Moncrieff

The increasing cost of solo travel in Ireland

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Despite Ireland seeing an increase in solo travellers year on year, the lack of single occupancy rooms is a massive problem, with hotels generally cha...

Why are celebrity baby names so weird?

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrity baby names have always stirred headlines for their often off-the-wall nature. From Gwenyth Paltrow’s daughter Apple, to Cheryl Cole’s so...

Limerick’s first directly elected mayor - how much power will they have?

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Limerick is leading a national experiment as the campaign for Ireland's first directly elected mayor is now in full swing. The directly elected mayor ...

Will TikTok be banned in America?

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As part of the foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was passed by the US Senate, Tik Tok has just one year to divest from its Chinese pa...

This man drove the full length of America on a motorbike

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When this guest retired, he decided to drive his motorbike the full length of the Americas, from Chile to the US. Joining Seán is Peter Murtagh, Jour...

Hozier gets a number 1 hit in America!

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hozier has become the fourth ever Irish artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.  The Wicklow musician’s song ‘T...

Wexford town builds roof over entire street

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the increase in outdoor areas for hospitality businesses since the pandemic, is there an argument for putting a roof over streets to stop the pes...

What do subterranean creatures sound like?

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Half of the world’s creatures live under the ground in soil, but have you ever thought about what they sound like? A new project seeks to find some ...

What we can learn about a united Ireland from Germany

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As discussions continue apace about the prospect of a United Ireland, are there economic lessons to be learnt from the reunification of Germany in the...

'Somebody kicked the door in!’ - Henry McKean asks about good/bad neighbours

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It seems young people are bringing back a sense of community spirit. A new survey by the Nextdoor app found Gen Z- those aged 27 and under-are most op...

Are the days of cheap flights over?

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For years, budget airlines have soared due to the fact they could sell flights for the same price as a pint of Guinness in Temple Bar. However, d...

State apologises for Stardust tragedy - Is it enough?

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Taoiseach Simon Harris delivers a formal state apology to the families and victims of the Stardust fire tragedy over 40 years ago in the Dáil.Joining...

How common are tattoo typos?

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was revealed the other day that the supermodel Cara Delavigne has had a correction made to one of her tattoos after a typo was accidentally inked o...

What exactly is ‘microfeminism’?

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a new term trending on social media called ‘microfeminism,’ which underscores the idea that creating change doesn’t always require gra...

This professor has been recording his entire life

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An Irish man has been lifelogging for 18 years; every 30 seconds, a photograph is taken and catalogued using AI. This is for a good reason; the purpos...

What does ‘We must meet soon’ mean?

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trying to meet up with friends can be tricky, and a lot of us may end up saying, ‘Must meet up soon!’ just as a reminder that we still want to mee...

Tuesdays with Morrie with Dan Butler

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new production of Tuesdays with Morrie is currently playing at the Gaiety Theatre here in Dublin, until this coming Saturday. One of the lead actors...

What makes a tourist attraction stand out?

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin has been named as the most boring tourist attraction in the country.Ireland escaped quite well in this new li...

New special bridge to help dormice travel between trees

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With so many ash trees being felled due to dieback in England, a new system has been introduced to allow treetop-dwelling dormice to travel: mini brid...

Irishman set to be foreman on Trump trial

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last night news broke in New York that a man originally from Ireland would not only sit on the jury of Donald Trump’s hush money trial, but had also...

Why is the Old Irish Goat being targeted by trophy hunters?

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While the Old Irish Goat is already an endangered species in Ireland, the absence of legal protection means it is now also the target of trophy hunter...

TV licence inspectors are being sent for resilience training!

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

TV licence inspectors are getting so much abuse that they are now having to get resilience training - what exactly is that? Seán is joined by Richard...

She fled to a monastery to escape her hectic life...

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Life can be incredibly hectic; it may feel like we are constantly on a roller coaster, and sometimes need to switch it off completely. Putting your ph...

What is loud budgeting - and should we do it?

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the latest TikTok trends is “loud budgeting” - where people are open and vocal about how much money they have, as well as how much they wil...

How much do you make writing a book?

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While books may be getting more expensive, spare a thought for the people who write them. Authors receive just a tiny percentage of the actual cost of...

