Talking History offers a distinctive exploration of pivotal political, social and cultural events that have shaped our world, examining the complex figures central to these historical moments. Hosted by Dr Patrick Geoghegan of Trinity College Dublin, this programme interrogates the multifaceted, often contested dimensions of our collective past, illuminating what these historical narratives reveal about contemporary society.

The Irish Wake
This right of passage represents one of Ireland's most distinctive cultural traditions, a complex ritual that has evolved over centuries to address the universal human experience of death through distinctively Irish practices and perspectives. More than simply a funeral rite, the Wake embodies a unique expression of how Irish communities have traditionally coped with, commemorated, and even celebrated the passage from life to death.

This episode of RTÉ's "Talking History" with Patrick Geoghegan explores the rich history of Irish wakes, examining their development and significance across centuries. The programme was inspired by the opening of Ireland's first dedicated Irish Wake Museum at Waterford Treasures, which preserves and showcases this important aspect of cultural heritage that risks being lost in an increasingly secularised and medicalised approach to death.

Traditional Irish wakes combined elements of Christian ritual with pre-Christian practices, creating a distinctive approach to death that emphasised community solidarity, storytelling, and often humour in the face of loss. The body would typically be prepared at home and laid out in the best room of the house, with visitors coming to pay respects over several days. These gatherings featured a characteristic blend of solemnity and sociability, with prayer sessions interspersed with storytelling, music, food, drink, and occasionally games.

As noted by comedian Dave Allen, whose observations are featured in the programme, Ireland developed a distinctive cultural approach to death that acknowledged its inevitability while finding ways to celebrate life in its presence. Allen describes the wake as a "marvellous celebration" that could transform even the death of an unpopular community member into an occasion for gathering and storytelling.

This tradition exemplifies how communities develop cultural practices to make meaning from mortality, creating shared narratives and rituals that provide structure and comfort during times of loss while reinforcing social bonds and collective identity.