The Ghosts of Kilmainham: How Ireland Won Independence

The History of Ireland: Rebellion, Empire, and Independence — Fexingo History · Oct 12, 2026 · 11m · transcript

While the Easter Rising and the War of Independence are well-trodden ground, this episode explores the critical, often overlooked diplomatic maneuvering that actually secured Irish independence. We focus on the period between late 1920 and early 1921, specifically the secret back-channel negotiations between Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, and British officials like Winston Churchill and Lord FitzAlan. The narrative examines how the IRA’s guerrilla campaign created a stalemate that forced London to the table, leading to the Anglo-Irish Treaty. We also delve into the internal political…