Shows
What’s the Story? PodcastWTS 330: Donal FallonDublin, drink, and debauchery 🍻
Historian and host of the amazing Three Castles Burning, Donal Fallon is back for a great chat about the story of the Irish pub and Dublin’s early houses.
We also chat about Dev, the Monto’s wild past of guns and sex for sale, and, as always, Donal shares some great nuggets from Irish history.
2025-03-291h 20
Three Castles BurningNight at the MuseumThese are exciting times at the Collins Barracks branch of the National Museum of Ireland. This week, the first Harry Clarke display at the museum opens, showcasing six works by Ireland's most beloved stained glass artist. The Museum is also taking part in the Dublin City Council 'Dublin Winter Lights' for the first time. Dónal Maguire, Keeper of Art & Industry at the National Museum of Ireland, gave me a sense of the museum and its collections. Tickets and more information from www.dublinwinterlights.ie.2024-12-0235 min
Three Castles BurningRemembering The Dubliners (with Brian Hand and Phelim Drew)Like his father Jim Hand before him, promoter Brian Hand would build a real and lasting relationship with The Dubliners over many years. For singer and actor Phelim Drew, the band were like an extension of family. In this discussion, recorded live at the Luke Kelly Festival, we get into great personal memories of The Dubliners and what the band still mean today. Contains some bad language.2024-05-2955 min
Three Castles BurningThe Anatomy of a MassacreFifty years ago today, a series of no-warning car bombs erupted across Dublin and Monaghan. This would prove to be the bloodiest day of the Troubles. Immediately, questions were raised about how this event had come to pass. In a new documentary, director Joe Lee and producer Fergus Dowd explore what happened on 17 May 1974. Warning: This episode is quite graphic in describing the day. This episode of the podcast is dedicated to the memory of Derek Byrne.2024-05-1730 min
Three Castles BurningPortals, Clocks and CowsTemporary interventions into the Dublin streetscape have a curious history. This week, the livestream portal with New York made international headlines. For me, it recalled the CowParade, Bowl of Light and other such things. When you put something out there on the street, there's no way of telling how people will respond. Support TCB: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning2024-05-1529 min
Three Castles BurningThe Isle of Wight on Emmet RoadIn 1970, the outdoor rock festival was a totally new idea in Ireland. Amidst press coverage of Woodstock and the Isle of Wight, focused on LSD and exagerated crowd trouble, the booking of Mungo Jerry, Thin Lizzy and others for Richmond Park would be the first Dublin experience of such a festival here. Why did this festival fail? And how, just a few short years later, had the festival become such an integral part of Irish youth culture? 2024-04-2631 min
Three Castles BurningThe Battle of Tallaght: 'Yankee Fenians' and 1867To the Dublin press, the American Civil War veterans in Dublin cut an unusual shape. These ‘Yankee’ characters looked different, but they also behaved differently. Under the direction of Captain Thomas J. Kelly, these men would be centrally important to the Fenian uprising of 1867. While history remembers this as a skirmish on a hill in Tallaght, much more happened in March 1867 than that.2024-04-1240 min
Three Castles Burning'Then Mount Jerome for the Protestants.'The story of Mount Jerome Cemetery is the story of Victorian Dublin. There, many of the great innovaters of the city are at rest. If Glasnevin brings to mind the Irish revolution, Mount Jerome instead makes us think of the nineteenth century. Still, there is great diversity in who is (and isn't) buied there. This is a story that touches on everyone from Charles Stewart Parnell to the so-called 'General.' Thanks to Patrons of the podcast whose support made this research possible.2024-03-3045 min
Three Castles BurningThe Divine Mission of Discontent (Jim Larkin Part II)The labour leader Jim Larkin was international news when he departed Ireland in 1914. In America, Larkin would cross paths with the FBI founder J. Edgar Hoover, landing in prison for 'Criminal Anarchy'. What did all of this mean back in Dublin? My guest is Ronan Burtenshaw, author of a recent piece on Larkin for Jacobin magazine: https://jacobin.com/2024/01/jim-larkin-ireland-labor-1502024-03-1245 min
Three Castles BurningThe Rising of the Moon (Jim Larkin Part I)This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jim Larkin. In this two-part special, Ronan Burtenshaw (author of a recent piece exploring Larkin for Jacobin magazine) joins me to discuss this important and divisive revolutionary figure. Larkin in Dublin means 1913, but where did he come from? This story brings us from Liverpool Cathedral to the streets of West Belfast. Ronan's piece: https://jacobin.com/2024/01/jim-larkin-ireland-labor-150) 2024-02-2334 minThree Castles BurningBefore Mosley: The British Fascisti in DublinPádraig Óg Ó Ruairc is no stranger to this podcast. While his latest book explores 'The Disappeared' (launching this month from Merrion Press), he has also been undertaking a study of the far-right in Ireland historically. Moving beyond the familiar, like the Army Comrades Association ('the Blueshirts'), Pádraig's study begins with some more overlooked groups. Even before Oswald Mosley, the British Fascisti were a force with surprising connections to Dublin, and an active branch in the city.2024-02-0241 min
Three Castles BurningFlying Fists and Union JacksSEASON 3! A recent television debate on the Irish language in schools reminded me of a curious story from history. The Language Freedom Movement touches on many widely known figures in 1960s Ireland, including John B. Keane and the broadcaster Gay Byrne. In the Mansion House, a meeting descended into chaos.2024-01-1424 min