'A hoover... I hate hoovering!’ - Henry McKean asks about the worst gifts ever

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A family in the US who got an octopus for their nine year old son's birthday say it's upended their life, after it gave birth to 50 babies. 9-year-old...

Samsung Vs. Apple: Who’s Winning?

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The battle of Android versus Apple is raging on, and Samsung is once again the most popular smartphone in the world. Are Apple's best days behind them...

Should alcohol free wine be called "wine"?

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A senior Italian government minister has insisted that non-alcoholic wine should not have the word “wine” on the label as sales soar globally.&nbs...

How did Conan O’Brien get on Ros na Rún?

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

US TV host Conan O’Brien has made no secret of his Irish heritage, and this week for his new show ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ he will be showcasin...

Dungeons & Dragons’ 50th Anniversary - What is the game?

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This year the cult tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons is marking its 50th anniversary, but how did it start and why has it got such a big following?...

‘They tell me I’m not paralyzed enough…’ Being disabled in Ireland

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters heard evidence from a number of people with disabilities and the barriers they face, s...

Does having an election in the summer make a difference?

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Based off of Bertie Ahern's comments at the recent Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis - Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent joins Seán to d...

Life Under Covid-19 Captured

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The National Library are unveiling a collection by photojournalists who captured how life was during the pandemic, from saying hello to granny through...

Is it okay to ask for a doggy bag?

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While some people might find it embarrassing, others are more than willing to ask for one. But what are the do’s and don’ts around doggy bags? Joi...

Is “Pretty Privilege” real?

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

According to research from the University of Illinois, attractive lawyers are more likely to win their cases and receive favourable rulings from judge...

Why are parcel deliveries getting so sloppy?

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Since the pandemic and the beginning of the era of so-called ‘contactless deliveries’, more and more consumers are discovering that their packages...

The World's Rarest Passport

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The world’s rarest passport belongs to a soverign nation which has no land and no citizens. Sean was joined by Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, Preside...

The Most Blasphemous Adverts of All Time

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An ad for crisps on Italian television is causing a stir amid accusations of blasphemy due to its depiction of Catholic nuns consuming crisps instead ...

Dermot Bannon: People stop me in queues to ask about their home renovations

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is the 20th anniversary of the ‘Simon Open Doors’, an initiative with the RIAI that provides services to people facing homelessness. If you don...

How do you deal with rage?

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new  Japanese study found the tradition of ‘hakidashisara’, which is noting down grievances then discarding the paper is a successful way t...

France approves bill penalising fast fashion

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A fast fashion bill in France is being sent to Senate that could change how we shop; this bill is a first of its kind and Ireland is no better, when i...

Irish Cheerleading team set for world stage

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An Irish cheerleading team is heading to Orlando later this month to compete in the ‘The Cheerleading Worlds’ but what is involved in cheerleading...

New version of Scrabble launched

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After 75 years, Scrabble has announced a new, apparently more ‘inclusive’ version of the game. But is this dumbing down the classic format? Sean w...

Ireland's Standout Taoisigh

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has been elected our new Taoiseach. He is the sixteenth man to take the position. So who have been the standout Ta...

Are we over catastrophizing AI?

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is a lot of talk in the media about artificial intelligence and it's rarely positive. Professor Barry O’Sullivan from the Insight Centre ...

'I wouldn't say we've lost them' - Henry McKean asks people about table manners

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

According to a new study 3 quarters of those polled aged 16 and over say traditional table etiquette is outdated nonsense.Sean was joined by Newstalk'...

International Airport in Arklow: Here's what we know so far

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Business Post had a front page story yesterday which said a middle-east consortium are in the process of assuming up to one thousand acres of land...

How does a funeral planning service work?

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When a loved one dies it can exert an enormous pressure on family members to organise a funeral in an exceptionally short space of time, unlike in som...

Can Dublin emulate Cork's English Market?

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following a two decade delay in getting the project off the ground, the fruit and vegetable market on Mary's Lane is to reopen in 2026. That hasn't st...

Jim Fitzpatrick: 'I was like Philip's mythological advisor'

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thin Lizzy’s fourth studio album ‘Nightlife’ is turning 50 this year. The Irish band is known for their hard rock hits and their creative and in...

