In the 10th episode of the Irish Stew Podcast's Lost in Belfast series, host Martin Nutty sits down with poet Linda McKenna. Together, they discuss poetry, history, and forgotten voices of Irish history.

Linda's path to poetry began almost by accident, but her talent was apparent, confirmed when she received the prestigious 2018 Seamus Heaney Award for New Writing. Recording from the Observatory room at Belfast's Grand Central Hotel, Linda opens up about her unique approach to poetry, drawing inspiration from historical archives and fragmentary records to illuminate the often-overlooked stories of women throughout history.

During this compelling discussion, Linda reads excerpts from her acclaimed collection Four Thousand Keys and offers insights into her upcoming work, which seeks to recover and amplify voices from Ireland's 1798 rebellion. Her poetry serves as both historical excavation and artistic expression, breathing life into stories that might otherwise remain buried in dusty archives.

Join Martin and Linda for a conversation that connects past and present, exploring how poetry can serve as a bridge between forgotten histories and contemporary understanding.

Links

• Linda McKenna page at Doire Press
• Twitter
• Facebook

Books

• Four Thousand Keys
• In the Museum of Misremembered Things

Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 20; Total Episode Count: 123

In this episode of Irish Stew, host Martin Nutty connects with key figures from Solas Nua, a dynamic Washington, D.C.-based arts organization devoted to contemporary Irish culture. Recorded during the Capital Irish Film Festival, the conversation features:

• Kate Meenan-Waugh, Board Co-Chair
• Andrew Dolan, Executive Director
• Rex Daugherty, Artistic Director of Theater

Kate recounts her Irish upbringing, her background in education, and the path that led her to Solas Nua. Andrew delves into the opportunities and hurdles of running an arts organization without a permanent venue, highlighting the power of partnership-driven programming. Rex shares his journey of reconnecting with Irish heritage and describes how Solas Nua nurtures the growth of Irish theater and artists.

Together, they explore Solas Nua’s mission to promote Irish voices, innovative approaches to community engagement, and upcoming initiatives, including events spotlighting renowned playwright Enda Walsh.

As Solas Nua marks its 20th anniversary, the guests reflect on the organization's evolving impact, the significance of cultural storytelling, and the enduring influence of Irish arts in the U.S.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Daniel Lee, the Irish King and beloved brother of John Lee.

Links

Solas Nua

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter (X)
• Facebook
• Enda Walsh Festival - June 21 - 22

Kate Meenan Waugh - Board Co-Chair

• Profile at Solas Nua

Andrew Dolan - Executive Director

• LinkedIn
• NEA - Artful Life Interview

Rex Daugherty

• Website
• LinkedIn

Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 19; Total Episode Count: 122

Join us in jail, or is it gaol, as in the Crumlin Road Gaol, the last Victorian era prison relic in Northern Ireland, now being put to better use as the home of the Belfast Distillery Company, working to revive the classic old McConnell’s Whisky brand and creating a major new hospitality and tourist attraction in the process.

We stop for “just the one” in this all-too brief episode, where CEO John Kelly lays out the twin goals for the distillery: “Restore the legend of McConnell’s Irish Whisky that was and will be again, and bring distilling back to Belfast.”

The 22-year veteran of Guinness and Diageo knows the spirits industry…and the neighborhood, having gone to school just over the prison wall, back in the bad old days of the Crumlin Road Gaol.

John shares insights on why Irish whiskey lost favor, how it is now roaring back, and the immersive experiences drawing visitors to this dramatic new distillery.
And BTW—it isn’t a typo—McConnel’s spells it “whisky” without the “e”.

Links:

McConnell's Whisky

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter (X)
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

John Kelly

• LinkedIn

Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 18; Total Episode Count: 121