Ireland is known for being one of the friendliest countries in the world. From greeting strangers on the street, to thanking our bus drivers, Irish people are proud of their welcoming nature. 

So that is why we have decided to make friendship (or 'cairdeas' in Irish) the theme of this month's episode. On our meet the maker section we chat to Catherine Bradford from Simply Mourne. She's an artist based in County Down in the majestic Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland, who creates elegantly crafted artworks made with natural materials that reflect the joy of her natural surroundings.

We check in with Mary Moore, founder of the Irish at Heart subscription box service, and we head to a fishing town in Galway to have a look at a famous piece of jewellery that has been a symbol of love and friendship in Ireland for many years. 

Find out more at Irish At Heart and, exclusively for listeners to this podcast, use the discount code IRISHPOD for 10% off your Irish At Heart subscription box.