The Ireland Podcast

Episodes

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  234. Mary McAleese: President of Ireland 12.08.2026 52m

  Mary McAleese served as President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Born in Belfast, she became the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and held office through some of the most significant years of the peace process.In this conversation, recorded at Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal, Mary reflects on her life, her presidency and the people and events she witnessed at close quarters.She discusses John Hume and Gerry Adams and the conversations that helped shape the peace process; David and Daphne Trimble; Ian Paisley; the Omagh bombing; and the relationships and encounters that took place away from public view.Mary also recalls Queen Elizabeth II and the extraordinary journey towards the Queen’s historic 2011 state visit to Ireland, including their shared interest in the ancient sporting traditions of hurling and shinty.The conversation ends in Irish, as Mary talks about her affection for Gleann Cholm Cille, the Irish language and Oideas Gael - and shares some fond memories of Fender’s father, Seán Ó hEaráin, a classmate of hers at Oideas Gael.Recorded at Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal on Wed 29th July 2026.Full episode will appear on YouTube soon. Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast so you don’t miss future conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  233. Remembering Glen Hansard: Friends Share Stories After His Funeral 05.08.2026 17m

  Who was Glen Hansard away from the stage?Following Glen Hansard's funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, this episode captures the thoughts and memories of friends, collaborators and fellow musicians on the day they gathered to say goodbye.Created as both a tribute and a historical record, these conversations preserve first-hand reflections while they were still fresh. Together, they form a mosaic of Glen Hansard's life - revealing not only the celebrated musician, but the generous, humble and deeply human person remembered by those who knew him best.Contributors include:• Victoria Mary Clarke• BP Fallon• Barry Donovan• Mick Cronin• George Morphy• and others.Interviewer: Fender JacksonRecorded: Tuesday 4 August 2026Locations: St Patrick's Cathedral & The Lord Edward, DublinThumbnail photograph: Conor Masterson. Used with permission.With sincere condolences to Glen's family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  232. Remembering Glen Hansard: Voices from His Public Wake 03.08.2026 1h 7m

  On Monday 3 August 2026, hundreds of people gathered at the Baroque Chapel, Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital Kilmainham, to pay their final respects to Glen Hansard.Rather than recounting Glen's remarkable career, this episode documents something more immediate: the memories of the people who came to say goodbye.Friends, fellow musicians and admirers reflect on the man they knew, his generosity, his humility, his artistry and the lasting impact he had on their lives. Together, their stories paint a deeply personal portrait of one of Ireland's most beloved musicians.Interviewees include Michael Fayne, Vojta Cimpl, Athos Chambers, Loren, Barry Donovan, Lloyd Chambers, Ravinol (Ravi) Chambers and Conor Masterson, whose shot the cover photograph.Recorded at 3:41pm on Monday 3 August 2026, this episode preserves a unique moment in Irish cultural history as people gathered to honour Glen Hansard's life and legacy.Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  231. Why Are So Many Irish People Pro-Palestine? | Zoe Lawlor 28.07.2026 47m

  Why has Ireland become one of the world's strongest supporters of Palestine?In this episode, Zoe Lawlor, Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), discusses why so many Irish people identify with the Palestinian cause, Ireland's policy of military neutrality, accusations of antisemitism, Zionism, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and whether peace between Israelis and Palestinians remains possible.The Ireland Podcast has no political or religious agenda. Its purpose is to provide a platform for respectful, long-form conversations that help listeners better understand different perspectives on Ireland and the issues that shape it.Topics include:• Why Ireland has become one of Palestine's strongest international supporters• The origins and aims of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign• Israel, Gaza and the humanitarian crisis• Hamas and the attacks of 7 October 2023• Zionism and anti-Zionism• Antisemitism and anti-racism• Ireland's policy of military neutrality• The BDS movement• The prospects for a two-state solution• Whether lasting peace is still achievableThe Ireland Podcast is a long-form interview series exploring Ireland through conversations with politicians, academics, journalists, artists and public figures. Guests are invited to explain their own views in depth, with the aim of recording the island's stories, ideas and debates.Relevant Linkshttps://www.ipsc.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  230. Brexit: What Happens Next? Prof. Katy Hayward 20.07.2026 46m