Metal buoy lost in Gulf of Mexico resurfaces on Wexford beach after 17 Years

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

During the week, Owen Dunbar, local resident in Ballymoney, heard about a massive metal buoy that had washed up on the beach in Ballymoney. After some...

Are guinea pigs good pets for kids?

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While it can be challenging for parents to choose a suitable pet for young kids, one option is a guinea pig. But the history of how this animal ended ...

Reigniting Childhood Happiness

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we grow up, we tend to forget about the things that sparked a sense of joy for us as kids, but what if reigniting feeling now changes how we think ...

Cups v Grams: Which is better?

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been on the hunt for a recipe, and when you find the most delicious one, it is in cups, and you have to convert it, but it doesn’t eve...

Bavaria bans gender neutral language in schools and other public bodies

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new law came into effect in Bavaria in Germany this week that bans so-called “gender-neutral language” in schools and public bodies. It com...

Blessing of the planes at Dublin Airport could be coming to and end after 75 years

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For the past 75 years the blessing of the planes has been an annual tradition at Dublin Airport. However, the DAA has now decided to review this ritua...

The Longest Running TV Shows

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Grey’s Anatomy has returned for its 21st season. Has it run its course or can it be redeemed! What are some of the other longest running shows? Oliv...

Why is NASA giving the Moon a time zone?

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland and Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine joins Stefanie to discuss why NASA has been ...

A new path is being added to Croagh Patrick

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stefanie is joined by David Doyle, team member of the Croagh Patrick Path Team, to discuss the new path being put up Croagh Patrick.

Does Dublin need a congestion charge?

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is now 21 years since London brought in its Congestion Charge. While the notion has proved controversial as an option for Dublin, one commentator i...

The Legacy of Hugh O’Flaherty

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A village in Cork is set to commemorate the life of their most famous son, Hugh O’Flaherty, the priest who saved thousands of lives during World War...

How to disable push notifications on your phone

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Stefanie Preissner to discuss how to deal with the copious amount of push notifications we get o...

Could chatting to a deceased loved one through AI help you grieve?

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Would you create an AI chatbot to chat with your deceased loved one? Could this be good for the grieving process, or could it make things harder? Stef...

Are we showering too much?

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There was an article in the UK Independent where Jonthan Ross talks about how he hates showering. He could go at least a week without showering, as do...

The History of Hot Cross Buns

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many listeners will be scoffing down the last of the hot cross buns today but how exactly did this festive treat come about? Stefanie was joined by Dr...

People see things at different rates: Here's why

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just like the way a film works, we see the world as a series of fast-moving images. However, a new study reveals that people actually see these images...

Viral 'Fish Doorbell' is helping marine life in The Netherlands

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ding Dong! The fish are calling—Utrecht, a Dutch city, has innovated conservation with its remarkable fish doorbell, stirring waves in both environm...

Why is it raining so much?

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After a pretty decent Sunday, yesterday was another bank holiday wash out for much of the country.  And it feels like it has rained constant...

Why are concert tickets so expensive in Ireland?

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re going to see Pearl Jam, Taylor Swift or Bruce Springsteen this summer, chances are you’ll be paying more than concert goers in places li...

Employers and staff react to consecutive four-day weeks

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

March was a big month for public holidays and flexible work schedules.So much so that for many, they had three consecutive four-day weeks.Newstalk rep...

'Baby hedgehog’ rescued by woman turns out to be hat bobble

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An unusual creature was brought into a wildlife hospital recently in the UK, much to the bemusement of the staff. But what it actually turned out to b...

'People don't like wearing condoms' - Number of over 60s getting STIs on the rise

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The number of older people getting STIs is going up. It's a surprise to many baby boomers who thought they wouldn't have to worry about these infectio...

How to have a no-spend year

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Could you go an entire year without spending ANY money on luxuries? That means no takeout coffees, Netflix subscriptions, nothing! Well, a woman and h...

'I did geography until 3rd Year' - Has technology has killed the art of map reading?

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oscar winning pair Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas were spotted using an old fashioned paper map in Venice. They weren’t using Google Maps or a GP...

Are jeans banned in North Korea?

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When a clip of celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh went viral this week, it wasn’t anything to do with his green fingers. Instead, it was because his...

The Secret Army: The Lost Documentary about the IRA

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new BBC investigation tells for the first time the extraordinary story of a lost American documentary made inside the Irish Republican Army in ...

