Best Ireland Current Affairs Podcasts (2025)

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Tech Thursday: Smarthome Seasonal Devices 10:06

Play Pause

36m ago10:06

10:06

From thermostats to lightbulbs and air purifiers, Andy O'Donoghue had a run down of the best devices to make your home efficient and cozy heading into the winter months. To catch the conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

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Are Uncomfortably Warm Summers Here To Stay? 13:35

2h ago13:35

13:35

Research conducted by Maynooth University has found that the warm nighttime temperatures which were experienced this summer are now 40 times more likely due to climate change caused by human activity. John Gibbons spoke to Ian Guider on Thursday’s The Last Word. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.…

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Group Of Dublin City Councillors Boycott Obama's Freedom Of Dublin Event 10:20

20m ago10:20

10:20

A number of Dublin city councillors boycotted a ceremony to award the Freedom of the City to Barack Obama over objections to the former US president's record in foreign and domestic policy. Obama, who is visiting Dublin this week, was originally granted the honour by councillors in 2017 but he didn't come to receive the award until now. Conor Reddy…

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How could the killing of Charlie Kirk reshape the American right? 24:25

21m ago24:25

24:25

The murder of Charlie Kirk sent shockwaves through an already deeply divided America, and the fallout has become emblematic of the country's dangerously high tensions. As the US heads towards midterm elections, could this killing become a rallying cry to galvanise the Republican base? What does this moment reveal about the deep, at times seemingly …

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25th September 2025 2:06:27

5h ago2:06:27

2:06:27

Tune into the Neil Prendeville show weekdays from 9am on Cork's good times RedFM

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Culture Club: Eimear McBride 31:52

6m ago31:52

31:52

Novelist Eimear McBride was the latest Culture Club inductee. Eimear spoke to Matt about her new novel, The City Changes Its Face. She also discussed her favourite music, films, books and the cultural touchstones that have influenced her life and work. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.…

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What Can We Expect From The 2025 Ryder Cup? 10:31

1d ago10:31

10:31

European and American golfers are getting ready to face off against each other once again when the Ryder Cup kicks off in New York on Friday. Meanwhile, organisers of the tournament are preparing for the arrival of US President Donald Trump on opening day, with fears his visit could cause disruption. Lawrence Donegan, founder and editor of McKellar…

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Principals Under Pressure From Parents To Grant Irish Exemptions For Students 9:53

1h ago9:53

9:53

The current system for granting exemptions for studying Irish is souring relationships between principals and parents, according to the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD). A record number, 60,946, of secondary school students received an exemption from studying Irish in the last school year. Paul Crone, director of the …

1
Catherine Connolly 8:00

4h ago8:00

8:00

Independent Presidential Candidate Catherine ConnollyBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Senator Chris Andrews on the Global Sumud Flotilla 11:18

4h ago11:18

11:18

Activists on the Gza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla report more than a dozen drone and explosive attacks on their boats overnightBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Heather Humphreys 8:19

4h ago8:19

8:19

Fine Gael Presidential Candidate Heather HumphreysBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Breakfast Buffet Hoarding 5:43

4h ago5:43

5:43

Sinead Fox of Bumbles of Rice Travel Blog talks to Cormac and Sarah about a new survey that shows 20% of us hoard hotel buffet foodBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Jim Gavin 8:10

4h ago8:10

8:10

Fianna Fáil Presidential Candidate Jim GavinBy RTÉ Radio 1

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The Last Word On Music: Take That Bringing Circus Tour Back To Dublin 15:24

26m ago15:24

15:24

Dee Reddy and John Caddell were back for the Last Word on Music where they had all the details of revival of Take That's Circus Tour. They also spoke about Madonna's return to Warner Records and her back catalogue. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

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Revenue To Send Letters To Homeowners With Warning To Revalue Properties 9:08

1d ago9:08

9:08

Over two million homeowners in Ireland are set to receive a letter from Revenue warning them to revalue their homes. The new valuation will apply for the local property tax from 2026. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, explained this on Wednesday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.…

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‘We’re Gonna Burn Things’

2h ago

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Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Paddy McGuire is the (mad?) man behind the viral RareWitch-PetalReaction videos that excoriate the media, politics, racist movements and liberal doggies of Northern Ireland. In a rare interview with a Free-Stater he talks to me about his process, his inspiration/frustration and the artistic dysfunction of…

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NHS Launches Jesss Rule, Kate Unveils Memorial, Amazon Closes UK Fresh Stores, UK-France Migrant Deportation Blocked, and more... 12:21

14h ago12:21

12:21

(0:10): NHS Unveils 'Jess's Rule' to Prevent Delayed Cancer Diagnoses in GP Practices (2:24): Princess Kate Honors Victims, Unveils Memorial in Southport After Tragic Attack (4:38): Amazon Shuts Down UK Fresh Stores, Shifts Focus to Whole Foods Amid Fierce Market Competition (7:18): UK-France Migrant Return Scheme Faces Legal Hurdles as Court Block…