Three Castles BurningFrom Ten Till Dusk: 200 Years of the RHA (with Cristín Leach)2023 marks the 200th anniversary of the Royal Hibernian Academy, an institution which has moved across the Liffey owing to the flames of Easter Week, and which has championed the visual arts through an ever-changing Ireland. Cristín Leach is the author of a new creative study of the body, which weaves history and art to tell the story.2023-12-2234 minThree Castles BurningThere Is a Light That Never Goes OutOver five generations, one family have played a unique role in the story of the Phoenix Park. More than that, the Flanagan family have a history that stretches back even earlier in the story of this beloved space. Joyce maintained that in the particular is contained the universal - can we tell the story of a place through this one unique tale? The Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park is available now from all good bookshops.2023-12-1928 min
Three Castles BurningAsylum: Inside GrangegormanBrendan Kelly is the author of a new history of Grangegorman and the asylum located there for generations. This conversation was recorded within the grounds of the site. What was the life of a patient in an asylum really like? Through letters, medical records and doctors' notes, Brendan Kelly gives us a glimpse inside Grangegorman and the lives of those who lived and worked there. Not a particularly easy listen at times - and please note that some of the language, drawn from primary sources, reflects very different times.2023-12-1428 min
Three Castles BurningNapoleon's ToothbrushRidley Scott doesn't seem to get on with historians, but here is a nice little story all about Napoleon and his surprising Dublin connections. One of the most revealing and personal insights into Napoleon came from a Dublin doctor who spent time with him on the island of St Helena. My Name Is Napoleon Bonaparte by Dónal Lunny and Frank Harte was released in 2001.2023-12-1119 min
Three Castles BurningBringing Light to O'Connell Street (with Nicola Pierce)Nicola Pierce is the author of O'Connell Street: The History and Life of Dublin's O'Connell Street. It is a book as much about people as buildings, which charts the unique story of Ireland's most famous street. Now illuminated in a unique way as part of Dublin Winter Lights, we walked the street together on a busy evening chatting about its statues and landmarks. Thanks to the team at Dublin Winter Lights (www.dublinwinterlights.ie)2023-12-0831 min
Three Castles Burning'And Beckett plays the gong.'James Morrissey has produced a beautiful and important book exploring the history of Claddagh Records and Garech Browne. 'Real to Reel' explores a record label which championed not only Irish folk and traditional music, but also poetry and the visual arts. Now, the label has returned with great new talents including OXN. Both me and James Morrissey will be appearing at 'Banter' at Other Voices this weekend. Thanks for your patience. We raised thousands of euro towards a good cause, as mentioned in the introduction here.2023-12-0134 min
Three Castles BurningRoger Doyle: The Godfather of Irish Electronic MusicRoger Doyle has made an incredible contribution to Irish music across decades. In this discussion he talks about everything from his own musical beginnings to Operating Theatre, and from The Diceman (Thom McGinty) to James Joyce. Roger Doyle's music is available from https://rogerdoyle1.bandcamp.com/ This edition of the podcast is dedicated to the memory of my friend Hughie Friel. (Image Credit: The cover of 'Spring is Coming with a Strawberry in the Mouth' by All City Records, image by Amelia Stein)2023-11-1146 min
Three Castles BurningThe Irish Supernatural (with Kathy Rose O'Brien and Brian J. Showers)Irish supernatural writing did not begin or end with the great Bram Stoker. Indeed, even within Stoker's own family there were other great writers. In this very special edition of the podcast, actor Kathy Rose O'Brien brings to life four extraordinary authors, while Brian J. Showers of Swan River Press talks us through this genre. www.swanriverpress.ie2023-11-051h 05
Three Castles BurningDead as DoornailsThis December - most likely - marks the centenary of the birth of Anthony Cronin. His memoir of Bohemian Dublin, Dead As Doornails (1976), remains a masterpiece. With Jimmy Murphy, I went through the book and its importance. With thanks to Ian Dunphy at the Museum of Literature Ireland for sound. P.S, 'The Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park' is out now!: https://www.kennys.ie/shop/pre-order-category/the-lamplighters-of-the-phoenix-park-donal-fallon-with-james-and-frank-flanagan-97813997228102023-10-1955 min
Three Castles BurningOther People's Lives (with Dermot Bolger) Did you learn much about yourself in Lockdown times? Dermot Bolger (poet, publisher, playwright and more besides) discovered some of the incredible people who lived in his locality in times gone by. These included the radical Grace Gifford Plunkett, architect Herbert Simms and the writer Patricia Lynch. In Other People's Lives, Dermot honours these people and captures a moment in time beautifully. Available from: https://www.newisland.ie/poetry-drama/other-peoples-lives 2023-10-0644 min
Three Castles BurningDublin in Maps: From the Soviet Union to D6W (with Joseph Brady)Geographer Joseph Brady is the co-producer of a new study of Dublin in maps. This journey begins with the earliest depictions of the Irish capital, but brings us through some fascinating oddities. Did you know that the Soviet Union produced a map of the city for intelligence purposes, or that mapping Dublin's postcodes has proven surprisingly divisive? Dublin: Mapping the City is available now.2023-09-2729 min
Three Castles BurningDónal Lunny: From Emmet Spiceland to Kate BushThere are few careers in Irish music as extraordinary as that of Dónal Lunny. His name will forever be connected with the groups Emmet Spiceland, Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts. Yet beyond being a defining musician, he has made important contributions on the other side of the sound desk too. In this discusssion, recorded at Another Love Story, we pass through some of the greatest Irish albums of the twentieth century. Three Castles Burning: A History of Dublin in Twelve Streets is available now with free P&P from: https://www.kennys.ie/shop/t...2023-09-1750 min
