Best RTE Documentary Podcasts (2025)

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Back-to-school blues, Thackeray’s Irish tour, and Dev’s favourite transport 36:03

Play Pause

1d ago36:03

36:03

Ireland’s State Coach, the bittersweet first day of school, Thackeray’s travels in Ireland and young boys robbing orchards, with Jonathan White, Zoë Devlin, Enda Wyley, Lourdes Mackey, John MacKenna, Grace Wells and Tom ConatyBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Exam Jitters and Curtain Raisers 32:50

8d ago32:50

32:50

Leaving result anxiety, fox cubs by moonlight and meeting Mícheál MacLiammóir -- and a new poem from Paul Muldoon. With Denise Blake, Emma Prunty, Kathy Donaghy, Denis Tuohy, John MacKenna and Paul MuldoonBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Angels, Animals and Daughters of Memory 40:37

15d ago40:37

40:37

From the shores of West Kerry to Dublin city’s Georgian squares, to a Traveller man’s campfire – a special programme on Ireland’s treasure trove of shared heritage, marking National Heritage Week, with Eimear Ryan, Theo Dorgan, Colin Regan, Kathleen James-Chakraborty, Oein DeBharduin and Paula Meehan…

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Oasis, Owls and a Wildean Whodunnit 36:14

22d ago36:14

36:14

Marmalade sandwiches and illicit pints of Guinness, and the human tremors and reverberations of history from the Baltic Way to the atrocity of the atom bomb. With David Coughlan, Maeve Edwards, Joe Taylor, Denise Blake, Conor Hanratty and Mary O’DonnellBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Night Owls and Guardian Angels 36:40

29d ago36:40

36:40

Fairytales and boarding school blues, travelling light and a treasured sewing machine: a Miscellany archive dip with Michael Harding, Eugene McEldowney, Vona Groarke, the late Peter Jankowsky, Geraldine Mitchell, Kieran Fagan and the late Mary Russell, who died recentlyBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Dreaming in Green and Gold 33:59

1M ago33:59

33:59

All-Ireland football hopes from Kenmare to Killybegs, Leonard Cohen’s magical Lissadell concert, and more, with John Toal, Regina Devenney, John S Doyle, Tony Griffin, Noel King, Denise Blake and John CooneyBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Summer Cabin Sessions with Wifeswap 15:08

1M ago15:08

15:08

Send us a text Summer Cabin Sessions with great young live band who met in BIMM Music College, Dublin. Members hail from all over the country, including Tullamore. Influences range from The Velvet Underground to Johnny Marr. For Wifeswap, it's all about friendship and playing live.By Ann Marie Kelly

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Music, Romanticism & the Sublime- | The Lyric Feature 56:53

1M ago56:53

56:53

Part 3 - The romantic imagination - Michael Lee explores the rich imaginative idealism that informed so much music in the Romantic Era.By RTÉ lyric fm

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Hurling, Hitch-hiking and a Baby Elephant 34:46

1M ago34:46

34:46

Thumbing a lift, taming a feral cat, the story behind how Babs Keating became Tipperary’s “barefoot wonder” and a father’s love for Cork’s Na Piarsaigh, with Doireann Ní Bhriain, Joe Whelan, Cormac Murray, Theo Dorgan, Lani O’Hanlon and John AllenBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Stolen Sister: Bonus - Petition and Witness Accounts 37:30

2M ago37:30

37:30

Over the last seven weeks we have heard from many people who have had interactions with John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans. Up to twenty people have provided us with accounts of attempted abductions, sightings and various interactions with Shaw and Evans. In this episode, we bring you these accounts in full. An Garda Síochána have now appealed to anybody…

1
Stolen Sister: Bonus - Petition and Witness Accounts 37:30

2M ago37:30

37:30

Over the last seven weeks we have heard from many people who have had interactions with John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans. Up to twenty people have provided us with accounts of attempted abductions, sightings and various interactions with Shaw and Evans. In this episode, we bring you these accounts in full. An Garda Síochána have now appealed to anybody…

1
Music, Romanticism & the Sublime- | The Lyric Feature 57:23

2M ago57:23

57:23

Part 2 - Virtuosity and Poetry In this three-part series, Michael Lee explores the rich imaginative idealism that informed so much music in the Romantic Era.By RTÉ lyric fm

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Live Aid and Limpets 36:48

2M ago36:48

36:48

Hazy summer days from West Kerry to Beirut, and saluting the pioneering Yeats sisters, with Michael Hilliard Mulcahy, Eunan McKinney, Mae Leonard, Alexander McMaster, Angela Keogh, Mariam Tell and Vincent WoodsBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Stolen Sister: 07 - A Chance for Justice 31:22

2M ago31:22

31:22

As this series has been publishing, we’ve been contacted by many listeners, including about a dozen contacts from people who are new witnesses to events around Ireland in September 1976 - and who it appears could have been potential victims of John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans. Even after all these years, new information is still out there on Elizabeth’…

