode revisits the massacre that shocked the nation and exposed the brutal reach of the Troubles.
2026-03-2410 min
Tales of The TroublesJune 1975: Murder on the TracksIn this episode of Tales of The Troubles, we explore the context of sectarian targeting, the silence that followed, and the broader climate of fear gripping Northern Ireland in the summer of 1975. Through archival detail and restrained storytelling, this episode sheds light on a lesser-known tragedies that speak volumes about the era.
2026-03-2207 min
Tales of The TroublesMay 1975: Unjust Convictions?A month marked by political upheaval, sectarian killings, and one of the Troubles’ most disputed murder cases. This episode revisits the Castlewellan convictions, the violence unfolding across Northern Ireland, and the long fight to uncover what really happened.
2026-03-1906 min
Tales of The TroublesApril 1975: Strand Bar BombingIn April 1975, the Strand Bar in Belfast’s Short Strand district was bombed in a brutal sectarian attack that left six civilians dead and dozens injured. This episode of Tales of The Troubles revisits that harrowing night, tracing the political tensions, paramilitary motivations, and community trauma that surrounded the bombing. Through restrained narration and archival detail, it explores how the fragile ceasefire between the IRA and the British government was tested—and how ordinary lives were shattered in the crossfire.
2026-03-1708 min
Tales of The TroublesMarch 1975: Rendezvous with a Soviet SubmarineIn this episode of Tales of The Troubles, we investigate a potential covert maritime encounter off the Irish coast involving a Soviet submarine and local operatives. Set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions and paramilitary manoeuvring, this story reveals how global espionage quietly intersected with the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2026-03-1206 min
Tales of The TroublesFebruary 1975: 13 Year ChaseFebruary 1975 marked a turning point in Northern Ireland’s conflict, with political upheaval, a reinstated IRA ceasefire, and a surge in paramilitary violence. This episode traces the month’s key events—from uninvited political confrontations at Stormont Castle to the establishment of ‘Incident Centres’ and a deadly feud between republican factions. It culminates in the dramatic 13-year pursuit of IRA member Liam Quinn, whose arrest and extradition spanned continents and decades.
2026-03-1010 min
Tales of The TroublesJanuary 1975: 12 Terms to PeaceThis episode revisits a rare moment of hope during The Troubles, when a ceasefire and a proposed 12-point peace framework offered a glimpse of reconciliation. It explores the fragile optimism, political tensions, and cultural backdrop of a month that briefly paused the violence.
2026-03-0809 min
Tales of The TroublesDecember 1974: A Christmas TruceIn the shadow of escalating violence, a fragile ceasefire settles over Northern Ireland during the Christmas of 1974. This episode explores the political manoeuvring behind the truce, the public’s cautious hope, and the quiet moments of reprieve that briefly interrupted a year of bloodshed. Through archival accounts and reflective commentary, Tales of The Troubles captures the tension, symbolism, and fleeting peace of a winter pause in the conflict.
2026-03-0513 min
Tales of The TroublesNovember 1974: The Great EscapeIn this gripping instalment of Tales of The Troubles, we revisit one of the most audacious prison breaks of the era — the escape of IRA prisoners from the Maze Prison in November 1974. As tensions escalated across Northern Ireland, this episode explores how the escape unfolded, the political and paramilitary networks that enabled it, and the ripple effects it had on public perception, security policy, and the mythos of resistance. With echoes of cinematic drama and real-world stakes, this chapter captures the daring, desperation, and defiance that defined a pivotal moment in the Troubles.
2026-03-0315 min
Tales of The TroublesOctober 1974: Guildford FourOn a quiet Saturday evening in Guildford, England, a bomb tore through the Horse and Groom pub, killing five people. The attack shocked the nation and triggered a wave of arrests that would become one of the most notorious miscarriages of justice in British history. This episode explores the events of October 1974, the flawed investigation that followed, and the long fight to clear the names of the Guildford Four.
2026-03-0109 min
Tales of The TroublesSeptember 1974: IRA Air StrikeIn this episode, we revisit a dramatic and little-known moment from September 1974, when the IRA attempted an audacious aerial attack using a hijacked Cessna aircraft. The story unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions and tactical innovation, revealing how the conflict’s reach extended into the skies. Through archival detail and restrained narration, we explore the motivations, execution, and aftermath of this unprecedented strike—offering insight into a volatile chapter of Northern Ireland’s history.
