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In this episode, I chat with Regina Sexton, Ireland’s leading food and culinary historian, all about the history of Irish food.
We chat about:
Irish heritage dishes and the reason why we don’t seem to have as many as other nations
why our cuisine is perceived as bland
what we used to eat both pre- and post-famine
how the famine may have affected our eating habits and our relationship with food as a people
how, what and why we farmed
alcohol through the ages in Irish society
As well as some interesting tales about iconic Irish food brands such as Tayto and Jacob’s!
Thank you for your support this season. Please help me out by donating the price of a coffee to help me cover the cost of the software and hardware I need to create this podcast.
Follow this link in your browser: https://www.patreon.com/posts/support-this-buy-145337681?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
In this episode, Úna Harty interviews Gemma McSherry, a journalist, author and content creator from the North of Ireland.
They discuss Gemma's upbringing in a divided society, her experiences with fundamentalist religion, and the cultural phenomenon of 'coffee shop Christians.'
Gemma shares insights from her forthcoming book, which reflects on growing up in a conservative small town in the North.
The conversation also touches on the complexities of Irish identity, the potential for a united Ireland, and the challenges faced by women in Irish society.
Gemma emphasises the importance of unapologetic self-expression and the need for solidarity in discussions about reunification.
This is essential listening for anyone looking to understand what it is like to be from a small town in the North of Ireland / Northern Ireland.
GEMMA MCSHERRY
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodwillcxunting?lang=en-GB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodwillcxunting/
Let me know what you thought of this episode by leaving a comment!
In this episode, Úna speaks with Leon Diop, about his experiences of growing up in Tallaght as a mixed race.
We cover race, ethnicity, family dynamics and class in this emotional conversation where Leon shares the difficulties he faced during his childhood and teenage years, and how he turned his life around, all while grappling with his mixed race identity.
We discuss:
Racism in Ireland
His relationship with his Senegalese father
Cultural and religious differences
How fear is the greatest motivator
Why we should be hopeful
Find Leon’s book ‘Mixed Up: An Irish Boy’s Journey to Belonging’ in all good bookstores in Ireland, including Books Upstairs and Dubray Books in Dublin. You can also order it directly from the publisher, Little Island.
Follow Black and Irish on social.
Follow Leon on social.
In this lighter episode of How to be Irish Úna welcomes freelance journalist Kate Demolder to explore iconic moments in Irish pop culture from the 1980s to today, and how they shape Irishness and what it means to be Irish.
From the bold actions of Virgin Megastore in the '80s to the unforgettable Sinead O'Connor moment on SNL, and the rise of Irish talent in the 2020s, Úna and Kate delve into the stories that have shaped Ireland's cultural landscape.
Tune in for a mix of humour, history, and heartfelt discussion on what it means to be Irish.
Independents, referendums, the single transferable vote - a few of the idiosyncrasies of the Irish political system that we sometimes take for granted.
This week I chat to Professor in the Department of the Government and Politics in UCC, Dr Theresa Reidy, about the unique aspects of the Irish political landscape. Theresa is an expert in how Irish people cast their votes in elections and referendums.
We'll cover:
- The recent presidential election
- Spoiled votes
- Declining voter turnout
- Referendums and civic engagement
- Independent candidates and how they fracture politics
- The community-based, regional flavour of Irish politics
Leave a comment to let me know what you thought of the episode!
In this episode, we explore the rich history of the Lecale Peninsula with guest Duane Fitzsimons, who delves into the Norman invasion of Ireland, the significance of Dublin as a separate kingdom, and the historical importance of Downpatrick, County Down.
The conversation also touches on cultural connections between Ireland and Portugal, the political landscape of Ireland during the Norman period, and the assimilation of the Normans into Irish culture.
Duane shares insights from his personal journey through family history and offers tips for exploring one's own genealogy.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Lecale Peninsula
01:12 The Norman Invasion of Ireland
05:49 Dublin: A Kingdom of Opportunity
09:52 The Historical Significance of Lecale
14:58 The Saints of Downpatrick
19:25 Cultural Connections: Ireland and Portugal
20:16 Understanding Ireland's Political Landscape
23:22 The Normans: Assimilation and Identity
28:45 The Impact of the Reformation
31:41 The Plantation of Ulster
32:59 Dialect and Language Connections
38:33 Personal Journey Through Family History
39:30 What It Means to Be Irish
41:00 Tips for Exploring Family History
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Lecale Peninsula, Norman invasion, Irish history, Downpatrick, cultural connections, family history, genealogy, Ireland, heritage, historical tours
In this episode of How to Be Irish, Cónal Creedon, an award-winning novelist and filmmaker, shares his deep connection to Cork and how it has shaped his creative journey.
