The Ireland Podcast
The Ireland Podcast is a long-form interview series that creates space for unhurried conversation about life on the island of Ireland and beyond. Hosted by Fender Jackson and produced by Salthill Media, each episode features a single guest, allowing time for reflection, context, and experience to emerge naturally. Guests include artists, musicians, writers, athletes, broadcasters, historians, and cultural figures whose work offers insight into place, memory, and lived experience. The podcast has no political or religious agenda, instead existing as a space for careful dialogue where complexity is allowed and difference is approached with curiosity.
Episodes
252. Bernard Fowler: Singing for Philip Glass - and Facing Paul Simon
What happens when a young singer walks into a recording studio to work with Philip Glass, having never met the composer, heard the music or even seen the lyrics?In 1986, Bernard Fowler was invited to record Changing Opinion for Philip Glass's landmark album Songs from Liquid Days, with lyrics written by Paul Simon.Fowler recalls arriving at the studio terrified, repeating a rather colourful ma
251. Jonathan Kemp: The Final Steps of a 292-Day Walk
After 292 days on the road, Jonathan Kemp reaches Galway, bringing his extraordinary Finding Peace of Mind Walk to an end.On Sunday 18 October 2026, Fender Jackson joins his old friend for the final stretch along Galway's Long Walk towards the Spanish Arch, recording their conversation as Jonathan completes a journey that began in Shetland on New Year's Day.It's an unscripted, sometime
250. Alan Shatter: Gaza, Antisemitism & Ireland’s Israel Divide | Part 2
In Part 2 of this extended conversation, former Irish Minister for Justice Alan Shatter continues his discussion with Fender Jackson about Israel, Gaza, antisemitism and Ireland's relationship with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.The conversation explores Shatter's perspective on the war in Gaza, the distinction between criticism of Israel and antisemitism, and the increasingly polarised
249. Drumcree: Why We Said No | Breandán Mac Cionnaith
On Sunday, 11 October 2026, Fender Jackson visited Garvaghy Road following the end of the latest Drumcree standoff. The road was completely quiet. Then, by chance, he met Breandán Mac Cionnaith of the Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition. In this spontaneous walking interview, Mac Cionnaith explains why residents opposed the proposed Orange Order parade, discusses the human cost of the Drumcree disp
248. When Is It Depression? | Dr Susan Brannick, Aware
What is the difference between feeling low and clinical depression? When does an inner critic become destructive? How do psychologists arrive at a diagnosis? And what does good mental health treatment actually look like? In this conversation with Fender Jackson, Dr Brannick discusses depression, rumination and self-criticism, behavioural activation, diagnosis, bipolar disorder, the role - and limi
247. Alan Shatter: October 7, Gaza & Israel | Part 1
Alan Shatter is a former Irish Minister for Justice and Defence, former Fine Gael TD, solicitor and author.In Part 1 of this extended conversation with Fender Jackson, Shatter reflects on growing up Jewish in Dublin and how his experience of being Jewish in Ireland has changed over the course of his life.He gives his personal account of waking to news of the Hamas attacks on October 7, discusses t
246. Divorce, Healing & Starting Again | Quinn (Mend & Move On)
Quinn is the creator behind Mend & Move On, an online community of almost 600,000 people built around hope, healing and starting again.In this walking conversation at the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles in County Tyrone, Quinn speaks about the breakdown of his marriage, the difficult months that followed and how sharing a few simple words of encouragement online developed into a worldwide comm
245. Understanding Drumcree: John Manley
Why has the Drumcree dispute returned after almost three decades?John Manley, political correspondent with The Irish News, explains the history of the Orange Order parade, opposition from Garvaghy Road residents, the major stand-offs of the 1990s and the recent legal challenge involving the Parades Commission.Fender and John also discuss the competing rights at the centre of the dispute, the invol
244. Stephen Averill: The Art Behind U2 & Ireland’s Iconic Album Covers
