About this episode
This episode explores the history and impact of the River Poddle in Dublin through an audio documentary format.
This audio documentary, hosted by Adam Zaidan, traces the River Poddle from its opening at Tymon Park in Tallaght to its hidden, underground course beneath the streets of Dublin, revealing how a small waterway shaped the city far more than people actually realise. Through historical narration, insight from historian Aidan Hodson, county council member and civil engineer, David Grant and past resident, Maura Ní Chonaill, it uncovers the Poddle’s long reputation for flooding and repeated surges through Harold’s Cross and Kimmage in the late 20th century. The story moves between past and present, from childhood recollections of Poddle Park, the mills the river once powered, the folklore of traditional Irish songs like Weile Waile and the modern engineering efforts to finally tame the river, which prevented flooding during Storm Sandra in January 2026. The audio documentary follows the river to its end, emerging from darkness into the Liffey at Wellington Quay. The closing moments reveal a river that has always been small in scale but enormous in influence. If you'd like to learn more about the River Poddle, be sure to check out; -> https://poddle.crumlinwalkinstownhistory.ie ->…
People in this episode
Host: Adam Zaidan
Guests: Aidan Hodson, David Grant, Maura Ní Chonaill
Topics covered
- River Poddle
- Dublin history
- flooding
- engineering
- folklore
- urban waterways
Keywords
- River Poddle
- Dublin
- flooding
- history
- engineering
- folklore
- urban rivers
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Dubliners, Eden Avery, Epidemic Sound
Products: Melting Glass
Books & works: Weile Waile
Places: Tymon Park, Dublin, Harold’s Cross, Kimmage, Podle Park, Wellington Quay
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