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FAI criticised for delay in attending Oireachtas as meeting begins 3:54

1h ago3:54

3:54

Soccer correspondent, Tony O'Donohue discusses the Football Association of Ireland's appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport this afternoon.By RTÉ Radio 1

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CHI due to be integrated into HSE by 2027 3:55

1h ago3:55

3:55

Health correspondent, Fergal Bowers, reports on the integration of Children's Health Ireland into the Health Service Executive.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Presidential nominations locked in 10:53

1h ago10:53

10:53

Micheal Lehane, Political Correspondent, tells us more as Maria Steen is out of presidential race.By RTÉ Radio 1

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New national programme for urgent and emergency care 5:51

1h ago5:51

5:51

Dr Rosa McNamara, Clinical Lead for the National Clinical Programme in Emergency Medicine, explains the new national programme for urgent care.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Hearsay evidence from former soldiers allowed in Soldier F trial, judge rules 3:15

1h ago3:15

3:15

Our Northern editor Vincent Kearney tells us more.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Hero's welcome for Kate O'Connor 3:34

1h ago3:34

3:34

Rachael speaks to Dundalk athlete, Kate O'Connor from Dublin airport where she has just returned from Tokyo, having won a silver medal at the World Athlethics Championships.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza attacked overnight 4:32

1h ago4:32

4:32

Sarah Clancy, Galway activist, speaks to Rachael from a flotilla of 51 boats, currently heading for Gaza.By RTÉ Radio 1

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24th September 2025 2:07:25

2h ago2:07:25

2:07:25

Tune into the Neil Prendeville show weekdays from 9 am on Cork's good times RedFM.

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The Last Word On The US: Trump Claims To Have 'Ended Seven Wars' & Said European Countries 'Going To Hell' Because Of Migration In UN Speech 19:01

2d ago19:01

19:01

US President Donald Trump claimed to have "ended seven wars" and said that European countries are “going to hell” because of immigration in his address to the United Nations General Assembly Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas join The Last Word to discuss Trump's remarks in New York and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat…

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Is it time for a waste collection overhaul? 10:05

17h ago10:05

10:05

The whole bin collection system could be heading for an overhaul and according to one of the country's largest Trade Unions, it should be radically reformed. For more on this Adrian Kane is SIPTU Divisional Organiser.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Oireachtas Group on on Pregnancy and Infant Loss meet to highlight improvements in support services. 8:39

17h ago8:39

8:39

Oireachtas Group on Pregnancy and Infant Loss met today, to highlight improvements in prevention, support services and in recording data on miscarriages. Keelin O’Donoghue, Professor in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, at University College Cork and also Consultant Obstetrician, at Cork University Maternity Hospital who was at the meeting joined us.…

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A report on the unexplained death of Kelly Lynch - found in a Monaghan canal 15:14

17h ago15:14

15:14

The parents of a young woman found dead in a Monaghan canal are calling for Gardai to immediately finish a review of their initial investigation into her death. 23-year old Kelly Lynch was found with 93 injuries last year but Gardai aren't treating her death as suspicious. Our reporter Barry Lenihan spoke to the family.…

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Enhanced Fuel allowance package announced today 7:53

17h ago7:53

7:53

An enhanced Fuel allowance package that will benefit that will benefit people on the edge of fuel poverty was announced today. To discuss this, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Think You Know.... The Presidents? Douglas Hyde 39:45

17h ago39:45

39:45

To quote the show FRIENDS, "he was the one with the moustache." Welcome to 'Think You Know... The Presidents?' a Today FM original podcast brought to you by The Last Word. Episode 1 travels back in time to 1938, when Ireland appointed its first president. But why was Douglas Hyde chosen? What happened when WWII broke out right after his inauguratio…

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Think You Know... The Presidents? A Brand-New Last Word Podcast 0:59

2d ago0:59

0:59

A leprechaun sent to the White House. A bomb shelter under Dublin’s Merrion Square. A president swearing live on national radio. What do they all have in common? They’re just some of the wild, wonderful and downright bizarre stories you probably won’t have known about Ireland’s presidents. If the walls of the Áras could talk, we’d have a full-on Ne…

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How A Generation Is Still Paying The Price For Ireland’s Financial Crash 13:15

2d ago13:15

13:15

Journalist and author, Adam Maguire, joined Matt to discuss the release of his new book “The Bailout Babies”. In it he details how people who were children during the financial crash are still feeling the effects of it a decade and a half later. Matt spoke to Adam on Tuesday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.…

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Presidential campaign 12:36

20h ago12:36

12:36

Independent Ireland leader, Michael Collins on his support to Maria Steen's nomination. Our political correspondent, Paul Cunningham provides us with the latest on the race to Áras an Uachtaráin.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Trump to address UN General Assembly as he distances US from global cooperation 4:40

