Local Voices: Podcasts from Offaly
Like everything else in the modern world, our media landscape is changing. One medium that has gained immense popularity over the last decade is podcasts.
Podcasts are similar to radio shows that people can listen to on demand, on a range of different topics, and these days, you can find one on anything.
They are relatively simple to create; in their most minimal form, someone could record and edit a full podcast on their phone.
This lets creators tailor content easily, allowing for a range of subjects to be covered. And with video conferencing platforms like Zoom, creators can conduct interviews relatively easily.
Traditionally, podcasts were recorded in audio format only, but video podcasts have seen a rise in popularity over the last few years, most notably with sports podcasts.
In Ireland, the industry is booming, both at the local and national levels. Over the last few years, many Irish podcasters have gained huge notoriety worldwide.
Some notable Irish podcasts that have done incredibly well over the last few years include:
The Blindboy Podcast
Although not the most popular podcast in Ireland, Blindboy has managed to secure 80 million listens worldwide and retains a huge amount of weekly listeners.
He admitted that over the years his podcast had become increasingly popular outside of Ireland, but he still speaks regularly about uniquely Irish subjects and enjoys discussing Irish history.
My Therapist Ghosted Me
Hosted by Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams, this podcast sits at number three on Apple’s Top Charts in Ireland (as of January 2026). The hosts discuss life, mental health, and relationships, all with a uniquely comedic tone.
Their name even comes from a true story, where Joanne’s therapist suddenly halted all contact with her.
Crime World Podcast
Through its dynamic host, Nicola Tallent, this podcast details the dark side of Irish society. Featuring in-depth discussions on true crime, this podcast looks at criminals, drugs, and general crime in Ireland.
An extremely popular podcast, it currently sits at the top of Apple’s Top Podcast Charts in Ireland (as of January 2026).
The 2 Johnnies Podcast
Hosted by popular comedy duo Johnny B and Johnny Smacks, this podcast focuses on comedic storytelling and interviews with key Irish personalities.
The two lads often discuss aspects of Irish culture, including the GAA, dating, and regularly looking at relatable listener stories.
I’m Grand Mam
Hosted by Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby, they explore all aspects of Irish life, with a focus on their own personal stories.
This includes their experiences of growing up gay in Ireland, as well as their mothers' influences, done so with a comedic and authentic tone.
At the local level, there are multiple podcasts in each county, with many ranging in popularity. This is also rapidly changing. With the popularity of podcasts rising, this list continues to grow, and Offaly is no different.
Notable Offaly Podcasts
Harvesting The History
For all history lovers, this is the perfect podcast to learn all about Offaly’s landscape, presented by Garret Daly.
The podcast explores the history of the Bord Na Mona and ESB operations in the county, while also looking at the communities surrounding these.
Episodes contain interviews from experts, on subjects ranging from discussion on the bog to the canal.
Voices of Offaly
Carried out by Offalyhistory.com, this series aims to preserve personal stories and first-hand accounts of stories from people from Offaly.
Although not laid out like a traditional podcast, this series is perfect for those who love traditional storytelling and enjoy hearing individuals' personal stories.
The episodes range in time, but they focus on allowing individuals enough time to tell their own stories.
The Offaly Down Syndrome Diaries
Carried out by Offaly Down Syndrome Association, this podcast shares stories, achievements, and overall experiences from people with Down Syndrome across Offaly.
Hosted by Robbie Donnelly, the episodes feature interviews with parents, community activists, individuals with Down Syndrome and parents.
Episodes are around 20 minutes long, offering education and insight into life for individuals with Down Syndrome in County Offaly.
Some would say these are early days for podcasting in Offaly; more people are seeing the benefits of listening to podcasts. They offer freedom for creatives to make shows tailored to any subject, and at the local level, can include insights from a range of different experts.
The future is bright for podcasting across Ireland, and who knows what subject matters we may see explored over the next few years.
If you have a favourite local podcast you think we should check out, drop an email to Regan at: digitaljournalist@celticmediagroup.ie