  Ten years after the Brexit referendum, what has actually changed?In this final episode of our three-part series, Professor Katy Hayward looks beyond the politics of 2016 to examine Brexit's long-term consequences for Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and Ireland.We discuss:• Has Brexit been an economic success or failure for Northern Ireland?• Has Brexit made a united Ireland more likely?• Who, if anyone, has benefited?• Has Brexit strengthened or weakened the Union?• How has it changed relations between Britain, Ireland and the European Union?• Why does the Windsor Framework continue to matter?• What happens if a border poll is eventually called?• How will historians judge Brexit in fifty years' time?Along the way, Prof. Hayward offers one of the most memorable explanations of the Windsor Framework you'll ever hear - describing it as a mythical creature: "a pony dressed up with a little glitter in its mane, an ice cream cone on its head... it shouldn't really exist."Whether you supported Leave or Remain, this conversation aims to explain rather than persuade.This is Part 3 of a special three-part series on Brexit.Relevant Linkshttps://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-brexit-governance-ni/https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/brexit-and-beyond/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  229. Jeffrey Donaldson: The Rise, Fall & Future of the DUP | John Manley 09.07.2026 51m

  Jeffrey Donaldson was once regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in unionism. A former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Privy Counsellor, and key negotiator during some of the most significant moments in post-Brexit politics, his conviction has sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland.In this episode, Irish News Political Correspondent John Manley traces Donaldson's political journey, from his early years in the Ulster Unionist Party and move to the DUP, through the Good Friday Agreement, St Andrews Agreement, Brexit, and the Northern Ireland Protocol, before examining the political fallout following his conviction.The conversation also explores:• The origins and evolution of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)• Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson, Arlene Foster and Gavin Robinson• Why Jeffrey Donaldson became leader• The internal struggles within unionism• The impact of Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol• The future of the DUP• The rise of the TUV and changing unionist politics• The political response from Sinn Féin and other parties• Whether the Donaldson scandal could reshape unionism for years to comeThis episode is intended as an exploration of the political context surrounding one of the most significant developments in modern Northern Irish politics.The Ireland Podcast celebrates the people, places, culture and ideas that shape Ireland through long-form conversations.Hosted by Fender Jackson.Relevant Linkshttps://www.irishnews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  228. How Brexit Was Negotiated: Prof. Katy Hayward 06.07.2026 56m

  How did Brexit move from referendum result to international treaty?In Part 2 of this three-part conversation, Professor Katy Hayward traces the negotiations that reshaped relations between Northern Ireland, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the European Union.Together we explore Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement, the backstop, Boris Johnson's renegotiation, the Northern Ireland Protocol, the search for technological solutions, and why the Irish border became the central challenge of Brexit.Professor Hayward also discusses the competing priorities of London, Dublin, Brussels and Belfast, and explains why some of the proposed solutions were described as "unicorns".This is Part 2 of a three-part series examining Brexit through the eyes of Northern Ireland.Topics includeThe Irish border dilemmaTheresa May and the backstopBoris Johnson's renegotiationThe Northern Ireland ProtocolThe search for alternative arrangementsUK–EU negotiationsThe Good Friday AgreementNorthern Ireland after BrexitRelevant Linkshttps://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-brexit-governance-ni/https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/brexit-and-beyond/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  227. John Heron: 43 Years in the Gaeltacht 01.07.2026 1h 5m

  As he approaches his 87th birthday, John Heron joins his son, Fender Jackson, for a deeply personal conversation about a lifetime of learning, community and his 42 consecutive years attending Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille.John reflects on discovering the Irish language, the friendships that have lasted decades, dancing with Mary McAleese, the vision of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, and why he believes anyone who spends a fortnight in Donegal with Oideas Gael will leave speaking Irish.Best known to many as co-founder of Heron Bros, this conversation instead reveals the man behind the business: a lifelong learner whose love of language, music and people has shaped more than four decades of summers in the Donegal Gaeltacht.A warm and affectionate conversation that celebrates Oideas Gael, the Irish language and the power of preserving family stories for future generations.Relevant Linkshttps://www.oideasgael.ie/https://youtu.be/emdJYEfbhBYhttps://www.irishnews.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  226. How Brexit Happened: Prof. Katy Hayward 29.06.2026 49m

  Ten years after the Brexit referendum, Professor Katy Hayward joins The Ireland Podcast to look back at one of the most consequential political events in modern British and Irish history.Rather than debating Brexit's merits, this conversation traces how it happened. Beginning with the political climate before the referendum, Professor Hayward explains the promises, pressures and decisions that led to the vote, before examining why the Irish border became central to the negotiations that followed.In this first part of a multi-part conversation, we explore the years leading up to the referendum and the constitutional, political and social context that shaped the result.Relevant Linkshttps://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-brexit-governance-ni/https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/brexit-and-beyond/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  225. Gerry Hanley: Trad Musician - Part 2 25.06.2026 24m

