Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast

By: Fin Dwyer & Damian Shiels
  • Summary

  • 3,000 miles of ocean separate Ireland from the USA, but both countries share a deep and intertwined history. Links between North America and Ireland predate Columbus, stretching back over 1,000 years. Since then, Irish people have shaped the history of the United States. From Ann 'Goody' Glover, who was hanged as a witch in Boston in the 17th century, to JFK, the story of the Irish in the US is fascinating. Join historians Damian Sheils and Fin Dwyer as they join forces to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of Irish American history.


    In Season 1 Fin and Damian explore fascinating topics including

    • Who was the first Irish person to cross the Atlantic?
    • The Story of Goody Glover who was hanged as a witch in Boston.
    • What was it like to emigrate during the Great Famine of the 1840s?
    • How Irish people shaped the US Civil War?


    And much more...


    Subscribe and join Fin and Damian on this fascinating journey through our history.


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

    Fin Dwyer & Damian Shiels
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Episodes
  • Your Questions Answered: Christmas Special
    Dec 17 2024

    In a special episode, Fin and Damian delve into the intricacies of 19th-century emigration, answering listeners' questions about this pivotal era. Discover how people managed to reconnect with relatives and friends after leaving Ireland during the Great Hunger. Learn about the ingenious methods used to send money home long before the days of Revolut or even telegrams. And what currency could you use? Explore the impact of the American Revolution on Ireland. Uncover tips on tracing your family roots back to the 19th century and understand why so many Irish place names can be found across the United States.


    We hope you have a wonderful Christmas! We'll return in February with Season 2, but stay tuned for a bonus episode or two before then!


    Get in touch with Damian & Fin at transatlanticseries@gmail.com


    Subcribe to the show at https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod


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

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Irish in New Orleans
    Nov 18 2024

    New Orleans is one of the most famous cities in the American South. World-renowned for Mardi Gras, the city has a unique history. Founded by the French, it was also an outpost of the Spanish, today, it is famous for its Creole and Cajun culture. However, the city also became home to tens of thousands of Irish emigrants in the 19th century. In this final episode of Season 1 (don't worry, we are already prepping Season 2), Damian and Fin are joined by Dr. David Gleeson, an expert on the Irish in the American South. David details the origins of New Orleans, when the Irish first arrived, how they shaped the city, and how they were influenced by its unique culture.


    We are currently preparing Season 2, which is coming in early 2025. In the meantime, we are recording a special bonus Christmas episode where we answer your questions and share some fascinating stories we didn't get to include in Season 1. If you have any questions, get in touch at transatlanticseries@gmail.com.


    Check out David's books:

    • The Irish in the American South 1815-1877 Link
    • The Green and the Gray: The Irish in the Confederate States of America (Civil War America) Link


    Sound by Kate Dunlea



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    56 mins
  • Coffin Ships & Famine Emigrants: Surviving the American Journey
    Nov 11 2024

    Many Irish Americans trace their roots back to the Famine emigrants who escaped the death and disease that ravaged Ireland in the 1840s. In this episode, we delve into the harrowing journeys these emigrants faced aboard the infamous "Coffin Ships." Join us as we explore the stories of these resilient individuals, uncovering who they were and the compelling reasons behind their flight from Ireland. We also dissect the grim realities of their transatlantic voyage, encapsulated in the chilling term ‘Coffin Ships.’


    Pre-order Damian’s new book Green and Blue: Irish Americans in the Union Military, 1861–1865 at https://lsupress.org/9780807183700/green-and-blue/


    Sources mentioned in the episode.

    The Coffin Ship by Cian T. McMahon.

    Fin Dwyer: A Lethal Legacy: A History of Ireland in 18 Murders

    The Irish History Podcast: The Great Famine Series Irish Histord

    National Famine Museum, Strokestown Co. Roscommon


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

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    1 hr and 19 mins

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