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Talking History with Patrick Geoghegan

Talking History with Patrick Geoghegan

Newstalk 258 Episodes Sep 6, 2026

Talking History with Patrick Geoghegan is a lively history show that explores important political, social, and cultural events and the intriguing personalities behind them. Presented by Dr Patrick Geoghegan of Trinity College Dublin, the show delves into the gritty and sometimes uncomfortable side of the past, offering lessons for the present. It is produced by Newstalk, Ireland's national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis, and entertainment.

Episodes

The History of Bookselling
The History of Bookselling Sep 6, 2026 00:52:04 In this episode, a history books roundup: 'Medea: A Life', by Edith Hall; 'A History of Science in 21 Women' by Marieke Bigg; and 'The Bookshop: A history of bookselling' by Andrew Pettegree.
360 Years On: The Great Fire of London
360 Years On: The Great Fire of London Aug 30, 2026 00:52:24 In this episode: 360 years after flames swept through the heart of London, we examine The Great Fire of 1666, how it began, why it became unstoppable and how London rose from the ashes. Featuring Prof Adrian Tinniswood, Professor of British Cultural History at the University of Buckingham and Adjunct Professor of History at Maynooth University, Prof Vanessa Harding, Emeritus Professor of London Hi
Princess Margaret and Ireland
Princess Margaret and Ireland Aug 23, 2026 00:44:33 In this episode: Princess Margaret and Ireland, with Emily Hourican; ‘Ireland’s first sanitorium: The St Ann’s Hill Hydro, Co. Cork, 1843–1953’ with Ronan Foley; and what you might not know about novelist Joseph Conrad, with Juliette Bretan.
The Conquest of Constantinople
The Conquest of Constantinople Aug 22, 2026 00:52:27 In this episode, a history books roundup: ‘Desk Revolutionaries: The Men of the French Directory, 1795–9’, with Prof Biancamaria Fontana, emeritus professor of the history of political ideas at the University of Lausanne, ‘The Fifth Crusade - A History of the Epic Campaign to Conquer Egypt’, with Thomas Smith, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and holder of honorary research positions at Roya
Ireland's History With The EU
Ireland's History With The EU Aug 21, 2026 00:49:11 In this episode: we look back at Ireland's relationship with the EU. Featuring Dr Mary C. Murphy of Boston College, then a senior lecturer in politics with the Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork; Professor John O'Brennan, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at Maynooth University; and Maria Walsh MEP.
Neolithic Tombs In Galway
Neolithic Tombs In Galway Aug 7, 2026 00:52:17 In this episode: Neolithic tombs uncovered in Galway, with Dr Michelle Comber & Dr Noel McCarthy, University of Galway; ‘James Joyce: A Political Life’, with Bridget Hourican; and Aspasia: the woman who allegedly taught Socrates, with Professor Armand D’Angour of Oxford University.
The Irish Who Served In The British Army
The Irish Who Served In The British Army Aug 6, 2026 00:51:17 In this episode: we'll begin beneath the waters of Dublin Bay where hundreds of shipwrecks tell the story of trade, war and survival. We'll explore a largely forgotten Ireland of red-coated soldiers, barracks and military patrols, and find out what the stories of the Irish who served in the British Army tell us about our complicated relationship with the British Empire. And we'll hear about a rema
The History of the Masquerade
The History of the Masquerade Aug 5, 2026 00:51:55 In this episode, our books round-up: The Judges of Ireland, 1866-1921, by Daire Hogan; Masquerade: A History of Extravagance and Intrigue, by Meghan Kobza; and Tojo: The Rise and Fall of Japan's Most Controversial World War II General, by Peter Mauch.
The Odyssey
The Odyssey Aug 4, 2026 00:49:11 The Odyssey: we find out why a story of monsters, magic, gods and vengeance continues to inspire and enthrall people nearly 3,000 years after it was first composed. Featuring: Dr Catherine Ware, lecturer in the Department of Classics, University College Cork; Dr Matthew Ward, Teaching Associate in Classics at the University of Cambridge; Dr George A. Gazis, Associate Professor in Greek Literature
250: The US Declaration of Independence
250: The US Declaration of Independence Jul 5, 2026 00:52:28 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal'. In this episode we find out how these iconic words in the US Declaration of Independence changed the history of America forever and how it impacted the world. Featuring: Prof Stephanie McCurry, Professor of U.S. History at Columbia University; Prof Eliga H. Gould, Professor of American History at the Rothermere American Ins
Eva Gore-Booth
Eva Gore-Booth Jun 25, 2026 00:51:48 Featuring: Dr Sonja Tiernan, National Coordinator of the Irish Humanities Alliance, Royal Irish Academy, and the author of ‘Eva Gore-Booth: An Image of Such Politics’ and ‘Eva Gore-Booth: Irish Radical Poet, Rebel and Reformer’; Dr Mary McAuliffe, historian, lecturer, and Director of Gender Studies at UCD; and Dr Catherine Healy, historian-in-residence at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum.
Medieval Dublin
Medieval Dublin Jun 25, 2026 00:52:26 In this episode, we look back at our excavation of the medieval history of Medieval Dublin - with Ruth Johnson, Dublin’s City Archaeologist; Paul Duffy, archaeologist, historian and author; Dr Grace O’Keeffe, a medieval historian based in Dublin and the editor of Archaeology Ireland; and Dr Catherine Swift, Department of History, Mary Immaculate College Limerick.

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