The History and Heritage Podcast

The History and Heritage Podcast, hosted by Liam Blake, invites you on an exhilarating journey through captivating stories of Ireland’s rich heritage and intriguing international topics. Each episode uncovers the connections between ancient traditions and significant global events, offering a unique perspective on cultural legacies. With expert insights and engaging narratives, this podcast makes history accessible and exciting for all. Tune in to discover the thrilling intersections of Ireland’s past and the wider world!

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • PlayerFM

Episodes

12 hours ago

When we think of the great animals of Irish history, our minds might turn to the elegant Connemara pony, the noble Irish wolfhound, or perhaps even the mythic Cú Chulainn’s steed, Liath Macha — the famed grey horse of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, or The Cattle Raid of Cooley, one of the central epics of early Irish literature. But for over two centuries, no animal was more central to the everyday life of Irish people — than the humble, hardworking, and often overlooked Kerry Bog Pony.

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025

“The history of the horse is the history of human civilisation.” – Prof. James Serpell.
For over 200 years, the Irish Cob was the quiet, tireless heart of rural Ireland. It pulled carts, carried families to Mass, and survived famine, poverty, and prejudice. This is the story of the horse that built Ireland from the ground up — and the people who kept its memory alive.

Wednesday Jul 02, 2025

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

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025

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 agricultural history — it’s Ireland in four hooves.

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025

"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 of survival.
But its story didn't stop in rural Ireland. From Victorian show rings to the horrors of Gallipoli, the Irish Terrier became a symbol of resilience and loyalty. With tales of wartime heroism—like Paddy, the Anzac dog who survived trench warfare—we uncover how this unpretentious breed became a global legend.
This is not just a dog story. It’s a story of identity, hardship, loyalty, and the quiet courage that defines Ireland itself.

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025

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.
📍 Why was it nearly forgotten for centuries?📍 What links it to the Kerry Blue and Irish Terrier?📍 How did it become a living symbol of Irish resilience?
Whether you’re a dog lover or a heritage enthusiast, this story of golden coats, soft beards, and steadfast loyalty will stay with you.

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025

🇮🇪 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.

Tuesday May 27, 2025

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 history. From their working-class origins to their modern resurgence, we trace the remarkable journey of the Glen, blending historical context, cultural insight, and a quiet call to conserve what is uniquely ours.

Tuesday May 20, 2025

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, temperament, famous bloodlines, and how it has adapted across centuries — without losing its soul.
Whether you're a breeder, rider, or history enthusiast, this is a rich and detailed look at a true symbol of Irish rural life and resilience.

Tuesday May 13, 2025

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 link to Ireland’s past.
Whether you're interested in animal heritage, cultural history, or simply want to understand how this gentle giant survived where others didn’t, this episode presents a clear, factual look at why the Irish Wolfhound still matters today.

Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20241125