Clare FM - Podcasts

The Burrenbeo Trust has announced that the second annual Burren Archaeology Festival is taking place on June 20th and 21st 2026 in Ballyvaughan. The two-day event will celebrate the rich archaeological heritage of the Burren through expert talks, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages, including workshops, interactive displays, and family-friendly excavation experiences designed to bring the region's ancient history to life. To find out more, DaraghDolan was joined by Communications Coordinator with the BurrenBeo Trust, Pranjali Bhave. Image (c) Burrenbeo.com

On Thursday's Morning Focus, Daragh Dolan was joined by Danny Lynch, chef at Le Chéile, Barefield. This week, Danny shared a delicious recipe for a cuban sandwich and a kinder bueno cheesecake.

A unique blend of history, music and theatre is coming to glór Ennis this weekend as O'Connell takes to the stage on Sunday, May 24th at 8pm. Produced, written and directed by Diarmuid de Faoite, the production explores the life, politics and legacy of Daniel O'Connell through powerful storytelling, original musical arrangements and a cast of leading Irish musicians and performers. To find out more, Daragh Dolan spoke with producer, writer & narrator Diarmuid de Faoite, as well as Musical Director, Geraldine Cotter.

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with Marian Sheedy, co-owner of Sheedy's Boutique B and B in Doolin and Conor Graham, proprietor of Linnane's Lobster Bar and Flaggy Shore Oysters in New Quay, also in North Clare. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

The Leaving and Junior Cert are only around the corner. No matter how often students are told ‘it's not the be-all and end-all of life,' it's natural to be worried and stressed about such a milestone event - both parents & students. Principal of The Tuition Centre, Dan Sheedy has a practical list of do's and dont's for students as they get ready to head to the exam halls. Image (c) by TrueCreatives via Canva

The cost of renting in County Clare continues to climb sharply, with the latest figures showing new tenants now paying almost €600 a month for a single room in a house.  According to the latest Daft.ie rental report, market rents rose by 4.4% nationally in the first quarter of 2026 — the biggest quarterly increase recorded since the series began in 2002.   In Clare, the cost of a three-bed home has risen by 8.3%, while four-bed properties are now over 20% more expensive than this time last year.  To discuss this further, Daragh Dolan was joined by Homeless support worker and Shannon Sinn Féin representative, Shane Doody and Clare SVP President, Gerardine Power. by Kanjana Jorruang from Getty Images via Canva

People will have a unique opportunity to view whale and dolphin activity off the coast of Clare this weekend. Whale Watch Ireland takes place between 5 and 7pm on Saturday evening as part of a nationwide effort to monitor and celebrate marine life. Now in its 24th year, the event held by the Kilrush-based Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, will see free land-based watches taking place at 19 locations across the country, including Loop Head in West Clare and Black Head in the north of the county. Chief Executive Officer of Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Dr Simon Berrow has been telling Clare FM's Morning Focus it's a good opportunity for people to play a part in marine conservation efforts. Photo (c) Irish Whale and Dolphin Group via Facebook

Lahinch businesses say there's been confusion among locals and tourists about water quality after the beach lost its Blue Flag status. The Blue Flag programme is aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats. Lahinch is the only beach not to retain its Blue Flag Status this year, following a number of restrictions in recent years linked to elevated bacteria levels. Ben Bennett of Lahinch Surf Clinic says the decision has affected local businesses, but he's been telling Clare FM's Morning Focus that the water is still considered safe for swimming on a day-to-day basis. Photo (c) Clare FM

New bye-laws are expected to give An Garda Síochána and Clare County Council somewhere to turn when anti-social behaviour occurs at an East Clare tourism site. The regulations approved by elected members of Killaloe Municipal District this week prohibit camping and other potentially harmful activities on Inis Cealtra in Lough Derg. The bye-laws, which come into effect on July 1st, also ban overnight parking at Knockaphort Pier. Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the new rules were drafted following issues observed last summer.

