Take a sneak peek inside our jam-packed July|August edition with Claire Byrne on the cover
We’re delighted to introduce our brand-new issue, featuring Claire Byrne on the cover. It’s only a couple of months since she started her new role at Newstalk when the Irish Country Magazine team meet the broadcaster at our shoot, but she’s already settled into an easy rhythm there.

Open, relaxed and ready to share more about her new chapter, it was actually a milestone birthday that inspired her to shake things up. In our exclusive interview, Claire talks about everything from leaving behind a 15-year legacy at RTÉ to why she’s taken to messaging her online trolls directly and finding confidence at 50. “I got to around 50, and I thought: now I’m going to own my experience. Now I’m going to tell myself: be confident in what you’ve done and what you’ve achieved, and to realise that you can go and do a new thing, bring all of that experience with you. Because you are valuable and you are knowledgeable and you have something to offer. As opposed to writing yourself off.”
What advice does she have for anyone in the same boat? “If people, when they get to the age of 50, feel a bit spent, a bit tired, I’d just urge them to look at maybe a pivot, or realise their value and go ‘you know what – there’s another act here’. Life is long now, and I think that women, in particular, who have years of experience behind them are really valuable in the workplace. So go and show
people what you can do.”
Also inside this beautiful edition, you will find features on:
- Beyond Hamnet: Author Maggie O’Farrell on her new book and the magic of Irish myth
- Brooches are back: Plus how to style this season’s favourite accessory
- Dopamine dressing; our top picks
- Meet the maker: Designer Sasha Donnellan shares her creative process
- Bold or bare: Adele Miner on the ‘manicure rebellion’ currently taking over
- The Invisible Struggle: Author Niamh Garvey shares a powerful essay on her experience living with autism
- The Intimacy Reset: Sex and intimacy educator, author and podcaster Grace Alice O’Shea shares how you can reset your sex life
- Rustic retreat: Talent manager Jules Fallon welcomes us into her home
- Garden glow-up: Refresh your outdoor garden
- Seaside staycations: The hidden gems to keep front of mind
- Greek getaway: We get a taste of Chania, on the island of Crete
- Hidden haven: We visit Woodville walled garden in Co Galway
- And, so much more – all for just €4.50.
To never miss an issue of your favourite Irish magazine, make sure to visit here to subscribe, and to find your nearest stockist so you can pick up a copy on newsstands, click here. From all of us on team Irish Country Magazine, we wish you happy reading – if you have any feedback, please email us on editorial@irishcountrymagazine.ie.