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Stolen Sister: 07 - A Chance for Justice 31:22

2M ago31:22

31:22

As this series has been publishing, we’ve been contacted by many listeners, including about a dozen contacts from people who are new witnesses to events around Ireland in September 1976 - and who it appears could have been potential victims of John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans. Even after all these years, new information is still out there on Elizabeth’…

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| The Lyric Feature Romanticism & the Sublime 56:42

2M ago56:42

56:42

In this three-part series, Michael Lee explores the rich imaginative idealism that informed so much music in the Romantic Era. Part 1 - The SublimeBy RTÉ lyric fm

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A New York State of Mind 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

Coat checks and cityscapes in New York City; preparing for a family wedding; and reflections on wearing wigs. With Gary Coyle, Neil Hegarty, Cathy Power, John Tuomey, Julie Feeny and Lauren GreenBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Stolen Sister: 06 - Irrelevant Victims 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

Having lived over 40 years with the loss of Elizabeth, the Plunkett family are taken aback when in 2023, they’re approached by the Parole Board. John Shaw is looking to get out of prison. Elizabeth’s family are invited to submit their views on his potential release. Can they stop him from getting freedom? This process unlocks a series of events whe…

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Stolen Sister: 06 - Irrelevant Victims 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

Having lived over 40 years with the loss of Elizabeth, the Plunkett family are taken aback when in 2023, they’re approached by the Parole Board. John Shaw is looking to get out of prison. Elizabeth’s family are invited to submit their views on his potential release. Can they stop him from getting freedom? This process unlocks a series of events whe…

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Recalling the layers | The Lyric Feature 46:28

2M ago46:28

46:28

Patricia Baker goes in search of the hidden history of a place behind a locked door in Dublin 8.By RTÉ lyric fm

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Ways of Seeing, Notions of Home 33:44

2M ago33:44

33:44

How we see ourselves, and others, and what constitutes home; a selection from the Belfast Books Festival in 2023 and 2004 with Wendy Erskine, John Toal, Neil Hegarty, Marie Howe and Paul McVeighBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Stolen Sister: 05 - The Trials 27:27

2M ago27:27

27:27

With the heartbreaking recovery of both Elizabeth and Mary’s remains, the investigation’s focus sharpens. The men, isolated in solitary confinement for months, are finally brought before the courts. But things take a strange twist when Shaw and Evans, once united in their actions, now turn on each other—each blaming the other for the murders. This …

1
Stolen Sister: 05 - The Trials 27:27

2M ago27:27

27:27

With the heartbreaking recovery of both Elizabeth and Mary’s remains, the investigation’s focus sharpens. The men, isolated in solitary confinement for months, are finally brought before the courts. But things take a strange twist when Shaw and Evans, once united in their actions, now turn on each other—each blaming the other for the murders. This …

1
Wild | The Lyric Feature 58:25

2M ago58:25

58:25

'Wild' tells the story of Ireland's landscapes and its wildlife across past, present and future, exploring the ever changing relationship between people and nature through time.By RTÉ lyric fm

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Travelling West, Travelling East 38:59

2M ago38:59

38:59

The mud of Glastonbury and the elegance of the Monet garden, a St John’s Eve bonfire and the bravery of Irishman Graham Dale, with Conall Hamill, Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha, John Toal, Maeve Edwards, Joe Rooney and Antonia Gunko KarelinaBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Stolen Sister: 04 - Confessions 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

With the nation on high alert, two Gardaí in Galway spot and arrest Ireland’s two most wanted men. Quickly brought in for questioning, Shaw and Evans find themselves at the center of a desperate investigation. Gardaí believe Mary Duffy could still be alive, and now they need the suspects to tell them where Mary and Elizabeth are. As the interrogati…

1
Stolen Sister: 04 - Confessions 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

With the nation on high alert, two Gardaí in Galway spot and arrest Ireland’s two most wanted men. Quickly brought in for questioning, Shaw and Evans find themselves at the center of a desperate investigation. Gardaí believe Mary Duffy could still be alive, and now they need the suspects to tell them where Mary and Elizabeth are. As the interrogati…

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A Dream of Foreign Lands | The Lyric Feature 49:43

3M ago49:43

49:43

A Dream of Foreign Lands commemorates the 40th anniversary of Rum Sodomy & The Lash, the groundbreaking album by The Pogues. Featuring exclusive contributions from James Fearnley and Jem Finer of the band, as well as Shane's sister Siobhan MacGowan, the programme delves into the album's enduring creative and cultural significance.…

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Fathers, a Faith Healer and a Missing Football 34:57

