20 Irish Podcasts to get stuck into during lockdown

 

With Ireland’s travel restrictions not lifting anytime soon, we know that this will be difficult for everyone and any novelty around working from home has well and truly worn off.

 

 

Whether you’re relaxing or doing errands at home, on a walk or run, or even in one of our many GoCars that have Bluetooth connectivity; check out these 20 great Irish podcasts you can listen to that cover a variety of different topics that will be sure to pick your fancy!  See them below, they even include some suggestions from members of the GoCar team!

 

Stay Informed

 

What Am Politics

 

There’s always a lot happening in the world of Politics which can be hard to navigate a lot of the time. Richie & Steve (with the help of Steve’s dog Hercules) break down the biggest political issues into a comedic bite sized bits which is sure to give you a giggle.

 

Catch them HERE

 

 

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The Explainer 

 

This popular podcast by TheJournal.ie is hosted by Sinead O’Carroll who takes a deep dive into a big news story of the day. Utilizing TheJournal.ie’s team of journalists and vast network of contacts, they will get to the heart of the story providing unique insights.

 

Catch them HERE

 

 

 

Una & Andrea’s United Ireland

 

If you are looking to know what’s going on in the world but with a more casual twist, Una & Andrea’s United Ireland podcast definitely hits the spot. Hosted by Irish Times columnist & journalist Una Mullaly & business owner Andrea Horan, they take a dive into an issue relevant to a county in Ireland and see where it takes them, which will have you guessing every week!

 

Find them HERE 

 

 

The Tortoise Shack

 

Rather than a single podcast, the Tortoise Shack is a small network of podcasts on a variety of different areas from politics to less talked about societal topics such as sexual health and wellbeing. They even record a live podcast interview and Q & A session with the guest over Zoom on Sundays! Take a look at their list of podcasts HERE

 

 

The David McWilliams Podcast

 

Popular Irish economist David McWilliams & co-host/producer John Davis give you great insights and as they say themselves; ‘to make economics more comprehensible’. David shares his stories and experience including looking at better ways of doing things but in an easy to understand & casual way!

 

See more of the pod HERE 

 

To Give you a Laugh

 

Tommy, Hector & Laurita

 

If you’re in the mood for some belly laughs, you don’t need to go any further than this podcast. Comedians & TV hosts Tommy Tiernan, & Hector are joined by Laurita, and together they tell stories and have conversations with that famous Irish humour which will have you in stiches laughing!

 

Find them HERE

 

 

The 2 Johnnies

 

Comedy duo Johnny B & Johnny Smacks’ host their weekly podcast The 2 Johnnies from Care in Co. Tipperary.  The podcast has rolling topics with listeners setting the agenda and the 2 Johnnies & co host/producer Maura’s reaction to their takes on different trivial topics (with fictional guest Noel Furlong) will also have you rolling around the floor laughing!

 

Check them out HERE

 

 

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Des Bishop Podcast

 

Stand up comedian Des Bishop hosts a weekly podcast where he speaks to other comedians or anyone who he finds interesting on both sides of the Atlantic, which keeps listeners guessing & giggling every time.

 

Find out more HERE 

 

 

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The Laughs Of Your Life with Doireann Garrihy

 

RTE 2FM broadcaster Doireann Garrihy hosts this podcast where she talks to many of Ireland’s most influential people from all walks of life but more importantly, having a laugh with them!

 

See more about the podcast HERE

 

 

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The Blindboy Podcast

 

Hosted by one half of the Rubberbandits of the same name, The Blindboy Podcast has a bit of everything from fiction to comedy with interesting guests on each week. Blindboy’s unique take on hot topics will keep you thinking and might even give you a belly laugh or two in the process!

 

Find the podcast HERE 

 

 

Keep up to Date on the Latest in Sport

 

Second Captains

 

Since leaving Newstalk’s Off The Ball a number of years ago the Second Captains project has grown from strength to strength with presenters Eoin McDevitt, Ken Early & Ciaran Murphy. They have great coverage of football, GAA, rugby, American sports and everything in-between with top quality sports journalists providing quality insights.

 

See more about the pod HERE

 

 

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Balls.ie Podcast

 

One of Ireland’s most popular independent sports website Balls.ie have some great podcasts out, categorized by sport, from football, to rugby with an Irish twist. They also have a special podcast ‘The Buildup’ which previews all major sporting events before they happen so you’ll definitely be in the loop before it kicks off!

 

Catch them HERE

 

 

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Off The Ball (OTB)

 

Off The Ball was originally just an evening sports show on Newstalk but it’s popularity has grown a lot over the last decade. As a result they have created their own OTB app & podcast network covering all the sports stories and developments you love including extensive archives of interviews and footage from over the years so you’ll never be stuck for something to listen to!

 

Find them HERE

 

 

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Game On by RTE 2Fm

 

This show is live weeknights from 6pm on RTE 2FM but they also have a podcast that goes out after the show if you’ve missed it. Presented by Marie Crowe, former Irish rugby international Donncha O’Callaghan & former superstar jockey Ruby Walsh. They discuss all the big sporting stories in Ireland and beyond.

 

See more about the show & podcast HERE

 

 

Irish Examiner Sport

 

The Irish Examiner produce a sports podcast each week that you can find on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Hosted by a variety of sports journalists in the paper, they delve into the top sports stories of the day as well as looking back at sporting greats.

 

See more on their podcasts HERE

 

 

Hear of Times Gone By

 

Three Castles Burning

 

It won’t be long before you fall under the spell of historian, writer and broadcaster Donal Fallon with his outstanding storytelling ability where he explores various aspects of Dublin life and history. Learn about what happened on the streets where you collect your GoCar in the capital!

 

Take a listen HERE

 

 

The Irish Passport

 

We’ve put this under the history category but hosts Naomi O’Leary & Tim McInerney make this different as it is more a current affairs podcast with a historical backstory. Learn and be entertained, they also include guests that are at the heart of their topics!

 

Check them out HERE

 

 

Documentary on One

 

This Documentary series by RTE has the largest archive of documentaries available in the world. Docs on all topics bar none relating to Irish life and beyond are covered so you’ll never be stuck for a story you’ll be interested in!

 

Find them HERE

 

 

The Irish History Podcast

 

Historian Fin Dwyer will bring you along and delve deep into Ireland’s past with stories of events and times that shaped Irish history. From the famine to significant societal and political events in Ireland, Fin’s storytelling skills will keep you listening!

 

See more HERE

 

 

Stardust

 

This award-winning podcast by TheJournal.ie remembers the truly awful tragedy of the Stardust Fire in Dublin on Valentines night in 1981 where many young lives were lost and the families’ fight for justice. You’ll hear sad but compelling stories that will keep you listening right to the end.

 

See more about the pod HERE

 

 

We hope you enjoy some of these suggestions while you’re stuck at home during lockdown! 🎧

 

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