2026-02-2606 min
Tales of The TroublesAugust 1974: The Balcombe Street GangIn this episode of Tales of the Troubles, we explore the arrival of the Provisional IRA’s Balcombe Street Gang in London—sent as sleeper cells to await orders. Against a backdrop of nuclear tests abroad and rising tensions at home, August 1974 saw covert deployments, deadly shootings, and bombings across Northern Ireland. From the killing of Patrick McElhone to the IRA’s remote-controlled attacks, this instalment traces the shadow war unfolding in both rural fields and urban streets.
2026-02-2405 min
Tales of The TroublesJuly 1974: Terror at the TowerIn this gripping instalment, we revisit the IRA bombing of the Tower of London on July 17, 1974—a devastating attack that killed one civilian and injured over forty, many of them tourists and children. Set against a backdrop of escalating violence and political upheaval, the episode explores the broader context of paramilitary activity, internment policy shifts, and the fraught efforts toward constitutional reform in Northern Ireland. From Sinn Féin’s overtures to Loyalist groups to the chilling murder of nationalist councillor Patrick Kelly, this episode captures a month of turmoil, tragedy, and tentative dialogue.
2026-02-2210 min
Tales of The TroublesJune 1974: Daring Hunger Strikes and Devastating AttacksIn this gripping episode of Tales of The Troubles, we revisit a pivotal month marked by escalating violence, political upheaval, and the harrowing endurance of hunger strikers like Michael Gaughan and the Price sisters. From bombings in Belfast and Westminster to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive and the emergence of Loyalist proposals for independence, June 1974 reveals the deep fractures and fierce resistance shaping the conflict’s trajectory.
2026-02-1911 min
Tales of The TroublesMay 1974: Strikes & MassacresIn this gripping episode of Tales of the Troubles, we revisit one of the most volatile months in Northern Ireland’s history. From the Ulster Workers’ Council strike that brought the region to a standstill, to the devastating Dublin and Monaghan bombings, May 1974 was a turning point marked by political upheaval and tragic loss. Through archival accounts and eyewitness testimony, we explore how these events reshaped the course of the Troubles.
2026-02-1722 min
Tales of The TroublesApril 1974: 19 Old MastersIn April 1974, one of Ireland’s most audacious art heists shook the nation. This episode of Tales of The Troubles unpacks the theft of 19 Old Masters from Russborough House, exploring the political shadows, criminal intrigue, and cultural loss behind the stolen masterpieces.
2026-02-1509 min
Tales of The TroublesMarch 1974: Senator Gets KidnappedOn a quiet night in County Monaghan, Irish Senator Billy Fox drove down a rural laneway—straight into a deadly ambush. In this episode of Tales of The Troubles, we revisit the shocking events of March 1974, when Provisional IRA gunmen raided a farmhouse and shot Senator Fox dead. What were they looking for? Why was Fox targeted? And how did this brutal killing reverberate across Ireland’s political landscape?
2026-02-1210 min
Tales of The TroublesFebruary 1974: Collusion & PoliticsIn this episode, we explore the explosive political landscape of February 1974 — a month marked by covert alliances, electoral upheaval, and the shadowy interplay between paramilitary groups and state actors. From the general election that reshaped Westminster to the deepening suspicions of collusion in Northern Ireland, this chapter of the Troubles reveals how power, secrecy, and strategy collided in ways that still echo today.
2026-02-1009 min
Tales of The TroublesJanuary 1974: The Snatching of the MaceAs Northern Ireland’s political experiment teetered, a symbolic gesture stole the spotlight: the Stormont mace was raised—not in order, but in defiance. This episode dives into the drama of January 1974, when collapsing power-sharing and rising tensions culminated in a moment that captured the fractured spirit of the time. What did it mean to seize the symbols of governance?
2026-02-0610 min
Tales of The TroublesDecember 1973: A Tragic TaleThis episode revisits a tragic killing in December 1973, exploring the conflicting accounts, the community’s response, and the silence that followed. A stark reminder of how truth was often the first casualty of the Troubles
2026-02-0411 min
Tales of The TroublesNovember 1973: Conflict & CompromiseAs the Sunningdale Agreement takes shape, tensions rise across Northern Ireland. This episode captures the emotional moment William Whitelaw stood on the steps of Stormont, reflecting the strain of political negotiation and the fragile hope for peace. From Unionist resistance to British resolve, we explore the compromises made—and the consequences that followed.
