In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, lions, tigers and even elephants toured towns and cities across Ireland. Long before modern zoos, travelling menageries brought wild animals from across the globe into marketplaces, fairgrounds and urban streets. For many people, this was their first encounter with creatures they had only ever seen in books or sermons.

In this episode, I’m joined by historian Karina Holton to explore the fascinating and largely forgotten history of Irish menageries between 1790 and 1840. We discuss what these exhibitions were, how they differed from circuses and modern zoos, and what it was actually like to visit one. What animals could audiences expect to see?

We also examine the controversies surrounding these shows. Not everyone welcomed them. There were dramatic incidents involving escapes and attacks, concerns about public safety, and growing criticism around animal welfare.

Sound by Kate Dunlea.

About My Guest

Karina Holton completed her PhD at Dublin City University and has published widely on eighteenth and nineteenth century Ireland. She is the author of Valentine Lawless, Lord Cloncurry, 1773 to 1853: From United Irishman to Liberal Politician. https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/2018/valentine-lawless-lord-cloncurry

This episode is inspired by her article:

‘A Most Curious Collection of Foreign Beasts’: Menageries in Ireland, 1790 to 1840. You can read it here https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/24DB1506CB06E117BEA2C1819FC312AA/S0021121425100916a.pdf/most_curious_collection_of_foreign_beasts_menageries_in_ireland_17901840.pdf

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