Moncrieff

First Fortnight Festival: The January festival breaking down the taboo of mental health through art.

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You wouldn't imagine there are too many festivals happening this month, given the post-Christmas blues and the weather. But this month First Fortnight...

The Big Fat Newstalk Quiz of the Year 2025!

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Christmas!The Big Fat Newstalk Quiz of the Year is back - with Newstalk’s Simon Tierney taking you through some of the great, good and wackies...

The best games to entertain with around Christmas

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you’re entertaining extended family or just need something to break up the day, Christmas is a great time to try out a few games and get eve...

Did Coca Cola win the soft drink war?

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After 100 years of the Coca Cola versus Pepsi soft drink war, has the battle been won, with Pepsi now 3rd on the list of the biggest selling fizzy dri...

How do you look after your Christmas tree?

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is your Christmas tree looking sad with needles on the ground and limp branches just two days before Christmas?Joe Flynn is Chairman of the Irish Chri...

What are your options for an alcohol-free Christmas?

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s something in the water this Christmas... and while it might not be alcohol for some, the price of sober options during the holidays is enoug...

The life of a church bell ringer!

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over the next few days, the brilliant and joyous sound of church bells will be heard as we all celebrate Christmas and the coming new year.You may thi...

Kennys Bookshop on being family-owned for 85 years

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we frantically get our last bits of Christmas shopping done, how much of that will be done in a family-owned business? Unfortunately, not many of t...

The global influence of Daniel O’Connell

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For many Irish people Daniel O’Connell is one of the great nationalist leaders who changed the course of history for Ireland...But on a world stage,...

Director John Kelly talks ‘Retirement Plan’

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An animated short film called ‘Retirement Plan’ has made the shortlist for a nomination in next year's Oscars.The film has been receiving rave rev...

Why are non-fiction sales slumping?

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Non-fiction book sales are currently going through a major slump. But, why is this? Joining Seán is Holly Harley, Non-Fiction Editorial Director at H...

What does Christmas look like when you’re homeless? - Henry McKean Reports

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every year Merchant’s Quay Ireland (MQI) hosts a Christmas celebration for people who are sleeping rough or using its services. Turkey and ham with ...

Controversy over Canadian PM not using Canadian English

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Canadian linguists are upset over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s abandonment of their country’s spelling rules in official documentation. A group of...

Can you manifest friendships?

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all seen the trend of ‘manifesting’ online, but typically manifesting is reserved for love or money. Meehika Barua, however, decided to im...

What is it like to own Christmas reindeer?

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With just days to go before Christmas, reindeers have never been so in demand. There is a herd of reindeer in County Down who are bracing for their bu...

What is the secret to living a long life?

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland’s oldest person celebrated her 109th birthday earlier this week, she credits her longevity to ‘hard work, no smoking and no drinking’.Jo...

Is there shame attached to a short marriage?

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Breakups are hard, but when you are newly married and your relationship breaks down shortly after your wedding, there can be shame attached...Eve Simm...

How much do you spend on Christmas? - Josh Crosbie Reports

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s predicted that many families in Ireland will spend around €1,600 on Christmas.The shops are going to be packed this weekend as people scrambl...

Teaching Irish language classes in London!

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is there something about being away from home that makes you yearn for all things familiar to remind you of it?Emily Bourke is living in London and ha...

Designing a book for children with dyslexia

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It is that time of year where a book might appear in a Christmas stocking, but what books are suitable for children with dyslexia?Children’s author ...

How do you protect your intellectual property in fashion?

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Concerns have been raised for young up-and-coming fashion designers in this country who may find themselves ill-equipped to deal with the threats to t...

Should the state pay for Ozempic?

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, a Doctor and Columnist for the Irish Independent, believes that if the state is paying for cholesterol medication, it ou...

How fearful are people of US visa entry requirements?

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the Trump administration piles caveats onto visa entry requirements to the US, are more and more people fearful about their social media history an...

First ever cataract surgery performed on hippo in Dublin Zoo

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just one week ago, Dublin Zoo saw the first ever cataract surgery on a hippo. Frank O’Sullivan, one of the vets who performed the surgery joins Seá...

The life and legacy of town planner Herbert Simms

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Who was the man responsible for designing and planning Dublin’s flats?Lorcan Sirr, a Senior Lecturer in Housing at TUD, joins Seán to discuss the l...