2026-01-3110 min
Tales of The TroublesOctober 1973: Turbulent TimesIn this gripping episode of Tales of the Troubles, we revisit a month that shook Northern Ireland to its core. October 1973 saw rising paramilitary tensions, political upheaval, and a society caught between fear and resilience. Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, we explore the headlines, hidden stories, and emotional undercurrents of a nation in turmoil.Key themes: internment, street violence, shifting allegiancesTone: gritty, reflective, historically groundedPerfect for listeners who enjoy: political history, conflict journalism, and human stories from the frontlines
2026-01-2606 min
Tales of The TroublesSeptember 1973: From Rumours to RealitiesAs whispers of ceasefires and secret talks ripple through Northern Ireland, September 1973 marks a turning point where speculation gives way to stark truths. This episode unpacks the political manoeuvring, shifting allegiances, and the lived tension on the streets as communities brace for what’s next. A gripping dive into a month where everything felt possible—and perilously uncertain.
2026-01-2109 min
Tales of The TroublesAugust 1973: How the IRA Brought Terror to England's Streets.A look back at key events that took place in August 1973 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2026-01-1609 minTales of The TroublesJuly 1973: The New Northern Ireland AssemblyA look back at key events that took place in July 1973 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2026-01-1411 minTales of The TroublesJune 1973: "A Forgotten Massacre"A look back at key events that took place in June 1973 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2026-01-1213 minTales of The TroublesMay 1973: Inquests & Booby-TrapsA look back at key events that took place in May 1973 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2026-01-0913 minTales of The TroublesApril 1973: Absolute ConfidentialityA look back at key events that took place in April 1973 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2026-01-0707 minTales of The TroublesMarch 1973: Catholics in the UDRA look back at key events that took place in March 1973 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2026-01-0515 minTales of The TroublesFebruary 1973: "Protestant or Loyalist Control"A look back at key events that took place in February 1973 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-12-1111 minTales of The TroublesJanuary 1973: Eye For An Eye.A look back at key events that took place in January 1973 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-12-0915 minTales of The TroublesDecember 1972: 'Agent Provocateurs'A look back at key events that took place in December 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-12-0416 minTales of The TroublesNovember 1972: The Irish are "Shocking Old Cry Babies"A look back at key events that took place in November 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-11-2615 minTales of The TroublesOctober 1972: Heist Season.A look back at key events that took place in October 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-11-2013 minTales of The TroublesSeptember 1972: Death by HangingA look back at key events that took place in September 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-11-1818 minTales of The TroublesAugust 1972: Newry Customs Office BombA look back at key events that took place in August 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-11-0616 minTales of The TroublesJuly 1972: Operation MotormanA look back at key events that took place in July 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-11-0426 minTales of The TroublesJune 1972: Gaddafi and The IRA CeasefireA look back at the key events that took place in June 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-3017 minTales of The TroublesMay 1972: The Battle of SpringmartinA look back at key events that took place in May 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-2320 minTales of The TroublesApril 1972: "Widgery Whitewash"A look back at key events that took place in April 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-2113 minTales of The TroublesMarch 1972: Direct RuleA look back at the key events from March 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-1618 minTales of The TroublesFebruary 1972: Give Ireland Back to the IrishA look back at key events that took place in February 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-1414 minTales of The TroublesJanuary 1972: Bloody SundayA look back at key events that took place in January 1972 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-0915 minTales of The TroublesDecember 1971: "The Nearest Catholic Pub"A look back at key events that took place in December 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-0710 minTales of The TroublesNovember 1971: 10 Seconds To Death.A look back at key events that took place in November 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-0208 minTales of The TroublesOctober 1971: 29 Dead...A look back at key events that took place in October 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-10-0209 minTales of The TroublesSeptember 1971: Pub Bombs, Snipers & The Launch of The DUPA look back at key events that took place in September 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-3011 minTales of The TroublesAugust 1971: InternmentA look back at key events that took place in August 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-2512 minTales of The TroublesJuly 1971: Civilians, Kids & Soldiers KilledA look back at key events that took place in July 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-2511 minTales of The TroublesJune 1971: Psychological WarfareA look back at key events that took place in June 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-2309 minTales of The TroublesMay 1971: 4 Dead!A look back at key events that took place during May 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-2304 