Lunchtime on Radio Dublin in 1978

Lunchtime on Radio Dublin in 1978

Author: Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive March 25, 2026 Duration: 19:21
In January 1978, Radio Dublin began a full daytime schedule, a change that shook up the Dublin radio scene and ushered in a new era of increased competition and rising standards. This recording was made around lunchtime and features DJ Sylvia with good tunes, an album of the week feature and live-read adverts. The iconic … Continue reading "Lunchtime on Radio Dublin in 1978"

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: 10

Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive
Podcast Episodes
Early Cork series: summer Saturday on Radio City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:11
This recording of Cork pirate Radio City features Pat O’Rourke (Smurf) on a Saturday morning in summer 1981, followed by the start of Paul Cassidy’s show. The recording begins around 1020 but is partially airchecked. Pau…
Plans for new kids’ programme on Magic 103 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:18
Magic 103 was an offshoot of Dublin super-pirate Radio Nova, set up as an information and easy listening music service for the city. Its first full day was 29th April 1985 but it closed only five months later on 22nd Sep…
First evening on Nova offshoot KISS FM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:19
KISS FM (1982-1984) was one of many offshoots of Dublin pirate Radio Nova. This recording is from the station’s first evening on air and features the ‘clutterfree’ format of continuous music and limited talk associated w…
Early Cork series: phone-in requests on Radio City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
This is another recording of the Saturday evening show with Alan Edwards on early Cork pirate Radio City. This edition features listeners phoning in requests live on air and is followed by Rock City Review with Luke Ward…
Early Cork series: another test by Radio City 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:57
Radio City 2 appears to have been a short-lived experiment broadcasting in 1981 on a different FM frequency to the main Radio City, one of the early pirates in Cork City. This short recording is of Pete Andrew (O’Neill)…
Afternoon Delights on Radio Vera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:17
Radio Vera broadcast from Limerick City from 1987-1988. It was linked to another city station, Radio Munster, that focused on older listeners while Radio Vera chased the younger market. Radio Vera claimed to have coverag…
Dr Don’s Dinner Spinner on ARD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
Don Moore (Dr Don) was one of the pioneers of early pirate radio in Ireland, and developed Alternative Radio Dublin (ARD) into a credible and professional station in an increasingly competitive market at the end of the 1…
Denis Murray plays rock favourites on Super Nova [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:16
Super Nova was one of many offshoots of the Dublin pirate Radio Nova. The evening opt-out service was set up not long after Nova returned to the air following the raid of May 1983. It temporarily replaced KISS FM, which…
Early Cork series: Radio City Top 30 with Noel Evans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:31
This is recording of the weekly Top 30 show on early Cork pirate Radio City. The DJ is Noel Evans (Welch) and the programme was recorded from a new FM frequency of 88.4 MHz. It is partially airchecked and was made from b…