Unsolved

This episode explores the 1986 disappearance of 13-year-old Philip Cairns in Dublin, detailing his final known afternoon and the timeline leading up to his vanishing. It examines the background of his family life and the immediate realization that he was missing. The investigation follows the intensive search efforts by his family and the Gardaí, including the questioning of schoolmates. The episode also covers a significant breakthrough in the case: the discovery of Philip's school bag found a week after his disappearance.

This episode explores new developments in the 1986 disappearance of Philip Cairns, focusing on a potential link to convicted criminal Eamon Cook. Through an interview with journalist Peter Mullerine, the discussion examines Cook's history as a pirate radio operator and his extensive record of sexual offenses. The investigation looks at newly discovered evidence from a document typed by Cook that may corroborate a long-standing witness statement regarding his location in Tallaght. The episode discusses the implications of upgrading the case from a missing persons investigation to a murder inquiry and concludes with an announcement of an upcoming two-part series on the Philip Cairns case.

This episode explores the 1993 disappearance of Annie McCarrick and the decades-long investigation that followed. It details the immediate aftermath, including the intense search efforts led by her parents, John and Nancy McCarrick, and the early leads involving potential sightings in Dublin. The narrative covers the long-term investigative shifts, from the case being treated as a missing person matter to its 2023 reclassification as a murder investigation. Recent developments, including new CCTV discrepancies and a 2025 arrest in County Meath, are examined alongside theories that Annie may be hidden within a local property rather than the mountains.

This episode explores the unsolved disappearance of Annie McCarrick, an American woman with deep Irish roots who moved to Ireland in 1993. The hosts delve into her life, academic achievements at Maynooth University, and her personal connections before examining the mysterious circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The investigation details Annie's final known movements on March 26, 1993, including various alleged sightings via bus and CCTV. The episode also examines the timeline of when friends realized she was missing and discusses critical issues regarding uncommunicated information involving a potential suspect.

This episode details the 1988 discovery of Antoinette Smith's body in the Dublin mountains by a young boy. It recounts the grim forensic findings, the harrowing process her family endured to identify her, and the investigation into unidentified leads involving men seen near the burial site. The narrative further explores the failures in the investigation, specifically how lost paperwork and poor record-keeping led to significant evidential deficiencies. As the case faces a lack of momentum, the upcoming 40th anniversary in 2027 serves as a pivotal moment for seeking justice.

This episode explores the unsolved disappearance of Antoinette Smith, a young mother who vanished in 1987 after attending a David Bowie concert. The hosts delve into her personal life, including her private struggle with alopecia and the cultural landscape of Ireland during that era. The investigation follows her final known movements through Dublin's nightlife and the subsequent search efforts. The episode also examines the initial lack of urgency from authorities and the media, discussing how the absence of a crime scene and the technological limitations of 1987 may have contributed to the case being overlooked, potentially marking the start of the 'Vanishing Triangle'.

This episode explores the investigation into Fiona Pender's 1996 disappearance, examining a potential lead involving a trial in Canada that resulted in a not guilty verdict. It also details the profound tragic impact of these unsolved crimes on the Pender family, including the loss of Josephine's husband and son. The discussion covers the recent upgrade of Fiona Pender's case to a murder investigation in 2025, which grants significant new legal powers to investigators. Additionally, the episode touches upon the emotional legacy of her family and the commemorative sculpture and walkway in Tullamore dedicated to Fiona.

This episode explores the disappearance of Fiona Pender in August 1996, detailing the intensive search efforts by her family and the local community. The investigation involved Garda searches of her flat and the use of borrowed cadaver dogs, highlighting the challenges faced due to a lack of specialized resources within the Garda dog unit. The narrative follows major developments, including the April 1997 arrest of five suspects and the subsequent release of those individuals without charge. The episode also examines the discovery of a commemorative cross in Schlieffbloom woods and discusses how investigators have determined her case is likely unrelated to other missing persons from the 1990s.

This episode explores the unsolved disappearance of Fiona Pender, a vibrant young woman from Tullamore who vanished in 1996 while pregnant. The hosts trace her life from her early career as a model and hairdresser to her return to Ireland with partner John Thompson following the tragic death of her brother. The investigation delves into Fiona's final days in August 1996, examining her living situation and the last known interactions with her family. As her family discovered untouched baby supplies and no signs of struggle in her bedsit, the search began—a search that continues decades later as the family seeks justice for Fiona and her unborn child.

This episode explores the 1999 unsolved murder of 17-year-old Reynaud Murray. The discussion details the timeline surrounding the attack in 'the cut,' including potential sightings of an unidentified man and the brutal nature of the incident. The investigation involved massive efforts, including 14 arrests and thousands of statements, yet the case remains unresolved. The episode follows the discovery of Reynaud's body by her family and highlights the ongoing plea from her parents for someone to come forward and help achieve justice.

This episode explores the unsolved murder of 17-year-old Raynaud Murray, an ambitious Dublin teenager who dreamed of becoming a writer. The investigation details her final day on September 3, 1999, tracing her movements from her retail shift in Dun Laoglaire to meeting friends for drinks. Despite extensive investigations involving thousands of interviews and numerous arrests, the case remains cold. The episode follows Raynaud's last known movements via CCTV as she walked home, marking the moment she disappeared before she could reach her destination.

This episode details the investigation and conviction of Robert Howard for the 2002 murder of 14-year-old Hannah Williams. It explores how a combination of circumstantial evidence, including a pivotal 14-second phone call and similar fact evidence regarding the use of ropes, led to his guilty verdict and provided the momentum for the PSNI to charge him with the murder of Arlene Arkinson. The discussion also examines the legal complexities surrounding Howard's trials, specifically how reporting bans prevented journalists from disclosing his status as a convicted murderer. Additionally, it explores why similar fact evidence was not introduced during the Arlene Arkinson trial due to a specific decision made by the prosecution.

This episode investigates the unsolved disappearance of Arlene Arkinson and the criminal trajectory of primary suspect Robert Howard. It explores Howard's history of escalating violence, his movement between Ireland and Scotland, and the systemic failures and legal reporting bans that hindered justice. The narrative follows the Arkinson family's struggle with police investigations and details the trial of Robert Howard. Despite a coroner's eventual ruling identifying Howard as responsible for Arlene's death, the episode examines the complexities of his acquittal and the lasting impact of his crimes.

This episode investigates the unsolved 1994 disappearance and murder of 15-year-old Arlene Arkinson in County Donegal. The hosts detail Arlene's personal background and the events of the night she went to a disco, focusing on her journey in a car driven by Robert Howard, a man with a history of serious sexual offenses. The discussion explores the suspicious circumstances surrounding the trip to Bundoran and the subsequent investigation. It highlights the web of lies orchestrated by individuals close to Howard to protect him, and how the silence was eventually broken by Donna Quinn, whose statement provided crucial evidence in the case.

Crime journalist Barry Cummins and RT presenter Katia Mia introduce Unsolved, a new true crime podcast from RTE dedicated to revisiting Ireland's most significant cold cases. The series aims to shift the focus from perpetrators to the victims, providing a voice to those lost to unsolved crimes, particularly women. By examining the facts and exploring the psychological impact of these disappearances and murders, the hosts seek to uncover secrets held within communities. The premiere episodes focus on the case of Arlene Arkinson, a 15-year-old girl who disappeared in Bundoran in August 1994. The podcast explores the details surrounding her disappearance and the broader context of a serial killer operating across Ireland. Through deep dives into these historical cases, the program seeks to provide new information and pursue justice for victims whose stories have often been overshadowed.