The Royal Irish Academy
Education & Explainer
About
The Royal Irish Academy/Acadamh Ríoga na hEireann is an all-Ireland, independent, academic body that promotes study and excellence in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is the principal learned society in Ireland and has over 420 members who are elected in recognition of their academic achievements. The Royal Irish Academy, the academy for the sciences and humanities for the whole of Ireland will vigorously promote excellence in scholarship, recognise achievements in learning, direct research programmes and undertake its own research projects, particularly in areas relating to Ireland and its heritage.
Episodes
- ARINS: Accommodating Territorial Contestation and National Constitutional Change: The Cases of Cyprus and Ireland
In this episode of the ARINS podcast, Rory Montgomery and Professor Nikos Skoutaris discuss accommodating territorial contestation and national constitutional change, with a focus on Cyprus and Ireland. This is the 50th episode of the seri…
- ARINS: My Symbols or Our Symbols?
Professors Brendan O’Leary and John Garry discuss their co-authored article, "My Symbols or Our Symbols? The Effect of Inclusive Narratives on the Acceptability of Out-Group Symbols," in this ARINS podcast. The series provides evidence-bas…
- My Identity: QUB Students react to For and Against a United Ireland
Professor Colin Graham from Maynooth University interviews Queen's University Belfast students James Tourish and Rea Thien about their reactions to the book "For and Against a United Ireland" and a related event. The discussion covers thei…
- ARINS My Identity: Episode 8 with Drew Harris
In this episode of "My Identity," Professor Colin Graham speaks with Drew Harris. This series explores the topic of identity on the island of Ireland and is part of the ARINS project.
- ARINS Podcast 48: Beyond Identity and Ideology: how deliberation can reframe constitutional debate
This ARINS podcast explores how deliberation can reframe constitutional debate, focusing on a series of grassroots cross-border, cross-community deliberative cafes. The discussion features authors Dr. Shelley Deane, Professor Joanne McEvoy…
- ARINS My Identity: Episode 7 with Jess Majekodunmi
In this episode of ARINS My Identity, Jess Majekodunmi speaks with Professor Colin Graham about identity on the island of Ireland. The discussion is part of the ARINS project, which focuses on research and analysis related to post-Brexit c…
- ARINS Podcast 47: For and Against a United Ireland
In this episode of the ARINS podcast, Rory Montgomery speaks with Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride about their book, "For and Against a United Ireland." They examine the arguments for and against Irish unification, considering its implicatio…
- Collecting Ireland's History Lecture
This lecture discusses the collection and preservation of Irish historical manuscripts over 700 years, highlighting the role of libraries and the efforts to reconstruct a lost archive. It features materials from various institutions includ…
- “A Splendid Family Heirloom”: Manuscript Illumination and the School of Lecan - Karen Ralph
This episode discusses Karen Ralph's lecture on "A Splendid Family Heirloom": Manuscript Illumination and the School of Lecan, as part of a conference on the Book of Lecan. The conference explored the manuscript's production, scribes, patr…
- A History of the Men of Britain: Text and Context - Alex Woolf
This lecture by Alex Woolf, titled 'A History of the Men of Britain: Text and Context', was part of the Book of Lecan conference held in October 2025. The event explored the history, production, and contents of the early fifteenth-century…
- The Book of Lecan’s Secular Genealogies (especially those of Connacht) - Nollaig Ó Muraíle
In this presentation from the Book of Lecan conference, Nollaig Ó Muraíle examines the secular genealogies found within the fifteenth-century manuscript, with a particular focus on those relating to Connacht. The lecture was part of a two-…
- Gilla Íosa Mór: Pseudohistorian - John Carey
This episode features a talk by John Carey titled Gilla Íosa Mór: Pseudohistorian, recorded during the Book of Lecan Conference held in October 2025. The conference explored the production, history, and texts contained within the fifteenth…
- A Return to Cóir Anmann: its Etymologies, its Date and the Book of Lecan Text - Sharon Arbuthnot
In this lecture from the Book of Lecan Conference, Sharon Arbuthnot examines the etymologies, dating, and specific text of Cóir Anmann as found in the medieval manuscript. The presentation was part of a Royal Irish Academy event exploring…
- The Later History of the Book of Lecan - Bernadette Cunningham
Bernadette Cunningham discusses the later history of the Book of Lecan as part of a conference hosted by The Royal Irish Academy, Maynooth University, and the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies regarding the 15th-century manuscript.