Eight awards were presented to winners aged from 13 to 19 years at a special event held yon Tuesday 19th at the Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, in recognition of the young people's bravery, determination and positive impact. This year's Awards celebrated an impressive cross‑section of young people and youth‑led initiatives across County Clare. To find out more, Daragh Dolan was joined on the line by the Sponsor of the Awards, Shannon Airport's Director, Niall Kearns. We were also joined by some of the winners, including Caoimhe Moroney, Sarah Bermingham, and Lexi Reidy, who spoke about their achievements. Pictured Back (L-R): Superintendent John Ryan, Cillian Grimes McDonagh (East Clare UBU Youth Group), Sam O'Dwyer, Caoimhe Moroney, Tristan Murphy (East Clare UBU Youth Group), Niall Kearns, Airport Director of Shannon Airport. Front (L-R): Isabella Sydney, Sarah Bermingham and Lexi Reidy (Escape the Vape School Ambassadors), Niamh McManus (Clare Comhairle na nOg), Mayar Jadalla, Joe Slattery. Image (c) Arthur Ellis

Talks at the Labour Court aimed at resolving a pay dispute at the National Ambulance Service will resume this morning. SIPTU has described the discussions as "difficult" and said agreement has not yet been reached. "The Labour Court has asked the parties to return today as a final opportunity to try to resolve the dispute before next week's industrial action, which would involve a 72 hour work stoppage amid an ongoing work to rule according to the Union. The dispute over pay and conditions stems from accusations that the HSE has failure to implement the pay scale recommendations of an independent report in 2020. For their part, Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians and Ambulance staff claim the scope and duties of their roles has expanded in recent times but the pay has not matched this change. To find out the latest, Daragh Dolan was joined by Clooney-Quin based Orla Considine who is on the Midwest Irish Ambulance Representative Council.

A West Clare School bus driver claims it's only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured or worse due to a lack of traffic calming measures on a busy Kilrush Road. Concerns have been raised over a high volume of speeding motorists on the R483 which serves Kilrush Community School, Regina House, Moneypoint Football Club, the Kilrush FET building and a number of residential areas. Local resident Mick Thorpe who also lives across from the school claims he's consistently unable to park in the designated school bus bay when on duty, and that his personal vehicle was recently damaged by a passing car. Mick says the situation needs to be urgently addressed.

A Clare credit union says its payments system is "stable" once again following a disruption. It's understood the European Banking Authority, which oversees the clearing of transactions for banks and lending institutions across the EU, conducted a software update last weekend. This resulted in issues with instant payments for customers in Clare. CEO of St Francis Credit Union in Ennis, Louis Fay, claims they're back to a "state of normality" after a few days of uncertainty.

A former All Ireland winner with Clare is hopeful the squad can carry the same intensity that saw them to victory against Tipp into their final round robin game against Cork. A repeat of the 2024 All Ireland Final is in store when Brian Lohan's troops head to Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon. Cork will be without the services of a number of key players, namely Captain Darragh Fitzgibbon, Robbie O'Flynn, Robert Downey and Ciarán Joyce. 2013 All Ireland Winner Colin Ryan says Clare are at their best when their tackle rate is high, Throw in on Sunday is at 4pm with commentary on Clare FM thanks to Matt Waters Clare Fruit and Veg; and Healys Spar and Off License, Turnpike Ennis

It's claimed Clare can't afford to underestimate Longford ahead of their knockout clash in the Tailteann Cup. Following defeat to Offaly last time out, The Banner welcome Longford to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg on Saturday evening in their Round 2B clash. Another defeat for Paul Madden's men would see their Championship campaign for 2026 brought to an end. Clare FM analyst Paudie Carmody says it's the most pivotal game Clare have played in a number of years. Throw in on Saturday is at 5pm with commentary on Clare FM thanks to Ennis Home Furniture and Jones's Supervalu Milltown

Clare camogie manager Eugene Foudy says his side need to be prepared for a backlash from Dublin in the All Ireland Camogie Championship. The Banner kick off the campaign with a home tie in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chisóg on Saturday afternoon. Clare defeated Dublin in this year's Division 1B final, while The Dubs also tasted defeat in the Leinster Final against Wexford. Foudy says they're coming to Ennis with a point to prove. Throw in tomorrow is at 2pm.

Clare minor hurling boss Ger O'Connell says his side are eager to make the most of their All Ireland campaign after qualifying 'by the skin of their teeth'. Clare travel to FBD Semple Stadium and Saturday afternoon to meet Dublin in the preliminary quarter final, with that game underway at 12pm. The Banner qualified from the round robin series in fourth place thanks to results falling in their favour during the final round of games. O'Connell says the squad are in the same position they were last year, when they made it to the All Ireland Final.

Ahead of the Irish Concertina Orchestra's landmark headline concert at glór in Ennis on 23 May 2026, producer and musical director Pádraig Rynne joined Daragh Dolan in studio to discuss their latest release, Aboard the West Clare. The sweeping new composition by Bill Whelan is inspired by the historic West Clare Railway and recorded at Windmill Lane Studios with NOTIFY and the MGCE Concert Orchestra. The piece marks the final instalment in the lead-up to the much-anticipated concert.