Stephen Averill has spent nearly five decades shaping how some of Ireland’s most important music looks.From his beginnings with The Radiators From Space to a remarkable creative relationship with U2 spanning Boy, War, The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby and beyond, Stephen has helped create images that became inseparable from the music itself.In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, Fender Jackson talks
243. Trump, the IRA, Kneecap & a United Ireland | Malachi O’Doherty
Writer and commentator Malachi O’Doherty joins Fender Jackson in Belfast for a wide-ranging conversation about Donald Trump’s intervention on Irish unity, Northern Ireland’s changing relationship with the border and whether either part of the island is prepared for constitutional change.Malachi recounts his reporting on IRA punishment attacks, including the extraordinary story of a young car thief
242. Jonathan Kemp: 5 Million Steps for Mental Health | The Dublin Chapter
Since setting out from the Shetland Islands on 1 January 2026, Jonathan has been walking around 4,200km through Britain and Ireland to raise awareness and funds for four mental health charities.In this second chapter of The Ireland Podcast's ongoing record of his journey, Fender Jackson catches up with Jonathan in Dublin.We join him as he meets the Lord Mayor of Dublin, walk with him through the c
241. Ireland’s Immigration Debate: Housing, Identity & Integration | Keire Murphy
Keire Murphy is a policy researcher, migration expert and public commentator. After spending four years conducting migration research at the Economic and Social Research Institute, she recently began working independently as a researcher, writer and podcaster.In this long-form conversation, we examine Ireland’s changing population, the relationship between immigration and housing, labour shortages
240. Trump in Doonbeg: What Do the Locals Really Think?
Fender Jackson travelled to Doonbeg on Saturday, 12 September 2026, as President Trump arrived in Ireland for the Irish Open.Rather than trying to answer the question from a studio, The Ireland Podcast took to the streets to speak to the people who were there: locals, protesters, visitors, businesspeople and others drawn to the village by an extraordinary weekend.The responses range from fierce op
239. Ireland: The Outlier - Understanding Ireland’s Sympathy for Palestine
Why is Ireland an outlier when it comes to public attitudes towards Israel and Palestine?Fender Jackson speaks with political scientists Dr Liam Kneafsey of Trinity College Dublin and Dr Miceal Canavan of Queen’s University Belfast about their new research examining why Irish public opinion differs so markedly from that of many other Western countries.Based on a nationally representative survey of
238. Dr Richard Hogan: Parenting, Smartphones, Divorce & Modern Family Life
How do we raise children in a world increasingly dominated by smartphones and social media? And what happens to family relationships when parents separate, siblings fall out, or boys struggle to understand what masculinity means?Dr Richard Hogan is a family psychotherapist, author, Irish Examiner columnist and media contributor.In this conversation with Fender Jackson, Richard discusses parenting
237. Gavin Friday: Art, Music, Bowie, U2 & Becoming Yourself
Gavin Friday invites Fender Jackson to his home in Dublin for a wide-ranging conversation about music, art, performance and becoming yourself.From growing up as an outsider in 1960s and 70s Dublin and discovering David Bowie, to the formation of the Virgin Prunes, his friendship and creative work with U2, and a solo career that has continually crossed the boundaries between music, theatre, cabaret
236. Alternative Ulster - Henry Cluney: Inside The Song
Henry Cluney, founding member and guitarist of Stiff Little Fingers and currently with XSLF, joins Fender Jackson for a deep dive into “Alternative Ulster”.Together they listen through the recording and explore Henry's recollections of how the song was written, arranged and recorded - from its instantly recognisable guitar intro and droning open D string to the bass, drums, vocals and production.H
235. Falling Slowly: Inside the Song
Falling Slowly sounds simple. But underneath Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s Oscar-winning song are some beautiful musical choices.In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, musician and host Fender Jackson goes inside the song - listening to the original recording and using guitar and piano to explore why it works.We look at the opening chords, the suspended harmony, the melody and its relationsh
234. Mary McAleese: President of Ireland