minTales of The TroublesApril 1971: Things Have Only Just BegunA look back at key events that took place in April 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-1604 minTales of The TroublesMarch 1971: Deaths On All SidesA look back at key events that took place in March 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-1605 minTales of The TroublesFebruary 1971: EscalationA look back at key events that took place in February 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-1107 minTales of The TroublesJanuary 1971: What's Going On?A look back at key events that took place in January 1971 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-1105 minTales of The TroublesDecember 1970: School Segregation & Attempted Gun Theft Gone WrongA look back at key events that took place in December 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-0908 minTales of The TroublesNovember 1970: The Quest For ControlA look back at key events that took place in November 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-0405 minTales of The TroublesOctober 1970: 1 Death & 2 BombsA look back at key events that took place in October 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-0403 minTales of The TroublesSeptember 1970: Unity Flats RiotsA look back at key events that took place in September 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-0204 minTales of The TroublesAugust 1970: Riots, Rubber Bullets & BombsA look back at key events that took place in August 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-09-0205 minTales of The TroublesJuly 1970: Falls Road CurfewA look back at key events that took place in July 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-2813 minTales of The TroublesJune 1970: Battle of St MatthewsA look back at key events that took place in June 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-2106 minTales of The TroublesMay 1970: Arms CrisisA look back at key events that took place in May 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-1417 minTales of The TroublesApril 1970: Ballymurphy, Bombs & Paisley.A look back at key events that took place in April 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-1207 minTales of The TroublesMarch 1970: CS Gas, Riots & BombsA look back at key events that took place in March 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-1205 minTales of The TroublesFebruary 1970: Bombing SeasonA look back at key events that took place in February 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-0707 minTales of The TroublesJanuary 1970: "Male Citizens Of Good Character"A look back at key events that took place in January 1970 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-0705 minTales of The TroublesDecember 1969: UVF Bombs DublinA look back at key events that took place in December 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-0507 minTales of The TroublesOctober 1969: The Hunt Report Is PublishedA look back at key events that took place in October 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-0503 minTales of The TroublesSeptember 1969: The Peace LineA look back at key events that took place in September 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-08-0310 minTales of The TroublesAugust 1969: Battle of The BogsideA look back at key events that took place in August 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-07-3111 minTales of The TroublesJuly 1969: Dungiven & Derry RiotsA look back at key events that took place in July 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-07-2905 minTales of The TroublesApril 1969: More Bombings, Riots & PoliticsA look back at key events that took place in April 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-07-2908 minTales of The TroublesMarch 1969: Bombings & The OmbudsmanA look back at key events from March 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-07-2904 minTales of The TroublesFebruary 1969: General ElectionA look back at key events from February 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-07-2903 minTales of The TroublesJanuary 1969: 'Free Derry'A look back at key events that took place in January 1969 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-07-2905 minTales of The TroublesOctober 1968: Civil Rights, Batons & Sit DownsA look back at key events that took place in October 1968 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-06-2907 minTales of The TroublesAugust 1968: Northern Ireland's First Civil Rights MarchA look back at key events that took place in August 1968 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-06-2904 minTales of The TroublesJune 1968: Squatters RightsA look back at the key events that took place in June 1968 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-06-2903 minTales of The TroublesApril 1967: The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association.A look back at the key events that took place in April 1967 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-06-2306 minTales of The TroublesJuly 1966: The Queen Visits Northern IrelandA look back at the key events that took place in July 1966 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-06-2302 minTales of The TroublesJune 1966: The Malvern Arms ShootingsA look back at key events that took place in June 1966 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-06-2203 minTales of The TroublesMay 1966: Declaration of War.A look back at key events that took place in May 1966 that contributed to The troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-06-2004 minTales of The TroublesApril 1966: The Foundation of The Ulster Constitution Defence Committee (UCDC)A look back at key events from April 1966 that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
2024-06-1802 min
Tales of The TroublesThe Embers That Fed The FlameA brief introduction to the conflict in Ireland. Stay tuned for a month by month journey through The Troubles.
2024-06-1803 min