A new Irish documentary celebrating music, friendship and second chances is coming to Clare this week. Once We Were Punks, directed by Frank Shouldice, tells the story of four school friends from Cavan who formed a punk band in the 1980s, before life took them in different directions, only to reunite decades later and rediscover the dream. The film is launching at the Arc Cinema in Ennis from this Friday (22nd) To find out more, Daragh Dolan was joined by the Director/Writer, Frank Shouldice, Killaloe musician David Meagher and band member, Paddy Glackin. Image (c) Arc Cinema Ennis Image (c) The Arc Cinema Ennis

The European Commission has formally proposed an action plan on fertilisers to combat soaring prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iran War. To discuss this further, Daragh Dolan was joined by Clare IFA County Chair and Feakle farmer, Stephen Walsh, and former General Secretary of the ICSA and Cratloe farmer, Eddie Punch, former General Secretary of the ICSA. Photo (c) Lukas Hartmann from Pexels via canva.com

Following the strong turnout at the recent Newmarket-on-Fergus Community Energy Event, attention now turns to East Clare. Mountshannon Community Hall will host the SEAI Community Energy Event on Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 7pm. To discuss this further, Daragh Dolan was joined by SEC Mentor from Clare Local Development Company, Denise O'Brien and member of Mountshannon SEC Committee, Fiona Levie. Image (c) CLDC.IE

A continued housing supply shortfall and new rental rules are being blamed for a sharp rise in rents in Clare. The latest Daft.ie report shows a single room in a house here now costs almost €600 a month to rent. Four-bed homes saw the biggest jump, with the average surging by 21% to €2,162 in the last year. Economist at Trinity College Dublin and author of the Daft.ie report, Ronan Lyons, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons a nationwide cost rental scheme could put a dent in the problem.

40% of domestic septic tanks in Clare failed inspection last year, putting drinking water, wells and rivers at risk. The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency shows 97 inspections were completed in this county in 2025, with 80% of those fixed at the end of the year. Only five other counties, namely Limerick City, Donegal, Cork, Galway and Wexford had higher failure rates last year. The EPA has found that between 2013 and 2025, 316 systems were deemed to have failed in this county. To discuss this further, Daragh Dolan was joined by the EPA Inspector, Lorcan Farrell. Photo (c) BrittaK via Canva.com

As we've been discussing earlier this week, concerns continue to be raised about the active travel works on the Tulla Road in Ennis, particularly around road width, kerb heights and emergency access. To discuss the project and to respond to those concerns, Clare County Council Senior Engineer, Cyril Feeney joined Daragh Dolan On Wednesday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Mateusz Otreba via The Real Ennis Town Forum

It's hoped an impending review will bring an end to what's been described as an "eyesore" blighting Clarecastle's landscape. Ennis Municipal District has been using Devine's Field as a machinery and gravel yard for several years, since plans for a major commercial unit on the site fell through during the recession. The site remains in private ownership and the local authority has committed to reviewing its existing storage sites as soon as possible. Mayor of Clare, Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy says it's vital another site is found.

Clare will be hoping to get their All Ireland Camogie Championship off to the best possible start when they open their campaign this weekend. The Banner welcome Dublin to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg on Saturday afternoon in the first match of the All Ireland series for both sides. Clare are unbeaten in two outings against the Dubs in 2026, most notably when they took victory in the Division 1B final to claim promotion for next year. Clare FM Analyst Ann-Marie McGann says the sides meeting for the third time will make for a fascinating tactical battle.

The Government insists Clare's policing needs will be "fully attended to" during the upcoming the golf tournaments being hosted here. The Walker Cup 2026 will take place in Lahinch from the 5th to the 6th of September, with the Amgen Irish Open being held in Doonbeg a week later. Approximately 80,000 attended last year's Irish Open in Kildare while roughly 4,000 each day went to the 2025 edition of the Walker Cup in California. Responding to a parliamentary question from Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, Fianna Fáil Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Niall Collins, says policing in other parts of this county won't suffer during these events.

Clare's minor footballers will get their All Ireland Championship underway this weekend. The Banner travel to Tubbercurry on Saturday afternoon to take on Sligo in the Preliminary Quarter Final of the tier 2 competition. It's the third year in a row Clare will face The Yeats County in the championship, with the hosts narrowly defeated by Galway in the Connacht semi final last time out. Manager Joe Hayes says they're better set up than when the sides faced off 12 months ago.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum located in Foynes, Co Limerick. The museum tells the story of the journey from the first flying boats at Foynes Airport, or Shannon Airport Foynes as it was known, to the new airfield at Rineanna later to become the Shannon Airport we know today.