Mary McAleese served as President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Born in Belfast, she became the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and held office through some of the most significant years of the peace process.In this conversation, recorded at Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal, Mary reflects on her life, her presidency and the people and events she witnessed at close qu
233. Remembering Glen Hansard: Friends Share Stories After His Funeral
Who was Glen Hansard away from the stage?Following Glen Hansard's funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, this episode captures the thoughts and memories of friends, collaborators and fellow musicians on the day they gathered to say goodbye.Created as both a tribute and a historical record, these conversations preserve first-hand reflections while they were still fresh. Together, they form a
232. Remembering Glen Hansard: Voices from His Public Wake
On Monday 3 August 2026, hundreds of people gathered at the Baroque Chapel, Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital Kilmainham, to pay their final respects to Glen Hansard.Rather than recounting Glen's remarkable career, this episode documents something more immediate: the memories of the people who came to say goodbye.Friends, fellow musicians and admirers reflect on the man they knew,
231. Why Are So Many Irish People Pro-Palestine? | Zoe Lawlor
Why has Ireland become one of the world's strongest supporters of Palestine?In this episode, Zoe Lawlor, Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), discusses why so many Irish people identify with the Palestinian cause, Ireland's policy of military neutrality, accusations of antisemitism, Zionism, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and whether peace between
230. Brexit: What Happens Next? Prof. Katy Hayward
Ten years after the Brexit referendum, what has actually changed?In this final episode of our three-part series, Professor Katy Hayward looks beyond the politics of 2016 to examine Brexit's long-term consequences for Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and Ireland.We discuss:• Has Brexit been an economic success or failure for Northern Ireland?• Has Brexit made a united Ireland more likely?• Who,
229. Jeffrey Donaldson: The Rise, Fall & Future of the DUP | John Manley
Jeffrey Donaldson was once regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in unionism. A former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Privy Counsellor, and key negotiator during some of the most significant moments in post-Brexit politics, his conviction has sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland.In this episode, Irish News Political Correspondent John Manley traces Donaldson's
228. How Brexit Was Negotiated: Prof. Katy Hayward
How did Brexit move from referendum result to international treaty?In Part 2 of this three-part conversation, Professor Katy Hayward traces the negotiations that reshaped relations between Northern Ireland, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the European Union.Together we explore Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement, the backstop, Boris Johnson's renegotiation, the Northern Ireland Protocol, the search
227. John Heron: 43 Years in the Gaeltacht
As he approaches his 87th birthday, John Heron joins his son, Fender Jackson, for a deeply personal conversation about a lifetime of learning, community and his 42 consecutive years attending Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille.John reflects on discovering the Irish language, the friendships that have lasted decades, dancing with Mary McAleese, the vision of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, and why he believes a
226. How Brexit Happened: Prof. Katy Hayward
Ten years after the Brexit referendum, Professor Katy Hayward joins The Ireland Podcast to look back at one of the most consequential political events in modern British and Irish history.Rather than debating Brexit's merits, this conversation traces how it happened. Beginning with the political climate before the referendum, Professor Hayward explains the promises, pressures and decisions that led
225. Gerry Hanley: Trad Musician - Part 2
In the concluding part of his conversation with The Ireland Podcast, Gerry Hanley reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped his musical journey. He shares stories of Sharon Shannon, Greg Cotter and the legendary London sessions of the 1970s, discusses why great musicians sound like themselves regardless of the instrument they play, and recalls the famous story of violin virtuoso Josh
