

Lunchtime Live
Newstalk
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 7, 2025 • 12min
Listener can’t go on holiday due to wheelchair limitations
Last Friday, the topic of issues facing people in wheelchairs when they travel was discussed.One listener, Carmel, got in touch with her frustrations when it comes to those limitations. She, along with Tom Randles from Randles Hotel Killarney, joins Andrea to discuss…

Jul 7, 2025 • 24min
Could reducing apartment sizes improve the housing crisis?
Housing Minister James Brown has proposed changes to building guidelines that would allow for smaller, more affordable apartments.Sinn Féin has strongly criticised the move, calling it “utter madness” and accusing Fine Gael of failing to tackle the housing crisis effectively.We want to know, what do you think? Could reducing apartment size be the answer for housing?Joining Andrea to discuss is Eddie Phelan, Chartered Engineer and Managing Director of VCL Consultants in Drogheda, Architect, Artist and Lecturer in Griffith College Roisin Murphy and Ray Cooke, CEO of Ray Cooke Auctioneers.

5 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 13min
Are you still looking for holiday inspiration?
Megan Virgo, a travel writer known for her insightful recommendations on unique holiday spots, joins the discussion. They explore the latest trends in vacation planning, revealing that a surprising 72% haven't booked their trips yet. Megan highlights budget-friendly destinations like Slovenia and the Dolomites, perfect for off-peak travel. Tips for affordable cruises and planning around flexible dates further enrich the conversation, making it clear that adventure can be both exciting and economical!

Jul 7, 2025 • 10min
The Pod Squad: Stick to Football
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Ciaran Bradley from Newstalk’s Digital team and Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘Stick to Football’!Image: Acast

Jul 7, 2025 • 22min
Did this GAA scoring issue change the course of the game?
The GAA has issued a statement clarifying the final score of Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final, revising the official score to: Tipperary 4-20 Kilkenny 0-30. The final score was initially given as 4-21 to 0-30 but has been amended...But, did this mistake change the course of the game?Joining Andrea to discuss is Tommy Rooney, Off the Ball’s GAA Correspondent, Eddie Keher from the Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club, Cathal Minogue from Today FM and listeners.

Jul 4, 2025 • 13min
Summer Memories – Hugh Wallace
Architect and Home of the Year judge Hugh Wallace joins Lunchtime Live to share his summer memories.From travels to Zimbabwe to his favourite holiday song.Listen here for all this brilliant conversation.

Jul 4, 2025 • 10min
Oasis Tour Begins
Pat Carty, freelance arts journalist, joins Lunchtime Live to discuss the return of Oasis — what’s real, what’s rumour, and whether Liam and Noel Gallagher will keep it together long enough for a world tour.Listen here.

Jul 4, 2025 • 20min
Is It Hard to Make Friends in Your 30s?
Dr Ann-Marie Creaven, psychologist at University of Limerick, joins Lunchtime Live to explore why making new friendships gets harder with age — and how to open yourself up to connection. Listeners also share how they’ve built friendships later in life, and the challenges they faced.Listen here.

Jul 4, 2025 • 13min
How Accessible Is Travel?
Edel Carey, school liaison officer with the Irish Wheelchair Association, and Joan Carthy, National Advocacy Manager with the IWA, join Lunchtime Live to discuss the challenges of travelling as a wheelchair user. Travel agent John Galligan also joins to explain how accessibility is improving (and where it’s not).Listen here.

Jul 4, 2025 • 12min
Regional Round-Up
In this week’s Regional Roundup, Shane Beatty checks in with stories and voices from across the country.From #lovedonegal day reaching 99 million people to Bruce Springsteen's ancestral Kildare home becoming a tourist Mecca.Listen here.