3M ago34:57

34:57

Solstice meditations, a Sydney nightwalk and a visit to Joyce’s Nighttown, with Colin Regan, Kieran FitzGerald, Grace Wells, Fran O’Rourke, Katrina Bruna and Christian O’ReillyBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Stolen Sister: 03 - On the Hunt 26:59

3M ago26:59

26:59

As suspicions grow around two Englishmen roaming freely around Ireland, Gardaí issue a nationwide alert for their capture. But no one knows these men have already hatched a chilling plan: to abduct, rape, and murder one woman every week. The only question now is can they be stopped before they kill again? If you have any information or knowledge ab…

1
Stolen Sister: 03 - On the Hunt 26:59

3M ago26:59

26:59

As suspicions grow around two Englishmen roaming freely around Ireland, Gardaí issue a nationwide alert for their capture. But no one knows these men have already hatched a chilling plan: to abduct, rape, and murder one woman every week. The only question now is can they be stopped before they kill again? If you have any information or knowledge ab…

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The Ballad of the Stolwijk Rescue | The Lyric Feature 45:25

3M ago45:25

45:25

Ye Vagabonds Brían Mac Gloinn tells the story in word and song of the rescue of 18 Dutch sailors off Arranmore Island in December 1940. Written, presented and performed by Brían Mac Gloinn. Produced by Brían Mac Gloinn & Eoin O KellyBy RTÉ lyric fm

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Sunflowers, Spirit Animals and Ziggy Stardust 32:00

3M ago32:00

32:00

Live from the Belfast Book Festival 2024, at the Crescent Arts Centre, with Ways of Seeing. Writers: Jan Carson, Lucy Caldwell, Glenn Patterson, Emily Byers-Ferrian and Maria McManus, with music from Scott Flanigan, Sinéad McKenna & Micky Fearon and TrúBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Summer Cabin Sessions with Barry J Walsh 39:31

3M ago39:31

39:31

Send us a text Barry J Walsh travels with family in tow to perform 2 beautiful tracks for the Roadhouse Cafe. Barry talks about his love for music and songwriting.By Ann Marie Kelly

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Stolen Sister: 02 - Missing 26:54

3M ago26:54

26:54

On Saturday, August 28th, 1976, Elizabeth Plunkett walked out of a pub in Brittas Bay - and vanished without a trace. Over the following week, her distraught family and friends launched a frantic search, desperate for any sign of her. Though they didn’t find Elizabeth, a series of puzzling clues began to emerge. And at the same time, two suspicious…

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Stolen Sister: 02 - Missing 26:54

3M ago26:54

26:54

On Saturday, August 28th, 1976, Elizabeth Plunkett walked out of a pub in Brittas Bay - and vanished without a trace. Over the following week, her distraught family and friends launched a frantic search, desperate for any sign of her. Though they didn’t find Elizabeth, a series of puzzling clues began to emerge. And at the same time, two suspicious…

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Summer Cabin Session with Peter Doran 18:28

3M ago18:28

18:28

Send us a text Peter Doran is my special guest on my Summer Cabin Sessions first broadcast on the Roadhouse Cafe on Midlands 103. The Westmeath singer tells us about his home built studio, plays tracks and chats about his new album.By Ann Marie Kelly

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Summer Cabin Sessions with Dave Clancy 16:24

3M ago16:24

16:24

Send us a text Intimate Summer Cabin Session featuring singer Dave Clancy who opens up about a deep felt loss and sings a beautiful Christy Moore song especially for his 80th birthday.By Ann Marie Kelly

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Summer Cabin Sessions with Dubh Lee 15:51

3M ago15:51

15:51

Send us a text Tullamore artist Dubh Lee on the release of her new song My Poor Boy. Interview and SessionBy Ann Marie Kelly

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Summer Cabin Session with Pete Holidai 23:23

3M ago23:23

23:23

Send us a text SUMMER CABIN SESSIONS with Pete Holidai. The former Radiators from Space member and Trouble Pilgrims singer talking about his new album Electric Jukebox Vol 1, & the first time he saw The Beatles and TRex.By Ann Marie Kelly

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The Naked Soul of Man | The Lyric Feature 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

A story of music, leadership and resilience on Shackleton's Endurance Expedition.By RTÉ lyric fm

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Glorious Boglands and Glory Days 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

Exam jitters and poetry grinds for teenagers, the heyday of the Irish Press newspaper, and silage-making with a reluctant farm horse, with Alexander McMaster, Denis McClean, Rachael Hegarty, Lani O’Hanlon, Leo Cullen and Catherine FoleyBy RTÉ Radio 1

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Stolen Sister: 01 - Elizabeth 27:59

3M ago27:59

27:59

The summer of 1976 brought an extraordinary three-month heatwave to Ireland. 23yr old Elizabeth Plunkett had just fallen in love and been on holiday to France. On the last weekend in August, Elizabeth headed for an overnight getaway with friends to the beach resort of Brittas Bay to mark the end of that summer. No one could have imagined what happe…