It's claimed more investment is urgently needed in West Clare's infrastructure to prevent future water consumption issues. A boil water notice is currently in place for over 740 residents in Cranny, Coolmeen and Kildysart. Uisce Éireann implemented the precaution following issues at the Kildysart Water Treatment Plant. Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the facility needs to be upgraded.

The streets of Ennis will be lined with musicians for a 10-day Irish traditional music festival starting this weekend. The 2026 edition of the Fleadh Nua runs from March 23rd to June 1st and consists of over 120 events including concerts, céilithe, workshops and sessions. The programme features a production of 'O'Connell the Liberator' as well as an intimate concert by celebrated musicians Bríd Harper and Ryan Molloy, and a performance by the Kilfenora Céilí Band. Fleadh Nua committee member Micheál Ó Riabhaigh has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Leamy that participation and inclusivity have always been central to the festival's appeal since it first came to Ennis in 1974.

Today is World IBD Day. Sarah O'Connor, from Crusheen was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2020 after years of symptoms, and later received an MS diagnosis in 2022. She says living with both conditions has been a “constant juggling act,” affecting everything from daily energy levels to treatment options. Despite the challenges, Sarah has continued to build a career in digital marketing, contribute to research at the University of Galway, and raise awareness of chronic illness through advocacy and social media. She joined Derrick Lynch on Tuesday's Morning Focus to share her experience as part of efforts by Crohn's and Colitis Ireland to support others living with inflammatory bowel disease. Pic (c): Red Lion Group

This feature delivered sustained, in-depth reporting on housing in County Clare, to provide clarity, context, and accountability. Each week, we examined a different aspect of the crisis, from supply and pricing trends to planning permission barriers, social housing allocations, mortgage access, and the role of sustainable rural building, answering the key questions. To wrap up the series, Alan Morrissey spoke with Ciaran Breen, of Ciaran Breen Construction in Ennis, and Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in Ennis, who both reflected on the key housing issues, discussed solutions, and offered practical advice. This feature, 'The Future of Housing' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Derrick Lynch spoke to Avril Collentine, of Cahir & Co Solicitors, Ennis in our weekly legal slot. This week, Avril offered advice on how to prepare for selling your home and downsizing.

Calls are continuing across Clare for an increase in the amount of Gardai deployed for duty in the county. It follows on from Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan visiting here last week, where he heard of safety concerns from local business owners, retailers, and elected representatives. This included in Ennistymon where issues around growing anti-social behaviour problems were raised, along with a recent spate of local car thefts In Ennis, a deputation of town centre retailers and business owners detailed ongoing challenges to Minister O'Callaghan, including persistent anti-social behaviour, the intimidation of customers, and rising retail theft. Meelick Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe is calling for increased Garda personnel for Clare, while Fianna Fail councillor Shane Talty was among those who met with the Minister in Ennistymon last week. To discuss this further, Cathal Crowe and Sahne Talty joined Derrick Lynch on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) An Garda Siochana

In Clare, LauraLynn Children's Hospice is currently supporting 16 families through its community team, providing care in the home as well as access to its hospice services in Dublin, often over many years, not just in a child's final days. Colm Naughton, from a Clare family, joined Derrick Lynch on Tuesday's Morning Focus to share his family's lived experience. Marie Lynch, Assistant Director of Nursing for Community, also joined the programme to discuss the importance of early access to hospice care and how that support helps families make the most of every moment. Image (c) LauraLynn.ie

There are growing local concerns over the recent works on Tulla Road. Some residents have raised questions about the impact of the changes to the road layout — including reduced carriage space, new cycle lanes, widened footpaths, and raised kerbing. There are concerns that during peak traffic, congestion could become more severe, and that emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire services may face difficulties accessing the area quickly. Supporters of the project say the works are aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, but others feel the changes may be creating new risks for drivers and emergency response times. To discuss this further, Derrick Lynch was joined by local resident Angela Nolan on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Mateusz Otreba via The Real Ennis Town Forum

Wind Energy Ireland insists Kilmihil residents will see the benefits of the proposed Cahermurphy Windfarm. The representative group for the wind energy sector has pointed to a recent SEAI survey which shows 67% of people living within 10km of a windfarm in Ireland believe they've had a positive impact. The Cahermurphy West Windfarm would involve eight turbines up to 185 metres in height and the developer claims it has the potential to power up to 40,000 homes per year. Wind Energy Ireland CEO Justin Moran believes it's needed.

