Lunchtime

From live gigs, comedy, theatre, to festive family fun at key Dublin attractions right across the city – there's something for everyone in Dublin this winter. Every week we will be discussing some of the magical experiences that you can enjoy this winter in Dublin! This week Dara Quilty walks us through some of the magic Christmas spots around Dublin, including a very Christmassy Dublin Bus Tour. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page. VisitDublin.com is your one-stop-shop to find out everything that’s going on and start planning your Winter in Dublin trip.

A new series of Love Island is set to air on our tv screens later this month but how does the show impact the contestants after being in Casa Amor? Does it lead to fame and success or does it cause more stress with criticism and online abuse? Former Love Island contestant Shannen Reilly McGrath joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today. Shannen was the first Irish woman to ever be on Love Island. She was contacted by the show through a direct message on Instagram. She said that she thought the message was a wind up and she almost didn't respond. She talked about how exciting it was to be invited on the show and how she did her first interview in London. McGrath talked about being trolled and how she deals with online trolls. She said that with nasty comments online ''there is only so much blocking and deleting you can do''.  She said of the show that she doesn't regret it at all. Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google 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 adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Many of you will have gotten to know broadcaster Teena Gates over the last few months, as she was an advocate for Carers being vaccinated as a priority – but what is it like to be a fulltime career in Ireland these days? Teena joined Andrea to tell her story about caring for her dad and how both of them are doing at the moment.   Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google 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 adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Has Fungie the dolphin settled in at new shores in the heart of Galway Bay? Or is this West Coast dolphin the new Fungie? Watching marine life that Ireland has grown in popularity over the years following the popularity of Fungie the dolphin, but Ireland is full of opportunities to see marine life, from a safe distance. Zoologist and member of Whale Watch West Cork Nic Slocum spoke to Andrea on the programme about marine life in Ireland, and of course to tell us, has Fungie moved to Galway...

Further Restrictions For Border Counties Likely Amid Rising Numbers In Northern Ireland Andrea Gilligan spoke to Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill about the alarming rise of Covid-19 in the North. Newstalk's Political correspendant Seán Defoe reported that it looks as though there will be a cabinet meeting this evening to discuss bringing level four restrictions into effect for Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google 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 adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.