He discusses the influence of his upbringing in a bustling family shop, the importance of storytelling, and his transition from documentary filmmaking to writing.
Cónal reflects on Cork's cultural evolution, the significance of culinary traditions like spice beef, and the vibrant community that defines the city today.
He also explores what it means to be Irish in a global context, emphasising the importance of openness and cultural exchange.
Cónal Creedon, Cork, Irish culture, storytelling, documentaries, spice beef, community, cultural evolution, writing, history
"We walk past remnants of our past every day without noticing."
Our ancestors left echoes of themselves all around us, if we only know where to look and how to interpret the signs. These remnants lie all over Ireland, telling us of the lives they once touched and understanding their story roots our knowledge in the foundations of our society and the customs that have shaped the Irish people over centuries.
This week’s guest is Deirdre O’Neill, author and creator of the hugely successful online project of the same name, ‘Remnants of Our Past’. Her work tells the story of Irish people, their memories preserved in these forgotten places.
Join me in hearing about the pattern, the holy wells, the funeral traditions, faction fighting, the farming methods and the ancient saunas which were part of our ancestors' lives long ago.
You can find Deirdre and her original content on Irish heritage on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Her book 'Remnants of Our Past' is available now, online and in shops.
Have you ever heard of Clothilde Graves? What about Sister Concepta? Roesia de Verdun? Or how about Lady Ranelagh?
These are just some of the Irish women that journalist and bestselling author Clodagh Finn has written about. In this episode of 'How to Be Irish,' Clodagh shares the stories of significant Irish women throughout Irish history, from the early medieval period to the last century.
Clodagh’s books:
Through Her Eyes: A History of Ireland in 21 Women
A Time to Risk All (biography of Mary Elms, the Irish Oskar Schindler)
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, rate the podcast five stars and follow so you never miss an episode!
You can find How to be Irish on Instagram too.
In the last four years, a quiet revival has been taking place: the revival of Irish stonelifting. Andy Downes is one of those who has helped to bring back this lost Irish tradition.
In this first episode of Season 2 of How to be Irish, I speak with Andy of Irish Historic Stonelifting, who explains how he and others have rediscovered 47 stones in the last four years. Through analysis of the Dúchas archives and verification with local sources, they have managed to unearth a tradition that died out during famine times.
You can find Andy on TikTok: @irishstonelifting; Instagram: @handmedownes; YouTube: @irishstonelifting
In this episode of How to be Irish, I sit down with Amano Miura—a multidisciplinary artist, songwriter, and sean-nós singer from Killarney, Co. Kerry.
Born in Kyūshū, Japan, and raised in Ireland, Amano explores the thresholds where cultures divide or dissolve, weaving Irish and Japanese folk traditions with contemporary sounds across folk, pop, sean-nós, and spoken word.
We dive into:
Her journey into sean-nós singing and how she blends tradition with innovation.
How Irish traditional music and Japanese traditional music compare and differ.
The Irish language as an instrument in music and the future of Irish in pop culture.
Cultural identity as a mixed-race Irish artist and navigating diversity in the arts.
The inspiration behind her poem Kerry, Let’s Talk About Racism.
Her groundbreaking work with Nós Nua to tackle imposter syndrome around the Irish language.
The evolution of modern Irish music and where it’s headed next.
Why is our role as Irish people the dream?
Amano’s latest release, THREAD, is a collaboration with producer Kalabanx, featuring the single HEART with Liam Ó Maonlaí. She is currently in post-production on new solo alt/indie music, set for release in February 2025.
Listen now for a powerful conversation on music, language, and identity in modern Ireland.
Follow Amano: Instagram: @AmanoAnseo, her Website
Follow How to be Irish Instagram: @howtobeirish.
Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate the podcast five stars and share it with a friend!
That’s all for Season 1 of How to be Irish. Thank you for tuning in.
