Top Music Radio Stations in Ireland will continue to have a huge impact on the media and entertainment landscape in 2023.
Although today there are many ways to hear top hits outside of radio, radio is still an important part of Irish culture. Around 91 per cent of Irish adults listen to the radio weekly, according to the 2022 JNLR report.
But it’s not just older fans who appreciate Ireland’s wide range of broadcasts. Nationwide, around 87.1 percent of 15 to 34 year olds listen to the radio all the time.
Which radio stations in Ireland are the best for music lovers?
Today we’re going to look at some of the top rated and most popular stations, focusing mostly on those that broadcast music (as opposed to news and talk shows).
The 11 best music radio stations in Ireland
Interestingly, while radio remains very popular in Ireland, the country has fewer stations than some other regions.
Dublin, for example, has one of the largest radio audiences in the country, but is only home to about 17 different stations.
We’ve sifted through some of the most popular options across the Irish countryside, handpicking channels based on their overall quality and listenership.
However, it’s worth noting that the best radio station for you may vary based on your genre preferences.
To appeal to a wide audience, we’ve tried to include different channel styles, ranging from current pop hit channels to golden oldies shows.
1. Today FM
Today FM is a commercial radio station known for broadcasting music, news and current affairs and is operated by one of Ireland’s largest radio groups, Bauer Audio Ireland Ltd.
The channel is one of the most popular in the country and in 2009 even achieved sales of around 19.4 million.
Today FM was first broadcast on St Patrick’s Day in 1997 under the name ‘Radio Ireland’. At first it was a mixed network that aired talk programs alongside various genres of music.
After poor reviews, the team eventually updated their daily schedule to focus on new music and current events. Today, FM is also home to the well-known Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show.
Website: Today FM
2. RTÉ 2FM
Commonly referred to as “2FM”, RTÉ 2FM is an Irish radio station operated by the RTÉ brand.
You’ll find it on the 90MHz frequency across Northern Ireland. It’s also syndicated in regions across the UK.
The channel specializes in popular music and chart hits and is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most popular shows.
Since broadcasting in 1979, RTÉ 2FM has undergone several changes, introducing different shows, programs and different types of music.
Today the station shares recorded music and broadcasts live from major Irish music festivals.
Website: RT2 2FM
3.SPIN 1038
According to the CHR broadcast format, SPIN 1038 is a local radio station in Dublin, Ireland.
It is owned by Bauer Media Audio Corporation and broadcasts on 103.8 FM under a deal with the Irish Broadcasting Authority.
While the channel is most popular with Dublin locals, it can also be heard in various towns across the Irish countryside.
Originally, SPIN FM was part of a collection of new independent radio stations launched in the country in 1999. It should offer younger fans an alternative listening experience.
Today it is best known for playing popular, trending music, usually in the top 40 hits format.
Website: SPIN 1038
4. Classic Hits Radio
Also known as “Classic Hits”, Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio runs on 94.9 FM in Dublin and 94.8 in Cork.
The independent radio station broadcasts under an audio contract with the Irish Broadcasting Authority and is part of Bay Broadcasting Limited.
The station’s playlists primarily contain a combination of adult contemporary music and classic hits.
In addition, there are special program segments throughout the day dedicated to tunes from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s, with small doses of classic country and hot hits.
The station also has its own flagship breakfast show, The Colm & Lucy Breakfast Show.
Website: Classic Hits
5. RTE Gold
If you’re looking for classic hits from your Irish radio station, RTÉ Gold might be just the station for you.
This channel is mainly available through cable TV channels, Virgin Media, Saorview and Eir TV.
The station mainly focuses on music from the 1950s to 2000s and offers listeners a lot of variety.
The weekday program also includes moderated segments from 7am to 2pm each day, while a full moderated schedule is offered on weekends from 8am to 8pm
Website: RTE Gold
6.FM104
FM104 is an independent radio station broadcasting throughout Dublin on 104.4MHz.
It is produced by Capital Radio Productions Ltd. operated. It also operates as a subsidiary of the Wireless Group, trading as News UK.
FM104 launched in 1989 as the first independent local radio provider to join the airwaves, initially naming it ‘Capital Radio’.
The channel follows a contemporary hits format and shares some of the most popular new songs with listeners.
Although the station has been very popular in the past, in recent years it has begun to lag behind its competitors in terms of listeners.
Website: FM104
7. Radionova
Another of Ireland’s top music radio stations, Radio Nova is an internet-focused radio station that broadcasts nationwide.
The channel mainly focuses on rock music, but listeners can also hear contemporary hits.
Nova is expanding its online presence with streams on 100.4 to 100.5 FM from Saggard Hill to County Kildare.
Nova has seen massive listenership growth in recent years, reaching its highest-ever listenership in 2022.
Around 161,000 listeners tune in every week in Dublin.
Website: Radio Nova
8. 98FM
Inspired by the Hot Adult Contemporary format, 98FM is a Dublin local station owned by Bauer Media Audio Ireland.
The channel broadcasts on frequency 98.1 FM from an antenna located in the Three Rock Mountain area of County Dublin.
This channel mainly focuses on popular music aimed at 25-44 year olds.
As well as some amazing playlists, 98FM also creates many popular daytime shows including The Big Breakfast Show with Rebecca Shekleton and Brendan O’Loughlin.
Listeners can also tune in to hourly news reports, sports updates, weather and traffic alerts.
Website: 98FM
9. RTÉ radio 1
One of the most well-known Irish radio stations on the market today, RTÉ Radio 1 is the flagship radio station of the RTÉ brand.
It is the direct descendant of Dublin radio station 2RN, meaning its history dates back to 1928.
RTÉ Radio 1 broadcasts talk shows and music content and has the highest listenership of any station in the country.
Typically, listeners can expect to hear the latest rock, pop, and dance hits during music programming sessions.
Website: RTE Radio 1
10. Sunshine 106.8
Broadcasting from Three Rock Mountain to County Dublin on 106.8 MHz, Sunshine 106.8 FM is an easy listening station included in the rebroadcast system in the Dublin Port Tunnel.
Billed as a radio station created to help people relax, this is one of the best channels to listen to if you’re looking for light-hearted music.
The station was officially launched in 2001 and was initially labeled as a land station for the first few years. Over the years, the group’s playlist has evolved, as has the station’s schedule.
Today you can listen to the channel 24 hours a day, every day.
Website: Sunshine 106.8
11. Dublin’s Q102
Owned by Wireless Group, Dublin’s Q102 is a commercial station in Dublin operating on 102.2MHz.
The station is expressly licensed to listeners over the age of 35 and is required to broadcast hourly news and current events as well as music.
The station initially launched as the Lite 102.2 before being rebranded soon after.
The station broadcasts mostly adult contemporary music with regular updates on weather, traffic, sports and other local news.
Despite being off the air for a short time, Dublin’s Q102 was officially relaunched by a former Big brother Great Britain Candidate, Ray Shah.
Website: Q102