Cartels are using cows to smuggle cocaine?

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Drug smugglers are now using cows as a means to transport cocaine and bring drugs into Europe from Latin America. This method is being favoured by car...

Christougenniatikophobia: The fear of Christmas

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For some people, the Christmas holiday can be a time of anxiety and hardship and even fear, especially if you are harbouring difficult emotions associ...

Is TikTok spreading medical myths?

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever since the Middle Ages, gout has been associated with the glutinous consumption of rich foods and too much red wine. But, is TikTok perpetuating m...

Should children ever work on farms?

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do children ever belong on farms?Alma Jordan, the Founder of Agrikids, joins Seán now to talk about farm safety, and how children can take part in fa...

Ireland’s first female envoy

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cork-born Josephine McNeill became the first Irish woman to head a diplomatic mission abroad in 1949. What would she make of this week’s promotion o...

Ruth Medjber on Christmas with no kids

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The media narrative, from movies to ads on television, suggests that Christmas is all about children, but does this sideline those who don’t have an...

Speaking with Germany’s first Irish-born Mayor

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seán’s guest is a Clontarf native who’s now believed to be the first Irish-born Mayor elected in Germany.Michelle Wittler is Mayor of the medieva...

From pop and poverty to politics and power - Live Aid 40 years on

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

During the 1984 famine in Ethiopia, Paul Vallely was Correspondent there for the London Times. After Live Aid, Bob Geldoff contacted Paul to figure ou...

From Odessa to Kerry - Yuliia Riabova’s story

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist and Broadcaster Yuliia Riabova moved from Odessa to Ireland in 2023 after reporting on the war in Ukraine. Now based in Kerry, Yuliia is th...

How can we prevent youth crime recruitment?

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How can we prevent our youth from being recruited and groomed into crime? Dr. Eoin O’Meara-Daly from the University of Limerick is part of a team re...

Newstalk’s 25 of 25: Best Actor

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last twenty-five years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further, and some extraordinary people helped shape i...

Should the Gardaí have tasers?

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Has the rolling out of tasers as part of a pilot programme with Gardaí been a rushed decision, and could it lead to an escalation in the use of force...

Coming home for Christmas as an adult - Henry McKean Reports

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What's it like when adults return to the family home for Christmas, do they revert to their childlike behaviours like fighting over the remote?Henry M...

Why shapewear for men is growing in popularity

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many women will know the struggle of Spanx, and especially as the Christmas party season is in full flow, there is a chance that people are looking to...

Why are politicians so bad with social media?

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all seen politicians’ cringe-worthy efforts at communicating with us over social media. The question is: why can’t they get it right?Steve...

Keeping track of films inside of films

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is a film inside a film, and do you remember some of the movies that characters in famous Christmas films were watching?Home Alone and The Holida...

Should you barbeque your turkey?

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Renowned Chef Dean Diplock, joins Seán to talk about the national obsession of his home country of South Africa: barbequing, and whether or not you s...

Ireland has the highest percentage of ‘bears’ in the world

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to Grindr’s end of year ‘Unwrapped’ data, Ireland has the highest percentage of bears in the world. No, not the ones that eat honey.Jo...

Paula Meehan on her poetry and life

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seán is joined by one of Ireland’s most influential poets, Paula Meehan. With a career spanning decades, Paula’s work has consistently explored t...

Valentia Island locals hoping to establish UNESCO World Heritage site

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A group of locals on Valentia Island are seeking permission to refurbish the old First Message Building and Cable Station in order to strengthen their...

The history of Christmas shop windows

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas time wouldn’t be complete without the festive shop window displays. Seán’s guest’s grandfather led the design and construction of Gim...

Do we eat too fast?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to a piece in the Huffington Post, American tourists can be spotted abroad because they are the ones scoffing at their food and not sitting ...

Is nuclear power the way to go?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As energy prices continue to rise and questions are raised over energy supply, it’s being wondered if Ireland should explore nuclear power. To discu...

The politics of gift giving - Henry McKean Asks

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it better to get no present than to get a bad one? What's the drama behind Kris Kindle?Henry McKean has been asking the public about the politics o...

