What should you listen to next? Discover the rich world of Irish language podcasts that cater to both learners and more fluent speakers. From fast-paced discussions to literary explorations, these podcasts are a great way to immerse yourself in the Irish language and learn about it too.
The good news is that the below list has some of the best podcasts with a great standard of Irish and discussions about the language. The bad news is, oftentimes podcasts simply run their course and stop updating. But at least they’re still available to listen over if you so wish.
1. Beo ar Éigean
Still on the go, this advanced podcast is produced by RTÉ and features Siún Ní Dhuinn, Áine Ní Bhreisleáin and Sinéad Ní Uallacháin discussing various topics entirely in Irish. It’s fast-paced and ideal for those who already have a good command of the language. Have a listen to Beo ar Éigean here.
2. Bláth na dTulach
This podcast celebrates the vibrant world of contemporary short story writing from Ulster. Each podcast follows a new story that is published online and is accompanied by a podcast hosted by Réaltán Ní Leannáin. Thus what makes this series unique is that listeners can access the text of the short stories on their website. The anthology spans a variety of styles and themes, encompassing love, revenge, hope, humour, and sadness.
Have a listen to Bláth na dTulach here.
3. Spreagadh Saoil
No longer recording but this was one of the better Irish language podcasts with great guests. Host Seán Óg Ó Duinnín’s project was launched during the pandemic and definitely struck a chord with people looking for more inspiration and more joyful things in their lives at the time. Listen back to all of the episodes of Spreagadh Saoil here.
4. Na Seansálaithe
Hugh Carr, Áine Mhaoir and James Ó Flatharta known as the ‘Na Seansálaithe’ have a podcast where banter and pop culture are combined to create a fast-paced but amusing discussion.
The good news is that there are over 100 episodes to listen to. The trio’s podcast is available to listen to (and watch) over on YouTube.
5. Podcasts on Raidio na Gaeltachta
Irish language podcasts are also available through RnaG who have podcast versions of themselves online. It’s probably more playback rather than podcast however, it’s always worth mentioning that they’re available. Favourites here include Barrscéalta, Aniar, Saol ó Dheas and Bladhaire.
I also highly recommend listening back to Cartlann Bhóthar na Léinsí which looks back on the RnaG archive of audio. Find all of the Raidió na Gaeltachta podcasts here.
6. An Spota Dubh
Sports fans, this one’s for you. This sports programme is hosted by Cárthach Bán Breathnach and Cian Ó Griallais. All the big sporting events are up for discussion with a mix of chat, analysis, guests and more. Listen back on episodes of An Spota Dubh here.
7. Ón Domhan Thíos
“When a boy vanishes, a group of friends uncover a mystery involving a fairy fort and a changeling from the Otherworld”. This podcast series is a blend of mystery, intrigue, and emotion. Aimed at children it’s still worth listening to regardless. After all if you can’t understand children’s material, chances are you’ll struggle with anything more advanced. Have a listen to this series here.
8. Club Leabhar’s Book Club podcast
Club Leabhar is literally a Book Club in the Irish language, and their podcast focuses on books they’ve chosen each month. You can also join the book club online – there is no membership fee and it only takes a few seconds to register.
Listen back to all of the episodes here.
9. Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin’s Beginner Podcasts
There are 10 episodes in the Cultúrlann’s Beginner Podcast series. Unfortunately, while there are tabs for ‘intermediate’ and ‘advanced’ none are there. However, the beginner episodes are a great introduction to the language and cover a variety of topics. Note that Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin is based in Derry and so the pronunciation is Ulster Irish. Listen to the episodes here.
10. Conallach na Céadaoine
This is a podcast with many different guests in each episode. Created by Pleanáil Teanga an Iarthuaiscirt, the podcasts themselves don’t follow a particular structure as such but are instead a collection of a couple of questions for people/speakers of Tír Chonaill. One thing it’s lacking is actual descriptions per episode so you’re really thrown into the deep end straight away. Have a listen to all of the episodes of Conallach na Céadaoine here.
11. Seoda ón Taisce Liteartha
This is a nifty series that’s been compiled by the Oireachtas. Those who that have been awarded literary prizes by the Oireachtas over the years have their works highlighted here in this podcast including works such as prose, poetry, short stories, drama and more. Have a listen to Seoda ón Taisce Liteartha here.
12. Splanc
While Splanc is also a radio show, similar to RnaG you can listen back to the episodes online. Cuán Ó Flatharta covers a wide range of topics, from current affairs to sports and the arts. Featuring panel discussions, in-depth features, music, and more. Listen back here.
13. The Nobody Zone
“In a forgotten London underworld, a homeless Irishman kills multiple times without detection, unseen in a world where nobody seems to care”. This is a true crime series from RTÉ in Ireland and Third Ear in Denmark. The Nobody Zone was produced in five languages – Irish, English, Danish, Spanish and German.
Have a listen to the full series here.
14. Podchraoladh Met Éireann
This podcast from Ireland’s Meteorological Service probably has gone under the radar for many people. Hosted by Ferdia McCrann, the weather podcast obviously focuses on weather-related content touching upon topics such as pollution, the effects of weather on food and climate change. Have a listen to the episodes here (doesn’t seem to be regularly updated).
15. Plé agus Spraoi
Released in 2024, this is a podcast from Inis Oírr resident Fionnan Ó Conaola. He has excellent Irish and is well known for his own videos on socials alongside his jack russell Sonaí. Have a listen to the first episode here.
Bonus: Bluiríní Béaloidis
Bluiríní Béaloidis is the podcast from The National Folklore Collection, University College Dublin. Not strictly all in the Irish language, it is however a fascinating insight into words to do with the Irish language and our rich cultural heritage. For a taster check out: Peig Sayers (with Dr. Éilís Ní Dhuibhne & Dr. Pádraig Ó Héalaí), Séamus Ó Duilearga: ‘A Burning Urge To Save’ and The Civil War (with Dr. Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh).
All episodes of Bluiríní Béaloidis here.
I know you haven’t asked for suggestions but there’s two I listen to as a learner which I thought other readers might be interested in:
1. Gaeilge Weekly.
Host Liam speaks on various topics he is interested in each week. The show is unscripted and released in three different episodes each week; one fully as gaeilge, a ‘nios simpli’ version in easier Irish with some English explanations and a version ‘i bhfad níos simplí’ where everything said as gaeilge is repeated in English.
2. Seachtain
A podcast from the Irish Independent which covers headline stories from the week or more detailed looks at current topics. Each episode comes with a foclóir, both in the recording and in the show notes.
Hi Padraic, good recommendation with ‘Seachtain’.
However your first recommendation ‘Gaeilge Weekly’ would rank in the ‘very popular among learners but should be avoided at all costs’ list, up there with ‘Irish with Mollie’. The guy does not have good pronunciation, you do not want to listen to that slowed down. Sadly this is an endemic problem with Irish language learner material.