How and why the Normans conquered Ireland with Storytelling Guide Duane Fitzsimons episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 7, 2025 · 47 MIN

How and why the Normans conquered Ireland with Storytelling Guide Duane Fitzsimons

from How to be Irish · host Úna Harty

In this episode, we explore the rich history of the Lecale Peninsula with guest Duane Fitzsimons, who delves into the Norman invasion of Ireland, the significance of Dublin as a separate kingdom, and the historical importance of Downpatrick, County Down.The conversation also touches on cultural connections between Ireland and Portugal, the political landscape of Ireland during the Norman period, and the assimilation of the Normans into Irish culture.Duane shares insights from his personal journey through family history and offers tips for exploring one's own genealogy.Book a tour with DuaneDuane's TikTokDuane's InstagramChapters00:00 Exploring the Lecale Peninsula01:12 The Norman Invasion of Ireland05:49 Dublin: A Kingdom of Opportunity09:52 The Historical Significance of Lecale14:58 The Saints of Downpatrick19:25 Cultural Connections: Ireland and Portugal20:16 Understanding Ireland's Political Landscape23:22 The Normans: Assimilation and Identity28:45 The Impact of the Reformation31:41 The Plantation of Ulster32:59 Dialect and Language Connections38:33 Personal Journey Through Family History39:30 What It Means to Be Irish41:00 Tips for Exploring Family History______________________________Lecale Peninsula, Norman invasion, Irish history, Downpatrick, cultural connections, family history, genealogy, Ireland, heritage, historical tours

In this episode, we explore the rich history of the Lecale Peninsula with guest Duane Fitzsimons, who delves into the Norman invasion of Ireland, the significance of Dublin as a separate kingdom, and the historical importance of Downpatrick, County Down.The conversation also touches on cultural connections between Ireland and Portugal, the political landscape of Ireland during the Norman period, and the assimilation of the Normans into Irish culture.Duane shares insights from his personal journey through family history and offers tips for exploring one's own genealogy.Book a tour with DuaneDuane's TikTokDuane's InstagramChapters00:00 Exploring the Lecale Peninsula01:12 The Norman Invasion of Ireland05:49 Dublin: A Kingdom of Opportunity09:52 The Historical Significance of Lecale14:58 The Saints of Downpatrick19:25 Cultural Connections: Ireland and Portugal20:16 Understanding Ireland's Political Landscape23:22 The Normans: Assimilation and Identity28:45 The Impact of the Reformation31:41 The Plantation of Ulster32:59 Dialect and Language Connections38:33 Personal Journey Through Family History39:30 What It Means to Be Irish41:00 Tips for Exploring Family History______________________________Lecale Peninsula, Norman invasion, Irish history, Downpatrick, cultural connections, family history, genealogy, Ireland, heritage, historical tours

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How and why the Normans conquered Ireland with Storytelling Guide Duane Fitzsimons

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This episode was published on November 7, 2025.

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In this episode, we explore the rich history of the Lecale Peninsula with guest Duane Fitzsimons, who delves into the Norman invasion of Ireland, the significance of Dublin as a separate kingdom, and the historical importance of Downpatrick, County...

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