The Claire Byrne Show
Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life. This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today. Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered. From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you.
Episodes
Irish authors are set to share a €1.3 billion euro settlement from Anthropic AI.
As Hundreds of Irish writers are set to share in AI settlement worth €1.3 billion, Crime Author Sam Blake and Author of Penelope Unbound Mary Morrissy spoke to the Claire Byrne Show about the case.
An update on wildfires on France and Spain
More than 250,000 people have been evacuated in France, while more than 116,000 people in Spain have had to leave their homes due to wildfires. Ciara Doherty was joined by Elaine Cobb, Paris Based Journalist , and by Cliodhna O'Flynn, Journalist and broadcaster in Spain to get the latest on the fires.
The History of Horse Racing in Ireland
Frances Nolan from the UCD School of History and author of National Hunt and Point-to-Point Racing in Ireland joined the Claire Byrne Show to discuss the history of horse racing in Ireland and how far back it goes in our culture.
Mayo are finally All Ireland Champions
Mayo have ended their 75-year wait and were finally crowned All-Ireland Champions after beating reigning champions Kerry on a scoreline of 1-17 to 1-20 in Croke Park yesterday. On the show, Ciara Doherty was joined by beloved fans reacting to the historic news, including Former Mayo Player, Austin O'Malley, Viral Fan Shane Fitzgerald, and Mayo man Louis Walsh aswell as Newstalk's Own Henry McKea
Why you should consider Cavan, Leitrim and Roscommon for a staycation
Eadaoin Fitzmaurice, Travel Content Creator, joined Ciara Doherty to discuss some of Ireland's lesser-known staycation destinations.
Claire Byrne Recommends: Never Have I Ever
Here’s the latest episode of Never Have I Ever, the podcast series in which I admit to the things I’ve never done. This week, I travelled to my home county of Laois to meet solicitor and Forest Fest founder, Philip Meagher. Search for ‘Never Have I Ever’ wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow or subscribe, so you never miss an episode. New podcasts drop eve
The Debrief
Welcome to The Debrief, where we look back on some of the biggest stories of the week. Joining Ciara this morning was Columnist Brenda Power, Editor with The Currency, Thomas Hubert and Writer for the Irish Independent, Saoirse Hanley,
Italian conman jailed after ancient amphitheatre scam
An Italian man has been jailed for scamming tourists with a fake ‘ancient’ amphitheatre in North-Eastern Italy. We the details of the scam was Josephine McKenna, Freelance Journalist based in Italy.
Concerns around youth footballers on tours
A video circulated online yesterday of a fight between two England under 16 players while they were on international duty in Turkey in 2025. The footage quickly went viral, with many raising concerns over the safeguarding of children in these situations. Speaking to Ciara was Former Irish International, Keith Tracey.
A look ahead to the weekend of sport
To look ahead to the weekend's action of sport, Ciara was joined in studio by Colm Boohig from Off The Ball.
Orcas display new ‘hold-and-ram' tactic
Orcas off the coast of California were seen working in a pair to smash two sunfish into pieces. The behaviour, described as a ‘hold-and-ram’ tactic. Ken O’Sullivan, Documentary Maker and Ocean Conservationist explains this behaviour.
How easy is it to buy counterfeit goods in Ireland?
We wanted to find out how widespread counterfeit goods in general are here in Ireland. We sent our own reporter Sarah Madden to the task of finding as many fakes as she could in just one day.
The excitement is building in Mayo
Sunday's All Ireland Senior Football Final between Mayo and Kerry is beginning to reach a climax. But who will bring home Sam? Henry McKean travelled to Mayo trying to end their 75 year wait for an All Ireland and visited the parish of Crossmolina GAA Club.
Childcare fee review on the way
Every local authority in the country will compare fees charged by creches with the amounts parents were billed five years ago. The idea is to find childcare providers who haven't frozen their fees at 2021 levels for more Government funding. To discuss this further with Ciara was the Founder and CEO of Tigers Childcare Karen&nbs
What is trending online this week?
Michaela Hayes, Presenter with Spin 1038 joined Ciara to go through what is trending online this week.
Wildfires in Tipperary and across Europe
Fire crews are continuing to tackle major wildfire on Slievenamon. The blaze has been ongoing since Monday with at least 700 hectares of land burned up to yesterday. We get the latest on the situation there with Richie Molloy, Independent Councillor with Tipperary County council. Freelance journalist in Spain Graham Keeley updates us from Spain where they have declar
No changes to inheritance tax for people with no children.
