Dublin AM and FM bandscan from 1980

Dublin AM and FM bandscan from 1980

Author: Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive August 24, 2026 Duration: 40:33

This recording consists of a selection of snippets from radio as heard in Dublin in summer 1980 by English anorak Leon Tipler on one of his many visits to Ireland. These and other recordings were the raw material for his acclaimed documentary series The Irish Pirates. Tipler tunes up and down the AM band and …

The post Dublin AM and FM bandscan from 1980 appeared first on Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive.


Tune into the crackle and hum of Ireland's rebellious airwaves with Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive. This isn't a polished history lesson, but a direct line back to a vibrant, clandestine era of broadcast. Each episode is a carefully preserved recording, pulling you into the makeshift studios and live transmissions that once defied the monopoly of state radio. You'll hear the raw energy of presenters, the eclectic music choices that defined communities, and the very ads and announcements that painted a sonic picture of Ireland from the 1970s through the 1990s. Curated by the Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive, this collection serves as a living museum, offering an unfiltered, atmospheric journey into a foundational chapter of modern Irish culture. The archive speaks for itself; every broadcast is a primary source, letting you experience the texture and spirit of free radio exactly as it was heard. For anyone curious about media history, grassroots broadcasting, or the authentic sound of Ireland's recent past, this podcast is an irreplaceable trove.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive
Podcast Episodes
Highlights of Radio West Anoraks Show (1986 & 1987) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:44
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OId Gold Retold on Radio Caroline Dublin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:41
Old Gold Retold was a long-running oldies show on Radio Caroline Dublin (1989-2000) presented by Derek Jones, one of the pioneers of pirate radio in the city. Featuring music from the 1950s-1970s, the show aired each Sun…
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Duration: 1:35:26
This recording of successful Dublin pirate Energy 103 was made on a warm and sunny day in the city in summer 1986. On air is popular DJ Gareth O’Callaghan in the drivetime slot. As well as chart tunes and classics, featu…
Old and new music on Radio Caroline Dublin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:53
This is another recording of Sunday programming on Radio Caroline Dublin (1989-2000), one of the longest-running pirates of the period following the new broadcasting legislation. On air is Stephen Davitt (Daragh O’Sulliv…
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Duration: 45:48
Radio Caroline Dublin was one of the longest-running pirates in the post-1989 period, broadcasting from Dublin’s northeastern suburb of Sutton. It was operated by Brian Greene, one of the founders of Pirate.ie, so it has…
Afternoon shows on Southside Radio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:38
Southside Radio broadcast from north Wicklow and later from Dún Laoghaire in south Dublin between 1978 and 1982. First up in this recording is the end of Phil’s mid-morning show with requests and dedications. She is foll…
Radio Dublin broadcasts non-stop for 36 hours [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:15
Here we share recordings of vintage Radio Dublin from the days when full-time broadcasting was still a dream. These extracts are from the station’s 36-hour marathon over Saturday and Sunday 17th and 18th September 1977 w…
Morning Magic on Magic 103 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:23
This recording features programming from Magic 103, the short-lived easy-listening and talk-based experiment launched by Radio Nova in April 1985. Up first is Chris Barry and George Long (Henry O’Donovan, RIP) with the e…
Sunday evening on Sunshine Radio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:38
Before it was relaunched in 1986, the large Dublin pirate Sunshine Radio broadcast specialist programmes at the weekends, sometimes offering a choice of services on AM and FM. This recording from a Sunday evening in 1984…