Three Castles BurningJim Fitzpatrick: On Che, Phil Lynott and Sinéad O'ConnorA real privilege to talk to an artist who first emerged in the 1960s, and who is still making fantastic work today. Any discussion with Jim Fitzpatrick passes through subjects as diverse as Harry Clarke, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, Phil Lynott, Sinéad O'Connor and the world of Marvel. Recorded at the Electric Picnic, thanks to those of you who came along. This episode touches on some serious issues including the Dublin bombings, the Troubles and addiction. Visuals can be viewed on Instagram at @threecastlesburning, on Twitter @fallon_donal and on Patreon. Jim's work: https://jimfitzpatrick.c...2023-09-0450 min
Three Castles BurningFrom Jim Larkin to Alfred Hitchcock: The Life of O'CaseySeán O'Casey had a turbulent relationship with the Abbey Theatre. Now, his Dublin trilogy is back on the stage of the national theatre. Championed with his arrival on the stage in 1923, and denounced in 1926 with The Plough and the Stars, O'Casey remains one of the most inspirational figures of twentieth-century Irish theatre. Did you know that Alfred Hitchcock tried his hand at bringing O'Casey to the world of cinema? TCB book with free P&P in Ireland: https://www.kennys.ie/shop/three-castles-burning-a-history-of-twelve-dublin-streets-donal-fallon-9781848408722 TCB Patreon: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning2023-08-3038 minThree Castles BurningPeig McManus: A Dublin Childhood and a Life Less Ordinary Peig McManus was born into a life in tenement Dublin in the late 1930s. In subsequent decades, she became one of Ireland's most recognisable voices for educational reform. In her brilliant memoir, I Will Be Good: A Dublin Childhood and a Life Less Ordinary, she talks about her childhood, her time in school, her activism over many decades and the various campaigns for educational reform. Recorded live at 14 Henrietta Street. Peig's book: https://chaptersbookstore.com/products/peig-mcmanus-i-will-be-good-2023-paperback Teatime Talks: https://14henriettastreet.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873650441 2023-08-1647 min
Three Castles Burning"My body to Ireland, my heart to Rome...." (with Claire Halpin)The body of Daniel O'Connell is at rest in Glasnevin Cemetery, an institution with which he is eternally linked. His heart? Well, that has been something of a mystery. Dublin artist Claire Halpin joins me this week to talk about her recent show in Rome, and a little intervention she made into the question of just what happened to the heart of 'The Liberator'. https://clairehalpin2011.wordpress.com/2023-08-0929 min
Three Castles BurningThe Foggy Dew: From Father O'Neill to Sinéad O'ConnorThis episode is dedicated to the memory of Sinéad O'Connor. The Foggy Dew is in itself a historic document. Written in 1919, this story of the Easter Rising and the contrasting World War has gone around the world. This episode of the podcast explores the song and its meaning, and how it came to bring together the incredible talents of The Chieftains and Sinéad O'Connor. 2023-07-3130 minThree Castles BurningFrom Lugs Branigan to Led ZeppelinThe National Stadium on the South Circular Road has witnessed some really incredible nights. To some, it is the home of Irish boxing, a story that's connected to the sporting history of the Gardaí as well as the endless enthusiasm of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. To others, it is a gig venue which recalls names like Planxty, Led Zeppelin and Leonard Cohen. Thanks for your memories!2023-07-0929 min
Three Castles BurningMotorcades and Martyr GravesIn June 1963, President John F. Kennedy arrived into a city in crisis. As Dublin tenements seemed to be collapsing to the touch, the visit of a U.S President was a welcome distraction. In some ways, it was a distraction for him, too. History recalls New Ross, but in Dublin there were significant moments, captured brilliantly by reporters and writers like the poet Louis MacNeice. Support TCB: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning2023-06-3030 min
Three Castles BurningRoddy Doyle Interview: Taxi to Barrytown!Sincere thanks to the Dalkey Book Festival for the invitation to interview Roddy Doyle. This was a chance to talk about things as diverse as Maeve Brennan, the impact of the 1974 Dublin bombings, Myles na gCopaleen and more. A language warning on this one.2023-06-2057 min
Three Castles Burning1954: The Birth of BloomsdayBloomsday as we know it owes its existence to Brian O'Nolan, otherwise Myles na gCopaleen, otherwise Flann O'Brien. In 1954, he was the catalyst for gathering together a number of Dublin McDaidsian types who embarked on an epic journey of their own in honour of Leopold Bloom, Buck Mulligan and the cast of Ulysses. They didn't make it too far.2023-06-1524 min
Three Castles BurningTatters Cullen and the Vanishing SuffragettesThis week, we got some data from the 2022 Census. It seems a good time to look into the past. The census has always given us unusual insights into Ireland. We can find humour and protest in it too. See: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/2023-06-0433 min
Three Castles BurningFrom Skin-the-Goat to Buckshot Forster: The Phoenix Park AssassinationsThe Phoenix Park assassinations of May 1882 shook British politics. All had heard of the Fenians, but who were the Invincibles? Today, a cross in the grass on Chesterfield Avenue marks the location where these events played out - but who put it there?2023-05-2542 minWhat’s the Story? PodcastWTS 291: Donal FallonSubscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod
This week we're joined by social historian Donal Fallon. His history podcast Three Castles Burning brings the city of Dublin to life, telling its story through its streets and the people who lived there.