International Whiskey Day: The Irish Influence

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today is International Whiskey Day and Ireland has quite the story about the role we played in the popularity of whiskey. Back in the day, there were ...

'My days became terrifying' - Sophie White on living with Bipolar II

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With World Bipolar Day taking place this coming Saturday, Sean was joined by novelist and podcaster Sophie White to discuss her personal experiences o...

Do bullies end up more successful than those who they bullied?

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Studies show that kids who were tough and pushy at school often end up in top-notch, well-paying jobs. Meanwhile, the shy or sensitive ones might not ...

The Uniquely Irish Street Food: 'It's delicious'

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ali Dunworth, author of “A Compendium of Irish Pints: The Culture, Customs and Craic” joined Sean to chat about food like the Chicken Fillet Roll ...

Irish PhD students earning 'way below liveable wage'

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Under the current system, PhD researchers are classified as students, not workers, despite many of them working in their universities through teaching...

'It wrecks my head' - Do parents get priority over single people for taking time-off?

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is an opinion piece by an anonymous person in the Daily Mail with the headline “Why I can't bear mums that snaffle all the Easter holiday...

Dáil Bar: Only Members Allowed

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Politicians downed over €360k worth of booze last year with over 10k pints of Guinness poured at Dail’s two bars   A pint of the bl...

How is security intelligence collected?

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Russia has charged four men it says attacked a Moscow concert hall and killed at least 137 people.  Russia were warned by US Intelligence ag...

Belfast table tennis club sets new Guinness World Record

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new pre-verification Guinness World Record has been set by a table tennis club in Northern Ireland - but what exactly did it entail and how can 128 ...

Should we argue in relationships?

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like your friends or family judge your relationship because you argue too much or maybe too little? It may feel like you can never wi...

What's it like being a godparent in 2024?

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Godparents are among the most important people at a christening, who make big promises to encourage their godchild to grow in faith and commit to help...

What is 'fake science' and how harmful can it be?

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

'Fake news' might be a familiar term, but what about 'fake science?' A troubling rise in the number of fraudulent research papers infiltrating scienti...

Wedding Gifts: How much are you meant to give?

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the one question we’ll all have to face at some point. How much do I put in the wedding card? Well, the bad news is the rate is going up...

What do your fridge magnets say about you?

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While many people pick up a fridge magnet as a memento from their holidays, others are major collectors. But what do our fridge magnet habits say abou...

What is it like to undergo a lie detector test?

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When we think of lie detector, we might associate it with the likes of Jerry Springer and Jeremy Kyle and the roaring audience when the lie detector s...

Ulster Museum: 'This is everyone's story'

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, the show LIVE from the Belfast Room at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, with thanks to Tourism NI.Hannah Crowdy, Head of Curatorial at National Mu...

North Star: A Belfast celebration of Black music and culture

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On Friday, 25th October, Solab, a dynamic new collective helmed by Kwame Daniels - presents 'North Star,' a citywide spectacle in Belfast. Showcasing ...

Why can’t Irish passport holders in Northern Ireland vote in Irish elections?

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While people living in Northern Ireland are entitled to dual British and Irish citizenship, one journalist believes that the spirit of the Good Friday...

'Things take me a while!' - Henry asks the people of Belfast about procrastinating

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us keep putting off jobs around the house and goals we are trying to achieve. The Cambridge Dictionary defines procrastination as “the act o...

Free condoms are back at the Olympics!

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The tradition of giving out free condoms to Olympic athletes dates back to 1988 when AIDS fears prompted the Winter Olympics hosted in Canada to embra...

Leo Varadkar resigns: 'His time in office has taken a toll on him'

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's headlines are dominated by the unexpected news that Leo Varadkar is resigning as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael. This development is the la...

What does the role of a food stylist entail?

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are all aware of those mouth-watering food advertisements we see everywhere but have you ever been disappointed when the ad doesn’t translate int...

Rising trend of divorce rings

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Ratajkowski has showed off her divorce ring on social media, but what even is a divorce ring and why are they so trendy? Chupi Sweetman is a jew...

What does it take to play James Bond?

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the rumour mill in overdrive over the news that Aaron Taylor-Johnson may have been offered the role of James Bond, what has the process of castin...