Claire Byrne isn’t just a rigorous interviewer. She’s a rigorous staycationer
Radio: The RTÉ host’s trademark efficiency even extends to her leisure time planning
Claire Byrne: not one for freewheeling on-air levity
Claire Byrne forged her reputation as a resolute and rigorous broadcaster a long time ago, but this week listeners learn that she can be as determined off duty as she is on air.
At the very least, Tuesday’s Today with Claire Byrne (RTÉ Radio 1, weekdays) suggests that the presenter approaches leisure time with the same brisk efficiency she uses to grill guests. Discussing domestic holiday destinations with the travel journalist Fionn Davenport, Byrne notes that staycation venues are in short supply. “Every second person I talk to has missed the boat because they didn’t book in January – like I did,” she says, staying just on the right side of smug.