Three Irish Shows You Should Start Listening To This Week
From gripping investigations to insightful cultural storytelling, this week’s Irish podcast lineup offers something for every listener. Here are three standout series that capture the current mood of Irish audio storytelling, each exploring different facets of identity, history, and ethics.
1) A gripping true‑crime narrative narrated by Ruth Negga
One illuminating series enters a complex, real‑life case that began in 2016. A father brings his daughter to a hospital emergency department after an injury to her genital area, and doctors flag concerns that the symptoms could indicate female genital mutilation. As the first episode unfolds, tensions rise as the couple—originally from East Africa—face a landmark trial in 2019, marking the first of its kind in Ireland. The show unspools in a careful, compassionate manner, with Ruth Negga lending narration to protect the identities involved while guiding listeners through the escalating events and the eventual verdict. This is a prime example of how podcasting can illuminate difficult topics—balancing sensitive reporting with rigorous storytelling, and offering a window into the human cost of legal and cultural clashes.
2) Kilcoursey: The Unsolved Murder of Fr Niall Molloy
Available exclusively on YouTube, Kilcoursey presents an exhaustive, documentary‑style retelling of the 1985 death of Fr Niall Molloy at a pinnacle wedding party in County Offaly. The series, written, produced, and edited by Liv Kirwan, offers a meticulous chronology that stitches together public records, family accounts, and the case’s many inconsistencies. Narrated by Kirwan’s husband, Marcus Kirwan, the podcast‑like video series takes a forensic approach: it lays out what is known, what is disputed, and why the case has continued to haunt public memory for decades. For listeners who crave a well‑structured mystery with careful sourcing, Kilcoursey is a masterclass in long‑form investigative storytelling on a local Irish canvas.
3) Undercover Irish: A journey through history, language, and culture
Rounding out the trio is Undercover Irish, a history‑and‑culture podcast that has evolved since its first eight‑episode run. In its current season, host Eolan Ryng shifts between playful exploration and serious inquiry, humorously linking seemingly disparate topics—from how ice cream intersects with the Irish presidential election cycle to the way a GAA crest connects to a historical battle. Ryng describes the project as a journey, not a fixed destination: a blend of language, national identity, and international stories—all told through a distinctly Irish lens. Early indications suggest this season will deepen the show’s thoughtful approach to Irishness, offering listeners a refined blend of history, folklore, and contemporary reflections.
Why these picks work together: each show highlights a different aspect of Irish storytelling—sensitive journalism, historical investigation, and cultural exploration. Taken together, they illustrate how Irish podcasts are expanding the conversation beyond entertainment, offering nuanced discussions that reflect social issues, heritage, and ongoing debates about identity in Ireland and beyond.
How to dive in
All three shows are available on their respective platforms, with Kilcoursey accessible via YouTube and the other two available through major podcast apps. If you’re building a weekly listening routine, consider pairing a serious investigative series with a cultural/history piece to get a well‑rounded view of Ireland’s stories this week.
Closing thoughts
These Irish podcasts illustrate a thriving ecosystem where storytelling meets accountability, curiosity, and cultural celebration. Whether you’re drawn to the ethics of real‑world investigations, the lure of unsolved cases, or the joy of exploring language and heritage, there’s a new episode waiting to spark your next listening session.
