Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis

Gary Kirwan has won gold and best in category for his incredible garden at Bloom this year! Alison was left shocked at how many pieces of Lego he used to build the whole thing.

Travel expert Pól Ó Conghaile gave us an update on the best places to visit in Ireland, if you're still looking to book for this summer!

Her books like Finding My Voice and Frankie's World have been an absolute joy to young readers. Author, Illustrator and comedian – Aoife Dooley joins Alison Curtis to tell us all about her fab new book Squid Squad ...and can Aoife take on the Weekend Breakfast Squid Squad Challenge!! (Spoiler: OF COURSE!!! She nailed it!!)https://www.aoifedooleydesign.com/Don't miss Aoife on May 25th - International Literature Festival in Merrion Square, Dublin

Chef, restaurateur, three-time New York Times best-selling author, executive producer and star of hit show The Bear is bringing his world famous tour to Ireland.Matty Matheson chatted to Alison Curtis about the upcoming gig, life on The Bear and ... Gabby's Dollhouse movie!!"Matty's World" Live at Vicar St. 5th June 2025.

What is the most famous Australian export? Alongside Neighbours and Alf Stewart it has to be Bluey and Dianne Buswell!That dream team duo are now together! Strictly Come Dancing icon and current champion Dianne Buswell is stepping into Bluey's World, to choreograph and star in a series of five dance videos.Dianne told Alison Curtis about us this very special project and also why we all need to dance like nobody's watching!Incredible fact alert: Bluey was credited as the top overall streaming title of 2024 with over 55 BILLION minutes of watch time on Disney+

5ive are back!Get ready to slam dunk da funk with the original five. Back for a huge UK and Ireland arena tour - they play the 3 Arena Sun 23 Nov 2025 – [Sold Out] and Tue 2 Dec 2025They sold over 20 million records and were one of the biggest boybands of the 90 and Noughties.Sean , Ritchie , Scott , Abz and Jason "J" joined Alison Curtis to talk about how and why they've got back together, what they hope the future holds, sharing mics! and what pop star played a pivotal role in them getting back together, and Guinness!

Jacqui Hurley as the official ambassador for MiWadi FAI Football Camps 2025 A renowned female trailblazer in Irish sports media, a champion for gender equality in sport, and a proud mother herself (two kids Lily and Luke), Jacqui is passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes. Jacqui spoke to Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast about how the landscape of female sport has evolved so much and as a self confessed Karaoke Queen what her killer karaoke tune is!!Jacqui is urging parents of all girls and boys to get them involved and active through some football fun this summer.She is one of Ireland's leading sports broadcasters and author of the best-selling children's book series Girls Play Too.Lead anchor of RTÉ's rugby coverage on TV and also presents The Sunday Game.In 2009 - first ever female anchor of Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio One.She has anchored all of the major sporting events, including the Olympics, World Cups, the Euro's & multiple All Ireland finals

Pirouetting on to Weekend Breakfast its Dancing With The Stars judge and owner of television's greatest hair ---- Arthur Gourounlian! Arthur told Alison Curtis about a very special event recently called 'Cúl and Curious.' He also told her about his brand new podcast with Donal Skehan called 'Let's Do This!'Over 100 children, including those from the International Protection Accommodation Service centre and those from local communities, took part in the event at St Breckan's GAA grounds and tried their hand at football, hurling and camogie.The 2025 Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps promise to inspire a new generation of GAA stars and fostering a love for Gaelic Games that will last a lifetime.The Cúl and Curious camp's aim was to support diversity and inclusion, giving those who have arrived in Ireland a chance to fall in love with the game. The GAA is for everyone and the organisation recently hosted the event to try and introduce children from migrant families to the sport.