The story behind the construction of the Empire State Building

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author Glenn Kurtz is out with a brand-new book chronicling the lives of the men who built the Empire State Building: ‘Men at Work: The Empire State...

Government considering spiked drink testing protocols in hospitals

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With drink-spiking incidents expected to rise over the Christmas party season, the Government is considering new hospital testing protocols. Justice M...

Why many small businesses are vulnerable to cyberattacks

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you backed up your data?New research shows that the majority of small businesses in Ireland don’t have any plan in place to a...

Eileen Harkin on fostering 27 children

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Eileen Harkin has fostered 27 children so far. This remarkable woman became involved in foster care as a child, when her own mother began taking in ch...

TD proposes ‘culture cards’ for 18-year-olds

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fianna Fáil TD, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, joins Seán to discuss his new proposal to give 18-year-olds access to a ‘culture card’, allowing them t...

Fighting on the Cambodian-Thai border displaces thousands

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Renewed fighting on the Cambodian-Thai border has displaced thousands and shut down schools in some of Cambodia’s poorest provinces. Irish developme...

Would you get your Christmas tree professionally styled?

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are now a number of organisations across Ireland providing professional Christmas tree styling services. But, how does it work?Joining guest hos...

Things originally made for disabled people that we all use today

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bobbie Hickey is fully blind, and she has been writing about the simple things that make the world more accessible, and actually improve things for al...

When should you introduce smartphones to your kids - if ever?

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have young people’s addiction to their phone gone too far? As Australia prepares to remove access to social media for anyone under the age of 16, se...

What role do dance halls play today?

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Irish dance halls have been a cornerstone of social life, bringing communities together and sometimes sparking generational debate.The 1935 Public Dan...

Is Trumpism here to stay?

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Director of the Heritage Foundation, the group responsible for much of Trump’s agenda, says in the Telegraph today “There’s sure as hell not...

The strange relationship between religion and AI

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past year or two there has been an enormous increase in religious AI chatbots, some even taking on the role of an Almighty. But, what are the...

The history and evolution of the spice bag!

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Where did the staple of modern Irish cuisine, the spice bag, come from? And, where is it going? Dr. John Mulcahy, from Technological University Dublin...

The scientific formula to make the happiest Christmas playlist

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We generally think of Christmas as a happy time of merriment with family and friends, but of course, it can also be quite stressful.There is shopping ...

Leon Diop on his mixed-race childhood in Ireland

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author and Founder of the advocacy group Black and Irish, Leon Diop, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss his new memoir ‘Mixed Up: An Irish ...

What are ‘micro-compatibilities’ in dating?

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Modern dating is chaotic and so too is the latest trend, micro-compatibilities. Apparently, we should be taking note of our partner’s shops, or what...

Is letting your anger out healthy?

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the year for 2025 is ‘ragebait’, content designed to spark outrage and keep us clicking. But, with anger now driving so much of ...

Does Oscar Wilde belong in St Mary’s Cathedral?

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We may all think of Oscar Wilde as a talented writer and gay icon, but what’s less known is his lifelong interest in converting to Catholicism.Mary ...

How to survive Queues-mas!

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Christmas season is upon us, and between busy shops and packed pubs, people will spend more time waiting in line now than at any other time of the...

The Irish man planning to row the Atlantic

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Galway man Daragh MacLoughlin will be attempting to row across the Atlantic as part of the World’s Toughest Row race. He’ll be setting out on his ...

What being a war photographer is like

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For most people, being caught in a war zone with no weapon would be the stuff of nightmares, but for Pulitzer prize-winning Photojournalist Lynsey Add...

Is there a problem with pet obesity in Ireland?

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the prospect of American Ozempic-style drugs coming on the market for dogs and cats, just how big a problem is pet obesity in Ireland?Joining Seá...

Office Christmas Party Stories - Henry McKean Reports

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This Friday, most Office Christmas parties are taking place across Ireland. But have we learned anything from last year? The heavy drinking, the inapp...

Is Ireland too small to matter with climate change?

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have a discussion about climate change in Ireland and almost certainly at some point someone will make the argument that what we do here is too small ...

Should we be concerned about digital billboarding?

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Apart from the ticker tape ads on the sides of pitches, you may also have noticed an increase in digital billboards in public spaces. This is leading ...

