On this day in 1959, a hero of the Second World War, Charles de Gaulle, became President of France. What followed was a decade of real turbulence, ultimately leading to his resignation a decade later in 1969.

Upon leaving, De Gaulle most unexpectedly made for Ireland. While we’re used to foreign Presidents visiting for a day or two, De Gaulle spent a remarkable six weeks in Ireland, walking the beach, attending mass and visiting the sights. On what was to be his first and only visit, the fallen leader nonetheless captivated the Irish people, who encountered him as a Private Citizen.

Gavan is joined by Donal Fallon for another episode of Hidden Histories to discuss.