He is an author, content creator, podcaster and adventurer! Creator of the social media phenomenon 'Weird Ireland' – his off the beaten track adventures of the strange and quirky side of this country have gained him a huge following. (see below) Alison Curtis spoke to Brinsley McNamara about the incredible success of his quirky content. HANDLES - Instagram: @weird.ireland TikTok: @weirdirelandSTATS: Instagram: 320K followers TikTok: 85K Followers 1.2MLikesPODCAST: Weird Ireland on all platforms.BOOK: ‘Weird Ireland: An Unofficial Guide To The Island' out nowBrinsley Facts:· Every video starts with his famous phrase “Well, I'm Brinsley McNamara and welcome to Weird Ireland."· He tackles every subject from Wren Boys to Wibbly Wobbly Wonders! From Ireland's biggest 99 to Irish Crisp Folklore· Brinsley McNamara is not his real name! Based on another famous Westmeath figure of folklore and banned writer. Brinsley is also from Westmeath· He loves weird and fascinating topics, stories, places, and subcultures from across Ireland.· Grew up loving the Horrible Histories books. He is a huge fan of Louis Theroux.· His videos never feature his face – so people are very used to his voice but not his face – he says he is very shy.· Topics covered in his podcast include: The unique Irish sports of Irish Stick Fighting and Sheaf Throwing, The Rhino in The River, Urbexing (urban exploring), Bog Iron, The Lough Ree Monster, Healing rocks, The Kilbroney Graveyard with a holy well and the grave of the Tallest Man In The World

Podcaster, bestselling author, musician, mental health advocate and kayaking conqueror Niall Breslin is in studio. After six years of helping people better understand their minds - Bressie revealed that his award winning podcast 'Where is My Mind?' is coming to an end. What has he learned in that chapter of his life?He talks candidly to Alison Curtis about his podcast journey and it wasn't any of the big name celebs he has had on his show that made the most impact - it was a Men's Shed in Ballybrack, Dublin and it became the most listened to episode they ever made.Tickets for the last ever ‘Where Is My Mind' Live Tour are on sale now and are available from Box Office and niallbreslin.comTour DatesMay 2nd -Tuar Ard Arts Centre, WestmeathMay 3rd -The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-ShannonMay 9th - Lark Theatre, BalbrigganMay 10th - Arts & Minds Fes

There's a good chance you have seen him in your Instagram feed. With 165k followers and views well into the Millions @explorewithcriostoir has showcased the very best that Ireland has to offer. Amazingly he only started his blogging only 2 years ago – he had an epiphany during Covid – travelling at home - made him realise just how much we had in Ireland. He wants to be an Ambassador for Ireland – “I just love showing off this beautiful part of the world and take so much pride in how lucky I am to enjoy this island!”165k followers from all over the world watch his incredible little videos.He says Causeway Cliffs in Antrim is possibly the Most Beautiful Spot in IrelandThe Top 5 are:1. Causeway Coast2. Mourne Mountains3. Donegal4. Aran Islands5. Achill IslandHis content includes:10 Best Places In Ireland If You Love The Outdoors10 Non Negotiable Drives For Road TripsBest Beaches in Ireland for 20256 Experiences In Ireland That DON'T Involve Drinking In The Pub

Norah is training for a mission scheduled for 2026 as part of an all-female crew on a spaceflight with IIAS and Virgin Galactic alongside American Kellie Gerardi and Canadian Dr. Shawna Pandya. She will become the first Irish person in space!Norah joined Alison Curtis to update us on the latest part of her adventure and to chat about a brand new documentary that reveals all about Ireland's involvement in space. Did you know: Ireland is a founding member of the European Space Agency when it was set up in 1975 and In 2024 alone 116 Irish companies worked with the European Space AgencyCeltic Cosmos is now available to watch now on Virgin Media PlayerGo To: virginmediatelevision.ie – search for “Celtic Cosmos”@spacenorah on Instagram and norahpatten.com for more on Norah

Sarah was born with a rare genetic condition that affects her skull's development, requiring multiple life-changing surgeries from the age of six months. She is six now and thanks to expert care, she continues to thrive.She called in to chat to Alison Curtis alongside her Mum Diane who told us all about Sarah's journey and her courageous attitude to life and her brilliant baking skills!!The Great Irish Bake is happening on Friday 11th April. Get involved and help raise urgently needed funds for sick children in Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly.You can also follow on Instagram: @childrens_health_foundation

Author, Pharmacist and holistic Influencer Jess Redden is a new Mum and is cherishing the moments with her 19th month old baby boy Bobby and Daddy Rob Kearney.From Babies to Bone Health: Jess popped in for a chat with her lovely Mum Linda on Mother's Day about a new campaign from the Irish Osteoporosis Society asking women over 65 to prioritise their bone health. It's called the Make or Break campaign and Linda knows all about it as she herself broke her arm.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor has announced a second show in Dublin's 3Olympia Theatre on Wednesday 21st May 2025.Her show on Thursday 22nd May 2025 is completely sold out. She tells Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast how the Irish date was added at her insistence after Manager only had UK dates. And her gut was correct it was the first date to sell out straight away! ‘Murder on the Dancefloor' has now reached over 11 billion global streams across all platforms. Her 7th studio album ‘HANA' is out now.