  In the concluding part of his conversation with The Ireland Podcast, Gerry Hanley reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped his musical journey. He shares stories of Sharon Shannon, Greg Cotter and the legendary London sessions of the 1970s, discusses why great musicians sound like themselves regardless of the instrument they play, and recalls the famous story of violin virtuoso Joshua Bell performing incognito as a busker in a Washington Metro station.The episode also features Gerry's 1983 recording with Roudledum alongside tracks from his recent CD, bringing to a close a warm and thoughtful conversation about music, memory and community.Roudledum - Traditional Irish Music And SongJigs: Thrush In The Bush / Rocking Chair / Fahy's In CGerry Hanley - In The Middle Of ItHornpipes: Slopes Of Benbulben / The Swan On The Lake / The Showman's FancyRelevant Linkshttps://gerryhanleymusic.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  224. Gerry Hanley: Trad Musician - Part 1 23.06.2026 51m

  In Part 1 of a two-part conversation, Galway accordion player Gerry Hanley reflects on a lifetime immersed in traditional music. He discusses the musicians who influenced him, the stories behind the tunes on his recent CD, sessions in Galway and London, and the role music has played throughout his life. The episode also captures a special moment as Gerry opens and plays a new accordion for the very first time!The episode features tracks from Gerry's CD, includingReels: The Land of Sunshine / Mulhaire's No. 9 / Laura Mulhaire'sJigs: Tommy Mulhaire's / Paddy Fahey's / The Piper's ChairSlow Air: Eanach DhinReels: Jackie Coleman's / The Bird in the Bush / Jenny's WeddingThe CD features Gerry Hanley on accordion, with Carl Hession on piano and production, Máirín Fahey on fiddle, and Eimear Coughlan on harp. Recorded by Eugene Killeen and mastered by Jack Talty.Note: At approximately 25 minutes in, Gerry opens a newly arrived accordion and plays its first notes. This section lasts about five minutes and includes some packaging and handling noise. Listeners who prefer to skip ahead can jump forward to the next music track or discussion segment.Relevant linkshttps://gerryhanleymusic.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  223. Colin Murphy: How Ireland Thinks, Speaks and Remembers 18.06.2026 1h 7m

  What does Irish political culture reveal about how we think?Writer, journalist and playwright Colin Murphy joins The Ireland Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, culture, history and storytelling.Drawing on his new collection Colin Murphy's Political Plays: 100 Years of Irish History, Colin reflects on the relationship between political decision-making and national narratives, the influence of culture on public life, and why understanding politics requires more than understanding policy.The conversation explores Ireland's distinct political culture, the role of ambiguity in Irish literature, the impact of travel and lived experience, the responsibilities of writing about real people and events, and the tension between historical truth and dramatic storytelling.Along the way, we discuss Angola, South Africa, the financial crisis, documentary drama, David Hare, Jim Sheridan, Terence McKenna, consensus, individuality and the question of whether Irish culture encourages or resists dissent.Topics include:Irish political cultureStorytelling and national identityColin Murphy's Political PlaysThe Easter Rising and The TreatyThe Bank Guarantee and financial crisisTruth versus dramaConsensus and individualityIrish literature and ambiguityCulture, community and politicsTerence McKenna and the idea that "culture is not your friend" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  222. Racist Attacks in Belfast | John Manley 16.06.2026 24m

  John Manley, Political Correspondent with The Irish News, joins The Ireland Podcast to discuss the recent racist attacks in Belfast.We explore how the unrest developed, the role of social media, loyalism, political leadership, immigration, trust in institutions, and the wider social and political context in Northern Ireland.John also reflects on the challenges facing working-class unionist communities, the changing media landscape, and what gives him hope for the future.Recorded in Belfast on 15 June 2026.Relevant Linkshttps://www.irishnews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  221. Andy McKee: Modern Fingerstyle Guitarist 10.06.2026 27m

  Andy McKee is one of the world's best-known modern fingerstyle guitarists. His groundbreaking instrumental compositions and viral YouTube success helped introduce a new generation to acoustic guitar music.In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, Andy joins me in Galway to discuss his musical journey, the influence of Michael Hedges and Preston Reed, writing instrumental music, alternate tunings, fan-fret guitars and the enduring appeal of acoustic guitar.Andy also reflects on being invited to Paisley Park by Prince, the impact of YouTube on his career, his love of Irish-made guitars, and why Ireland always feels a little like coming home.Recorded in Galway during Andy's Irish tour.Topics include:Prince and Paisley ParkThe story behind DriftingModern fingerstyle guitarMichael Hedges and Preston ReedFan-fret and harp guitarsLowden and Avalon guitarsSongwriting and creativityTouring IrelandRelevant Linkshttps://andymckee.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  220. The Tipsy Fiddler: Celtic Music in Shanghai 08.06.2026 19m

