Your 2026 Listener’s List
Looking for a list of radio stations in Ireland? You have come to the right place. Ireland has one of the busiest radio markets in Europe. From the big national names in Dublin to the local voices that keep communities connected, there is a station for every listener.
At EasyRadio.ie, we make it simple to find and stream Irish radio online. This guide covers the national broadcasters, the commercial powerhouses, and the local stations that matter. Keep reading for your full list of radio stations in Ireland.
RTÉ: The National Broadcaster
When people talk about Irish radio, RTÉ is where the conversation starts. The state broadcaster remains the biggest name in the business.
RTÉ Radio 1 is the most popular station in Ireland. Recent JNLR figures show it reaches 1,354,000 listeners every week . Morning Ireland alone draws 457,000 listeners each morning, making it the most-listened-to show on Irish radio .
The station holds the top spot despite some recent drops in individual shows. Liveline lost nearly 15,000 listeners, down to 254,000 . Today with David McCullagh sits at 422,000, while Oliver Callan has 285,000 in his new slot .
RTÉ operates several other services:
- RTÉ 2FM – popular music and entertainment for younger audiences
- RTÉ lyric fm – classical music and the arts
- RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta – Irish language broadcasting
- RTÉ Gold – classic hits
RTÉ Lyric FM has been growing. It added 29,000 new listeners and now reaches 358,000 people weekly .
The Commercial Heavyweights
The commercial sector is where the competition heats up. These stations fight hard for your attention.
Today FM is the most listened-to commercial station in Ireland. It reaches 974,000 listeners every week . The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show hit its highest-ever listenership with 240,000 tuning in each morning . The Last Word with Matt Cooper grew to 195,000 listeners .
Newstalk reaches 846,000 weekly listeners and has a daily audience of 466,000 . The Claire Byrne Show is the station’s most popular programme with 210,000 listeners, up 4,000 since the last count . Newstalk Breakfast with Anton Savage grew by 10,000 to 168,000 . Pat Kenny’s Saturday show pulls in 167,000 listeners, which Newstalk says makes it the most listened-to weekend show in the station’s history .
Onic (formerly Wireless) operates several major stations including Q102, FM104, and Cork’s 96FM. The group reaches 936,000 listeners weekly .
Dublin’s Local Stations
Dublin is the most competitive radio market in Ireland. If you live in the capital, you have plenty of choices.
FM104 and 98FM are the general service heavyweights, battling for the top spot in the city . SPIN 1038 targets the youth market with music and entertainment. Dublin’s Q102 serves an older demographic with a mix of music and talk.
Radio Nova is the go-to for classic rock fans. The station has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the pirate stations of the 1980s . Sunshine 106.8 provides an easy-listening alternative for relaxing evenings or background music .
Other Dublin stations include Dublin City FM, Dublin South FM, Near FM (serving North East Dublin), and Raidió na Life (broadcasting in Irish) .
Local and Regional Stations
One of the best things about Irish radio is its local character. No matter where you are in the country, there is a station that feels like a neighbour.
Cork
Red FM is the dominant force in Cork with a market share over 21%. Cork’s 96FM and C103 also serve the Rebel County with music and local news .
Galway
Galway Bay FM commands a 29% market share in its area, proving local loyalty is still strong.
The West and Northwest
Highland Radio serves Donegal. Ocean FM covers Sligo, Leitrim, and South Donegal .
The Midlands
Shannonside FM and Midwest Radio keep the heart of Ireland connected.
The Southeast
Beat 102-103 serves the Southeast. WLR FM covers Waterford. KCLR 96FM broadcasts to Carlow and Kilkenny .
Other Regional Stations
- Radio Kerry for the Kingdom
- Tipp FM for Tipperary
- LMFM for Louth and Meath
- Northern Sound for Cavan and Monaghan
- Clare FM for County Clare
- Limerick’s Live 95 for Limerick
Community and Special Interest Radio
Beyond the big commercial names, Ireland has a thriving community radio sector. These stations are often run by volunteers and serve specific local areas or interest groups.