It is unlikely that there will be changes to inheritance tax for people with no children. Taoiseach Micheál Martin had implied he would like to address the issue. But advice now is that it would be too expensive for the exchequer. Is this fair? Ciara got reaction to this with Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin Barra Roantree and End Discrimination In I
The Cost of Rebuilding Gaza
Oxfam, alongside Palestinian organisations, have released a report detailing the blueprint for Gaza’s recovery. The report estimates Gaza’s reconstruction will cost 71 billion dollars; seven times all of Gaza’s previous rebuilds combined. Jim Clarken, CEO of Oxfam Ireland joined Ciara to discuss the report findings.
Is your grass dead or just taking a nap?
If you’ve looked out the back window this week and thought your lawn is dead. There is good news it’s probably just having a nap. Grass has evolved over millions of years to survive dry spells, and during a hosepipe ban, it might actually be smarter than we are. To tell us more was Phil Smyth - Physicist, Engineer and Broadcaster and find him at 'Phil Of Science'.All with than
Terrorism Trial for stabbing of Salman Rushdie begins
The terrorism trial on the stabbing of Salman Rushdie begins today. His assailant, Hadi Matar, has already been convicted for the attempted murder. Matar is now being probed on his motivations for the attack. We get the latest on the trial with US based journalist Sara Firth.
Can holding hands resolve conflict?
Holding hands and kissing can help to reduce tension and conflict, a new study reveals. We ask how can physical touch help us navigate social situations? To discuss all was Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.
Could the criminal legal aid system crumble in Ireland?
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan is to meet with the Law Society following a threat of action by civil legal aid solicitors. We get reaction to this with Cathy McDarby a solicitor at McDarby & Co.
A wildfire continues to spread in Co Tipperary
A wildfire continues to spread in Co Tipperary as we face the latest consequence of the ongoing heatwave. Fire services are engaging with residents in the area as a precautionary measure. To give us the latest from the region, Ciara spoke to Tipperary Labour Councillor, Michael Brennan.
Who will bring home Sam this weekend?
Sunday's All Ireland Senior Football Final between Kerry and Mayo is beginning to reach a climax. But who will bring home Sam? Henry McKean travelled to Kerry and visited the parish of Na Gaeil GAA Club in Tralee.
All you need to know about travel insurance
Travel insurance, do enough of us get it and what can it really be used for? Here to answer listeners questions is MD of Multitrip.com Jason Whelan.
The US has attacked Iran for a 12th consecutive night
The US has attacked Iran for a 12th consecutive night. Donald Trump said they aren't finished yet, saying they'll destroy a bridge or a power plant for every US ship targeted . For the latest on this Ciara spoke Ed Burke, Assistant Professor in the History of War since 1945 in UCD and author, and Cormac McGarry, Director for Maritime Security at
Fashion designer JW Anderson is bringing Dior to Dublin
Dior is coming to Ireland for its pre-fall show in December. Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson is at the helm of Dior. He has said to be “so excited and so proud” to bring the show home.We get reaction to this big new in the fashion industry with Ashley McDonnell, CEO of Vykogroup and founder of Irish fashion week.
Minister for Justice stands firm in dispute with solicitors
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan joined Ciara in studio this morning. Up for discussion was the criminal legal aid system dispute, Ireland's migration policy and the ongoing issue of e-scooters.
Inside the horrifying online 764 network
We often hear of the dangers of social media for our children. But there’s a growing online ecosystem called the 764 network that we really need to be more aware of. It is an online network where children extort others to commit violence and self-harm. Ariel Bogle, Journalist with The Guardian Australia has been tracking this and explained to Ciara what she found.
Holly Willoughby makes her comeback on Youtube TV
Holly Willoughby is making her way back to our screens for the first time in almost three years. But it will be a bit different. Launching her comeback on her own terms, she's swapping the mainstream for Youtube. We get the details with Bethany Minelle, Sky Arts and Entertainment Reporter.
What Made Me: Brent Pope
Joining Ciara in studio this morning was rugby pundit and mental health advocate Brent Pope for this week's 'What Made Me'.