  In Episode 220 of The Ireland Podcast, Fender Jackson visits The Tipsy Fiddler, a Celtic-themed pub in Shanghai owned by Scottish musician Alan Cowell.Having lived in China for two decades, Alan shares the story of how he arrived in Shanghai as a musician, why he opened The Tipsy Fiddler, and what keeps him there after all these years.The conversation explores life in modern Shanghai, the challenges of running a pub after Covid, and the surprising popularity of Irish and Scottish traditional music among Chinese musicians. Along the way, Alan discusses music sessions, cultural exchange, Scottish and Irish musical traditions, and what he misses most about home.A conversation about pubs, music, migration and the unexpected places where Celtic culture continues to thrive.Relevant Linkshttps://thesession.org/sessions/3780https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g308272-d7362006-Reviews-Tipsy_Fiddler-Shanghai.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  219. Irish Voices In Shanghai: The Blarney Stone 05.06.2026 12m

  A short visit to The Blarney Stone in Shanghai, meeting some of the people who find themselves in an Irish pub on a Saturday night in China.In this episode, Fender chats with Irish and international voices in Shanghai - including a Dublin toy developer, an Irish pharmaceutical worker, an English model, and a local Chinese regular.Topics include toy manufacturing in China, missing Irish conversation abroad, Shanghai life, Guinness, modelling, jazz clubs, Irish pubs overseas, and why places like The Blarney Stone matter when you are far from home.Part of the An Irishman in China mini-series.Relevant Linkhttps://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g308272-d4500480-Reviews-The_Blarney_Stone_Irish_Pub_Yong_Kang_Road-Shanghai.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  218. Fender Jackson: An Irishman in China - Shanghai 02.06.2026 45m

  A couple of months ago I spent another week in Shanghai, one of the most fascinating cities I’ve ever visited. In this episode I revisit videos I filmed during the trip and reflect on the strange mixture of colonial history, futuristic architecture, live music, electric vehicles, museums, marriage markets and everyday life that makes Shanghai feel unlike anywhere else.Along the way:I get sketched by a street artist while recovering from gastroenteritisVisit the Shanghai Museum and a qipao exhibitionDiscover Shanghai’s marriage marketHear traditional Chinese music in the parkExplore the Bund and the French ConcessionReflect on China’s electric vehicle revolution and BYDEnd up in a Queen tribute night in an old temple-turned-music venueShanghai is one of those cities that feels like several different worlds happening at once. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  217. Xishuangbanna - Southwest China After Dark 29.05.2026 15m

  Xishuangbanna, in China’s Yunnan Province, is a tropical city near the borders of Laos and Myanmar, known for its temples, night markets and elephant tourism.This episode wanders through crowded markets filled with colour, karaoke, strange foods and the unforgettable smell of durian. There’s torrential rain, beautiful temples, incredible food, curious encounters with locals, and even some unexpected hotel entertainment.A loose, atmospheric travel diary from southwest China after dark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  216. Leaving China - Returning After Four Years 27.05.2026 27m

  After living in China for eight years, Fender Jackson returns to Kunming for the first time since leaving during COVID.This episode is part travelogue, part memoir and part reflection on ordinary life in modern China.Topics include:housing complexes and skyscrapersoutdoor gymsChinese parks and public lifestreet food and night marketseBikes and urban designrobots and modern technologyteaching in Chinareturning to an old schoollife after COVIDcultural differences between China and the WestAlong the way, Fender reflects on memory, identity, creativity and the strange feeling of returning to a place that once felt like home.The episode closes with former students in China performing The Ecstasy of Gold by Ennio Morricone.New episodes from Xishuangbanna and Shanghai coming soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  215. Fender Jackson: Leaving China 25.05.2026 31m

  After living in China for eight years, Fender Jackson returns for the first time since leaving during COVID.In this personal episode of The Ireland Podcast, he reflects on life in Kunming and Shanghai, raising children in China, cultural differences, the emotional impact of the pandemic, grief, identity, Irish voices abroad, and the strange feeling of returning to a place that once felt like home.This episode also sets up a new series of travelogue and vlog-style episodes recorded during a recent return trip through Kunming, Xishuangbanna and Shanghai - including street food, Irish bars in China, random encounters and reflections on modern Chinese life.Featuring:Life in China during COVIDReturning to Kunming after four years awayChinese culture and daily lifeTeaching in ChinaIrish identity abroadPrince: The Musical on BanjoThe origins of The Ireland PodcastNew China travel episodes coming over the next few days.A quick note - some of the audio from this episode came out rougher than intended while testing a new recording setup. We decided to publish it anyway because the story itself felt important to tell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.