This is a subscriber-only article
1 Tommy, Hector and Laurita
This podcast, featuring pals Tommy Tiernan, Hector Ó hEochagáin and Laurita Blewitt, began during lockdown in 2020 and is described as, ‘unpredictable and funny, carefree and intimate’. Pure conversation, the premise is simple – the three of them sit around the table in a shed at the bottom of a garden in the West of Ireland and just chat.
2 The Group Chat
Watching the news has become harrowing over the last few months, which may explain why so many people are getting the facts from podcasts. And what better way to get the stories behind the headlines than from three professional news reporters who are also good friends? The Group Chat is a weekly podcast from Virgin Media News where Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers discuss the latest and breaking news.
3 My Therapist Ghosted Me
You can’t mention popular Irish podcasts without referencing the juggernaut that is My Therapist Ghosted Me, hosted by Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally. The south Dublin women struck a chord with (predominantly) female listeners during the pandemic and their audience has swelled so much that they are now selling out massive arenas for their live shows around the world. Love them or loathe them, they’re at the top of the heap right now.
4 Jenny and Máiréad Now
Do you remember The Ray D’Arcy Show on Today FM many years ago? If so, you’ll probably recall the close bond between two members of the production team — Jenny Kelly (now Ray’s wife) and Máiréad Farrell (now Máiréad Ronan). The two are still best friends and started a podcast in January 2023 where they reminisce about the old days while sharing funny stories and advice on embracing menopause, middle age, teenage children and anything else on their minds.
5 Young Hot Guys
During Covid-19, a cohort of very funny Irish comedians found their niche and rose to social media stardom. Now, three of them have joined forces for a new podcast, which is still in its infancy. Young Hot Guys showcases the personalities of Killian Sundermann, Tony Cantwell and Shane Daniel Byrne and if it’s half as funny as their video skits, we’re in for a treat.
6 I’m Grand, Mam
First created in 2019, this podcast follows two lads, originally from Cork, now living in London. Each week, they have a cuppa and catch up, exploring the collective life landmarks that accompany growing up gay in the world today. Such is the popularity of the podcast that the guys have now released The I’m Grand Mamual — a hilarious and heart-warming tribute to their own mams and Irish mammies everywhere.
7 Crime World
Crime World, with Nicola Tallant, is an Irish podcast about criminals, drugs and the sins of the underworld. Each episode delves into the real stories, and people, behind the grisly headlines. Episodes range from 15 minutes in length to an hour and a half and if you are fascinated by the Irish criminal landscape, you’ll love this series.
8 The Good Glow Podcast
Inspired by her own journey through breast cancer following the birth of her daughter, Georgie Crawford created The Good Glow in 2018 so that people could tell their life stories in a safe space, raw and unfiltered. Wanting to change people’s perspectives and with an emphasis on wellbeing, Georgie has since interviewed hundreds of people and started a sister podcast called The Good Glow Health.
9 The Black & Irish Podcast
This podcast documents the lived experiences of black and mixed-race people living in Ireland through conversations about culture, society and family. It takes an in-depth look at the opportunities and challenges faced by minority groups in a country that is becoming increasingly diverse yet still struggles with cultural awareness and black Irish identity.
10 The Blindboy Podcast
Described as ‘an eclectic podcast containing short fiction, interviews and comedy’, it’s safe to say that David Chambers’ - aka Blindboy Boatclub’s - series is much more than that. Combining his outspoken yet empathetic nature with the storytelling techniques of a well-worn seanchaÃ, Blindboy effortlessly delivers content that continues to keep his millions of listeners captivated.
11 The Laughs of your Life
Doireann Garrihy has entertained her legions of listeners with this excellent premise where she asks her guests from all walks of life to share their highs and lows through the lens of laughter. From first memories of laughter to being laughed at, to “if I didn’t laugh, I’d cry†moments, these markers make for hilarious and emotional interviews, bringing out the best in some of Ireland’s most influential people.
12 Basically… by Stephanie Preissner
The premise of this show is to make sense of the news stories happening right now. Host, author and screenwriter Stefanie Preissner asks, ‘What’s the story with…..?’ and interviews an expert in that field to help her. Listeners come away with a greater understanding of the world around us. Past guests include immunologist Luke O’Neill, Minister for Finance Paschal O’Donohoe and broadcaster Ryan Tubridy.
13 Catch Up with Louise McSharry
For a broad and entertaining look at the events of the week, be sure to tune in to Catch Up with Louise McSharry. Armed with recommendations for music, books, telly and the rest, Louise takes you through what’s happening with the help of experts and relevant guests. Low brow, high brow and everything in between - nothing is off the table.
14 Grief Encounters
It’s something we all experience yet strangely remains a topic that many of us would rather ignore until we come face-to-face with it. This is a weekly podcast series that looks at the universal issue that remains so difficult to talk about: grief. Discussing everything from infertility and miscarriage to dementia, suicide and addiction, hosts Venetia Quick and Sasha Hamrogue open up the conversation around loss and create a modern platform for people to share their experiences around the subject of death and all that comes with it.
15 The Irish History Podcast
If you’re a fan of Irish history, or just want to learn more about it in an interesting and accessible way, this podcast is for you. Presenting history as you’ve never heard it before, from the War of Independence to the struggle to survive during the Great Famine, Fin Dwyer transports you back to the key moments in our past to help us understand more of what our ancestors lived through.
Don’t forget, the Irish Farmers Journal has a fantastic range of podcasts dealing with farming and rural life in Ireland. Tune in to The Good Room, Farm Tech Talk, Farming News, The Tillage Podcast, Young Stock Podcast and more. You can catch up on all these wherever you get your podcasts.
SHARING OPTIONS: