Q Radio and Cool FM

its_steve116 · 21-05-2025 02:56PM #1

Thread for the two main commercial stations in the North of Ireland. Anybody ever listened to either?

The main difference (other than ownership) is that Q Radio is on FM all across NI and can be picked up in parts of the Republic, whereas Cool FM's FM coverage doesn't really go beyond Greater Belfast.

its_steve116 · 22-05-2025 01:31PM

I have occasionally picked up Q Radio on FM in North Dublin, particularly in Skerries.

waywill1966 · 22-05-2025 02:31PM

could pick up cool fm on fm in Sligo years ago, patchy during the day but good at night. It’s sister station Downtown can be picked up clear enough on fm in border areas.

TheBMG · 22-05-2025 02:55PM

the 101.1 frequency for Q is a monster. Usually well audible in South Dublin. It occasionally gets wiped by ClassicFM during lift conditions.

Haven’t heard Cool on 97.4 for a long time. There’s a (imo unneeded) 98FM relay on that frequency out in Skerries.

Seem to remember Downtown spluttering into Belfast on FM with a plethora of rimshot signals (having given 97.4 over to Cool in the late 1980s).

its_steve116 · 22-05-2025 09:08PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123475114#Comment_123475114

Interesting!

its_steve116 · 31-05-2025 01:27PM

Listening to Q on their Newry frequency sometimes, I have heard occasional local Cavan, Monaghan and possibly Louth advertising.

its_steve116 · 10-06-2025 01:51PM

https://hellorayo.co.uk/cool-fm/station/on-air/cool-fm-reveals-exciting-new-weekend-line-up

I missed it but Cool announced a new weekend line up last month, with Evanna Maxted and Katherine Walker getting new shows, and a new presenter called Ciara Ewing joining the ranks.

Evanna has actually hosted shows on BBC Radio 1 a few times.

its_steve116 · 27-06-2025 01:11PM

To whom it may concern,

Here is some of Evanna's on-screen presenting work.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dr3MlCbNqS4

its_steve116 · 16-08-2025 12:22PM

Today I learned that Andrew Ryan, one of Q Radio's current breakfast hosts, is from Cork.

its_steve116 · 25-08-2025 07:44PM

“F*** this station and f*** the people in it!”

https://www.irishnews.com/entertainment/come-ready-for-a-good-time-q-radio-breakfast-stars-on-taking-the-show-on-the-road-CYEANRGOIRE4FL7I56BGOSL4UE/

tinytobe · 28-08-2025 10:25AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058410904/q-radio-and-cool-fm

I always thought Q Radio and Downtown Radio are the two main commercial stations. Cool FM does go a bit further than Belfast but doesn't cover the whole of NI.