New Podcast Exploring Wicklow’s Military Road
Wicklow County Council is pleased to announce the release of a new four-part podcast series that explores the history of the Wicklow Mountains through the iconic Military Road. This road was originally constructed by British forces in the aftermath of the 1798 rebellion to quell the Wicklow rebels and bring the so-called "bandit country" under control. Today, the Wicklow Military Road winds through one of the most remote and picturesque landscapes in Ireland.
Curated by Fin Dwyer from the popular Irish History Podcast, in collaboration with the Wicklow County Council Heritage Office, each episode features engaging conversations with local residents, historians, and experts. These discussions bring to life the road’s storied past as well as the rich environmental and cultural heritage of the communities it traverses. Contributors include historian Frank Treacy, who shares the story of a unique military cemetery hidden in the mountains; Professor Graeme Warren, who offers insights into the early human history of the region and Robbie Carter, who recounts his experiences working deep underground in the lead mines at Glendasan. Additionally, Carmel O’Toole, a historian and resident of Glenmalure, provides a personal perspective on the area's rich cultural heritage.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Paul O’Brien, commented, “Whether you are a Wicklow resident or visitor, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the Wicklow landscape, this podcast series will be of interest to you. I am pleased that this project is being released to coincide with the bicentennial of the death of Michael Dwyer in Australia in 1825, as he was one of the motivations behind the construction of this Military Road in the first place.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, welcomed the series, stating, “Podcasts are a wonderful way to make the history and heritage of County Wicklow accessible to new and wider audiences. The Irish History Podcast attracts tens of thousands of listeners, providing an important platform for promoting County Wicklow.”
The series, produced in association with Wicklow County Council and the Heritage Council as part of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan, is available for free listening on the Irish History Podcast at Breaking Ireland's Bandit Country: The Wicklow Military Road
You can also subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to ensure you receive each episode as it is released throughout the month of May.
Additionally, the Arklow Municipal District is coordinating a two-day event in Glenmalure to mark the bicentennial of Michael Dwyer’s death on August 23, 1825. These events, part of Heritage Week will include a one-day seminar on Saturday 23rd August and a bus tour of sites associated with Michael Dwyer on Sunday 24th August.
More information can be found at Michael Dwyer 200 Registration on Eventbrite - Michael Dwyer 200 Registration
IMAGE 1: Fin Dwyer with panel at Stories of the Military Road Heritage Week event. Photo credit Mick Kelly.
IMAGE 2: Stories of the Military Road event for Heritage Week 2024. Photo credit Mick Kelly.
IMAGE 3: Military Road. Photo credit Deirdre Burns.