The History and Heritage Podcast

Native Breeds Series: The Connemara Pony: Ireland’s Native Treasure

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.

Native Breeds Series: The Irish Wolfhound – Strength, Survival, and Symbolism

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.

Native Irish Breeds Series: The Story of the Irish Water Spaniel

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. We follow its rise as a Victorian favourite, its influence on American breeds, and its quiet fight for survival today. A tale as deep and winding as the Shannon itself.

Native Breeds Series: The Irish Red and White Setter: Ireland’s Forgotten Gundog

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 how changing fashions, rural tradition, and determined breeders shaped the fate of one of Ireland’s most remarkable native dogs.
Learn how a forgotten field dog became a living link to Ireland’s sporting past — and how it was saved, against the odds, by a few passionate hands.
If you love Irish heritage, rural life, or the hidden histories of working animals, this one’s for you.

Native Breeds Series: The Irish (Red) Setter

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 perseverance.
We’ll explore how a hunting dog born of necessity became an emblem of identity — shaped by landlords and labourers, loved in literature, and nearly lost to fashion. And along the way, we’ll ask what it means to carry a country’s memory in your bones — even if you walk on four legs.

The Irish Post Office: More Than Just Letters

"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 for help and the love letters between Michael Collins and Kitty Kiernan. We meet figures like Rev. James O’Halloran, postman Sean Lavery, and community legend Jack Moran — everyday people who made the post deeply personal.
From Dublin Castle’s black rooms to the tricolour flying over the GPO in 1916, from parish matchmakers to pension queues, the story of the post is the story of connection — through empire, rebellion, and everything in between.
This is Ireland, delivered.

The Turbaned Traveller: Uncovering Princess Caraboo's True Identity

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, becoming a national sensation. But how did her deception unravel, and what became of her after the truth was revealed? Dive into the fascinating story of Princess Caraboo, a masterful impostor who left a lasting mark on history.

SPECIAL: Trump's Tariffs: A New Era of Protectionism?

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 global economy?
We'll explore the historical precedents of protectionist policies, such as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, and analyze whether these new measures are a bold strategy or a dangerous gamble. From rising consumer prices to potential trade wars, we break down the immediate impacts and long-term consequences of this pivotal moment in economic history. Join us as we unpack the facts, examine the ripple effects, and discuss what this might mean for the future of international trade.

Russian Revolution Episode 5: The October Revolution - The Bolshevik Seizure of Power

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, we examine the key moments and figures that shaped this revolution. Join us as we explore the legacy of the October Revolution and its impact on global politics.
Keywords: October Revolution, Bolsheviks, Lenin, Trotsky, Russian Revolution, Soviet History, 1917.

Russian Revolution Episode 4: The July Days and the Kornilov Affair

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 of history. This episode delves into the social and economic conditions that fueled discontent among workers and soldiers, and how these events impacted global politics.
Keywords: Russian Revolution, July Days, Kornilov Affair, Lenin, Trotsky, Bolsheviks, Provisional Government, Soviet History.