The Royal Irish Academy

The Holding Room

The Royal Irish Academy

Show Notes

The Holding Room follows Attendant Muriel Hill, facing a quandary when her patient refuses to have her image captured by the asylum photographer.

This is the first episode of the Flighty Creatures trilogy of short stories for podcast by Wexford-based writer, Sylvia Cullen. Inspired by women who dwelt in the Grangegorman Asylum, Penitentiary and Workhouse, these stories are set in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Flighty Creatures is a project of Grangegorman Histories' ⁠public call⁠. Find out more about Grangegorman Histories on grangegormanhistories.ie Illustration by Fidelma Slattery.

More from The Royal Irish Academy

Oct 1, 2026

In this month’s ARINS podcast host Rory Montgomery speaks with Alan Whysall and Andrew McCormick. The discussion covers the topic of Improving Government in Northern Ireland, with a focus on Alan Whysall's recent report, “Improving Government in Northern Ireland: Towards a programme for reform”, which was published in May 2026 by the Constitution Unit of University College London.

Sep 3, 2026

In this episode of ‘My Identity’ Professor Colin Graham (Maynooth) is in conversation with Senator Patricia Stephenson.

Jul 2, 2026

In this month’s ARINS podcast host Rory Montgomery speaks with Adele Bergin, Seamus McGuinness and Conor Banahan of the Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin about their recently published ARINS article ‘Who is Better Off? Updated Cross-Border Differences in Living Standards, Opportunities and Quality of Life on the Island of Ireland’. The discussion covers their recent work which provides an updated assessment of living standards, opportunities for life progression and well-being across the island of Ireland.

Jun 4, 2026

In this episode of ‘My Identity’ Professor Colin Graham (Maynooth) is in conversation with Joy Gerrard and Paul Seawright.

May 13, 2026

Poem by Shirley O’Shea a writer from Carrick-on-Suir and a Teacher of English and German at St. Declan’s Community College, Kilmacthomas since 1999. She is an active participant of Poetry Plus in Brewery Lane Theatre. Her poem ‘With Grace and with Gratitude’ about Dr. Mary Strangman was published for SETU Blue Plaque unveiling at Carriganore House in Waterford in 2023. This poem and another ‘PJ 07’, was shortlisted for the Sean Dunne Literary award in June 2024.

See all episodes →