224. Gerry Hanley: Trad Musician - Part 1
In Part 1 of a two-part conversation, Galway accordion player Gerry Hanley reflects on a lifetime immersed in traditional music. He discusses the musicians who influenced him, the stories behind the tunes on his recent CD, sessions in Galway and London, and the role music has played throughout his life. The episode also captures a special moment as Gerry opens and plays a new accordion for the ver
223. Colin Murphy: How Ireland Thinks, Speaks and Remembers
What does Irish political culture reveal about how we think?Writer, journalist and playwright Colin Murphy joins The Ireland Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, culture, history and storytelling.Drawing on his new collection Colin Murphy's Political Plays: 100 Years of Irish History, Colin reflects on the relationship between political decision-making and national narratives, the
222. Racist Attacks in Belfast | John Manley
John Manley, Political Correspondent with The Irish News, joins The Ireland Podcast to discuss the recent racist attacks in Belfast.We explore how the unrest developed, the role of social media, loyalism, political leadership, immigration, trust in institutions, and the wider social and political context in Northern Ireland.John also reflects on the challenges facing working-class unionist communi
221. Andy McKee: Modern Fingerstyle Guitarist
Andy McKee is one of the world's best-known modern fingerstyle guitarists. His groundbreaking instrumental compositions and viral YouTube success helped introduce a new generation to acoustic guitar music.In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, Andy joins me in Galway to discuss his musical journey, the influence of Michael Hedges and Preston Reed, writing instrumental music, alternate tunings, fa
220. The Tipsy Fiddler: Celtic Music in Shanghai
In Episode 220 of The Ireland Podcast, Fender Jackson visits The Tipsy Fiddler, a Celtic-themed pub in Shanghai owned by Scottish musician Alan Cowell.Having lived in China for two decades, Alan shares the story of how he arrived in Shanghai as a musician, why he opened The Tipsy Fiddler, and what keeps him there after all these years.The conversation explores life in modern Shanghai, the challeng
219. Irish Voices In Shanghai: The Blarney Stone
A short visit to The Blarney Stone in Shanghai, meeting some of the people who find themselves in an Irish pub on a Saturday night in China.In this episode, Fender chats with Irish and international voices in Shanghai - including a Dublin toy developer, an Irish pharmaceutical worker, an English model, and a local Chinese regular.Topics include toy manufacturing in China, missing Irish conversatio
218. Fender Jackson: An Irishman in China - Shanghai
A couple of months ago I spent another week in Shanghai, one of the most fascinating cities I’ve ever visited. In this episode I revisit videos I filmed during the trip and reflect on the strange mixture of colonial history, futuristic architecture, live music, electric vehicles, museums, marriage markets and everyday life that makes Shanghai feel unlike anywhere else.Along the way:I get sketched
217. Xishuangbanna - Southwest China After Dark
Xishuangbanna, in China’s Yunnan Province, is a tropical city near the borders of Laos and Myanmar, known for its temples, night markets and elephant tourism.This episode wanders through crowded markets filled with colour, karaoke, strange foods and the unforgettable smell of durian. There’s torrential rain, beautiful temples, incredible food, curious encounters with locals, and even some unexpect
216. Leaving China - Returning After Four Years
After living in China for eight years, Fender Jackson returns to Kunming for the first time since leaving during COVID.This episode is part travelogue, part memoir and part reflection on ordinary life in modern China.Topics include:housing complexes and skyscrapersoutdoor gymsChinese parks and public lifestreet food and night marketseBikes and urban designrobots and modern technologyteaching in Ch
215. Fender Jackson: Leaving China
After living in China for eight years, Fender Jackson returns for the first time since leaving during COVID.In this personal episode of The Ireland Podcast, he reflects on life in Kunming and Shanghai, raising children in China, cultural differences, the emotional impact of the pandemic, grief, identity, Irish voices abroad, and the strange feeling of returning to a place that once felt like home.
