Episode 20- A drive through history down the M1

In this episode, we team up with the Irish History Show Podcast to do a historical drive down the M1. Motorways typically are not the most interesting of places. They are roads to and from one place and another. We look at places of historical interest along the road.

We start our drive on from the Cooley Peninsula just north of Dundalk and discuss the legend of Chu Chulainn, driving down the M1, we turn off to the Irish Military Museum just outside Collon.

We can learn so much about history by looking around us from studying books to visiting Drogheda and learn about the impact of the Siege of Drogheda. Learn why the Newgrange site is not only an important tourist site, but an important historical site.

Places come to prominence at different times and for Balbriggan, the Sack of Balbriggan received international attention. This was recognised as a brutal collective punishment on the part of British forces.

We discuss the under recognised figure of Thomas Ashe and appreciate his lasting legacy on the area of Lusk. We also discuss Portrane Psychiatric Hospital, now the centre for the national Forensic Mental Health Service. We recognise important efforts at preserving historic sites and developing them here we tell the story of Swords Castle.

There are many aspects of history that we could look at up and down the M1, but perhaps this is enough to whet your appetite and know more. What should we have covered?

Home – Irish Military Museum & Park

Millmount Museum & Martello Tower | Drogheda.ie

Newgrange World Heritage Site : Boyne Valley, Ireland

battleoftheboyne.ie

Carrying a cross for Ireland: Thomas Ashe in profile | Century Ireland (rte.ie)