Lauren Murphy

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

Games Of Thrones went from book to TV phenomenon

Lauren Murphy on why we need fantasy novels now more than ever

One of my favourite things about being knee-deep in a really good book is that sense of escapism.

The Lauren Murphy Column • 10 Feb 24

Lauren Murphy's cultural highlights for 2024

Ahh, January. The dreaded 'end of year' lists are behind us, a new canvas of cultural delights to anticipate across the coming twelve months.

Previews • 16 Jan 24

The 10 biggest moments in Irish culture in 2023

We're a nation renowned for its artistic output, so it's just as well that Ireland's cultural offerings have been up to par throughout 2023.

Pop Culture • 25 Dec 23

Paranormal Activity: 'I literally slept with the light on for months afterwards'

Boo! Lauren Murphy on the horror movie that haunted her dreams

I love horror films. Spooky horror films. Gruesome horror films. Paranormal horrors. Horrors with aliens, horrors with demons, horrors with axe-wielding serial killers. That wasn't always the case, though.

The Lauren Murphy Column • 14 Oct 23

Sarah Jessica Parker in And Just Like That...

And Just Like That, and the perverse pleasures of the hate-watch

I'm about five episodes into the second season of And Just Like That... I hate it. It's awful.

The Lauren Murphy Column • 11 Sep 23

In defence of 'nepo babies' - a short cut to success?

Lately, I've been thinking a bit about 'nepo babies' - or more specifically, the idea of creative and artistic dynasties.

The Lauren Murphy Column • 17 Aug 23

'Lisa O'Neill has been releasing great albums for years now, but this album cemented the Cavan woman as an important musician'

The best Irish albums of 2023 (so far)

It's already been a belter of a year for Irish music, and we're only just over halfway through the year.

Music • 05 Aug 23

Sinéad O'Connor - 10 of her most essential songs

Ireland is in shock with the devastating news that we have lost one of our finest artists following the death of Sinéad O'Connor.

Music • 29 Jul 23

Kin season 2 - no spoilers - raised the stakes for Irish TV crime drama

The best Irish TV & film of 2023 (so far)

After the bumper year for Irish film and television that was 2022, the bar has well and truly been raised for filmmakers and TV creators.

Film • 23 Jul 23

Elaine Feeney, author of How to Build a Boat

The best Irish books of 2023 (so far)

We're now officially just past the halfway mark of 2023 - so it's the perfect time to pause and cast a glance over the cultural highlights of the last six months.

Books • 15 Jul 23