Wreckage of Pan Am plane found after 74 years
The wreckage of a Pan Am plane has been found 74 years after it crash landed. The Clipper Endeavor went down off the coast of Puerto Rico in 1952, killing 52 of the 69 people on board. We got the details of the discovery with Craig Wallace, Co-owner and Founder of the company Deep Sea Vision.
Ireland's latest advancements in the battle against obesity
Ciara was joined in studio by Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at Auralia Hospital in Dublin,. Dr Loy discussed the latest advancements in the battle against obesity here in Ireland.
Counterfeit football shirts pose huge fire risks
Fake football jerseys bought online are being seized because of the fire risk they pose. They are apparently far more flammable and dangerous than the genuine articles. To explain this further was Helen Barnham, Head of Enforcement Outreach at the Intellectual Property Office in the UK.
A day in life of our beach lifeguards
Ireland is having the hottest summer on record. Irish lifeguards are flat out keeping our fun in the sun safe and sound. What is a day in the life like for Ireland’s Bay watchers? We sent Sarah Madden beach hopping to find out.
The solicitors row rumbles on
All criminal defence solicitors are withdrawing their services in the District Court, Circuit Court and the Central Criminal Court today and tomorrow. Joining Ciara this morning to discuss further with Yvonne Daly Professor of Criminal Law and Evidence, DCU and Eoghan O Sullivan, partner and Criminal Defence Solicitor with Powderly Solicitor.
Do women get the alone time they need?
Research shows that women need two hours and fifteen minutes of ‘me-time’ daily to rest and recharge. The question is, do they manage to achieve this? To discuss was Psychotherapist and Author Iseult White and Newstalk’s Tara Duggan.
Making the most of your pension
Putting money away every month in a pension feels like we’re doing the right thing. But are we saving enough, and are we making the most of what we have? We discuss all things pensions with Cian Carolan, Managing Director of DNG Financial Services.
What is at cabinet today?
The Government will publish details of the Summer Economic Statement later today. This will set out how much money the Coalition will have for tax cuts in the Budget in October. Newstalk’s political correspondent Sean Defoe explains what we can look ahead to.
Should obese children be given weight loss injections?
Should children be given access to weight loss injections if they're obese? In her latest column in the Daily Mail, Brenda Power suggests that we need to focus more on giving the youth healthy food, rather than jabs. Ciara discusses this further with Brenda and also Obesity Specialist, Professor Donal O'Shea.
Baker Alice Kelly on her new book 'From Scratch'
Ciara was joined in studio by the From Scratch Baker, Alice Kelly, ahead of the release of her debut book this week.
Queuing at passport control could be no more!
Queuing at passport control could soon be a thing of the past. New technology being trialed in Dubai would mean you can walk seamlessly through immigration without having to show a passport or boarding pass. To explain the detail was Travel Correspondent at The Telegraph Simon Calder.
Tips and advice on changing career
New figures released by online job search company Indeed has revealed that three quarters of people dream of changing careers. If you are one of them, what do you need to consider before taking the plunge, and what steps should you take to make it a reality? With advice on all this was Managing Director of Careers Portal, Peter Cosgrove.
Living in emergency accommodation with kids
Focus Ireland has launched the Shine A Light sleep out campaign. It calls for participants to ensure no child is without a home as more than 5,580 children spend summer living in emergency accommodation. Speaking to Ciara was Callie Culligan who is a mother of three who lived in emergency accommodation. Also Dr Ger Scanlon, Psychologist and Academic
Paramount Skydance ordered to pause Warner Bros acquisition
A judge has ordered a pause on the takeover of Warner Brothers by Paramount Skydance. This acquisition is reported to be worth €96bn and would have a dramatic impact on the entertainment landscape. With more details on this was Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.
Should we kick the bucket list?
Is it time to kick the bucket list? One person who thinks so is Columnist with the Irish Examiner Chairman, Communications Clinic Terry Prone. Terry explained why to joined Ciara this morning.
Should part-time working young people contribute to the house?
If your children are earning money from a part-time job. Should they contribute to household costs?Journalist with the Irish Times Jen Hogan has been looking into this.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris joined Ciara in studio. All lot to discuss including e scooters, budget 2027, legal aid dispute and the EU Presidency.