Irish music, sean-nós singing, Amano Miura, Amano Anseo, Irish language music, folk music Ireland, Irish-Japanese identity, Nós Nua workshop, Irish music industry, traditional Irish music, modern Irish artists, cultural fluidity, bilingual songwriting, imposter syndrome in language learning, Irish arts diversity, spoken word Ireland, Irish music podcast, learning sean-nós, future of Irish music, Gaeilge in pop culture
This week, I’m chatting with Sian Conway, an award-winning Dublin-based food writer, TikTok creator, and freelance content queen.
Sian brings her unique perspective on Irish culture, modern food trends, and life as a neurodivergent creator to this conversation.
We chat about:
Navigating Irish identity and building an authentic online presence.
The role of TikTok in self-expression, learning, and discovery in the digital age.
How social media has transformed conversations around Irish culture and current affairs.
Sian’s journey to freelance life and creating Meet Your Maker, her upcoming YouTube series.
The evolution of modern Irish food culture: innovation, challenges, and the best food spots in Dublin.
A candid discussion about her journey with anorexia, orthorexia, and the role veganism played.
What it’s like to be a food writer with a history of eating disorders.
Favourite Dublin food gems and what Ireland’s food scene needs next.
What it truly means to be Irish in today’s world.
If you’re curious about how Irish culture, food, and social media intersect—or if you want to hear from one of Ireland’s freshest creative voices—this episode offers insight, laughs, and plenty of inspiration.
Follow or subscribe to How to be Irish for weekly episodes.
Leave a review to help more people discover the podcast.
Support the podcast on Patreon by donating the price of a coffee—just search How to be Irish.
Social media links:
How to be Irish on Instagram.
Find Sian on Instagram, and TikTok.
Slán go fóill, and I’ll chat to ye next week!
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Irish food culture
TikTok food trends
modern Irish identity
freelance content creation Ireland
Dublin food writer
Sian Conway food writer
Irish food scene evolution
Irish culinary identity
social media and Irish culture
best food spots in Dublin 2025
Irish creators on TikTok
neurodivergent content creator
Irish food and drink recommendations
eating disorder recovery story
veganism to omnivore journey
freelance life in Ireland
Meet Your Maker YouTube series
Irish influencers online presence
navigating Irish identity
innovations in Irish food scene
In this special end-of-year episode, I’m joined by RTÉ reporter and broadcaster Sheila Naughton as we reflect on Ireland’s most impactful news stories of 2024.
From moments of pride like Cillian Murphy’s Oscar win to pivotal societal shifts such as the Stardust inquest and Ireland’s legal actions against the UK’s Legacy Act, this episode dives deep into the events that shaped Irish culture and society this year.
Sheila brings her expert insights as we discuss justice and accountability, political changes, and the resilience of Irish people in the face of challenges. Whether it’s the constitutional referendums, gender-based violence protests, or Ireland’s victories at the Olympics, we explore the themes that defined 2024.
We discuss:
Justice and accountability: The Stardust fire inquest, abuse revelations in schools, and Ireland’s stance on the UK’s Legacy Act.
Political shifts: Leo Varadkar’s resignation, Simon Harris becoming Taoiseach, and the surprising themes emerging from a year stacked with elections and votes.
Cultural pride: Ireland’s Eurovision success, Cillian Murphy’s Oscar speech, and our athletes shining at the Olympics.
Societal tensions: The Coolock protests, debates on gender-based violence, and a year of change for the Green Party.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this year-end reflection! Did we miss any key stories or angles? Share your perspective in the comments or on Instagram.
This marks the final episode of How to be Irish for 2024, as I take a break for the festive season. I’ll be back in early 2025 with a special interview featuring an Irish food and drink influencer. Plus, we’ll celebrate 100 days of How to be Irish on December 29th.
Nollaig Shona daoibh agus Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise Daoibh!
Follow How to be Irish on Instagram and YouTube. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon to help me bring more episodes to you in the new year. If you cannot contribute via Patreon, please share the podcast with a friend or in a group chat, and leave a five-star rating.
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Why is Ireland’s biodiversity in such a dire state? Are we projecting an incorrect image of our green nation? What would happen if we re-introduced bears or wolves? Why should we stop hiking and start exploring?
In this episode of How to be Irish, I sit down with Soil Boy to explore Ireland’s deep but often fraught connection to nature.
From the biodiversity crisis to the cultural significance of hedgerows, we delve into how Ireland’s green image contrasts sharply with the reality of our low forest cover and declining native lands.
Soil Boy’s journey as a nature educator and his work on the Feet on the Soil podcast have been guided by a love for the outdoors, cultivated in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.
Together, we discuss how Irish folklore, seasonal rituals, and a renewed connection to the land can help us address the environmental challenges we face today.
If you’ve ever wondered why biodiversity matters, how to forage for elderberries, or what it means to truly be part of nature, this episode is for you.
Bain taitneamh as!
Topics covered
The loss of native forestry: Why did Ireland’s native tree cover reduce to 1%?
The truth behind Ireland’s "green" image: A reality check on biodiversity.
How understanding Irish folklore can help us reconnect with the land.
Foraging in Ireland: Elderberries, hazelnuts, and how to use foraged ingredients.
Hedgerows: Their ecological and cultural importance, and their role in fighting climate change.
Living with the seasons: How to align your life with nature.
Ireland’s native species: badgers, pine martens, deer.
The implications of introducing an apex predator back to Ireland: wolf, bear or lynx?
Resources
Follow Soil Boy on Instagram, and TikTok ,and listen to his podcast Feet on the Soil.
Learn more about foraging in Ireland at Forager.ie.
Try the Merlin Bird ID app for identifying birds in your area.
Follow How to be Irish on Instagram.
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast!
If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon to help us bring more stories like this to life. Share this episode with a friend who loves nature or wants to reconnect with their Irish roots.
What does it mean to be Irish? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Beir bua,
Úna xx
Belonging is a fundamental human need—but how does this concept play out in the context of Irish society?
In this episode, I’m joined by social psychologist, social entrepreneur, and founder of Gorm Media, Mamobo Ogoro, to explore the nuances of identity, cultural belonging, and diversity in modern Ireland.
Mamobo shares insights from her research and work in intercultural consultancy, unpacking the linguistic and social dynamics that shape perceptions of inclusion and exclusion in Ireland today.
We discuss:
Why Ireland is a “peach culture” rather than a “coconut culture” (and what that means!)
First impressions of Irish people from a migrant’s perspective
How we can foster greater belonging and intercultural competence in a rapidly diversifying Ireland
The role of language and discourse in creating (or breaking) connections in society
Mamobo also talks about her groundbreaking work with Gorm Media, an award-winning social enterprise that uses creative media and intercultural training to advance belonging and unity across differences. If you’re curious about the intersection of psychology, cultural identity, and social entrepreneurship, this conversation is a must-listen.
Where to Find Gorm Media:
Want More of Mamobo?
Catch her hosting Younified on Newstalk, where she shines a light on diverse voices and stories that reflect the reality of life in Ireland today.
Join the conversation
How to be Irish is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Follow us on Instagram for short clips from each episode. Become a patron of the podcast (donate €2 a month).
Beir bua,
Úna xx
What is important to our young people as we head to the polls for the General Election?
Jenny Maguire is the President of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union, a union which represents nearly 20,000 students.
This episode discusses the power of political movements, transgender healthcare, how the Irish language is high on the list of priorities for students, and leveraging your Irishness for comedic effect.
Jenny shares her experiences as a trans woman in Dublin attending an all-boys school, why transgender healthcare in Ireland is one of the worst in the EU, and why Irish people shouldn’t take themselves too seriously.
Keep up to date with Jenny on Instagram , and the work of TCDSU.
How to be Irish is on Instagram, and you can follow me, Úna, on TikTok.
Please consider supporting this podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon. Your generosity helps me to cover the costs of running this podcast such as my editing and design software.
If you are a small Irish business and you are interested in sponsoring this podcast, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I’d love to chat!
Beir bua,
Úna xx
What does an interaction with an Irish fairy look and feel like? How do we connect with Ireland’s Neolithic and sacred sites? Were our ancestors supernatural beings?
We’re ten episodes in and this one will definitely get you thinking!
Bobbo the Bard is a musician, poet, and author who travels around Ireland, connecting with ancient sacred sites. Through these experiences, he has had multiple interactions with the otherworld.