214. Fender Jackson: Arranging “Sensitize” by That Petrol Emotion
In this special episode of The Ireland Podcast -which is really a continuation of Ep. 213 - Fender Jackson breaks down the harmony and emotional architecture of “Sensitize” by That Petrol Emotion through live piano demonstrations, storytelling and performance.Drawing connections to David Bowie, The Beach Boys, Queen and jazz harmony, the episode explores:split chords and slash chordsborrowed harmo
213. Slash Chords Explained - Bowie, Beatles & Beach Boys
In Part 1 of this two-part music special from The Ireland Podcast, Fender Jackson explores the emotional power of slash chords - also known as split chords - and how artists such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys and David Bowie used them to create richer and more dramatic harmony.Along the way, he discusses:“God Only Knows”“The Long and Winding Road”“Life on Mars?”“Where Are We Now?”as well as:
212. Jonathan Kemp: Walking 4,200km for Mental Health - Leg 1
Jonathan Kemp joins The Ireland Podcast to discuss his extraordinary 4,200km Finding Peace of Mind Walk 2026 - a journey across the UK and Ireland in support of mental health awareness and recovery.Starting in the Shetland Islands on January 1st and finishing in Galway later this year, Jonathan shares the deeply personal experiences that led him to undertake the walk, including his lifelong strugg
211. Steve Mack 2: That Petrol Emotion - The Band That Influenced 1,000 Others
Part 2 of conversation with Steve Mack of That Petrol Emotion.In this episode, Steve goes deep on what really makes a great record - not just what you hear, but the space between the notes. From the genius of the Stayin' Alive to the importance of restraint in music, this is a masterclass in listening differently.We also explore the evolution of That Petrol Emotion - how Brendan Kelly joined the b
210. Steve Mack 1: That Petrol Emotion to R.E.M. and Nirvana
A wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation with the lead singer of one of Ireland’s most seminal bands, looking back on origins, identity, and the winding path of a life in music. He reflects on early influences, the experience of being adopted, and the sense of instinct that shaped both his voice and his direction.There are vivid stories from Belfast - including the surreal reality of playing gig
209. Graham Linehan: Writer, Journalist & Activist - Part 2
In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, writer Graham Linehan joins for a wide-ranging, long-form conversation.The discussion covers a career in comedy, including the creation of Father Ted, along with how life and work have evolved in recent years. Broader cultural and societal topics are also explored, including the role of media and institutions, and the challenges of discussing difficult issue
208. Graham Linehan: Writer, Journalist & Activist - Part 1
Part 1 of a long-form conversation with Graham Linehan on The Ireland Podcast.The conversation moves quickly into the activism and controversies that have come to define Graham Linehan’s public life in recent years, before touching at points on his career - from Father Ted, Black Books and The IT Crowd.The discussion covers public backlash, media narratives, free speech, Gaza, comedy, the early in
207. Bill Laswell - Producer
In this long-form conversation, producer and musician Bill Laswell reflects on the making of Album, the 1986 record by Public Image Ltd.Laswell discusses how the project came together in New York, recording early tracks with legendary drummer Tony Williams, and later bringing in musicians including Ginger Baker, Steve Vai, Bernie Worrell, and Ryuichi Sakamoto.He describes the recording process, th
206. Steve Vai: Guitarist - Part Two
Steve Vai returns for Part Two of this special conversation marking the 40th anniversary of Public Image Ltd’s Album. Because we don’t have a licence to play the record in the episode itself, listeners are encouraged to line up their own copy of Album and press play at the countdowns as Steve and Fender listen through the tracks in real time. Vai reflects on what he played, how the sessions unfold
205. Steve Vai: Guitarist - Part One
This episode forms part of a short series marking the 40th anniversary of Album by Public Image Ltd. Steve Vai’s contribution spans two episodes - this is Part 1.Steve Vai - Part 1In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Steve Vai talks about the musical influences and ideas that shaped him long before his career took form.The discussion centres on Frank Zappa - how Vai first encountered his music
204. Jane O’Leary: Musician - Part 2