The etiquette around ev charging
DoneDeal Cars is reminding the public to mind their charging etiquette. This comes as growing EV numbers are putting pressure on a public charging network that is still expanding. Speaking to Ciara was Paddy Comyn, Head of Automotive Content and Communications, DoneDeal Cars.
Should cyclists be forced to wear hi-vis vests and helmets?
The Government is ‘considering’ forcing cyclists to put registration plates on bicycles and wear high-visibility vests and helmets as part of a major road safety clampdown. We get reaction to this with Martina Callanan, spokesperson for Irish cycling campaign.
Gardaí forced to flag down taxi after being assaulted
A lack of support for Gardai has been highlighted, after two members of the force were assaulted in Dublin City Centre in the early hours of Monday morning. Where they also had their equipment stolen, and were forced to flag down a taxi as no patrol car was available. To share their thoughts on what happened, Ciara spoke to President of the Ga
Dressing for wedding season
Dressing for weddings never get easier. So how do you do it without spending a fortune, and still feel like yourself? With tips and advice was Aoife Dunican, also known as the Stylebob.
Summer Food Series: Sides
All summer we are celebrating Irish food producers and all the gorgeous grub this island has to offer. Ciara was joined on the show by three producers of delicious accompaniments. Siobhan Lawless from Foods of Athenry, Hilary McGrath from ‘A Bit on the Side’ and Maebh O’Malley from Achill Sea Salt,
Winnie The Pooh turns 100 this year
Winnie The Pooh turns 100 years old this year, with first being published back in October 1926. So what is it about these characters that have kept them relevant for a century? And how much have they influenced literature, and our lives, since then? Former Irish Children's Laureate, and Irish Children's Author, Patricia Forde takes a look back on these iconic characters.
A look back on an exciting weekend of sporting action
We take a look back on a exciting weekend of sporting action with Colm Boohig from Off The Ball.With thanks to Visa.
Tips on using and cleaning your airfryer
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has launched an information campaign on how to use your airfryer properly. They report that incidents with airfryers do occur, and 44% of people don't actually clean their airfryers every day. Which could be leading to some of these these issues.
Warning over replacing prescription medicines with social media trends
Misinformation is one of the biggest threats facing healthcare today. So say community pharmacists . Ciara discusses this further with Sheena Mitchell, the owner of Milltown Pharmacy and member of the Vital Pharmacy Group.
Andy Burnham will become UK Prime Minister later today
Labour Leader Andy Burnham will become UK Prime Minister later today. The 7th Prime Minister in 10 years. Speaking to Ciara to discuss further was Mark Paul, London Correspondent for The Irish Times
Ed Finn checked into Trinity College Dublin
For our travel slot today, Ed Finn didn't even have to leave Dublin to discover one of the country's most unique travel experiences. Ed recently checked into Trinity College Dublin and he told us all about it.
Canadian Minister on Ireland-Canada relations
Ciara was joined in studio by the Minister for Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages, the Honourable Marc Miller, from Montreal. He is visiting Ireland as part of an initiative to foster and encourage relations between Canada and Ireland.
Should e-scooters face an outright ban?
Coalition party leaders meet today to discuss whether an outright ban on e-scooters should be implemented. Labour Spokesperson on Health and Dublin Central TD Marie Sherlock believes such a ban would be a ‘cop out.’ Marie explained why to Ciara this morning.
Did the World Cup half time show deliver?
The standard 15 minute World Cup final interval was extended to just under half an hour. As Shakira, Coldplay, Justin Bieber, and the Muppets were crammed onto our screens. So was this the sensational celebration it promised to be? To discuss was Senior Sportswriter with The 42, Gavan Casey and Broadcaster and Entertainment Journalist, Sarina Bellisimo.
Claire Byrne Recommends: Never Have I Ever
Here’s the latest episode of Never Have I Ever, the podcast series in which I admit to the things I’ve never done. This week, I challenged myself to imagine a hospital operating theatre in the company of self-described “Surgeon, Baker, Irish Dance Teacher,” Jennifer Billington. Search for ‘Never Have I Ever’ wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow o
The Debrief
Welcome to The Debrief, where we look back on some of the biggest stories of the week. Joining Claire in studio was Political Editor of the Journal, Christina Finn, Independent Economist, David W Higgins and Deputy Political Editor of the Irish Examiner, Paul Hosford.