2023-05-201h 08
Three Castles BurningOld Songs and New Revivals (with Macdara Yeates)Thanks for your patience! This new episode explores the incredible life and influence of Peadar Kearney, a key figure in the Cultural Revival then, and the folk revival now. My guest is Macdara Yeates of 'The Night Before Larry Was Stretched', a monthly singing session in The Cobblestone. He's also co-producing 'One Hundred Years of Brendan Behan'. https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/one-hundred-years-of-brendan-behan/2023-05-1831 min
Three Castles BurningRagged Trousers and Paint Brushes (with Jimmy Murphy)The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists is a book that had a massive impact on British society. Some say it helped win a General Election, George Orwell called it essential reading. In Ireland, it is little known, despite the author coming from Wexford Street. This week, playwright Jimmy Murphy joins me to talk about the impact this book had on his own life and work.2023-04-2531 min
Three Castles BurningFrom the Ormond Market to the HaciendaThe area between Smithfield and Capel Street has historically been known as 'The Markets'. A recent event gave some idea of what this area could be. Today, we're exploring it with a hopeful message for the future.2023-04-1731 min
Three Castles BurningNoël Browne and the Archbishop (with Robert Ballagh)This week marks the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. I visited the studio of acclaimed artist Robert Ballagh, who has just painted the Archbishop. In the 1980s, Ballagh painted Noël Browne, the Minister for Health who clashed with McQuaid. These two works are connected in many ways.2023-04-0639 min
Three Castles BurningA Sort of HomecomingThe story of U2's emergence is connected to the broader story of late 1970s Dublin. From the Project Arts Centre to the explosive visit of The Clash to the unlikely setting of Trinity College Dublin's exam hall, this episode brings you behind the scenes of the recent documentary U2: A Sort of Homecoming. 2023-03-2630 min
Three Castles BurningThe Beginnings of Dublin Theatre (with Arran Henderson)Arran Henderson of Dublin Decoded knows the streets of Dublin inside out. On a walk through streets I always think of as part of a different Dublin story, he showed me how Werburgh Street, Fishamble Street and others were all central to the story of early Dublin theatre. On this journey we meet some interesting characters, from a pioneering nationalist theatre director to the much-feared Lord Deputy of Ireland. Dublin Decoded tour tickets are available from dublindecoded.com (Image: Thomas Wentworth)2023-03-1530 min
Three Castles BurningDublin: A Writer's City (with Chris Morash)One of the most eagerly awaited books about the city in recent years, Dublin: A Writer's City is a triumph. In this edition of the podcast, presented as part of the Young Hearts Run Free series, author Chris Morash brings us on a journey across literary Dublin. (Event poster by Niall McCormack)2023-03-0953 min
Three Castles BurningThe Bogside and Fu Manchu: Dublin as Somewhere ElseThis episode of the podcast explores some of the most peculiar films shot in Dublin over many decades. From Fu Manchu to the Bogside, we're looking at times directors turned Dublin into somewhere else.2023-02-2829 min
Three Castles BurningThe Fame and the Fall(Reupload, apologies due to podcast hosting gremlins!) Part II of the Brendan Behan centenary special, this journey brings us through some surprising places. From Littlewood's London to strange times in North America, this is the story of the fame and fall of Brendan Behan.2023-02-2032 min
Three Castles BurningThe Fame and the FallPart II of the Brendan Behan centenary special goes to some surprising places. At the heart of the story is the brilliant Joan Littlewood, who championed Behan's work and brought him to new audiences. We're passing through London, New York, Toronto and more. Support TCB: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning www.ko-fi.com/threecastlesburning 2023-02-1932 min
Three Castles BurningThe Young Brendan BehanThis week marks the centenary of the birth of Brendan Behan. Over two editions, Three Castles Burning will explore the life and times of this remarkable talent. In the first part, we look at Behan's revolutionary days and the impact of Borstal on him.2023-02-0732 min
Three Castles BurningExploring Lucia Joyce (with Joe Chester)Musician Joe Chester has produced a beautiful musical tribute to Lucia Joyce, the dancer and illustrator. Daughter of James Joyce, Lucia was born in Trieste in 1907. She would spend more than four decades of her life in institutions after being diagnosed as schizophrenic in the mid-1930s. 'Lucia' by Joe Chester is his first major composition for classical guitar & strings, inspired by her journey. Support TCB: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning2023-02-0230 min
Three Castles BurningDiving Bells and Missing Elephants This week, a new app launched exploring the history of Dublin's Docklands. Where do the Docklands begin, and what remains are left of its industrial past? This episode explores the changing fortunes of Dublin's Docklands, and the working class communities who lived and worked alongside it. Oh, and a disappearing elephant! Dublin Discovery Trails: https://doorsintodocklands.com/ 2023-01-1229 min
Three Castles Burning"When Collins was killed The Terror began" (with John Dorney) On the outskirts of Dublin city, a series of memorial crosses mark sites were bodies were discovered in 1922 and 1923. A sad part of the Civil War conflict, they are a reminder of how the conflict deteriorated in the city. In a war with no clean hands, as discussed in this show, they show how former comrades could turn on one another. Historian John Dorney, author of The Civil War in Dublin (Merrion Press), joins me. Dorney's book: https://www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/the-civil-war-in-dublin-the-fight-for-the-irish-capital-1922-1924/ Support TCB: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning 2023-01-0841 min
