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 3, 2026 • 16min
Four days into a war between the United States Israel and Iran
We’re four days into a war between the United States, Israel and Iran and there is still a lot of uncertainty as to where it’s heading. Claire spoke to Freelance Journalist in Beirut Justin Sahlani and also Sean Bell, Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of The Red Matrix Podcast. Grace O’Connell Barker who lives on the Palm in Dubai near where the hotel was hit told Claire how people there are coping.
Mar 2, 2026 • 9min
How to deal with sleep anxiety
With the news the way it is now, coupled with our endlessly busy lives, it might be no huge surprise that some of us are having trouble sleeping. But some of us are even dealing with sleep anxiety. So what is it, and what can we do about it? All to discuss with Dr Harry Barry.
Mar 2, 2026 • 13min
Should we have the right to die when we choose?
The island of Jersey has approved a law to allow terminally ill adults the right to choose to end their life, while the UK’s House of Lords appears to have blocked the legislation, which passed through the Commons.Speaking to Claire this morning to discuss this further was Prof Desmond O’Neill, Consultant Geriatrician at Tallaght University Hospital.
Mar 2, 2026 • 9min
Dozens of farmers have come to Dublin to protest outside Bord Bia offices
Dozens of farmers have come to Dublin to protest outside Bord Bia offices this morning. Our reporter Josh Crosbie is there and he gave us an update.
Mar 2, 2026 • 15min
Back to the latest in the Middle East
Back to the latest in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump warned of more US deaths being likely as the conflict with Iran continues.We get the latest on the current situation with Maha El Dahan is Reuters Gulf Bureau Chief, Ali Ansari, who is Professor in Modern History with reference to Iran at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Also speaking to Claire was journalist Hilary McGann, who goes by NewsByHill on Instagram.
Mar 2, 2026 • 13min
Insurance Expert Dermot Goode on the best value health insurance
Are you facing a health insurance hike and wondering what your options are? Dermot Goode, Health Insurance Expert with healthinsuranceireland.ie is here to help!
Mar 2, 2026 • 22min
More updates and information on the Middle East
We continue to get more updates and information on the Middle East this morning, and the impacts it may have across the globe. To discuss the situation on the ground and globally Claire spoke to Irish mother who is stuck in Dubai, Nicola Hanlon. Also we heard from Professor Ray Murphy of the Irish Centre for Human RIghts at University of Galway and Ziad Daoud, Chief Emerging Markets Economist for Bloomberg Economics, and Supply Chain Expert, Sarah Schiffling.
Mar 2, 2026 • 10min
Travel: A weekend out West!
Now that we’re in March, many of you might be starting to look for a little break away, without breaking the bank. To give us some inspiration for a weekend trip in Ireland, I’m now joined by Travel Content Creator, Eadaoin Fitzmaurice.
Mar 2, 2026 • 15min
New renting rules come into effect
For anyone signing a new tenancy agreement, there are now new rules in place which you should be aware of. The new Residential Tenancies Bill has come into effect, and it will impact all new tenancies. The legislation has been criticised by opposition parties, renters and some landlords. Joining Claire to discuss this more is Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan.
Mar 2, 2026 • 21min
US and Israeli operations against Iran continue for a third day
US and Israeli operations against Iran continue for a third day as Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes across the Gulf after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Matt Frei, Channel 4 Presenter, Rosanne Kenny Scully, In Dubai. Also joining Claire was Adam Parsons, Sky Middle East Correspondent.