Burnham becomes UK Prime Minister on Monday
Andy Burnham officially becomes the Leader of the UK Labour party today at midday, and will take his place in 10 Downing Street on Monday. What could his cabinet look like, and he is he up for the job? Claire discuss this and more with George Parker, Political Editor with the Financial Times.
Reviews are out for Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster
Reviews are out for Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster, The Odyssey, and they are overwhelmingly positive. Film Reviewer, Cara O'Doherty joined Claire on the show to discuss the film which releases in Cinemas today.
Are women actually better at multitasking?
I’m sure most of us have heard at some point in our lives that women are better at multitasking than men. New research shows that this might not be the case. Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin Leslie Shoemaker explains all.
A guide to Ireland’s jellyfish
A kayaker has spotted a huge swarm of jellyfish off the coast of Waterford, near Helvick Head. His kayak was surrounded by thousands of the creatures, which he estimates reached “20 or 30 metres in every direction.” Why are there so many jellyfish? Joining Claire to tell us more was Ken O’Sullivan, Documentary Maker and Ocean Co
A look ahead to a very busy weekend of sport
To look ahead to all the weekend sporting action, Claire was joined by Off The Ball's Colm Boohig.Also because it's All Ireland Hurling Final weekend we heard from All Ireland winner and former GAA President Nickey Brennan.With thanks to Visa.
Calls for energy drinks to be banned
Energy drinks will be banned from being sold to those under 16 in England from April next year. Is it time we follow suit here? Claire asked Dr Heather Cronin, Consultant Cardiologist in Cork.
Who will bring the Liam MacCarthy Cup home?
We are just two days out from Sunday's All Ireland Senior Hurling Final between Limerick and Galway. But who will bring the Liam MacCarthy Cup home? After his trip to Galway yesterday, Henry McKean travelled to Limerick and went to Na Piarsaigh GAA Club and sent this report.
What is trending online this week?
Broadcaster Ciaran Halpin joined Claire in studio to talk through what is trending in your algorithm this week.
President Zelenskyy sacks Defence Minister
Thousands have been protesting in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. These protests come after President Voldomyr Zelenskyy’s sacked the country’s popular Defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. Could this be the first real test for Zelenskyy's presidency? Claire askes Emmanuelle Chaze is Ukraine Correspondent for France 24. Also speaking to Claire was Donnacha O'Beacháin, Professor of P
Young drivers take risks on the road due to pressure
A new study shows that young drivers are behaving more dangerously due to the pressure of other road users, and because of social media. According to the research, nearly 70% of young drivers feel the need to take risks on the road due to pressure. To discuss this further with Claire was Dr Conor McCloskey, who is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in Ps
Going Green: Sustainable fashion
When it comes to summer, we are all under pressure to look and feel our best. It can be something we all struggle with, especially when we’re in the midst of a heatwave. What should we be wearing at the moment, and how can we keep it all affordable? With advice was Miriam Keegan, Sustainable fashion expert and founder of Sew Sustainable.
Are cold plunges actually good for you?
We hear a lot about the benefits of cold plunges, that they improve mood, increase immunity and reduce inflammation. But some scientists now doubt just how beneficial dunking your body in ice cold water really is. Claire discusses this further with Professor Mike Tipton, an Expert in Human Physiology at
Occupied Territories Bill passes its final stages
A final attempt to include services in the Occupied Territories Bill has failed in the Seanad. The Bill passed its final stages last night. It is expected to be signed into law by President Catherine Connolly within weeks. Discussing this further with Claire was Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer from University of Galway and Columnist with The Journal and Paul Murphy, People B
Should disposable barbecues be banned during a wildfire warning?
The Department of Enterprise has asked retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues in the dry weather. The request comes amidst a Status Orange wildfire warning following a wildfire at Killarney National Park, said to be caused by the “reckless use of disposable barbecues.” Should disposable barbecues be banned during a wildfire warning? To dis
Up to 500 jobs are at risk at Aer Lingus
Up to 500 jobs are at risk at Aer Lingus. The company is set to cut three long-haul and four short-haul flights from its schedule as part of its restructuring plan. For more on this, Claire spoke to Barry O'Halloran, senior business reporter at the Irish Times.
The Dáil awards!
With the Dáil going into recess today, it’s time to take a look back at the year, and hand out our Dáil awards! To announce with winners and losers were Irish Independent Political Reporter Aisling Moloney and Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent.
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