Three Castles BurningSoccer's Sinatra: Pele in Dalymount ParkWhen Pele visited Dublin with Santos in 1972, one Irish newspaper proclaimed him to be "Soccer's Sinatra." In a country that came late to television - and which fell in love with the global game thanks in no small part to the magic of Pele in the 1970 World Cup - Santos vs Bohemians/Drumcondra was the hottest ticket in town. The game proved somewhat lacklustre, but many will never forget seeing Pele on Irish soil. Happy New Year! Support TCB: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning2023-01-0225 min
A Traveller & A CountrymanEp 28 - Donal FallonIn their final podcast chat of 2022 Martin and Dean sit down with Historian, Author and Podcaster Donal Fallon for a lovey heart felt social history chin wag about all things Dublin. Donal's Podcast 'Three Castles Burning' is a wonderfully crafted insight into some of the real hidden gems of Ireland's capita cityl, 'Dubh Linn', beyond the air brushed tourist traps and trails.2022-12-201h 10
A Traveller & A CountrymanEp 28 - Donal FallonIn their final podcast chat of 2022 Martin and Dean sit down with Historian, Author and Podcaster Donal Fallon for a lovey heart felt social history chin wag about all things Dublin. Donal's Podcast 'Three Castles Burning' is a wonderfully crafted insight into some of the real hidden gems of Ireland's capita cityl, 'Dubh Linn', beyond the air brushed tourist traps and trails.2022-12-201h 10
Three Castles BurningFrom the Duke of Wellington to Kellie Harrington Luke McManus has produced North Circular, a documentary which brings the viewer on a journey from the Wellington Testimonial all the way through the north inner-city. He chatted to me about the NCR, the various people who call it home and what it means for Dublin today. North Circular info: https://twitter.com/northcircular_ Vote for TCB for Eason's Book of the Year: https://www.easons.com/Books/eason-favourite-book-poll/?utm_source=TopMiniBanner&utm_medium=BookPoll&utm_campaign=HP&utm_id=HP 2022-12-1632 minThree Castles BurningWalking the Winter Lights (with Fergus Whelan)Each year, Dublin City Council hosts the Winter Lights festival, lighting up key buildings and sites around Dublin. Myself and historian Fergus Whelan went for a walk through some of the 2022 locations, from the Marshalsea Prison to Wolfe Tone Park. Did you know that the 'Father of the Scottish Enlightenment' is buried in Dublin, or that Smithfield was once transformed into Checkpoint Charlie? For more see: Dublin Winter Lights. 2022-12-0139 min
Three Castles BurningAn Inchicore Institution (with Dermot Looney)Dermot Looney has spent years working away on a history of Saint Patrick's Athletic. The final product, which includes a beautiful introduction by Brian Kerr, is something much broader - an important social history of Inchicore. Saint Pat's emerge as a club strongly connected to the railway works, and with surprising connections from the very beginning. Saints Rising is available now.2022-11-2531 min
Three Castles BurningFrom The Citizen to John 3:7 (with Siobhán Doyle)What can we learn about a subject by looking at 100 objects? Thanks to Siobhán Doyle, author of a new study 'A History of the GAA in 100 Objects', for getting into material culture, museums and the social history of the Gaelic Athletic Association with me. From Michael Cusack (was he 'The Citizen?') to yellow sliothars, we're talking about.....stuff. Support Three Castles Burning: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning // www.ko-fi.com/threecastlesburning2022-11-1833 min
Three Castles BurningHalloween Special: Hans Holzer and the Ghosts of DublinHans Holzer was a well-known broadcaster and author in the United States, perhaps the most famous 'ghost hunter' of his day. In 1965 and 1966, he made research visits to Ireland. In Dublin, he heard some amazing stories, and went in search of ghosts in some familiar and lesser-known places.2022-10-2833 minThree Castles BurningThe Central Bank and Beyond: Sam Stephenson's DublinSam Stephenson (1933-2006) is one of the most important - and divisive - architects in the history of the Irish capital. As the Central Bank returns to view, we're looking at it and other Stephenson projects in the city. Some, like the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS), have recently become protected structures. Others have already been lost.2022-10-1836 min
Three Castles BurningThe Country Girl ReturnsA young Edna O'Brien fell in love with Dublin. The city would shape her life and her work. It brought love, lust, learning. Now, at 91, her play Joyce's Women takes to the stage of the Abbey Theatre. This podcast explores how Dublin impacted on her, and how she impacted on it.2022-09-3030 min
Three Castles BurningThe History and Present of Housing (with Eoin Ó Broin)Housing is today the issue of issues in Ireland, but what can we learn from looking back? Over the course of a century, the Irish state has had successes and failures when it comes to housing. Eoin Ó Broin is the author of Home: Why Public Housing is the Answer, he's also someone firmly at the centre of the political debates around housing in Ireland today. On a wet day in a field in Laois, he answered my questions and a few from the floor. With thanks to Naoise Nunn and Mindfield at Electric Picnic.2022-09-151h 05