The concluding part of an interview with Jane O’Leary, her first since being honoured with the prestigious National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award.For more than 50 years, Jane O’Leary has been breaking new musical ground in Ireland. We catch up with her to learn more about her life and musical style.Conversation includes: setting up the Concorde Contemporary Music Group; punk music; the e
203. Jane O’Leary: Musician - Part 1
For more than 50 years, Jane O’Leary has been breaking new musical ground in Ireland. We catch up with her to learn more about her life and musical style.Conversation includes: Jane the musician (listening, performing and composing); Milton Babbitt; early life in Connecticut; getting into music; studying in Vassar College, New York State; the importance of good teachers; being the second woman to
202. Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart: Metal Box - Rebuilt In Dub
Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart chat with Fender Jackson after their gig in Róisín Dubh, Galway on Wed 3rd December 2025.Conversation includes: interviews with the band; Keith Levene’s guitar and guitar playing; the Soundman; the complications of performing this album; Dave Kane; Ruby Wood; the evolution of the tracks; Siouxsie & The Banshees; making ‘Metal Box - Rebuilt In Dub'; Yamaha 210
201. Karl MacDermott: Comedy Writer & Performer
Conversation includes: the (non-existent) comedy scene in Ireland in the 1970s and 80s; leprosy and space-travel; Ardal O’Hanlon; The Bogey Boys; Billy Roche; Young Ones; Tommy Tiernan; pioneering the comedy scene; Myles na Gopaleen; Hal Roche; setting up the Comedy Cellar above The International Bar on Wicklow Street, Dublin in the late 1980s with Mr Trellis, Barry Murphy, Kevin Gildea, Dermot Ca
200. Fender Jackson: Interview Your Parents
In this special milestone episode of The Ireland Podcast, Fender sits down with his own children for a heartfelt discussion about interviewing his parents. Together, they explore why capturing family stories matters, how to approach these conversations with sensitivity, and what it means to preserve memories for the next generation.Fender also offers thoughtful advice for anyone considering interv
199. Fr Bernárd Lynch: Priest, Author & Activist
Born in Ennis, County Clare, Fr. Bernárd’s journey began in the traditional Ireland of the 1940s, shaped by school, family, and faith. But his path soon led him far from the familiar - from the seminary in Dromantine, Newry, to ordination in Newry Cathedral, and then on to the missionaries in Africa and the turbulent streets of New York in the 1970s, where he found both his calling and his true se
198. Gerry McAvoy: Photo-Finish & Joe Bonamassa
Bass legend Gerry McAvoy takes us through a track-by-track journey of Photo-Finish, Rory Gallagher’s powerhouse 1978 album. In this wide-ranging conversation, Gerry shares insights into the sessions, the scrapped album, and the raw energy that defined Rory’s late-’70s sound.Along the way, we talk Sex Pistols, click tracks and metronomes, Ted McKenna’s drumming, Status Quo, and the aftermath of the
197. Nora McBurney: The Irish Yinzer
While recording Episode 122 with Swinford’s own Breege Rowley, the editor-turned-documentary maker suggested to Fender that he speak with Nora McBurney - the voice behind her film ‘All Our Yesterdays’. So that’s exactly what he did.Conversation includes: introductions; update on the movie ‘All Our Yesterdays’ by Breege Rowley; Swinford and Foxford, County Mayo; tracing Nora’s grandparents move fro
196. London Irish Centre: 70th Anniversary
Fender Jackson recently took part in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the London Irish Centre, marking seven decades of cultural connection and community spirit. The event paid tribute to the Centre’s rich legacy as a home for Irish arts, music, and heritage in London, while also highlighting its ongoing role in supporting the Irish diaspora. Fender’s coverage captured the atmosphere of pride a
195. Alastair Campbell: Good Friday Agreement
The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, brought peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict by establishing a power-sharing government and ensuring that any constitutional change would happen only by consent. Alastair Campbell, then Tony Blair’s Director of Communications and Strategy, played a key role in the negotiations, helping to shape the messaging, diplomacy, and relationships th
194. Máirtín Ó Muilleoir: Belfast Booster, Civic Leader
While in Belfast, Fender Jackson had the opportunity to meet Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, widely recognised as a tireless booster for the city and a respected civic leader. Known for his energy, optimism, and commitment to showcasing Belfast on the global stage, Máirtín has played a central role in promoting its culture, business, and community spirit. Their meeting offered a chance to reflect on how indi
193. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 2