- Lebor na Cert: a “Grossly Overrated” Text? - Seán Ó Hoireabhárd
This lecture from the Book of Lecan conference, presented by Seán Ó Hoireabhárd, examines the text Lebor na Cert and its historical reception. The conference explored the production, scribes, and contents of the early fifteenth-century man…
- Poets and Poetry in the Book of Lecan - Elizabeth Boyle
This episode from The Royal Irish Academy features Elizabeth Boyle discussing poets and poetry within the Book of Lecan. The Book of Lecan is a significant medieval Irish manuscript compiled in the early fifteenth century in County Sligo.
- Lebor Bretnach and the International Perspective of the Book of Lecan - Patrick Wadden
In this presentation from the Book of Lecan conference, Patrick Wadden discusses Lebor Bretnach and the international perspective of the 15th-century manuscript. This lecture was part of a two-day academic event exploring the production, h…
- ARINS My Identity: Episode 6 with Leo Varadkar
In this episode of "My Identity," Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland, discusses national identity, religion, family, and his book "Speaking My Mind" with Professor Colin Graham. The "My Identity" series is part of the ARINS project…
- A Naturalist’s Record: Stories from the Collections of R. J. Ussher
Emma Murphy, curator at the National Museum of Ireland, discusses the life and scientific contributions of Irish naturalist R. J. Ussher. The talk highlights his collections, research on Irish birds, and the ongoing archival project regard…
- ARINS Podcast 46: A Review of Employment Law in Ireland, North and South
Rory Montgomery discusses the article A Review of Employment Law in Ireland, North and South with its authors, Esther McGuinness, Desmond Ryan, and Rory O'Connell. The episode explores the evolution of employment law across the island of I…
- ARINS podcast 45: European Perceptions of Scottish Independence Before and After Brexit
In this episode, host Rory Montgomery discusses European perceptions of Scottish independence before and after Brexit, as part of the ARINS podcast series. The series provides evidence-based analysis on policy and public debate concerning…
- Historical early meteorological observations from Ireland in the archives of the RIA (1783-1854)
Dr. Carla Mateus discusses the Royal Irish Academy's collection of historical meteorological records from 1783-1854. The presentation examines the scientific importance of these archives in understanding past climate variability and extrem…
- ARINS My Identity: Episode 5 with Claire Mitchell
In this episode of the My Identity podcast, Professor Colin Graham speaks with writer and researcher Claire Mitchell about her work and personal identity. They explore her research on everyday politics in Northern Ireland and her book, The…
- ARINS: Reform of Stormont, Options for Discussion
In this episode of the ARINS podcast, host Rory Montgomery discusses the UCL Constitution Unit report 'Reform of Stormont: Options for Discussion' with authors Conor Kelly, Alan Renwick and Alan Whysall.
- ARINS My Identily: Episode 4 with Lata Sharma
In this episode of the My Identity podcast, host Professor Colin Graham speaks with Lata Sharma about identity on the island of Ireland. This series is part of the ARINS project, which provides evidence-based research on policy and public…
- ARINS: The SDLP, Politics and Peace
Mark Durkan discusses his political career and Professor Graham Spencer's book, The SDLP, Politics and Peace, with host Rory Montgomery in this episode of the ARINS podcast from the Royal Irish Academy.
- ARINS My Identity: Episode 3 with Manchán Magan
In this episode of the My Identity podcast, Professor Colin Graham interviews author and broadcaster Manchán Magan. Recorded at a public event in Dublin, they discuss Magan's background, work, and his perspective on identity.
- A Walnut Wound
This episode presents A Walnut Wound, the third installment of Sylvia Cullen's Flighty Creatures short story trilogy. Set in 1795, the story focuses on a young girl admitted to the Grangegorman House of Industry after her family is evicted.
- Evidence for Policy and University Structures
Held on January 21, 2025, this joint seminar from the Royal Irish Academy and Maynooth University discussed university structures and national policy implementation in higher education.
- ARINS: ARINS/Irish Times survey results discussion
Host Rory Montgomery and guests discuss the 2024 ARINS/Irish Times survey results, covering topics including NATO and Commonwealth membership, immigration, British-Irish relations, and constitutional change.
- By the Spider's Bed
This episode features By the Spider's Bed, the second story in Sylvia Cullen's Flighty Creatures trilogy, which explores the lives of women in 18th and 19th-century Grangegorman historical institutions. The project was developed as part of…
- The Holding Room
The Holding Room is the first installment of the Flighty Creatures trilogy by writer Sylvia Cullen. It tells the story of an asylum attendant, Muriel Hill, and her patient, produced as part of the Grangegorman Histories project.
