Moncrieff

With the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on, many Americans are visiting Ireland for the first time - some with roots in the country, others without. So, what do they think of our island?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking tourists, American or otherwise, and joins guest host John Fardy to share what he’s heard.

In an age where we’re more conscious than ever about mental health and well-being, trigger warnings have become a common practice in schools, media, and online spaces. Some say they’re essential for protecting individuals from content that could cause emotional distress, while others argue that they’re overly cautious and might even stifle open dialogue. So, what’s the real deal with trigger warnings?  To discuss, guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and Author.

Let’s be honest, ‘punching above your weight’ is something that can lead to a lot of teasing, a few raised eyebrows, and some good-natured ribbing, but sometimes it can be hurtful and demeaning to the person who is the constant butt of the joke.So, how do you deal with this relentless slagging and feel more confident in your relationship?Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss this is Mark Fennel, Author and Life Coach. Mark, welcome to the show.

Ever wondered what makes that old vase in your attic worth a fortune, or just a few euros? Well, it's not only about age, there's an art to valuing antique items. From rarity and condition to provenance and historical significance, there are several key factors that determine the true value of a piece. To tell more, Mairead is joined by George Williams, Co-Owner of George Williams Antiques.

As cats are natural predators, it can be hard for some owners to stop them from torturing and killing birds when they are released into the garden. But, are there some tips to avoid this happening? Vet Pete Wedderburn has been writing about this in the Wexford People and joins Mairead Ronan to discuss.

We Irish are known for our way with words, but is there a danger that some of our most unique phrases might die out if we don’t preserve them? Mairead Ronan’s guest is particularly worried about the following expression: “jig-acting”. Journalist Alison Healy has been writing about this in the Irish Times and joins to discuss.

A bar on Parnell St in Dublin was recently issued with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority after the discovery of a cockroach infestation. Live, moving cockroaches were observed under actual food preparation areas. Shudder the thought! So, just how big an issue is this invasive species in Ireland and what can be done about it? Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Brendan Higgins from Central Pest Control.

The waterspout that sank a luxury yacht followed storms that have swept through Italy in recent days, but for most people this may have been the first time they’ve heard of them.Cathal Nolan is an Award Winning Climate Scientist at UCC and the founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, and joins guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss.

Can you imagine staying in a pirate ship, a vintage 50s diner, or even a cosy Hobbit hole?There’s a new trend that's taking the travel world by storm: themed Airbnbs. Travel enthusiasts are flocking to these creatively designed spaces for an escape that's as much about the experience as it is about the location.  To tell more, guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Melanie May, solo travel blogger and “Talk Travel” Presenter on Dublin City FM.Image: Airbnb

While the residents of many other European cities benefit from the provision of public lidos, Dublin still lags behind. However, a campaign group aims to change this with an ongoing push for a new amenity in George’s Dock here in the capital. Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Patrick Earls, Founder of the Dublin City Lido Campaign.Image: Dublin City Lido