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
Feb 6, 2026 • 18min
An update on Flooding around the country
More heavy rain is expected in counties under a Status Orange weather warning until at least this afternoon, with flood alerts remaining in certain parts. One of those areas is Aughrim in County Wicklow which suffered severe flooding last week, and our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte is there this morning. Also we get an update from Dublin with our reporters Josh Crosbie.
Feb 6, 2026 • 14min
Reaction to DUP MP Gregory Campbell comment to President Connolly
DUP MP Gregory Campbell told President Catherine Connolly “you’re in our country” during a meeting in Derry. Claire get reaction with Ben Lowry, Editor of The Belfast Newsletter and Rose Conway Walsh, Sinn Féin TD for Mayo.
Feb 5, 2026 • 11min
Six Nations preview with Brian O'Driscoll and Eoin Sheahan
The six nations kicks off tonight with Ireland facing off against France in Paris. To look ahead, Claire was joined by Eoin Sheahan from Off The Ball, and Irish Rugby legend, Brian O’Driscoll.
Feb 5, 2026 • 9min
Ask The Expert: On creepy crawlies in your house
Now, it is the time of the week where we Ask The expert .Today we are going to be talking about creepy crawlies, super furry animals and scurrying things that go bump in the night! All to chat about with Trevor Hayden, of Complete Pest Control.
Feb 5, 2026 • 6min
Search continues for Nancy Guthrie
American TV host Savannah Guthrie has made an emotional appeal for the safe return of her mum Nancy. We get the latest on this with Harriet Alexander, US based Journalist.
Feb 5, 2026 • 10min
We hear all about the shingles vaccine
There have been recent information campaigns about the shingles vaccines, but it’s not publicly funded and it’s expensive if you want to get it. But do we need it? To explain all was Professor of Immunology at DCU, Christine Loscher.
Feb 5, 2026 • 9min
Irish Actor Philippa Dunne taking to the stage for Eureka Day
Irish Actor Philippa Dunne joined Claire in studio to chat about starring in Motherhood and taking to the stage for Eureka Day at the Gate Theatre. Now until until 7 March.
Feb 5, 2026 • 10min
Parents taking young kids to restaurants yes or no?
Former BBC news anchor Jan Leeming has sparked an online debate after she complained about parents taking young kids to pricey restaurants. Jan was out for lunch and it was ruined, she said by a screaming child and oblivious parents. She says if you can afford to eat in a pricey restaurant, you can afford a babysitter. For a discussion on this Claire spoke to Columnist, Brenda Power, and Niamh Maher from The Journal who is also currently on maternity leave.
Feb 5, 2026 • 20min
Minister for Justice on amendments to the Criminal Law and Civil Law Bill 2026
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan secured Government approval to introduce amendments to the Criminal Law and Civil Law Bill 2026 Claire spoke to the Minister and started by asking him what this means in terms of addressing the concerns we have heard from people around counselling notes in sexual offences trials.
Feb 5, 2026 • 5min
The latest on the Met Éireann weather warnings
Met Éireann has urged vigilance as orange and yellow rain warnings have been issued. We get the latest on the weather warning with Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather.