- ARINS My Identity: Episode 2 with Naomi Long, MLA
In this episode of the My Identity podcast, Professor Colin Graham interviews Northern Ireland Justice Minister and Alliance Party leader Naomi Long MLA. They discuss Long's upbringing, faith, and political career within the context of ide…
- The Asylum Workshop: a performers perspective
Actor Evie O’Brien reflects on her experience performing in the documentary-drama The Asylum Workshop. She discusses how the project informed her understanding of the Grangegorman site's history and the importance of addressing mental heal…
- ARINS: Southern Irish Protestants
Dr. Ida Milne and Dr. Ian d’Alton join host Rory Montgomery to discuss the experiences and history of Southern Irish Protestants, referencing their research and co-edited publications.
- ARINS My Identity: Episode 1 with Gail McConnell
In this episode of the 'My Identity' series, Professor Colin Graham interviews Dr. Gail McConnell. They discuss topics including her identity, queerness, religion, parenting, and how the murder of her father has influenced her writing.
- ARINS: Education Across the Island of Ireland
Stephen Roulston and Martin Brown join host Rory Montgomery to discuss their recent research paper on education systems on the island of Ireland. This episode is part of the ARINS project, which examines policy and public debate in Ireland.
- ARINS: Law and Religion
In this episode of the ARINS podcast, Prof. Oran Doyle, Prof. David Kenny, and Prof. Christopher McCrudden join host Rory Montgomery to discuss their recent research paper comparing religious law in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ire…
- ARINS: Continuity and Change in NI's Trading Relationships
Birnie Esmond discusses his paper on Northern Ireland's trading relationships with John FitzGerald and host Rory Montgomery. This episode of the ARINS podcast explores evidence-based research on policy issues facing the island of Ireland.
- Edmund Spenser’s View of the Present State of Ireland (1596): Re-Appraised
In this Royal Irish Academy lecture, Nicholas Canny MRIA presents a re-appraisal of Edmund Spenser’s 1596 prose work, A View of the Present State of Ireland. The talk examines Spenser’s motivations, influences, and methods in writing the d…
- ARINS: Beyond Nationalism and Unionism
Host Rory Montgomery discusses the paper 'Beyond unionism and nationalism: do the ‘neithers’ want a border poll and a United Ireland?' with author Professor Jon Tonge in this episode of the ARINS podcast.
- Elections and their Consequences - The EU Elections
A panel of experts discusses the outcomes of the 2024 European Parliament elections, including the shifting seat shares of political parties, the formation of the Commission, and the future of EU policy priorities.
- Richard J. Ussher: Chronicling the Birds of Ireland
Ecologist and author Richard Nairn discusses the life and work of 19th-century ornithologist and speleologist Richard J. Ussher. The lecture explores Ussher's contributions to Irish ornithology, including the preservation of his research c…
- ARINS: Nationality and Citizenship in Ireland, North and South
In this episode of the ARINS podcast, host Rory Montgomery discusses nationality and citizenship laws in Ireland and Northern Ireland with guests Brice Dickson and Aoife O'Donoghue. The conversation examines their recent research regarding…
- ARINS: Equality Frameworks On The Island Of Ireland
Dr. Evelyn Collins and Niall Crowley join host Rory Montgomery to discuss equality legislation, institutions, and policy frameworks in Northern Ireland and Ireland. This discussion is based on their research paper published as part of the…
- ARINS: The Politics of Apologies
Prof Kieran McEvoy and Dr Cheryl Lawther discuss the politics of apologies within the Northern Ireland Peace Process, drawing on McEvoy's research into loyalism and regret. This episode is part of the ARINS project, which explores policy i…
- Burning Questions Podcast: A conversation about… EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s First Satellite
In this episode of the Burning Questions podcast, Vikram Pakrashi talks with Lorraine Hanlon and David McKeown from UCD about the development and launch of EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s first satellite.
- The St. Canice's Library: 'Past, Present and Future'
Alexandra Caccamo discusses the history and future of St. Canice's Library in this lecture, which was part of a series on early modern book collections hosted by the Royal Irish Academy. The series explored institutional libraries, private…
- Factors affecting book collecting in early modern Ireland and Europe
Dr Elizabethanne Boran and Professor Brendan Dooley discuss cultures of reading and book collecting in early modern Ireland and Europe. This event was the third part of a lecture series on early modern book collections hosted by the Royal…
- Reading Books Here and There and Then
Professor Brendan Dooley and Dr. Elizabethanne Boran discuss cultures of reading and collecting in early modern Ireland and Europe. This episode is the final part of a three-part lecture series presented by the Royal Irish Academy.