Lauren Murphy

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

The 10 best Irish albums of 2024 - Lauren Murphy sounds off

Ireland's creative boom is reverberating across all elements of culture - but while our actors and filmmakers continue their domination of Hollywood, our musical output has been exceeding expectations across the globe in recent years, too.

Best Of 2024 • 12 Dec 24

Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan unite, and the internet explodes

Green wave? Sorry, but the Irish have always ruled culture

Sure, aren't we Irish just brilliant, altogether? Look at us now there, on the world stage, showing them all how it's done. Writers. Actors. Athletes. Artists. Musicians. A great bunch of lads (and lasses), so we are.

The Lauren Murphy Column • 30 Nov 24

Guess what? The Wild Robot isn't just for kids...

5 cultural gems you may have missed lately (the November edition)

There has never been a better time to be a culture vulture, but the sheer volume of stuff out there makes it all too easy for some gems to slip through the cracks.

Culture Picks • 16 Nov 24

Cillian Murphy's 10 best roles - the Culture countdown

We Irish have known about Cillian Murphy's prowess as an actor for decades by this stage, but it's only in recent years that the rest of the world has cottoned on, too.

Listicles • 02 Nov 24

Noel and Liam Gallagher pictured onstage in 2008

What's the story? Oasis and the art of the brazen cash-grab

It's becoming increasingly difficult not to feel cynical about the whole thing. Really, it is.

The Lauren Murphy Column • 26 Oct 24

Can Donald Trump keep using songs against a musician's wishes?

He's at it again. Earlier this week, Donald Trump added another name to his long 'Musicians I Have Angered' list by playing yet another song at a rally without first seeking permission.

Opinion and Analysis • 19 Oct 24

If you haven't caught up with Slow Horses yet, then it's definitely time

5 cultural gems you may have missed lately

There has never been a better time to be a culture vulture, but the sheer volume of stuff out there makes it all too easy for some gems to slip through the cracks...

Culture Picks • 12 Oct 24

Fact: there's a role for Cillian Murphy here (Pic: Marco Grob/Universal Pictures)

10 great Irish novels crying out for TV or film adaptations

We are a nation renowned for our rich literary heritage, but the last few years in particular have seen a number of acclaimed Irish novels make the leap to the big and small screens, too.

Books • 05 Oct 24