Rónán Ó Dochartaigh concludes his chat during the height of the season in Oideas Gael which is the Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School). Also a fitting tribute to the excellent work of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin and Seosamh Watson, the founders of Oideas Gael.Conversation includes: the beauty and archeology of the Glencolmcille area; Silver Strand; Slieve League; St. Colmcille, history in
192. Fender Jackson: Introducing 'The Ireland Podcast'
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir encouraged Fender to share a selection of episodes on Irish Echo and Andersonstown News, showcasing the generosity of everyone who contributed their time and stories. These narratives form a mosaic of Ireland: its past, its present, and the living connections that stretch across the globe.We thought it would be good to put together an episode that crystallises what The Ireland
191. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 1
A continuation of the celebration of Oideas Gael: Rónán Ó Dochartaigh, Course Manager of Oideas Gael, chats about its offerings, the rise of Irish language learning, and the unique culture of Glencolmcille, touching on immersion, Gaeltacht life, and the growing appeal of Gaeilge today.Conversation includes: introductions; activated parts of brain; Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer Schoo
190. Eibhlis Farrell agus Ray McManus: Ceol Agus Craic
190. Eibhlis Farrell agus Ray McManusRay McManus (piano) and Eibhlis Farrell (fiddle) take us on a bilingual musical journey around Ireland, presenting a vibrant mix of tunes and songs from some of the counties across the island. The evening begins with an introduction by Rónán Ó Dochartaigh.This performance was part of the entertainment programme for the Irish Language Summer Course 2025, recorde
189. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin: Oideas Gael - Part 2
Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. This is the concluding and second part. Conversation includes: starting up the first Irish language courses with Seosamh Watson; Liam being separated
188. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin: Oideas Gael - Part 1
Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. Part one centres largely around the amazing partnership between Fr. McDyer and Liam’s father Willie Ó Cuinneagáin formed which transformed the area. C
187. Erin Lawlor: Painter
Episode 187 Painter Erin Lawlor chats with Fender Jackson in Galway on Monday 4th August when her exhibition divining was presented at the Printworks Gallery in Galway as part of the Galway International Arts Festival, running from July 14 to 27, 2025. This was a Highlanes Gallery National Tour curated by Aoife Ruane.Conversation includes: introductions; painter vs. artist; divining; Aoife Ruane;
186. Emer Cooke: Executive Director, European Medicines Agency
Episode 185 European Medicines Agency Executive Director Emer Cooke chats with Fender Jackson in Amsterdam on Wednesday 9th July 2025.Conversation includes: introductions; early life; being drawn to medicine; family and friends’ understanding; career and educational path; a comparison of the cultures between WHO and EMA; European and International harmonisation; being the Chair of International Co
185. Michael Moloney: Galway Racecourse CEO - Part 3
The concluding part of a conversation centred around advice for any visitors to Galway Racecourse. Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025.Conversation includes: what to expect on a day out at Galway Races; a break down of the different days; transport advice; advice for mobility iss
184. Michael Moloney: Galway Racecourse CEO - Part 2
The second part of a conversation exploring the evolution of Galway Racecourse. Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025.The history of the racecourse; other non-racing events at the racecourse; Elf Town Galway; Classic Fest vintage car show; the spirit of the Galway Races; Ballinrobe
183. Malachi Cush: Singer, Songwriter, Broadcaster
Episode 183 Singer, Songwriter and Broadcaster Malachi Cush chats with Fender Jackson from his home in County Tyrone on Tuesday 1st July 2025.Conversation includes: introductions; Tyrone’s chances after beating Dublin; Armagh & Kerry; the new GAA rules; Malachi’s house as a ceilidh house (a house where people gathered for an evening of craic); a performance of ‘On Raglan Road’; Luke Kelly and
182. Michael Moloney: Galway Racecourse CEO - Part 1
Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025.In the first of a three-part special, Galway Racecourse CEO Michael Moloney joins Fender Jackson for a wide-ranging conversation that charts both his personal career path and the recent evolution of one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting venues.
