Not only for the Irish

For those like me who did not know much about Ireland's history this is a fascinating and revealing account that works well as an audio book.The five minute episodes are skilfully constructed and almost always contain some striking incidents and memorable characters . Occasionally the sound effects, atmospheric music or foreign accents are overdone, but generally each episode is most enjoyable to hear. The grand set pieces receive good treatment -Cromwell in Ireland, the rebellion of 1798, the great famine, Parnell- but there are also fascinating, less familiar topics: a Spaniard's account of Elizabethan Ireland, details of the Irish linen industry, the first performance of Messiah in Dublin,and many others. Sometimes perhaps colourful detail takes the place of sustained historical analysis but I'm sure that listening to these programmes will lead many to read more about what is a striking and turbulent history, and a story of which both English and Irish people should be aware. It is understandable but still disappointing that the history stops at the Second World War and so does not deal with the more recent past.

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26 people found this helpful

Exceptional quality of factual and cultural conten

The repetition of the title n number of chapters is painful to endure 240 times... otherwise I can't fault it

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1 person found this helpful

Amazing

This has to be one of my most favourite audio books. I found this book so factual and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the dynamic and often troubled history of the Island of Ireland that is my home.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to find out the history of Ireland. I can't wait to listen to this book again.

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Brilliant history

Absolutely fantastic production - I learned so much. I am not strictly Irish but have some Irish ancestry (among plenty of other mongrel elements) so this helped explain some aspects of my ancestry, but also provided an incredible context for the troubles which, growing up on the mainland during the 70s and 80s, I’d never fully understood. The packaging of this history is so engaging and easy to follow that it’s a revelation. Recommended to all with even a passing interest in Irish and British history.

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1 person found this helpful

Disappointing end

At every opportunity you are told “a history of Ireland in 240 episodes, until you get into the 150s. Then this stops and the audio finishes at the outbreak of WWII. The story is good though.

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Great apart from ladys singing

Picks up after chapter 10.

I must listen for anyone interested in Ireland and its history

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The past helps us understand the present.

Very well put together and seemed well balanced to me, excellent reading by several characters who added value to the book

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Excellent And Entertaining

Would you listen to A Short History of Ireland again? Why?

This is an excellent series. The use of various voice actors as well as music and sound effects really contribute to the narrative, without becoming intrusive.

The use by Dr. Bardon of poetry, songs, music, and other primary sources from the various different periods really help the history of Ireland to come alive.

Although it is a big time commitment (22 hours), it's well worth it, and I can't recommend it enough!

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1 person found this helpful

Engaging audio on history

A very engaging use of music, radio clips, speeches in telling the history of Ireland. I found it difficult to stop listening. Recommended for those who know nothing about the history of Ireland and to those who would like to refresh their memory.

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1 person found this helpful

Great Book

A thorough and informative listen, which keeps you engaged throughout. Really enjoyed it and definately recommend.

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