In this festive episode, Niall opens the phone lines and invites listeners to share the moments that truly signal Christmas in Ireland.

We’re asking you to finish the sentence:

🎄 “You know it’s Christmas in Ireland when…”

Is it when your mother definitely overcooks the turkey, but no one dares say a word? When you’re bundled into the car to visit relations you haven’t seen since last Christmas — and won’t see again until next year? Or the familiar chaos of ten people squeezed into a small house, steam on the windows, arguments over seats, and someone inevitably washing dishes all day?

Maybe it’s buying the perfect present for a small child, only for them to spend Christmas Day happily playing with the box. Or settling down to watch Willy Wonka (or The Sound of Music, Home Alone, or The Snowman) for the hundredth time. Midnight Mass in the cold. Selection boxes hidden — and found — too early. The smell of turf or coal, a big fry on Stephen’s Day, leftover ham in everything, and the annual debate over whether the Christmas decorations should come down on the 6th or be “left for another while”.

From childhood memories to adult traditions, funny moments to emotional ones, this episode is a celebration of the small, shared experiences that make Christmas in Ireland feel like Christmas.

🎄 Finish the sentence: “You know it’s Christmas in Ireland when…”

In this episode, Niall is joined by Ciarán Mullooly MEP and Jackie Flannery from the Irish Rural Association to discuss one of the most controversial trade proposals facing Ireland today: the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.

Ciarán explains why he believes Ireland should reject the deal, which supporters say will boost free trade and lead to cheaper imports, including beef. But critics warn the agreement could seriously undercut Irish farmers, weaken food and animal welfare standards, increase environmental damage, and put rural jobs at risk.

What would the EU-Mercosur deal really mean for your household? Are cheaper imports worth the potential cost to Irish farming, food safety, and rural communities — or is this another EU deal that benefits big corporations while ordinary people pay the price?

💬 Have your say. Text or WhatsApp your views to 085 100 22 55.

In this festive special, Niall sits down with renowned restaurateur and social commentator Paul Treyvaud for a no-nonsense, start-to-finish guide to cooking the ultimate Christmas dinner.

From planning and prep to perfect timing, Paul shares his hard-won expertise on how to get the turkey just right — juicy, flavoursome, and stress-free — along with all the trimmings that actually matter. He takes us all the way to dessert, finishing on a classic sherry trifle that’s as indulgent as Christmas itself.

But this wouldn’t be Paul being Paul without a few sharp detours. Along the way, he takes the opportunity to unload on the government, modern food culture, and anything else that gets in his sights — with wit, bite, and absolutely no holding back.

Expect practical cooking advice, strong opinions, festive cheer, and a generous helping of straight talk in this fully uncensored Christmas podcast. Perfect listening while you’re peeling sprouts… or pouring the sherry.