Lauren Murphy

Freelance journalist and broadcaster, writing about music and the arts.

21 albums that define 21st century Irish music

It's nigh-impossible to narrow down the albums that define a generation - but we gave it our best shot.

Music • 18 Aug 18

5 Irish albums we can't wait to hear...

2018 may be more than halfway over, but there's still plenty of music to salivate over in the coming months.

Music • 01 Aug 18

Like The Handmaid's Tale? Then you'll love these Netflix picks

If you're inconsolable now that Season 2 of 'The Handmaid's Tale' has been wrapped up in utterly thrilling fashion, that also means you're probably chomping at the bit for more dystopian drama to watch.

Netflix • 20 Jul 18

Maxine Peake - one of the many performers at this year's Lughnasa FrielFest

All-star line-up for Beckett and Friel festivals

August is set to be a busy time for culture vultures in the border country region, with a number of high-profile actors, writers, musicians and performers set to converge on six border counties in the name of art from August 2nd – 19th.

Theatre • 04 Jul 18

10 Classic Dublin Films

With Dublin Oldschool currently going down a treat in Irish cinemas, it's as good a time as any to look back on other gems that have been set in the Fair City.

Film • 29 Jun 18

Bloomsday 2018 – a wealth of Joyce this Saturday

Stephen Dedalus may well have said that '"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake" in Ulysees – but that hasn't stopped the annual celebration of James Joyce and his magnum opus from taking place every June 16th.

Bloomsday • 15 Jun 18

John Mulaney - SNL writer turned stand-up superstar in-the-making.

5 of the best stand-up comedy specials on Netflix

They say that laughter is the best medicine, and God knows we need a few hearty doses with all that's going on in the world. Still, the 'comedy' section of Netflix can be an intimidating and confusing place if you have no idea what you're looking for...

Comedy • 30 May 18

The cream of Ireland's literary crop are headed to book festivals across the country

Ireland's Literary Festivals 2018 - your one-stop guide

You've already read about the best music festivals and arts festivals taking place around the country in the coming months – if you still have space in your rapidly-swelling summer cultural diary, you may be interested in some choice book bashes.

Books • 24 May 18

Ruth Negga to star as Hamlet in Gate Theatre production

The Oscar-nominated Dubliner will play the Prince of Denmark himself in a new production of William Shakespeare's play at the Gate Theatre later this year,

Theatre • 14 May 18

Being Childish: How Donald Glover won the internet

If you're responsible for one of the 85 million (and counting) views that Childish Gambino's latest music video This is America has racked up since it went live last weekend, you'll probably fall into one of two camps.

Culture • 12 May 18