The History and Heritage Podcast

Dive into the rich history of Ireland's true 'horse of the people': The Irish Draught. From essential farm worker to foundation of global eventing champions, discover the resilience and legacy of this remarkable breed. Learn about its journey through famine, war, and mechanisation, and why it's more important than ever to protect its future

They fed a nation, shaped a people, and bore witness to centuries of Irish life. In this extended episode of The History and Heritage Podcast, Liam Blake takes you on a journey through the four native Irish cattle breeds — the Kerry, Droimeann, Dexter, and Irish Moiled. Each one tells its own story: from famine fields to rebel farms, from DNA revival to cultural rediscovery. It’s not just agricult...

"There is no truer, more loyal, or more intrepid dog than the Irish Terrier." So wrote Vero Shaw in 1879—and few who know the breed would disagree. In this stirring episode of the History and Heritage Podcast, we explore the roots of Ireland’s most flame-hearted dog. Born of necessity during Ireland’s darkest decades, the Irish Terrier served as ratter, guardian, and loyal companion on the margins...

Born in stone-walled farms and raised in the fields of rural Ireland, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was never a showpiece. It was a worker. A ratter. A guardian. A poacher’s shadow. A child’s companion. This week, on the History and Heritage Podcast, we trace the story of Ireland’s golden-coated farm dog—from nameless “yellow fellas” in 18th-century cabins to family favourites around the globe....

🇮🇪 Meet the Kerry Blue Terrier: a bold, intelligent Irish breed with roots in rebellion, rural life, and national pride. From the bogs of Munster to the streets of Dublin during the War of Independence, the Kerry Blue has always stood out—not just for its striking coat, but for what it represents. Discover the dog that helped shape Ireland’s modern identity.

In this episode of the History and Heritage Podcast, we travel deep into the Wicklow Mountains to uncover the long-overlooked story of the Glen of Imaal Terrier—one of Ireland’s rarest native breeds. Forged in the isolated glens by 16th-century mercenaries, refined on farms, and nearly lost during World War II, this tough yet gentle terrier is a living link to Ireland’s agricultural and social his...

In this episode of The History and Heritage Podcast, Liam Blake is joined by Patrick Blake of Ballyerk Connemara Ponies to explore one of Ireland’s most beloved native breeds: the Connemara Pony. Together, they trace the history of this hardy, intelligent pony from its rugged roots in the west of Ireland to its global reputation today. Learn about the origins of the breed, its characteristics, tem...

Long before it became a mascot or a symbol, the Irish Wolfhound was bred for purpose — to hunt, to guard, and to serve. In this episode, we trace the history of one of Ireland’s most iconic native breeds. From the days of the Gaelic aristocracy to near extinction, and through its careful reconstruction in the 19th century, the Irish Wolfhound has endured as more than just a dog — it is a living li...

With its tightly curled coat, otter-like tail, and whip-smart gaze, the Irish Water Spaniel is one of the most distinctive — and underappreciated — breeds ever to come out of Ireland. From its early mention in 1607 as the “Shannon Spaniel” to its refinement by the mysterious Justin McCarthy in the 1830s, this episode traces the story of a dog built for wetlands, made for work, and full of mischief...

Before the sleek, flame-haired Red Setter rose to international fame, there was another — older, humbler, and nearly lost to history. In this episode of The History and Heritage Podcast, we trace the story of the Irish Red and White Setter, Ireland’s original hunting companion. From the wild windswept bogs of 17th-century Galway to the brink of extinction in the 20th century, this episode explores...

Chestnut red against the green of Ireland — the Irish Red Setter is more than a dog. It’s a memory, a myth, and for many, a marker of home. In this episode, we trace the story of the Irish Red Setter from windswept fields and aristocratic kennels to postal stamps and Bus Éireann buses. Elegant, tireless, and deeply Irish, this breed has long been a symbol of both national pride and quiet persevera...

"The postman... came every morning down the boreen, bringing the world to our doorstep." That image from John McGahern captures a truth at the heart of Irish life — that the post has always carried more than letters. In this episode, we trace the powerful, complex history of Ireland’s postal service — from its colonial foundations under Thomas Witherings and Richard Weston, to the famine-era cries...