@the_hungryhooker on Instagram‘Bakes and Wee Treats' is OUT NOWSTATS: 615k followers: 243k followers on Facebook, 262k on Instagram, and 110k on TikTok.Jonny Murphy is a former professional rugby union player from Northern Ireland, who played hooker for Ulster (2015-17), Rotherham Titans (2017-18) and Connacht (2018-22).After a career-ending injury, turned to his other passion, baking.Jonny speaks very movingly about his own personal journey, and how the support of his close-knit family community was invaluable when he found himself losing the only identity he had ever known. This fabulous cookbook features over 100 recipes that cater to all baking skills, making it perfect for:Sunday morning brunchCelebrating birthdays or anniversariesTreating colleaguesBaking with kids for school fairsEnjoying by yourself with a cuppa

The brains behind 'Captain Underpants' and 'Dog Man' to more. Dav Pilkey joined Alison Curtis to talk about his journey from a back of the class doodler to a multi-million best selling author and illustrator. Dav told Alison his inspirational story. He is very open about his ADHD diagnosis and wants to celebrate neurodivergency and inspire. He spent many hours placed in the corridor by Teachers who didn't understand. But with the help of his supportive parents and school friends he went from goofing around in class to getting Hollywood movies made of his creations.

Something a majority of parents are faced with at some point during their children's life is picky eating. Here to provide some much need light on the issue is Louise Lennox an accredited fussy eating expert and runs a course called Picky Eaters Mealtime Makeover.Louise has work as a TV chef and food writer – she was a favourite on RTÉ's The Restaurant as a pastry chef – but for years, she's been training and specialising in what she describes as her real purpose in life, to help empower parents at the table.Her son Alex's refusal to eat as a young child, quite simply, broke her heart.At one point, there were just ten foods in total that he would eat. Desperate to understand more about why some children refuse to eat, Louise went to the US and trained with the world's leading pediatricians in children's feeding disorders and her mind was blown.Follow her @louiselennox

‘Celebrity Bear Hunt' is a terrifying game of cat and mouse where Bear Grylls becomes the ultimate predator. If he catches them, they're out.Tennis legend Boris Becker joined Alison on Weekend Breakfast to discuss all of the trials and tribulations of his time on the show.

'Celebrity Bear Hunt' is the new Netflix series hosted by Holly Willoughby and Bear Grylls. An action-packed showdown throws an unexpected mix of famous faces into the wild, where they'll have to prove they have the instincts, courage, and grit to survive.Holly Willoughby and Bear Grylls told Alison Curtis all about the new show.

Imagine being stranded in the unforgiving Central American jungle, with Bear Grylls himself hunting you down. Now imagine former England rugby star Danny Cipriani is there with you! Spice Girl Mel B didn't have to imagine - it was real life!Mel B and Danny Cipriani joined Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast to chat about Celebrity Bear Hunt.

The good doctor Ciara Kelly was in the house to discuss our listeners ailments - from shaky hands to ingrown toenails.

Singer and songwriter, Cian Ducrot joined Ray on the show to chat all about his big night in LA and how it felt to WIN his first ever Grammy!

Caroline Hirons, a renowned skincare expert, author, and entrepreneur, is bringing her live podcast Glad We Had This Chat to 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin in February 2025.She joined Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast to chat all about it and why she can't stand snoring!

One of Ireland's greatest ever rugby stars, Gordon D'Arcy, and its greatest No.10 never-to-have-been capped, Paul Howard (aka Ross O'Carroll Kelly), have once again teamed up for a new children's book, 'Let's Play Rugby'. The lads joined Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast to chat all things rugby!

Friend of the show Shane Dan Byrne popped into studio with Alison to chat about his new tour Trouble Denim, selling out the 3Olympia Theatre with the 'Young Hot Guys' podcast and the type of cleaning you do when you listen to podcasts!

