Show Notes
Jessica O’Donnell, who is the Head of Education at Hugh Lane Gallery, where she has worked for the past 25 years, joins us on the What’s the Story, Dublin? Podcast. We learn about the history of HLG and about the refurbishments that are currently in the works there. Their physical doors may be closed, but there is still lots happening at Hugh Lane Gallery through their offsite programme, which integrates education, walks, talks and more. Learn about how you can participate and about upcoming events from HLG in today’s episode. This podcast was recorded on 4 November 2025. Graphics are by John Stone. Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
More from What's the Story, Dublin?
Country music star Sandy Kelly joins us on the What’s the Story, Dublin? Podcast today to talk about her impressive career and this weekend’s Dublin City Council Ceol Country event. Sandy tells us about how music was always a family affairand about the highs and lows of performing in Eurovision, representing Ireland in the year 1982 as a member of the band The Duskeys. We also talk about her friendship with the iconic JohnnyCash, and about the current scene of country music and music more generally. She tells us about all the artists she is looking forward to seeing perform in this year’s Dublin City Council Ceol Country. Limited tickets are still available for Dublin City Council Ceol Country and can be booked on https://bookings.scopetickets.com/event/14170 The event takes place in Merrion Square Park, Dublin 2, from 12-6pm on Saturday 29th August and Sunday 30th August. This episode was recorded on 20 August 2025. Graphics are by John Stone. Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers –https://www.silvermansound.com
We speak to Andrew Devonport on the role our City Architects office in creating liveability and an attractive and sustainable built environment. City Architects is a Division within the Housing and Community Services Department, providing architectural,urban design and conservation services on a cross-departmental basis. The Team also provide strategic architectural advice in relation to the Council’s vision for the future of Dublin. City Architects has particular expertise in housing design, sustainable building construction, urban design and architectural conservation. The Division also includes the Dangerous Buildings section. Greening spaces and accessibility are also priorities for City Architects. This podcast was recorded in May 2026. Graphics are by John Stone. Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
Cities are complex places with many stakeholders required to create a thriving and vibrant urban environment. Dublin's city co-ordination office helps to align the various businesses and organisations vested in the city's success. On today’s episode, we talk to the Head of the City Co-Ordination Office, Karl Mitchell, about what his work entails. City co-ordination is a relatively new office that emerged during the pandemic to encourage the public to come outside and engage with Dublin city again. City co-ordination brings together communities and workforces in emergency services hospitality, commercial areas and more. We discuss safety in Dublin and upcoming changes and developments to different streets and regions that will have a revitalising impact on the city centre. The Taoiseach’sTaskforce also gets a look in. This podcast was recorded in May 2026. Graphics are by John Stone. Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
What’s beneath Dublin’s streets? More than you think… In the latest episode of What’s the Story? Dublin, host Michael Ryan speaks with City Archaeologist Ruth Johnston about uncovering the hidden history of our city — from Viking settlements to medieval treasures. One standout moment? The discovery of a Viking burial — the first uncovered in Dublin in over 70 years — found just metres from where people walk every day. From protecting archaeology during modern development to revealing how Dublin’s past shapes its future, this episode offers a fascinating look at the stories beneath our feet. This podcast was recorded in April 2026. Graphics are by John Stone. Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
In this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin?, brought to you by Dublin City Council, we sit down with John Stack from the Nature-Based Surface Water Projects Unit to explore how the city is working to improve the health of its rivers. John explains the impact of the EU Water Framework Directive and outlines the challenges facing seven of Dublin’s key waterways — including the Liffey and Dodder — which are currently experiencing poor water quality. He discusses the main pressures on urban rivers, from polluted runoff to plumbing misconnections, and highlights the innovative Rainscapes project in the Santry catchment. Using nature-based solutions like swales and rain gardens, the project is helping to capture and clean rainwater while reducing flood risk. It’s a conversation about sustainable urban design, shared responsibility, and how collaboration across communities, businesses, and public bodies can help restore Dublin’s rivers for the future. Recorded in April 2026. Graphics by John Stone. Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com For updates from Dublin City Council, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit dublincity.ie.