Three Castles Burning31 August 1913When standing in front of Clery's today, and beside the Larkin statue, it is difficult to imagine this was once the site of a brutal police riot in 1913. Just what happened on the first Bloody Sunday in twentieth century Irish history? This is the story of Larkin, the ITGWU and a city of tension.2022-09-0143 min
Three Castles BurningThe Crumlin KremlinIn recent weeks, a headstone was unveiled in Deansgrange Cemetery honouring Kathleen and Stephen Behan. The parents at 70 Kildare Road in Crumlin, their children would produce an astonishing array of songs and plays capturing the Irish experience. This podcast includes voices from the day, as well as rich archive. Support TCB: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning2022-08-2231 min
Three Castles BurningSouth William StreetFrom The Rag Trade to The Castle Lounge, South William Street has come on a great journey. Now, the street is set for significant change. This journey brings us through the changing fortunes of a city, and while the Georgian buildings may speak loudest on the street, there is much more to South William Street.2022-07-2432 min
Three Castles BurningRefugees Welcome? This episode of the podcast is dedicated to the memory of Mícheál Ó Doibhilín. In 1922, thousands of people from Belfast and other northern cities were arriving into Dublin and other places in the new Free State. Where would these people be housed, and what kind of life could they expect? There was surprising opposition to what the press termed the 'Belfast Pogrom refugees'. 2022-07-1230 min
Three Castles BurningSites of Memory: Gay Dublin In Temple Bar, a plaque honours the Hirschfeld Centre. At Bow Lane East, an aging sign is all that remains of Incognito, a gay sauna that made it to the front of the international press in the early 1990s for all of the wrong reasons. Then there's Dublin Castle, a site of joy and scandal. These are just some of the many sites of memory that help us tell the story of Gay Dublin. *This episode contains some explicit language.* Support TCB: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning2022-06-2631 min
Three Castles BurningSylvia Beach and UsIn June 1962, Sylvia Beach was in the last months of her life. She unveiled a tower in Sandycove as a museum to James Joyce. Without her, would the world have known the significance of that place? Her little Parisian bookshop will forever be bound to Dublin.2022-06-1531 min
Shite Talk: An Irish History PodcastJames Joyce live with Donal FallonThis is the recording from our live 100th episode / 3rd birthday show we did last month, thanks a million to everyone who came out for it, and a special thanks to our wonderful guest on the night, Donal Fallon! You can hear more of Donal's work on his own (much more successful) podcast, Three Castles Burning, and if you want to hear more of US you can sign up to our patreon to get access to all the bonus content here!2022-06-101h 45
Three Castles BurningThe Stolpersteine of Donore Avenue Last week, a series of commemorative brass plaques were unveiled on Dublin 8's Donore Avenue in honour of six victims of the Holocaust with connections to Dublin. These memorial stones are part of a truly global project honouring the victims of the Holocaust, but marked the first on Irish soil. This edition of the podcast explores the background to this project. 2022-06-0730 min
Three Castles BurningDublin's First Female CouncillorSarah Cecilia Harrison (1863–1941) lived many lives in one. A Suffragist, a social campaigner, a nationalist and an artist, she was closely aligned with Hugh Lane in the battle for a modern art gallery in London. The first female member of Dublin Corporation, she is the subject of a new study. Editor Margarita Cappock joins me to discuss her importance.2022-05-2732 minWhat’s the Story? PodcastWTS 266: Donal FallonHit subscribe to hear all of our new episodes free and first and head over to Twitter where you'll find us - @WTSpod
Social historian and fountain of knowledge Donal Fallon joins us to let us know what he's been up to over the last while share some great stories about the Hibernian metropolis that is Dublin City.
2022-05-221h 14Three Castles BurningDublin since the 1970s (with Joseph Brady)Joseph Brady is a geographer with a special interest in the changing landscape of the city and county of Dublin. A discussion on Dublin since the 1970s brings us through things like smog, the stinking Liffey, the quays and the changing docklands. Some change was good, some wasn't, and some remains on the table. Brady's new study Dublin from 1970 to 1990: The City Transformed is available now.2022-05-1641 min
Three Castles BurningThomas Kinsella from The RanchThomas Kinsella from The Ranch was one of Ireland's great poets, but Dublin - and working class Dublin especially - was at the very heart of his work. This podcast explores what we might call Thomas Kinsella's Dublin, from his home on the border of Inchicore and Ballyfermot to Wood Quay.2022-05-0232 min
Three Castles BurningThe Playboy Riots"In writing The Playboy of the Western World, as in my other plays, I have used one or two words only that I have not heard among the country people of Ireland, or spoken in my own nursery before I could read the newspapers." Why did Synge's masterpiece cause such trouble in the Dublin of 1907, and was it really a 'riot' or something else?2022-04-2534 min
Shite Talk: An Irish History Podcast1913 Lockout with Donal Fallon (Three Castles Burning)We were delighted to get the opportunity to record this episode about the 1913 lockout, live inside the historic Emmet Hall of Inchicore. The building was once owned by James Larkin and home to one of the striker leaders, and later one of the men executed for 1916, Michael Mallin. If you want to hear more of ourselves and Donal Fallon you can come join us in the Wild Duck in Dublin on the 19th of May by getting tickets here! Also, a huge thanks to D8 Development and Lauren Tuite for setting us up in the newly renovated hall, if you l...2022-04-221h 16
