This Island Nation

On this edition - the story of two determined, young Irish sailors – one from County Meath, the other from Mayo - who are taking on the top world sailors in the very tough sport of racing, alone, in the offshore seas. One of them a descendant of Ireland’s pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley – Granuaile. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition - the lack of affordable housing is not only a problem on the mainland, and why we should listen to what the tides are telling us. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition - The Chief Executive of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group responds to the political decision in the Dáil to declare a climate emergency. And another Chief Executive, Jim O'Toole of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, says the public need to know and understand more about the importance of aquaculture. We’ll also hear about a shocking, indeed alarming, decline in the number of waterbirds and how Ireland is regarded internationally in the wearing of lifejackets on the water. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition - With increasing public concern about the way in which mobile phones and other modern technology are dominating life, we discuss getting young people away from computer screens and into sport and, with the boating season getting underway, the President of the national sailing organisation suggests a sport for life. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition - Why are the largest predators in the oceans dying on beaches around the world, including Ireland? And, the President of the Irish Institute of Master Mariners, marking its 50th Anniversary, tells us why seafaring is an attractive career. Subscribe to This Island Nation on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/this-island-nation/id1451636162 Follow This Island Nation on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2DX9F5F This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition - voyaging 907 nautical miles in the seas around the coast of Ireland on a boat more suited to inland waterways. The couple who did it, tell us how and why they made the voyage. And the huge migration that’s heading for Ireland. People might be watching out for the first swallows, but something much bigger is happening in the seabird community. Subscribe to This Island Nation on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/this-island-nation/id1451636162 Follow This Island Nation on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2DX9F5F This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition - an Irish sailor at the top of the sailing world is blunt about removing plastic from the sport and a marine photographer sees an unusual phenomenon. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition - Microplastics are everywhere but it’s from freshwater that they are arriving to threaten the marine environment. And, even with modern technology and a modern ice-breaking ship, an expedition is defeated by Antarctic weather and learns respect for what Ernest Shackleton and his team achieved. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition, the tragedy of the last ship to be sunk in Irish waters during World War One - the S.S. Saint Barchan. Eight men were killed just twelve hours before submarine attacks were called off. We also hear why the national water safety organisation is changing it's name. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this edition, the story of a boat that has helped over 7,000 drug and alcohol users towards rehabilitation. A wonderful achievement, through the wonder of the sea and the use of a sailing boat. The programme also features the latest news from the RNLI, Comhdail Oilean na hEireann, the Islands Federation, and an offer from Fisheries Ireland. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.