Bobbo chats to me about how he connects to our Neolithic tombs, cairns and stone circles through sound healing, meditation and following his path of alignment.
We also speak about Irish mythology and how they remain connected to our world today through these magical sites.
If you’re interested in ancient Ireland and the spirituality associated with it, then you will love this episode! Bobbo is very mindful when describing his experiences. I genuinely felt goosebumps and shivers up my spine while listening to him recall his stories.
We cover all the different types of fairies: Banshees, Púcas, and Changelings as well as the Tuatha Dé Dhanann and the connection between them. He tells me about the story of Balor of the Evil Eye, Lú and Cú Chulainn.
If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love Bobbo’s podcast The Creative Space and his TikTok and Instagram. If you’re based in Ireland, you can message him to get a copy of his brand new book ‘My Poetic Awakening’ or it is available to purchase on Amazon.
Did you get shivers listening to Bobbo share his stories?
How to be Irish is on Instagram, and you can follow me, Úna, on TikTok.
Please consider supporting this podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon. Your generosity helps me to cover the costs of running this podcast such as my editing and design software.
If you are a small Irish business and you are interested in sponsoring this podcast, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I’d love to chat!
Beir bua,
Úna xx
Why did the Irish language start to decline? Why should we be interested in learning Gaeilge? How can you go about bringing more Irish into your everyday life?
Saoirse Garet is a voice facilitator and accent coach who has recently researched the Irish language and vocal identity. In this episode, Saoirse and I discuss how the loss of Irish has affected Irish vocal identity in our connection to our bodies, our minds and ourselves.
We cover:
The current revival of the Irish language
How a mindset shift can help the Irish language to thrive
How playing with a language is the best way to learn
How the erasure of Irish is similar to Indigenous languages
What is Hiberno-English
Míle buíochas to Saoirse for joining me in the How to be Irish studio today. She creates content around the voice on TikTok and Instagram. Be sure to check her socials out too if you would like to learn more about her research and upcoming workshop that was mentioned in the show.
What other topics would you like to see covered by this podcast? Leave a comment.
How to be Irish is on Instagram, and you can follow me, Úna, on TikTok. Please consider supporting this podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon.
Irish language Gaeilge learning Irish podcast decline loss famine Irish in schools
Are the Irish repressed emotionally? How has our history impacted our soma? How are the young people in Ireland working to heal themselves for their future ancestors today?
Caoimhe Gibney, aka The Mindful Physio and founder of the ANAM Collective, facilitates and runs healing retreats. Through her work with Irish people, she has discovered that we all hold a deep sadness within ourselves.
In this episode, we explore the impact of intergenerational trauma on the bodies and lives of the Irish, and how young Irish people are doing the work to heal themselves.
My discussion with Caoimhe includes:
How she transitioned from working as a physiotherapist to finding healing therapies such as yoga, breathwork and Reiki.
What healing actually looks like and how the body responds.
How cultural shifts in Ireland have paved the way for healing from our intergenerational trauma.
How somatic therapies allow us to connect with our ancestors and engage with our spiritual selves.
Coping with trauma: alcoholism in Irish society.
The shared traumas of Irish women passed on from generation to generation.
Caoimhe mentions upcoming retreats in this episode. If you are interested in finding out more, Caoimhe is available on Instagram, TikTok and her website.
Do you think the Irish are traumatised as a result of our history? Let me know in the comments!
How to be Irish is on Instagram, and you can follow me, Úna, on TikTok.
Why did Ireland undergo so much societal change in the 1990s and 2000s? What was it like to be a young woman or a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland in the late 20th century? What are the issues we should be focusing on next in Irish society?
Ailbhe Smyth is an LGBTIQA and feminist activist, campaigner. She was co-director of the Together for Yes campaign to repeal the 8th amendment in 2018, and an academic at UCD where she founded and directed the Women's Studies programme.
Join us in the How to be Irish studio as we discuss:
The referendums of recent years in Ireland and how they came about.
What it was like to be a lesbian in Ireland in the 1980s and 1990s.
How the Catholic Church dominated Irish society for years.
Why climate change needs to be prioritised.
Let me know what you think of this discussion in the comments!
You can follow Ailbhe on X and Instagram.
How to be Irish is on Instagram, and you can follow me, Úna, on TikTok.