20h ago4:40

4:40

Tony Connelly, RTÉ Europe Editor, tells us more about the reaction to events at the UN General Assembly from West Bank.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Cyber attacks on European airports 4:03

20h ago4:03

4:03

Richard Browne, the Director of the National Cyber Security Centre, on cyber attacks that brought delays to several European airports including Dublin last week.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Traitors Ireland Finale tonight 3:45

20h ago3:45

3:45

Arts and media correspondent, Evelyn O'Rourke fills us in with the latest on Traitors Ireland.By RTÉ Radio 1

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No link between paracetamol during pregnancy and autism: WHO 6:31

20h ago6:31

6:31

Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, Dr Colm Henry tells us more.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Charities Drop Ferguson, Iron Maiden Announce 2026 Tour, UK Network Overhaul Boosts Economy, British Rail Launches Disruption Videos, and more... 11:30

1d ago11:30

11:30

(0:10): Charities Cut Ties with Sarah Ferguson Over Controversial Epstein Email, Citing 'Reputational Risk' (2:59): Iron Maiden Announces Historic 2026 'Run For Your Lives' Tour with Massive Knebworth Festival (5:44): VodafoneThree Teams with Ericsson, Nokia in £11 Billion UK Network Overhaul, Promising Jobs and Economic Boost (8:04): British Rail …

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23rd September 2025 2:15:07

21h ago2:15:07

2:15:07

Trump links autism to Tylenol, parents bereaved by suicide & Animal attacks.

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Podcaster And Author Ciaran Murphy On His Decision To Take Up Hurling In His 40s 14:14

3d ago14:14

14:14

Second Captains co-host, Irish Times columnist and author, Ciaran Murphy, has published his second book ‘Old Parish: Notes on Hurling”. He tells the story of how despite being an avid Galway GAA fan – one of the few dual counties in Ireland – he had only ever played Gaelic football. So, in the lead up to his 42nd birthday, he decided to move to Co.…

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A History Of The Guinness Family 15:36

1d ago15:36

15:36

Ned Guinness, the Fourth Earl Of Iveagh and the head of Guinness family, is the author of Guinness: A Family Succession. He spoke to Matt about his motivations for writing about his family and the legacy and impact of projects like the Iveagh Trust. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.…

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Seeking justice 50 years on - Brendan Hayes whose father was killed in a loyalist bomb attack on Dublin Airport 11:53

1d ago11:53

11:53

On November 29th 1975, nearly 50 years ago, a Loyalist bomb attack hit Dublin Airport killing 38-year old Aer Lingus baggage handler John Hayes. The Hayes' family are continuing their fight for justice as nobody has ever been convicted. Brendan spoke to Cormac.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Presidential latest 7:30

1d ago7:30

7:30

Voters will have a maximun of four candidates to choose from when the country goes to the polls next month to decide the next President of Ireland. Our reporter Barry Lenihan has the latest.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Media Committee to bring social media companies before members to discuss disinformation surrounding candidates in the Presidential election 14:26

1d ago14:26

14:26

Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin has written to social media companies to demand action in response to “smears” posted about him online. To discuss this Fianna Fail TD Malcolm Byrne and Labour's Alan Kelly who are both members of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.…

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Congressman Richard Neal on amid tariffs, deportations, and a crackdown on free speech 16:46

1d ago16:46

16:46

US Congressman Richard Neal has been one of the most prominent American voices on Ireland, and the Good Friday Agreement, for many years. He has also been a congressman in the US for over three decades. He spoke to Sarah on how we maintain good relations between the US and Ireland at a time when relations between Europe and the US are at a low…

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A new primary school curriculum will be phased in from next year 14:42

1d ago14:42

14:42

It's the first major curriculum change in 26 years. It will see changes to health & sex education, earlier foreign languages and a greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. To discuss this Máirín Ní Chéileachair, Director of Education, Euality, Research and Learning with the INTO; Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College…

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The Last Word On Travel: Caminito Del Rey 6:58

1d ago6:58

6:58

The Caminito del Rey is a cliffside walk in Malaga, Spain with thrilling suspended walkways and spectacular views throughout. Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat all about it and to give her tips for anyone interested in making the trip. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!…

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Corbyn's Party Faces Chaos, Social Media Regulation Debate, UK Approves Gatwick Expansion, Lib Dems Seek Social Media Warnings, and more... 9:50

2d ago9:50

9:50

(0:10): Jeremy Corbyn's New Party Faces Leadership Turmoil Ahead of November Conference (1:53): Global Debate on Social Media Regulation Intensifies as Musk Faces Scrutiny for Online Conduct (3:38): UK Approves Gatwick's £2.2 Billion Second Runway Amid Environmental Concerns (5:43): Lib Dems Push for Social Media Health Warnings, Call for Stricter …

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Race to Áras an Uachtaráin 8:13

2d ago8:13

8:13

North East correspondent, Marc O'Driscoll and Political correspondent, Paul Cunningham, discuss the state of the presidential race.By RTÉ Radio 1