It's claimed a motorway advertising shake-up is needed to boost footfall in Ennis. It comes amid concern that motorists are bypassing the town in favour of shopping in Limerick and Galway. Clare County Council has promised to explore the feasibility of installing new promotional signage on the M18. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly says it's the way forward.

Clare selector Brendan Bugler says the squad channelled the u20 Munster Final success into their own victory over Tipperary in the senior championship. Clare secured progression to the All Ireland Series with a game to spare with an 11 point victory over the 2025 All Ireland Winners. It marked Clare's second success at any grade over The Premier in four days and kept intact The Banner's 100% record at Semple Stadium since the introduction of the round robin format. Bugler says there was a noticeable increase in intensity in the aftermath of that u20 success.

Coming up on the show we'll get plenty of reaction to Clare's Munster Hurling Championship win over Tipperary and we'll also have the latest in our More Than A Club series

The reopening of a West Clare Post Office following a robbery earlier this year has been described as a godsend for the local community. Having been temporarily closed since late January, the new and improved Carrigaholt Post Office officially came back into to action this morning. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan reports

This special documentary takes an in-depth look at FASD through the voices of experts, families, and individuals living with the condition. Produced by Clare FM's Programme Director & Head of Operations Padraic Flaherty. Email: pf@clare.fm

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch was joined by Clare FM's Derek Dormer on Monday's Morning Focus to review a busy weekend of sport fixtures.

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre joined Derrick Lynch live on Monday's Morning Focus for our regular In The Garden slot. This week, Judy gave advice on how to plant a summer pot with colour. If you have any questions for Judy, text or WhatsApp 0861800964. Logo (c) Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis

The Fiddle + Bow Collection has acquired the iconic Hydro Hotel, a 113-room property in one of Ireland's key tourism destinations, Lisdoonvarna. The hotel has long been a well-known fixture in Lisdoonvarna, with a strong reputation built under the stewardship of Marcus White, to whom the group has acknowledged its appreciation for a smooth and collaborative transition. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by the managing directors of Fiddle+Bow Collection at Fiddle+Bow Collection, Gerry Quinn and John Burke.

Communities, heritage groups and volunteers across Clare are being encouraged to get involved as registration opens for National Heritage Week 2026, which will run from August 15th to 23rd. This year's theme, “Heritage at Risk”, shines a spotlight on the importance of protecting Ireland's built, cultural and natural heritage for future generations — from historic buildings and landscapes to folklore, language and traditional skills. Clare hosted more than 100 events during last year's festival, highlighting the growing public interest in celebrating local heritage. National Heritage Week Programme Manager, Ronan Healy joined Derrick Lynch on Morning Focus to discuss this year's programme. Logo (c) The Heritage Council

Newmarket on Fergus carer has been announced as a regional winner of the Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year Awards 2026. Irene Devitt received the award for her dedication and consistent high standards in caring. Derrick Lynch spoke with the Regional Winner of the Comfort Keepers Carer of the Year Awards 2006, Irene Devitt and the operations manager at Comfort Keepers for Clare, Ruth Callan. Logo (c) Comfort Keepers

The Justice Minister says he's hopeful of increasing Clare's Garda complement and that he's open to reforming the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division. Minister Jim O'Callaghan visited this county on Friday as part of the 100th centenary of Fianna Fáil, where he was also the guest of honour at the latest Ennis Chamber President's Lunch at the Temple Gate Hotel. Local retailers and business owners also took their concerns to raise anti-social behaviour issues in the county town. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was in attendance for the day's events and first questioned the Minister on the stretched resources in the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division.

Clare County Council claims it's "working with" Transport Infrastructure Ireland to implement a speed limit reduction on a West Clare national secondary road. Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon is calling for the speed limit to be reduced from 80 to 60 kilometres per hour at Darragh on the N68 amid safety concerns. The local authority needs written consent from TII to alter speed limits on national secondary roads but it's told Councillor Shannon it's "working with TII, the Members and the local community to deliver a safety scheme at this location". The Quilty representative claims Clare isn't getting its fair share of roads funding.

There's a push for the timescale for the completion of works relating to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to be extended due to the scarcity of workers. O'Callaghan's Mills Fine Gael Councillor Conor Ryan wants those availing of the grant to have 18 months to finish renovations - up from the current 13. A total of €31.5 million in funding has been approved by Clare County Council under the grant to date, enabling works on 534 properties countywide. Councillor Ryan says the tight timeframe is putting pressure on people.