The Claire Byrne Show
Newstalk
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
Mentioned books
Mar 20, 2026 • 10min
What’s been trending online this week?
What’s been trending online this week? All to chat about with entertainment journalist and podcaster, Dee Reddy.
Mar 20, 2026 • 7min
Aanew hacking tool that could affect your iphone
There is a new hacking tool that could affect your phone, and steal your data and you don’t even have to do anything to let it in... Newstalk Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly brought us the details.
Mar 20, 2026 • 13min
A new dog fouling poster causes controversy!
Cork City Council is preparing to circulate posters encouraging people to clean up after their dog with a controversial new slogan: “Get your S-H-I-T together”. It’s courting a bit of controversy. Claire speaks to Oliver Moran is Green Party Councillor for the Cork City North East area and Michelle Gould, Cork City Councillor for Sinn Fein.
Mar 20, 2026 • 10min
If graveyards are filling up is it ok to reuse them?
Graves which are more than a century old could be reused in cemeteries across England and Wales under new proposals - but relatives will be able to object and war graves will be protected. So if graveyards are filling up, is it ok to reuse them? Claire askes Julie Rugg who is an expert on burial reform from the University of York.
Mar 20, 2026 • 14min
The need to combat the rise of vaping amongst teenagers
The HSE is enlisting the help of social media influencers to help combat the rise of vaping amongst teenagers. One in five people under the age of 18 use vapes and this new campaign aims to inform them about the impact it has on mental, physical and oral health. Joining Claire to discuss the campaign was Dr Paul Kavanagh is Advisor to the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme.
Mar 19, 2026 • 9min
Gardening tips and advice with Marie Staunton
Spring has officially sprung now, and woodland plants are in vogue. So should you get them for your garden? To discuss this, I’m Claire was joined by gardener, Marie Staunton.
Mar 19, 2026 • 8min
What is meningitis and how serious is it?
As an outbreak of Meningitis continues across Kent in the UK, a public health alert has been issued in the region, with fears rising of a further spread. So what is meningitis, how serious is it, and how contagious is it? To answer all of this, Claire was joined by Professor of Immunology at DCU, Christine Loscher.
Mar 19, 2026 • 4min
Banksy unveiled but did we want him to be?
The identity of the artist Banksy was unveiled. But was it the right thing to do? Claire askes the Director of Gormleys Gallery Gerard Gormley.
Mar 19, 2026 • 7min
EU Summit begins today
EU leaders are gathering for the next two days with focus being on the Iran war and the loan to Ukraine that is being blocked by Hungary. Speaking to Claire from Brussels was Shona Murray is Europe Correspondent with Euronews.
Mar 19, 2026 • 12min
One of the stars of POOR at The Gate Theatre Hilda Fay
POOR, is the acclaimed stage adaptation of Katriona O’Sullivan’s powerful memoir and it is on a another sold-out run at the Gate Theatre One of the stars of the show, winning standing ovations night after night is the actress Hilda Fay who plays Katriona’s mother Tilly.