Sometimes your wildest dreams do really come true! Irish Taekwondo Olympian Jack Wooley and his pro partner Alexandra Vladimirov popped into studio with Alison Curtis ahead of their second week on Dancing With The Stars! Jack told Alison all about how his grandmother inspired his journey to the ballroom.

'The Great Pottery Throw Down' is back on our screens and in keeping with tradition, potter and judge Keith Brymer Jones joined Alison on Weekend Breakfast!

The newly divorced and unapologetically wild, Norma Sheahan is on tour! She is diving into her outrageous bucket list her with the help of her glow-up-savvy teenagers. She joined Alison on Weekend Breakfast to chat all about her tour, wanting to represent Ireland at Eurovision and who she wants to DJ at her funeral.

He's back! Neven Maguire has got a new book 'Eat Out at Home,' which is full of tips for adding that extra bit of flair to your cooking.There's even a new way to do your potatoes this Christmas and Neven has all the tips for making it happen.Press the play button to hear all the tips and below are the recipes mentioned.Turkey Roulade with Maple Glaze: Serves 6–875g butter1 large onion, finely chopped100g fresh ciabatta breadcrumbs2 tsp chopped fresh mixed herbs (sage, rosemary and thyme)20g fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves stripped off1.75–2kg boneless turkey breast, skin on50g dried cranberries or chopped apricots2 tbsp maple syrup200ml carton poultry gravysea salt and freshly ground black pepperPreheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6).Heat a sauté pan over a medium heat, melt half of the butter and gently sauté the onion for 8–10 minutes until softened but not coloured.Season well.Put the breadcrumbs and herbs into a food processor and blitz to fine crumbs, then add the sautéed onions and pulse to make a paste.Put the turkey breast skin-side down on a chopping board, then butterfly it by cutting partway into the thickest side.Open the turkey breast out and cover with parchment paper, then use a rolling pin to gently bash it out to an even 2cm thickness.Remove the parchment and season, then spread over the breadcrumb paste, leaving a border around the edges.Scatter the cranberries or apricots on top, then press down so that they form part of the stuffing.Starting from one of the short sides, roll the turkey breast into a tight log shape, then tie at even intervals with kitchen string.Melt the rest of the butter in a small pan with the maple syrup, and use this to glaze the joint, reserving any that is left over.This will keep in the fridge for 2 days, or it can be frozen and defrosted.Put the turkey roulade on a rack in a roasting tin and roast for 40 minutes, basting halfway through with the rest of the glaze, until the turkey is cooked through. A thermometer should read 70°C.Transfer the roulade to a platter, cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for 15 minutes.Meanwhile, put the roasting tin on the hob and stir in the gravy with a splash of boiling water, scraping the bottom of the tin to remove any sediment.Carve the turkey into slices and arrange on plates, then pour over some of the gravy to serve.Sticky Damson Ham with Star Anise: Serves 8–102kg unsmoked gammon joint1 onion, sliced2 celery sticks, roughly chopped1 tbsp black peppercorns8 star anise175g damson plum jam or conservejuice of 1 orange100g light brown sugarRinse the gammon with fresh water and put in a pan of boiling water.Add the onion, celery, peppercorns and 2 of the star anise. Bring to a simmer over a low heat and cook for 1½ hours. Leave to cool in the liquid.Meanwhile, make the glaze. Put the damson jam or conserve in a small pan with the orange juice, sugar and the rest of the star anise.Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved, then simmer for 3–4 minutes or until reduced to a thick glaze, stirring to ensure it doesn't catch at the bottom. Leave to cool slightly.Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F/Gas Mark 7).Remove the gammon from the pan and put into a baking tin. Using a sharp knife, cut off the rind, leaving the fat on top and score diagonally into a diamond pattern.Pour around 500ml of the cooking liquid, which will help to keep the joint moist.Smear the damson glaze all over the ham, reserving 2 tablespoons, making sure the star anise are sitting on top of the joint.Roast for 20–30 minutes until cooked through.Remove from the oven and drizzle over the remaining glaze.Leave to rest for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour, covered loosely with tin foil.Carve slices from the ham and arrange on plates to serve.Tiramisu: Serves 8–104 large eggs100g caster sugar250g mascarpone cheese 250ml cream250ml freshly brewed strong espresso coffee (left to cool completely)150ml Tia Maria or Kahlúa liqueur40 sponge fingers50g bar plain chocolate2 tsp cocoa powderSeparate the eggs, putting the yolks in one bowl with 80g of the sugar, and the egg whites in another.Using an electric beater, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy, then mix in the mascarpone cheese until well combined.Whip the cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form, then fold into the egg yolk and mascarpone mixture.Using spotlessly clean beaters, whisk the egg whites with 20g of sugar until soft peaks form, then fold this into the mascarpone cream.Spoon a third of this mixture into a suitable dish that is at least 2cm deep.Pour the coffee into a shallow dish and stir in the Tia Maria or Kahlúa.Dip in enough of the sponge fingers to make an even layer on top of the mascarpone mixture.Only dip the sponge fingers in as you go along, so they don't soak for too long and become difficult to handle.Cover the layer of soaked sponge fingers with another third of the mascarpone mixture, then grate most of the chocolate bar on top using the coarse side of a grater.Add another layer with the rest of the soaked sponge fingers, then spoon over the remaining mascarpone mixture and spread evenly with a back of a spoon.Cover with cling film and chill overnight to allow the flavours to develop and the dessert to settle.To serve, give the tiramisu a good dusting of cocoa powder, then grate over the rest of the chocolate. Place in the middle of the table so that everyone can help themselves.