Three Castles BurningThe Calm Before The StormThe story of 24 April 1916 is well told. What about the day before? In Dublin, the eve of an insurrection was a strange day of rumour, horse racing tips and - in Phibsborough - a kidnap saga. TCB is ad free. Support it on Patreon: www.patreon.com/threecastlesburning2022-04-1832 min
Dublin Festival of History PodcastIf Ever You Go To Dublin Town - Kathryn Milligan and Nicola Pierce in Conversation with Donal FallonDonal Fallon speaks to two writers who have written recent books on the history of Dublin.In O’Connell Street: The History and Life of Dublin’s Iconic Street, Nicola Pierce explores the people, the history, the buildings and the stories behind the main street in our capital.Kathryn Milligan’s Painting Dublin, 1886-1949: Visualising a Changing City represents the first detailed study of the depiction of Dublin in nineteenth- and twentieth-century art. It demonstrates the important role played by the portrayal and experience of urban life, a role shaped by huge historical, politi...2022-04-141h 02Dublin Festival of History PodcastIf Ever You Go To Dublin Town - Kathryn Milligan and Nicola Pierce in Conversation with Donal FallonDonal Fallon speaks to two writers who have written recent books on the history of Dublin.In O’Connell Street: The History and Life of Dublin’s Iconic Street, Nicola Pierce explores the people, the history, the buildings and the stories behind the main street in our capital.Kathryn Milligan’s Painting Dublin, 1886-1949: Visualising a Changing City represents the first detailed study of the depiction of Dublin in nineteenth- and twentieth-century art. It demonstrates the important role played by the portrayal and experience of urban life, a role shaped by huge historical, politi...2022-04-141h 02
Three Castles BurningDoggerel for a Departed DublinThis edition of the podcast explores some of the poetry of the late Vincent Caprani. A proud Italo-Irish Dub, Caprani wrote some excellent and memorable poems about the city and its people. He died last October. Contains bad language, but plenty of soul.2022-04-1025 min
Three Castles BurningAlderman Tom Kelly and The Tenters (with Cathy Scuffil)Alderman Tom Kelly is one of Dublin's great forgotten heroes. A Councillor who championed housing (even before the houses of the city were collapsing in 1913) he came from Dublin's tenements and insisted on the need to replace them with good quality housing. Part of his legacy is The Tenters, a series of streets in Dublin 8. Cathy Scuffil is a Historian in Residence to Dublin City Council and an authority on Dublin 8.2022-04-0236 min
Three Castles BurningFrom Misery Hill to Champions' AvenueDublin is a city and county with some brilliant and downright odd street names, reflecting all from industrial history to the moon landings. This week we're exploring some of the more unusual ones, and looking at some names which have somehow survived major change. (Podcast thumbnail: William Murphy, Flickr)2022-03-2630 min
Shite Talk: An Irish History PodcastLive Dublin Show with Donal Fallon of 3 Castles BurningWe're celebrating our 3rd birthday and 100th episode soon in the Wild Duck, Dublin, with our brilliant guest, Donal Fallon of Three Castles Burning! The show will be on the 19th of May, tickets are €18 (including all booking fees) and you can buy them from here: Wild Duck Show If you can't make the Dublin show you can get tickets to all our other shows below: 7th of April in Mullingar 22nd of April in Carlow 13th of May in Dundalk 2022-03-2302 min
Three Castles BurningMoscow, Marino, Orwell RoadWe're back! Series 2, Episode 1. In recent weeks, there has been much talk about the Russian Embassy on Orwell Road. The story of Ireland's connections to the former Soviet Union is a sometimes surprising journey, taking in all from the Lockout to the (alleged) Russian Crown Jewels.2022-03-1935 minThree Castles BurningHarry Kernoff: Capturing Dublin (With Kathryn Milligan)Kathryn Milligan is the author of one of my favourite books on Dublin in recent years, Painting Dublin: 1886-1949. It explores how various artists have depicted the Hibernian Metropolis. We share a great love for Harry Kernoff, and in this episode she shares great insights into the man and the artist.2022-02-1744 min
Three Castles BurningThe Handover (With Kate O'Malley)How can we compare the handing over of Dublin Castle with key moments in the history of other nations like India or Barbados? How accurate was the depiction of the transfer of power in Neil Jordan's 1996 classic Michael Collins? Kate O'Malley, co-author of The Handover (with John Gibney) joined me to explore what the handing over of Dublin Castle meant in the context of Empire.2022-02-0834 min
History Now (NVTV) with Barry SheppardBrendan Behan with Donal Fallon and Barry SheppardBarry Sheppard is joined by historian and broadcaster, Donal Fallon to talk about the life and work of author, playwright, and republican Brendan Behan. 2021-08-0330 minHistory Now (NVTV) with Barry SheppardHistory Now - The 1918 General Election with Donal Fallon and Alan de Bromhead.Barry Sheppard speaks to historian and broadcaster Donal Fallon and Economic Historian Dr Alan de Bromhead about the 1918 General Election in Ireland.
(Originally broadcast for the 100th anniversary of the 1918 Election, in late 2018). 2021-03-0529 minWhat’s the Story? PodcastWTS 223: Donal FallonThis episode of What's the Story? Podcast is brought to you by Manscaped. Go to http://manscaped.com/ and get 20% off + free shipping with the code: WTSPOD #manscapedpod.
This week we're joined by our favourite social historian, Donal Fallon.
