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The lecture series covers a tumultuous period in Irish history and examines the interaction of different groups (in particular unionists, moderate and radical nationalists, and the British), the causes and impact of events (such as the Home Rule Crisis, the Easter Rising, and the Treaty), and patterns of continuity and discontinuity in the period spanning the First World War.

Michael Laffan

Emeritus Professor UCD

The Irish Revolution

Michael Laffan studied at Gonzaga College, University College Dublin, Trinity Hall Cambridge and the Institute for European History in Mainz. Having lectured briefly at the University of East Anglia he took up a post in UCD, where he taught for over three decades and served in various positions, including as head of the School of History and Archives, before retiring in 2010. He has lectured widely in Ireland and across the globe. From 2010 to 2012 he was president of the Irish Historical Society; he is now an emeritus professor in UCD.

“I took this brilliant module as a student at UCD. It’s wonderful to have it available as a podcast now. Highly recommended!”

 

– John, Ireland.

The Irish Revolution was a module taught by Professor Laffan in the School of History and Archives, University College Dublin from the late 1970’s until his retirement in 2010. In association with the UCD College of Arts and Celtic Studies and History Hub all 10 of the lectures were recorded by Real Smart Media and are available to stream / download via Apple, Spotify, RSS feed and Soundcloud (links are below).

Since it was first made available to podcast on History Hub in 2012, Professor Laffan’s highly engaging series has proven to be tremendously popular with academic and public audiences alike, and was even the No. 1 podcast series on iTunes in Ireland shortly after its launch. To date there have been over 1 million downloads/plays of Professor Laffan’s lecture series.

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Watch Professor Michael Laffan introduce his series

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The Irish Revolution – module description 

The lecture series covers a tumultuous period in Irish history and examines the interaction of different groups (in particular unionists, moderate and radical nationalists, and the British), the causes and impact of events (such as the Home Rule Crisis, the Easter Rising, and the Treaty), and patterns of continuity and discontinuity in the period spanning the First World War.

“What a resource” 

 

– Fergal, Australia.

For people interested in learning about this tumultuous period in Irish history the good news is that the series is now more accessible than ever.

The Irish Revolution

How to listen

For people interested in learning about this tumultuous period in Irish history the good news is that the series is now more accessible than ever. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Soundcloud and via RSS Feed.

You can listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Soundcloud and via RSS Feed. The full list of episodes from The Irish Revolution are embedded below.

Apple
Soundcloud
Spotify

“I would like to express my thanks to all concerned but particularly to Professor Laffan for taking the time and trouble to make his lecture series available to the general public. I have only had time to listen to the first four as yet, but am already captivated by his engaging lecture style and of course the subject” 

 

– Norman, UK.

The full list of lectures from The Irish Revolution:

Lecture 1 – The Home Rule Party

Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Lecture 2 – The Home Rule Crisis


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Lecture 3 – Arthur Griffith, Sinn Fein, the IRB and the lead up to the Rising


Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Lecture 4 – The Easter Rising


Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Lecture 5 – The Aftermath of The 1916 Rising and the 1917 By-Elections


Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Lecture 6 – The 1918 General Election


Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Lecture 7 – The War of Independence


Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Lecture 8 -The Anglo-Irish Treaty


Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Lecture 9 – Reaction to the Treaty


Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Lecture 10 – The Irish Civil War


Listen on Apple ¦ Soundcloud ¦ Spotify

Image: Professor Michael Laffan lecturing in 2010 (Liffey)

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