Struggling to find the perfect Christmas Gift? Well, Mairead Ronan and Jenny Kelly have written a book 'What We Know Now: Lessons on Life, Love, Loss and Friendship' and we think it's perfect!The girls joined Alison in studio to chat about their book and a whole lot more!

Well if it isn't the one and only, Roz Purcell!Roz joined Alison in studio to chat all about her new book 'The Hike Life: 50 More to Explore', her love of birds and why so many people slide into her DM's to ask about proposal locations.

From The Wolfe Tones to Enoch Burke's Mother, Mario Rosenstock has some amazing ideas lined up for his tour next year.As part of Gift Grub celebrating 25 years this year, Mario is hitting the road early next year. He joined Alison on Weekend Breakfast to chat all about it!

Based on the charming trilogy of children's books by beloved multi award-winning writer/director Richard Curtis, 'That Christmas' follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys!Actress Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve, Bad Sisters) joined Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast to chat about her role as Miss Trapper in the film, as well as some other Christmas tales.

With a book on the go, And he lands on our show, That's A-Gino!Gino D'Acampo, Italian Chef and TV Presenter joined Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast to chat about his new book 'Gino's Air Fryer Cookbook', his love for Ireland and where he got his latest tattoo.

The Irish Farmers calendar is back again in its fifteenth year! Calendar creator Shauna Byrne and farming model Brendan Fanning chatted about the calendar, why its an important tradition and how Brendan ended up being chosen as the cover star for this years edition.

This time of year, skincare for young people can be a hot topic. But if the pressure is on in the lead-up to Christmas, Jennifer Rock has got all the answers on what to look for in skin care products for teens and adults.

The story of Tayto crisps is fascinating - so much so that it's been turned into a book! Managing director John O'Connor from Tayto caught up with Alison to share some of the incredible story behind Ireland's favourite snack. How did they come up with cheese and onion? What was a tumble drier used for in the crisp making process? John tells us all!

And All That Jazz!Ahead of her SOLD OUT one woman show at the Ambassador Theatre this festive season, Comedian Rachel Galvo joined Alison on Weekend Breakfast to chat about her career so far and why she struggles with being called a comedian.

He's Never Gonna Give You Up, Never Gonna Let You Down - It's Rick Astley! His new book Never is an intimate look at the man behind the hits and he joined Alison on Weekend Breakfast to talk about his life and career!

Olive Foley was the wife of Axel Foley, an Irish rugby union player and head coach of Munster who was one of the most respected rugby players in the country. He played for Ireland from 1995 until 2005 and captained the squad on three occasions. In 2016, he died of cardiomyopathy.His wife Olive Foley joins Alison on Weekend Breakfast to share Axel's legacy.

We've loved Adam King since he first appeared on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020, and now he's managed to publish his first book at the age of ten! It's called 'Farron's Adventure - A Winterval Tale.'Adam tells us all about it, joined along with dad David King, on Weekend Breakfast.