Examples include Athlone Community Radio, Claremorris Community Radio, Community Radio Castlebar, and Community Radio Youghal .
There are also stations for specific audiences. Spirit Radio offers a Christian perspective. Radio Maria serves Catholic listeners. RTÉ Jr Radio is for children. Irish Pub Radio brings the sounds of the pub to your speakers .
Student stations include Flirt FM in Galway and Cork Campus Radio .
The Digital Shift: DAB and Streaming
The way we listen to radio in Ireland is changing. FM is still king for many, but Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is growing.
In 2026, the DAB+ network expanded to reach about 85% of the population. Stations like Radio Nova, Classic Hits Radio, and Sunshine 106.8 now broadcast nationally on DAB, allowing listeners in Galway, Cork, and Limerick to tune in without FM frequency issues.
Streaming has made it possible to listen to any Irish station from anywhere in the world. At EasyRadio.ie, we make it simple to access all these stations in one place. Whether you want to catch up on The Neil Prendeville Show from Red FM or listen to Morning Ireland while living abroad, streaming is the answer.
Quick Reference: Top Irish Radio Stations
| Station | Type | Weekly Reach |
|---|---|---|
| RTÉ Radio 1 | National | 1,354,000 |
| Today FM | Commercial | 974,000 |
| Newstalk | Commercial | 846,000 |
| RTÉ Lyric FM | National | 358,000 |
| Red FM (Cork) | Local | 21% market share |
| Galway Bay FM | Local | 29% market share |
How to Listen to Irish Radio Online
You do not need a physical radio to enjoy Irish stations. Internet streaming works on your phone, laptop, or smart speaker. Here is how:
- Visit EasyRadio.ie – We list all major Irish stations in one place
- Pick your station – Browse by name, county, or genre
- Press play – Stream live or find on-demand podcasts
Most stations also offer their own apps. RTÉ, Today FM, and Newstalk all have dedicated mobile apps for live listening and catch-up content.
A Century of Irish Broadcasting
Ireland recently marked 100 years of broadcasting, remembering the first public radio broadcast by the fledgling Irish state in 1926. From those early days at 2RN to the digital multiplexes of today, radio has remained a constant companion for the Irish people.
Radio in Ireland is not just about music. It is about connection. It is hearing a familiar voice during a storm. It is catching a local match on a Saturday afternoon. It is a debate that sparks a conversation at the dinner table.
The variety of stations available today proves the medium is as strong as ever. Whether you love talk radio, music, or the background hum of home, there is a frequency or a stream waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular radio station in Ireland?
RTÉ Radio 1 is the most popular station in Ireland with 1,354,000 weekly listeners .
What is the most listened-to radio show in Ireland?
Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1 is the most-listened-to show, with 457,000 listeners each morning .
What is the biggest commercial radio station in Ireland?
Today FM is the most listened-to commercial station with 974,000 weekly listeners .
Can I listen to Irish radio stations online?
Yes. EasyRadio.ie lets you stream all major Irish stations from anywhere in the world. Most stations also offer their own apps.
What radio stations are available in Dublin?
Dublin has FM104, 98FM, SPIN 1038, Q102, Radio Nova, Sunshine 106.8, Dublin City FM, and more .
What is the most listened-to radio station in Cork?
Red FM dominates Cork with over 21% market share. Cork’s 96FM and C103 also serve the area .
What is DAB radio in Ireland?
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is a digital radio service. The DAB+ network in Ireland now reaches about 85% of the population, with stations like Radio Nova and Classic Hits available nationally.
How many radio stations are there in Ireland?
Ireland has dozens of radio stations including national broadcasters (RTÉ), commercial stations (Today FM, Newstalk), local stations (Red FM, Galway Bay FM), and community stations.
Ready to start listening? Visit EasyRadio.ie to stream Irish radio online. Browse our full station list, find your local favourite, and enjoy the best of Irish radio wherever you are.