Irish Education Podcasts

Podcasts are a fantastic way to stay engaged with the latest in education, gain teaching insights, and even pursue continuous professional development—all from the convenience of your headphones. The beauty of podcasts lies in their flexibility; they allow you to stay informed on education matters while you’re doing other tasks like driving, cooking, or even unwinding. It’s an easy, efficient way to add to engage with CPD, all while enjoying fresh ideas and discussions relevant to your teaching journey.

I’m a big podcast fan myself, exploring topics from history and the environment to true crime—and of course, education! In this post, I’ve compiled a list of Irish education podcasts to highlight what’s available, so you can find one that fits your interests and professional goals. Although I haven’t personally listened to all of them, I hope this post serves as a helpful guide for discovering new sources of inspiration and learning.

• The NCCA Primary Podcast This podcast from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is an useful resource for teachers looking to understand the new Primary Curriculum Framework. It features conversations with teachers, principals, and researchers, offering insights into curriculum, teaching, and assessment while sparking discussions on the future of education in Ireland.
• Inside Education Hosted by Seán Delaney, this well-known podcast covers a wide range of education topics, featuring interviews with educators, policymakers, and researchers. Episodes explore themes like education philosophy, teaching methodologies, and curriculum development.
• Anseo’s Podcast – If I Were the Minister for Education Simon Lewis, an experienced Irish educator, hosts this engaging podcast that imagines changes he’d implement if he were the Minister for Education. Episodes delve into everything from curriculum, school patronage, challenges for school management, and offers practical and thought-provoking insights.
• Teachers Themselves by Dublin West Education Centre. Hosted by DWESC Director, Ultan Mac Mathúna, and featuring insightful guest speakers, all educators themselves, this podcast offers conversational episodes focused on sharing teaching experiences, exploring shared values in education, and fostering a community of passionate educators.  
• That Teacher Life Hosted by Danielle and Emma, post primary school teachers who are both incredibly passionate about what they do inside the classroom and beyond. The podcast covers a wide range of teaching related content, from motivation, to teaching placement, to student/teacher life. 
• Irish History Podcast Perfect for history teachers or anyone interested in Ireland’s past, this podcast by Fin Dwyer dives deep into Ireland’s history with episodes on medieval life, significant events, and lesser-known historical stories. It’s an engaging resource for adding historical context to Irish primary and secondary school topics.
• Teaching Council: Lighting a Fire The Teaching Council’s podcast highlights the journeys of inspiring teachers and educational leaders across Ireland. Episodes cover the motivations, challenges, and triumphs of teachers, offering inspiration to both new and experienced educators.
• Inside Learning How do we reach our potential in work and life? The Inside Learning podcast explores the science of learning and the future of work with expert guest speakers and research-based insights from The Learnovate Centre. Hosted by author, consultant and coach Aidan McCullen.
• DCU: Let’s Talk Education Research Dublin City University brings a research-focused perspective with this podcast, exploring current educational issues through the lens of research and academia. Topics include policy, innovation, and challenges in modern Irish education.
• What’s the Math-er Podcast A podcast by teacher Lisa Walsh to help teachers get to grips with the new Primary Mathematics Curriculum. 
• Hibernia College: Heart of Teaching This podcast by Hibernia College features stories and discussions from Irish educators, focusing on what makes a great teacher. It’s a valuable resource for those training to become teachers, offering insights from current educators on motivation, resilience, and effective teaching practices.
• Irish Pagan School Podcast This unique podcast by Irish Pagan School explores Irish folklore, mythology, and pagan practices. While not exclusively education-focused, it’s an interesting addition for teachers looking to expand their cultural and historical knowledge or bring diverse perspectives into the classroom.
• The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast This podcast is hosted by Orla Dempsey, an Irish mock interviewer and The Teacher Promotion Mentor.. The podcast is for teachers who are considering leadership positions. Orla, shares ways to sell yourself better and how to make the Looking at Our School Document work for you as well as insider stories from experts in their field of education and beyond! I had the pleasure of speaking to Orla for one of her episodes, which you can listen to here! 
• Lead the Way This podcast is hosted by Ann Byrne. This series hopes to build educational leadership capacity in Ireland and beyond by facilitating the sharing of the leadership journey of people in a variety of educational settings.
• Leadership Unwrapped A podcast about everyday leadership with thought leaders from all walks of life, hosted by two Irish teachers. 
• Teachers in Therapy by The Calm Coach Addressing teacher wellbeing, Teachers in Therapy explores the mental health challenges facing educators today. Hosted by The Calm Coach, it discusses self-care, coping strategies, and personal stories, making it a refreshing and supportive resource for teachers.
• Teachers Inspire Ireland This podcast celebrates the positive impact teachers have on their students and communities. Each episode shares inspiring stories, providing an uplifting perspective on the difference educators make in Irish society.
• Talking All Things Inclusion A podcast dedicated to exploring equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and society. Each episode features conversations with inspiring advocates who share what led them to this work, their vision for a more inclusive future, and practical tips for listeners on how to support equity and inclusion in their own lives. 
• EPISTEM Podcast From EPI•STEM The National Centre for STEM Education at the School of Education, University of Limerick. The co-hosts, Professor Geraldine Simmie and Dr. Michelle Starr, chat with their guests about the Research and Partnership projects at the Research Centre in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and STEAM education in UL for inclusive STEM practices with the Arts (e.g. Ethics, Music, & Politics). The focus is on supporting teachers’ knowledge and CPD within a need for Social Justice, Climate Justice and Sustainability.
• That’ll Teach You Podcast Hosted by two Irish educators, this podcast shares practical teaching tips, classroom stories, and advice for new and experienced teachers alike. Topics range from classroom management to incorporating technology, making it a versatile resource for teachers across all levels.
• The Teacher Cast This podcast explores various topics relevant to teachers and educators in Ireland, from classroom management to innovative educational tools. It provides useful resources and expert advice tailored to Irish classrooms.
• Beo ar Éigean Although it’s not strictly an education podcast, Beo ar Éigean (or Barely Alive) by RTÉ Radio 1 has gained popularity among Irish listeners. Hosted by Sinéad Ní Uallacháin, Áine Ní Bhreisleáin, and Siún Ní Dhuinn, it covers everything from Irish culture to day-to-day life in a lighthearted tone and is a fantastic podcast for improving Irish language skills.

Whether you’re looking for new insights into Irish education policy, resources to enhance classroom learning, or simply stories that celebrate the joys of teaching, these podcasts offer something for everyone. If you know of any other Irish education podcasts that I can add to this list, please let me know!

Happy listening, and may these podcasts bring fresh perspectives and inspiration to your teaching journey!