Donal is the man behind the mic on the amazing Three Castles Burning podcast and has been a regular contributor to national media for the last few years.
2021-01-161h 25
Elemental CollisionHistory and Community: an Interview with Donal Fallon of 3 Castles BurningDonal Fallon of the 3 Castles Burning podcast and I sat down to discuss history and it's application to current events. What can we learn from history? How has history shaped community and who we are? Support this podcast2020-08-2600 min
Elemental CollisionHistory and Community: an Interview with Donal Fallon of 3 Castles BurningDonal Fallon of the 3 Castles Burning podcast and I sat down to discuss history and it's application to current events. What can we learn from history? How has history shaped community and who we are?2020-08-2634 min
Rebel Matters Podcast75: Donal FallonThis weeks episode is a chat with historian and Three Castles Burning host Donal Fallon. We talked about the role commemorations have in the telling of history, the origins of the Blueshirts, how music plays an important part in the telling of history, and looked at some examples of how cities have come through tough times in the past. 2020-06-121h 48What’s the Story? PodcastWTS 204: Donal FallonThis week we're joined by the People's Historian and host of the brilliant Three Castles Burning Podcast, Donal Fallon.
Donal has forgotten more about Dublin than most will ever know and specialises in social history - sharing the stories of the people behind the events.
Wash the hands. Stay at home.
2020-04-181h 30
Conversations & Coffee# 45 Donal Fallon | How Dublin's History Has Shaped UsConversations & Coffee Podcast's Ross speaks with Donal Fallon from Dublin's ComeHereToMe.
https://comeheretome.com/
Hosted by Ross Fagan, Conversations & Coffee Podcast features a new guest each episode discussing the most interesting and controversial topics.
Donal is a lecturer and historian based in Dublin. Co-founder of the popular social history website ‘Come Here To Me’, his previous publications include The Pillar: The Life and After Life of the Nelson Pillar (New Island, 2014). He is currently completing a PhD on republican commemoration and memory in 1930s Ireland.
Conversations & Coffee will be available everywhere you get your podcasts -
https://linktr.ee/Conversationsandcoffee
Use...2020-01-1243 min
Conversations & Coffee# 45 Donal Fallon | How Dublin's History Has Shaped UsConversations & Coffee Podcast's Ross speaks with Donal Fallon from Dublin's ComeHereToMe.
https://comeheretome.com/
Hosted by Ross Fagan, Conversations & Coffee Podcast features a new guest each episode discussing the most interesting and controversial topics.
Donal is a lecturer and historian based in Dublin. Co-founder of the popular social history website ‘Come Here To Me’, his previous publications include The Pillar: The Life and After Life of the Nelson Pillar (New Island, 2014). He is currently completing a PhD on republican commemoration and memory in 1930s Ireland.
Conversations & Coffee will be available everywhere you get your podcasts -
https://linktr.ee/Conversationsandcoffee
Use...2020-01-1243 min
The Irish Spark#16 - Donal Fallon: The Irish SovietsFor the centenary of the First Dail Eireann and the Irish Soviets, we chat with Historian Donal Fallon about Rosa Luxembourg, James Connolly, Jim Larkin and the Dublin Lockout.
Connect with the podcast
Email - theirishspark@gmail.com
Twitter - @TheIrishSpark
Instagram - theirishspark
Facebook - The Irish Spark Podcast
Artwork: Moira Murphy
Music: Eoghan O'Neill2019-07-2639 min
What’s the Story? PodcastWTS 152 - Donal FallonThis week's episode sees the return of one of the most popular guests to ever appear on WTSpod.
Donal Fallon is one of the curators of 'Come Here To Me' and one of Ireland's leading historians. He is a broadcaster and author and has forgotten more about Dublin and her people than most of us will know.
You can check out more of Donal's work on www.comeheretome.com
WTSpod is brought to you by Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, go to www.fitzpatrickcastle.com for more.
2018-07-071h 15
Dublin City Libraries & ArchivesCrime and the City, Crime and History: Donal Fallon on history of the animal gangs of DublinDonal Fallon seeks to separate fact from folklore regarding the notorious 'Animal gangs' of the 1930s and 1940s in Dublin. Recorded in front of a live audience in the Central Library on 10 October, 2013, as part of its 'Crime in the City: Crime and History' series.Donal Fallon is co-author of 'Come Here To Me: Dublin's Other History' and a regular contributor to www.comeheretome.com. He also lectures with the UCD Adult Education Department.2016-11-2134 minWhat’s the Story? PodcastChapter 70: Donal Fallon & Dublin's hidden historiesThis week on WTSpod the lads are joined by historian, author, broadcaster and League of Ireland fan, Donal Fallon.
Donal is a regular contributor to Newstalk radio with his hidden history section and is one of the men behind the incredible blog, Come Here To Me. CHTM has fast become one of Ireland's favourite sources of history material and deals with the brilliant to bizarre.
Body snatchers in Dublin graveyards, the city beneath the city, league of Ireland and Dublin pubs are just some of the topics covered this week as Donal guides us through some incredible stories of...2016-10-291h 36
Digital Humanities Exploratorium PodcastDonal Fallon and Sam McGrath (Come Here to Me!)Donal Fallon and Sam McGrath (Come Here to Me!)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DigitalHumanitiesExploratoriumPodcast/~4/bLct_9o7t0Y" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>2013-07-0300 min