181. London Irish Centre: Community Café
Episode 181 Fender Jackson visits the Lunch Club in the Kennedy Hall of the London Irish Centre on Fri 20th June 2025 and chats with Finola Marriott, Maeve Heath and Maria Connolly. This is a special year for the London Irish Centre as it marks its 70th anniversary.In this special episode, Fender Jackson drops in to the Lunch Club at the London Irish Centre in Camden, London - a warm, vibrant hub
180. Kathryn Callaghan: Artist
Episode 180 Fine Artist Kathryn Callaghan chats with Fender Jackson from her home in County Down on Thursday 26th June 2025.Conversation includes: introductions; Kathryn’s journey towards being an artist; Outscape; Yard Gallery; Holywood, Co. Down; Gerard Byrne; Guggi; studying Fine Art HND; understanding Kathryn’s motivation as an artist; Daoirí Farrell; confidence; Kathryn’s pouring technique of
179. Wayne McCullough: World Boxing Champion
Episode 179. Wayne McCullough, Ireland's first and only Irish male boxer in history to ever win a WBC world title, chats with Fender Jackson from his base in Las Vegas on Monday 30th June 2025.Conversation includes: introductions; titles; Albert Foundry Gym; Highfield Estate, Shankill, Belfast; early life; Shankill, Belfast; the normality of the Troubles of Northern Ireland; flags and national ant
178. Gary Lineker & Anna: Podcaster & Footballer
How did it come to pass that Gary Lineker - former England football captain, Match of the Day presenter, and co-founder of one of the UK’s biggest podcast production companies - would give his first interview since leaving the BBC… on The Ireland Podcast? In a twist full of irony and charm, the English sporting icon found himself chatting on a train platform with Irish host Fender Jackson, just ho
177. Lord Chris Patten: The Patten Report
Lord Patten chats with Fender Jackson in his London home on Wednesday 18th June 2025.Lord Patten has held several prominent roles, including Governor of Hong Kong, European Commissioner for External Relations, Chairman of the BBC Trust, and Chancellor of the University of Oxford, but he tells Fender that overseeing the reform of the N. Ireland police service remains his proudest political achievem
176. Daoirí Farrell: Traditional Singer & Musician
Episode 176 Musician Daoirí Farrell chats with Fender Jackson in Galway when he was performing as part of the Galway Folk Festival on 7th June 2025.Conversation includes: a performance of 'Foggy Dew'; introductions; Derry Tangney and the Tangney family from County Kerry; early life; Dessie Farrell; Caitriona O'Connor; favourite music acts; John Mooney; entry into music; first music lessons; being
175. Bloomsday Special: Davy Byrnes Pub
Ep. 175 is almost a Bloomsday 2025 Part Two episode as Fender Jackson recorded a jovial jigsaw of Joycean jabber from outside Davy Byrne's Bar, 21 Duke St, Dublin, D02 K380 on Bloomsday, Monday 16th June, 2025 just after recording a special marriage of two of Ireland’s cultural icons: James Joyce and Croke Park for Episode 174.Sincere thanks to all contributors: you are Bloomsday!Frank Corcoran, L
174. Bloomsday Special: Croke Park Skyline Tour
Episode 174 is a marriage of two of Ireland’s cultural icons: James Joyce and Croke Park. Recorded on Bloomsday 2025, Fender speaks with Croke Park’s Gerry McGarry and Joycean tour guides Jerome Corby and Sinéad Murphy - from the rooftop of Ireland’s most famous stadium. Bloomsday, celebrated on June 16th each year, marks the events of Joyce’s novel Ulysses, all of which unfold over the course of
173. Chelsea Hoy & Mark Howard: Trinity Irish Dance Company
Episode 173 Chelsea Hoy and Mark Howard from Trinity Irish Dance Company chat with Fender Jackson from Chicago, USA on Monday 9th June 2025.Conversation includes: introductions; formation of Trinity Irish Dance Company; Trinity breaking all of the world championship records for Irish Dance beginning the World Irish Dance Championships in 1987; appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson;
