Test broadcast by Blanchardstown Community Radio

Test broadcast by Blanchardstown Community Radio

Author: Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive May 27, 2026 Duration: 14:19
Blanchardstown Community Radio (BCR) was one of several short-lived pirate stations that came on air in Dublin in the second half of 1983, following the drama of the raids on Radio Nova and Sunshine Radio that spring. It was based in the western suburb of Blanchardstown and was set up by some of those involved … Continue reading "Test broadcast by Blanchardstown Community Radio"

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
Saturday Soul on Sunshine Radio from 1985 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:50
The late Tony Dixon’s 3-hour Saturday Soul slot on Dublin pirate Sunshine Radio gained a big following in the 1980s. Here he is from 1985 with the usual laid-back mix and requests and dedications. News is read by Kate Mc…
More 1980 Dublin radio including Radio 257 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:02
This is another recording made by English anoraks Leon Tipler in summer 1980 during one of his frequent visits to Dublin to document the Irish pirate radio scene. From AM, it includes clips of Radio City from Capel Stree…
Radio Dublin farewell broadcast following 1977 raid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:08
This recording is of what was billed as the final broadcast by Radio Dublin following a raid in February 1977 that led to most of the station’s equipment being confiscated. In a publicity stunt that would be repeated by…
Listeners’ Top 100 on Energy 103 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:01
On the August bank holiday weekend 1986, Dublin pirate Energy 103 broadcast the Listeners’ Top 100. Presented by Gareth O’Callaghan, the marathon broadcast lasted the entire day and was based on phone votes from listener…
Dublin AM and FM bandscan from 1980 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
Border series: Earth Sound Radio from border region [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:20
Earth South Radio was a short-lived pirate station broadcasting from Co. Tyrone in the early 1990s. It was re-named many time over a number of years and changed its location to south of the border. Earth Sound Radio was…
Early evening show on Radio Caroline Dublin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:21
This recording of Radio Caroline Dublin was made towards the end of the station’s 11-year run in 2000. Travis and Tony are in the early evening slot with mostly current tunes and a few from the 1970s-1990s. There are ple…
Sunshine Radio during jamming campaign [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:40
This short recording of Sunshine Radio was made during a night-time slot in the spring of 1984, when RTÉ was relentlessly jamming the station’s signal as part of its campaign against the pirate. First up is the end of th…
Late-night shows on Energy 103 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:50
This recording features the new Dublin station Energy 103 from summer 1986. Energy emerged from the ashes of Radio Nova, beginning broadcasting on 28th April and quickly becoming a leader in the Dublin radio market. The…
Radio Caroline Dublin relayed on shortwave [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:20
Old Gold Retold was a popular oldies show on Sunday mornings on Radio Caroline Dublin (102.5 FM) in the 1990s. The presenter was Derek Jones, a veteran of the Dublin pirate scene since the 1970s. The programme was someti…