Join me as I delve into the captivating tale of Princess Caraboo, a mysterious figure who captured the hearts of a British town in 1817. This enigmatic woman, later revealed to be Mary Willcocks, a cobbler's daughter from Devon, spun a web of intrigue by claiming to be royalty from the fictional island of Javasu. With a fabricated language and exotic customs, she fooled local dignitaries for weeks...

In this episode of The History and Heritage Podcast, we dive into the sweeping tariffs introduced by the Trump Administration in April 2025. Declared under a national emergency, these tariffs aim to reshape global trade by targeting imports from countries like China, the European Union, and Vietnam with rates as high as 50%. But what does this mean for the U.S., its trading partners, and the globa...

Discover the pivotal moment in history when the Bolsheviks seized power in Russia, changing the course of the 20th century. In this episode, we delve into the events of October 1917, exploring how Lenin and Trotsky led the Bolsheviks to victory, establishing the world's first socialist state. From the strategic planning of the Military Revolutionary Committee to the storming of the Winter Palace,...

Join us on the History and Heritage Podcast as we explore two pivotal events of 1917 that shaped the Russian Revolution: the July Days uprising and the Kornilov Affair. Discover how these crises exposed the fragility of the Provisional Government and set the stage for the Bolsheviks' rise to power. Learn about the key figures like Lenin and Trotsky, and how their strategies influenced the course o...

Dive into the tumultuous period of Russia's 1917 revolution in "Episode 3: Dual Power and the Rise of the Bolsheviks." This gripping installment explores the unique power-sharing arrangement between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet, setting the stage for the Bolsheviks' ascent. Uncover the inner workings of the Petrograd Soviet's Executive Committee and its evolving influence. L...

Join me as we explore the pivotal February Revolution of 1917, which marked the end of over 300 years of Romanov rule in Russia. This episode delves into the spontaneous uprising that began on International Women's Day, as women textile workers in Petrograd protested against bread shortages and war, igniting a mass movement that would soon engulf the city. We'll examine the key events of the five...

What really caused the Russian Revolution? Forget the textbooks – this episode dives deep into the forgotten stories and hidden tensions brewing in Russia before 1917. We explore the lives of struggling peasants, the rise of revolutionary thinkers, and the disastrous decisions of Tsar Nicholas II. Uncover the social, economic, and political forces that set the stage for a revolution that would cha...

Ever heard of a law that forbids dying without a grave? Or one that bans feeding pigeons? Join us as we dive into the hilarious and head-scratching world of strange laws from across the globe! We'll uncover the historical context, the surprisingstories, and the sheer absurdity behind these bizarre legal relics. Get ready to laugh, learn, and question everything you thought you knew about the rules...

A shocking urban disaster where a massive molasses tank burst in Boston's North End on January 15, 1919, killing 21 and injuring 150 in a sticky, devastating wave. Sources "Boston's Great Molasses Flood | Boston Public Library" "The Great Molasses Flood: Labor and the Molasses Flood" (GBH Forum Network) "Great Molasses Flood at 100: How Boston Disaster Made Us Safer" (TIME) "The Great Molasses Flo...

  Sources: "The Dyatlov Pass Incident: A Podcast Investigation" "The Dyatlov Pass Incident" "Dyatlov Pass Incident: Explanations and Reliability" "The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Science, Media, and Mystery" "The Dyatlov Pass Incident: A Study Guide" "Dyatlov Pass incident - Wikipedia" "The Dyatlov Pass Incident" (YouTube Video Transcript) "The Dyatlov Pass mystery and what a research article can trigg...

As we approach the end of 2024, join us for our latest episode, "Events in Years Ending in 24." We explore the pivotal politics, wars, and religious shifts that shaped 1324, 1724, and 1924. Using Google’s NotebookLM AI, we craft an engaging narrative that makes history accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. This episode highlights lesser-known events and ensures clarity for all li...

"The Great Famine: Causes, Consequences, and Global Impact" In this episode, "The Great Famine: Causes, Consequences, and Global Impact," we welcome Professor Christine Kinealy, a leading historian, to discuss the catastrophic Irish Great Famine of 1845-1852. Discover the key factors that led to this tragedy, including the potato blight and British policies, and explore its profound consequences o...

Dive into the inaugural episode of the History and Heritage Podcast with your host, Liam Blake. In this exciting launch, Liam introduces listeners to the captivating world of Irish history, highlighting its profound global connections. This episode sets the stage for a rich exploration of historical narratives that shaped not only Ireland but also influenced cultures around the world. From the Gre...