Danny Robbins on his new show 'Uncanny: Fear of the Dark'

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you believe in ghosts?And what does it really take to be convinced of paranormal stories?Danny Robins has been treating ghost stories like a detect...

Do we overcommit at Christmas?

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You know what it’s like, this time of year is full of Christmas catch-ups and meeting the gang for the annual get together, but are we overcommittin...

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A recent poll has claimed to have settled once and for all that ‘Die Hard’, the Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman action classic, is definitively not ...

Ireland’s oldest cat found in Co. Clare cave

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland's oldest cat has finally been carbon dated, allowing a more accurate picture of our ancient ecology.Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Marion Dow...

Jakarta named world’s most populous city

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to a new UN study, Jakarta has now overtaken Tokyo as the world’s most populous city. But, what is it actually like living in the Indonesi...

Why do boomers love junk that their kids have to inherit?

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are boomers addicted to junk? The Daily Mail has been writing about this, and the frustrations facing children worried about what clutter they’l...

‘Rage bait’ named Oxford’s word of 2025

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

‘Rage bait’ has been named the official Oxford word of 2025 after language experts noticed its usage has tripled this year. The word is a sign of ...

Are pop stars to blame for a resurgence in smoking?

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are pop stars to blame for a resurgence in smoking? When pop stars like Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter use them in music videos or magazines, or any...

How the World Cup has changed since 1990

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With next year’s World Cup on the horizon, a new book explores the impact of the world’s largest sporting event, from its effect on culture to its...

What should you do before you’re 35? - Henry McKean Asks

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle Obama says no one should see turning 35 as a deadline for marriage or success. So, what should you have done before that time comes around?He...

What is the ‘Celtic Curse’?

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling exhausted and lethargic can be caused by many things such as lack of sleep, being overworked or having a busy schedule, but for Ellen Troy, fe...

Why do we love terrible TV?

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

‘All’s Fair’, the new legal drama starring Kim Kardashian and Glenn Close, has been renewed for a second series after receiving the worst critic...

Skating the Wild Atlantic Way

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Artist Becky Gilmour is travelling the Wild Atlantic Way - on a skateboard! She has been skating the West coast to raise funds and awareness for suici...

Is there a normal dry spell balance?

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re all curious about each other’s sex lives… is everyone really having more sex than you?And are dry spells normal or even encouraged? One Au...

Is the kettle disappearing?

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are kettles disappearing from our kitchens? The invention of the hot tap and the popularity of minimalist interior design has created a debate on whet...

Managing lawn mushrooms at this time of year

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of people have been noticing mushrooms popping up on their lawns lately, with the mix of frosty and mild weather contributing to their abundance...

Dublin City to host its first World AIDS Day Festival

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On December 1st, Dublin City will be hosting its first ever World AIDS Day Festival. To mark the occasion, Seán is joined by Robbie Lawlor, who is on...

We lose three days a year looking for our parked car

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New research has found that we lose up to three days a year searching for where we parked our cars. So, why do we forget, and how can we improve our m...

Can you teach empathy to teenagers?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can you really teach empathy?The University of Galway have developed a module on empathy, which they are looking to have rolled out in classrooms to a...

Are the boom times coming back? - Henry McKean Asks

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bank of Ireland is going to offer what they call a ‘trading down’ loan, also known as a bridging loan. What’s significant about this, is that th...

Cabbage Patch Kids - the first Christmas toy craze

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Christmas, for no apparent reason, there's something that your kids will really want. These kinds of fads happen all the time in the digital age...

How can we really bring about change?

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“But what can I do?” That could be the refrain of our whole generation.We’re faced with largescale problems and existential issues, but most don...

How durable is fast fashion?

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you buy a cheap garment, how long do you actually expect it to last?Valerie Flynn, of The Journal Investigates, has been running some tests, and ...

Is it less stress to have more kids?

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A survey of 7000 mothers by NBC television in the United States has found that mums who have more than 4 kids have lower stress levels than those with...

Why do some of us find photos embarrassing?

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever seen a photo of yourself and thought “I look amazing?” - chances are low, and for many people, getting photos taken is awkward and e...

Sexual orientation to be on next census for the first time

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It has been announced that a question regarding sexual orientation will appear on our next census, in 2027, for the first time. But, why is this requi...