'Undercover Irish' podcast host to give Heritage Week talk at Old Cork Prison

Cork podcaster and historian Eolan Ryng, host of the Undercover Irish podcast, will deliver a Heritage Week talk at Old Cork Prison.

The event will take place at the former prison on Rathmore Road on Sunday, August 23, at noon.

Mr Ryng said this year's Heritage Week theme, Heritage at Risk, was particularly relevant to the site.

"This is probably one of the most at-risk heritage sites in Cork city right now. There is an active proposal to demolish this historic building," he said.

"This could be the last ever chance to talk about the prison in front of the standing building.”

He said the prison tells an important story about Cork's role in Irish history. “From its construction during An Gorta Mór to the capture of Cork’s Martyred Ard Mhéara inside its walls, the Old Prison tells the story of Cork’s role in Ireland’s history and of detention as a tool in Ireland’s fight against colonialism.”

Mr Ryng said he was looking forward to bringing the themes explored in his podcast to a live audience in his home city and encouraged people of all ages to attend.

“I am really excited to take this to a new stage and to the streets of my home city.

“I would encourage everyone, young and old, to come along.”