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The Madman's Hotel

By: Niall Breslin
Narrated by: Niall Breslin
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Summary

In the heart of the lush green countryside of Ireland a huge abandoned psychiatric asylum looms large and holds its secrets close, until one family fights to find the truth about their long lost great grandmother.

Presented by Irish mental health advocate Niall Breslin - this is the untold story of the quest to find patient Julia Leonard, alongside many others, who came to die in St Loman’s Hospital near Dublin. Why was Julia in St Loman’s? And what happened to her and other patients who found themselves within its walls? Niall joins the campaign to find out the truth, as he knows the hospital well… he grew up in the town next door.

As the family reach out for Niall’s help, along the way he reveals Ireland’s dark history with ‘lunatic asylums’ and why so many of its citizens were locked away in these forbidding institutions.

Will they find the woman they’re looking for? Will there be justice for her and the other souls once detained behind those walls? And what other secrets will be uncovered?

DISCLAIMER

Before we begin this story, you should know this series reference themes around mental health and death. There is some strong language at times too.

We also use historical language – some of which is inappropriate or offensive – but was normalised at the time and is important to include for context.

If after listening you feel you need support, please visit the audible website for links to organisations that can help you.

Episode 1: Julia

Who was Julia Leonard? There are two sides to her story and how she ended up in St Loman’s psychiatric hospital. As her great granddaughter Julie Clarke begins a tireless quest to understand the tragedy of her family, presenter Niall Breslin faces his greatest fear as he starts to delve deep into Ireland’s dark history with ‘lunatic’ asylums.

Episode 2: Seeking Asylum

So, what was life like for Julia within St Loman’s walls at the turn of the last century? While Niall helps Julie Clarke hunt for her great grandmother’s remains they uncover a disturbing family secret.

Episode 3: Don’t Be Asking Questions

A family torn apart by an institution and community silence, finds each other and a common cause to return dignity to those buried at St Loman’s. A straightforward request for an exhumation turns into a bureaucratic quagmire and another mystery emerges.

Episode 4: No Man’s Land

The dig for Julia’s remains throws up more questions than answers. One of Ireland’s leading archaeologist's is called in to shine light on the graveyard’s past.

Episode 5: Our Cross To Bear

Disclaimer:

How are you all doing so far? I just wanted to let you know that shortly they’ll be a reference to self-harm…please take care when listening and also just a reminder, there are organisations that can help and support you on the Audible website.

Niall reveals his own struggle with mental health growing up in the shadow of St Loman’s in Mullingar. Niall and Julie organise a community event to find more families searching for answers and someone unexpected gets in touch.

Episode 6: The Power Of A Name

The community event attracts other families and Niall discovers other stories connected with the graveyard and St Loman’s. It’s time for Niall to get real answers from those in charge of the hospital today and Julie takes matters into her own hands.

Episode 7: The ‘Decent Thing’

After years of trying to get the answers they need, Niall and Julie finally get acknowledgement and an explanation from the powers that be.

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

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About the Creator and Performer

Niall Breslin is a prominent Irish mental health campaigner, public speaker, author, podcaster, musician, and former athlete. He holds degrees in economics and sociology and a master's in mindfulness-based interventions. He is currently pursuing a PhD in mental health systems. As co-founder of the charity A Lust for Life, Niall has received numerous social entrepreneurship awards. He works with global leaders, organisations, and governments on mental health projects. Niall hosts the multi-award-winning Where Is My Mind podcast and has authored various books on mindfulness and emotional well-being for adults and children. His charity school program, which is in over 40% of Irish primary schools, aims to support young people in becoming better guardians of their own minds. Niall is also a successful musician and songwriter, a former coach on The Voice of Ireland, and a multi-disciplinary endurance and adventure athlete. His multifaceted career demonstrates his commitment to destigmatising mental health and promoting emotional well-being.

What listeners say about The Madman's Hotel

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outstanding informative overwhelming

fantastic information about local institution. fantastic presentation with gripping storytelling. bringing the truth out about historical times.

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The narrator

Nothing to dislike- an incredible true story which must be heard . A haunting and tragic story of how mental health was treated in the beginning of the 20th century

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Very interesting revelations

A sensitive discussion of the old hospital patients and staff. Terrible that graves are unmarked and information kept from relatives. It's a remarkable fight for rights to be recognised of these people who had lived and died in the asylum. Then it's also noted that authorities refused access to documents and said documents and patient files were not available. Yet on Abandoned urban explorers video the inside of the hospital showed confidential files of patients lives strewn about uncared for.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Thought provoking

An important account of the history of Irish psychiatric institutions and in particular St.Lomans in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Questions unanswered, nameless graves, missing bodies are just a few insights discovered by one particular family who kept the fight alive to discover the truth behind the closed doors. Shocking, thought provoking & deep sadness to be expected in listening to the Madmans hotel.
Well done Bressie, an audible book I wasn't able to stop listening to. Mental Health can no longer be pushed under the carpet/ hidden away as was the unfortunate experience of far too many Irish people. 5 stars from me

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Fascinating Story

Thank you so much for sharing this. Growing up I was aware of these institutions, and thought that they were for only the insane, but this was clearly not the case. It is fascinating to learn Julia’s story. I cannot begin to imagine her heartbreak at losing all that was dear to her. It’s shocking to learn of the power that men had over their women. Thank goodness that times have changed.

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Captivating and emotional

This story and narrative kept me captivated got hours.
My only issue is that 3 times we are told to check audible website for supporting organisations. I couldn't find anything. No link in the synopsis, no mental health reference in the audible website besides other ebooks.
This is not a critic to the book and the narration that was superb but a critic to audible itself. Considering the subject better or clear assess to the help offered should be provided to those that will seek it

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The injustice for patients followed by injustice for the families at the hands of the State.

I listened to it in one sitting! It's our history and we should all be aware of it. Julie is a powerhouse in her fight for justice for Julia and the other patients! Bressie is a wonderful storyteller. Cannot recommend highly enough!

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The Mad Man’s Hotel

Powerful piece sad to listen to how our past generations were treated important that lessons are learned and experiences used to help make changes going forward.
Well done to all with the strength to keep fighting for their relatives keep up the good work .
Brilliant listening definitely recommend for anyone who’s interested in the mental health system and understanding mental health or anyone just interested in History

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Thoughtful handling of a challenging subject

A beautifully told true story which goes right to the heart of Irish identity in the twentieth century and how this echoes in our time. Informative, moving and hopeful. Top-notch producing.

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Draw back the curtains.

Fantastic body of work not a minute too soon to bring the stories of our people out of hiding. Congratulations to all involved 5 states as always Bressie.

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