Tales of The Troubles

Dan Darnoco
  • 4.5 (2)
  • TRUE CRIME

A journey through all the key events that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland. In each episode, we'll focus on a specific month on the timeline.

  1. November 1974: The Great Escape

    10H AGO

    November 1974: The Great Escape

    In this gripping instalment of Tales of The Troubles, we revisit one of the most audacious prison breaks of the era — the escape of IRA prisoners from the Maze Prison in November 1974. As tensions escalated across Northern Ireland, this episode explores how the escape unfolded, the political and paramilitary networks that enabled it, and the ripple effects it had on public perception, security policy, and the mythos of resistance. With echoes of cinematic drama and real-world stakes, this chapter captures the daring, desperation, and defiance that defined a pivotal moment in the Troubles.

    16 min
  2. October 1974: Guildford Four

    2D AGO

    October 1974: Guildford Four

    On a quiet Saturday evening in Guildford, England, a bomb tore through the Horse and Groom pub, killing five people. The attack shocked the nation and triggered a wave of arrests that would become one of the most notorious miscarriages of justice in British history. This episode explores the events of October 1974, the flawed investigation that followed, and the long fight to clear the names of the Guildford Four.

    10 min
  3. September 1974: IRA Air Strike

    5D AGO

    September 1974: IRA Air Strike

    In this episode, we revisit a dramatic and little-known moment from September 1974, when the IRA attempted an audacious aerial attack using a hijacked Cessna aircraft. The story unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions and tactical innovation, revealing how the conflict’s reach extended into the skies. Through archival detail and restrained narration, we explore the motivations, execution, and aftermath of this unprecedented strike—offering insight into a volatile chapter of Northern Ireland’s history.

    6 min
  4. August 1974: The Balcombe Street Gang

    FEB 24

    August 1974: The Balcombe Street Gang

    In this episode of Tales of the Troubles, we explore the arrival of the Provisional IRA’s Balcombe Street Gang in London—sent as sleeper cells to await orders. Against a backdrop of nuclear tests abroad and rising tensions at home, August 1974 saw covert deployments, deadly shootings, and bombings across Northern Ireland. From the killing of Patrick McElhone to the IRA’s remote-controlled attacks, this instalment traces the shadow war unfolding in both rural fields and urban streets.

    5 min
  5. July 1974: Terror at the Tower

    FEB 22

    July 1974: Terror at the Tower

    In this gripping instalment, we revisit the IRA bombing of the Tower of London on July 17, 1974—a devastating attack that killed one civilian and injured over forty, many of them tourists and children. Set against a backdrop of escalating violence and political upheaval, the episode explores the broader context of paramilitary activity, internment policy shifts, and the fraught efforts toward constitutional reform in Northern Ireland. From Sinn Féin’s overtures to Loyalist groups to the chilling murder of nationalist councillor Patrick Kelly, this episode captures a month of turmoil, tragedy, and tentative dialogue.

    10 min
  6. June 1974: Daring Hunger Strikes and Devastating Attacks

    FEB 19

    June 1974: Daring Hunger Strikes and Devastating Attacks

    In this gripping episode of Tales of The Troubles, we revisit a pivotal month marked by escalating violence, political upheaval, and the harrowing endurance of hunger strikers like Michael Gaughan and the Price sisters. From bombings in Belfast and Westminster to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive and the emergence of Loyalist proposals for independence, June 1974 reveals the deep fractures and fierce resistance shaping the conflict’s trajectory.

    12 min
  7. May 1974: Strikes & Massacres

    FEB 17

    May 1974: Strikes & Massacres

    In this gripping episode of Tales of the Troubles, we revisit one of the most volatile months in Northern Ireland’s history. From the Ulster Workers’ Council strike that brought the region to a standstill, to the devastating Dublin and Monaghan bombings, May 1974 was a turning point marked by political upheaval and tragic loss. Through archival accounts and eyewitness testimony, we explore how these events reshaped the course of the Troubles.

    23 min
  8. April 1974: 19 Old Masters

    FEB 15

    April 1974: 19 Old Masters

    In April 1974, one of Ireland’s most audacious art heists shook the nation. This episode of Tales of The Troubles unpacks the theft of 19 Old Masters from Russborough House, exploring the political shadows, criminal intrigue, and cultural loss behind the stolen masterpieces.

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A journey through all the key events that contributed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland. In each episode, we'll focus on a specific month on the timeline.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Darnoco
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dan Darnoco
  • Show Website
    Tales of The Troubles

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