Dublin's Historic South

Episode V is all about Ranelagh and I, Laura Fitzachary welcomed the return of show regular, Evan McGuigan this month. He is a historian from Monaghan and recently curated the exhibition 'Delivering Justice' on the history of the courts in Ireland at Dublin Castle. With a background in 20th century political history, he has previously worked in various museums and libraries across Dublin city and has a nose for unearthing its colourful characters. Now based in Dublin, he generously offered his house to record an episode focusing on the actions of the residents and visitors to Ranelagh and neighbouring Rathmines. From this townland being a stage for the Battle of Rathmines (a climactic event in The Eleven Year's War) to harbouring those of whom put Ireland on the map within the fields of music, engineering and sport. This episode reveals that it is the people that maketh the townland.

Episode IV is all about Rathfarnham and I, Laura Fitzachary, am joined by Dr. Sylvie Kleinman this month. Sylvie is not only Visiting Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, she has also worked for the Dictionary of Irish Biography. Sylvie also has a background in the socio-political context of the late 18th and early 19th century and has played a major role in internationalizing Irish history and highlighting the influence of the French Revolution on the likes of Tone & Emmet. She'll also make you go on long walks with her, given half the chance.Through the power of Zoom calls (sorry about the audio), we discussed the earliest English presence and the arrival of Milo Le Bret to the artist Evie Hone working in Marlay Park. This area of South Dublin known as 'the gateway to the Dublin Mountains' emerged as a microcosm of Ireland and in the words of Dr. Kleinman; 'perhaps a cradle of Irish nationhood.'

Episode III is all about Blackrock and I, Laura Fitzachary am joined by Evan McGuigan this month. He is a historian from Monaghan and recently curated the exhibition 'Delivering Justice' on the history of the courts in Ireland at Dublin Castle. With a background in 20th century political history, he has previously worked in various museums and libraries across Dublin city but he was also perfect for this episode. Now based in Dublin, we used his sitting room to record an episode focusing on the revolutionary history of this coastal town. From the residency of 'Copper-faced Jack' and his 'nearly men' neighbours involved in the 1798 Rebellion to Dr. Kathleen Lynn's final resting place at Deansgrange Cemetery, Episode III focuses on how this former fishing village is integral to examining the military history of South Dublin. 
 

Episode II is all about Harold's Cross and I, Laura Fitzachary am joined by Trisha Ryan. She is an archaeologist and historian from Waterford and is now based in Dublin. With her  days spent talking about Viking invasions we used archaeological evidence to meander through Harold's Cross and the surrounding Kimmage & Crumlin as early examples of town planning. From manorial settlements to utopian suburbs and from arrowheads in back gardens to Fair City, Episode II went from the Neolithic to the '90's. Episode II takes the locals of Harold's Cross and their history through the centuries.

Join historian Laura Fitzachary in exploring the townlands of South Dublin as each month a different part of the southside is featured and its history discussed. With a focus on social history, delve into the past of this part of the county

Episode I: 

Dundrum is the star of the first episode, as we look at its 13th century castle right up to its 21st century shopping centre that was reclaimed by the river that once ran through it. This townland takes us through nearly seven centuries of history and uncovers a theme of law-making throughout. Though the real star is my first guest host, historian Evan McGuigan