Pirate Predator
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"A dark counterpoint to pirate radio nostalgia — RTÉ's Documentary on One at its most unflinching."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
- ✓Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news
Pros & cons
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Serialized format builds a compelling, sustained narrative arc across episodes
- −Must listen in order — cannot dip in and out between episodes
About this podcast
Pirate Predator, from RTÉ Documentary on One, tells the story of Eamon Cooke — who became a cult-like figure through pirate station Radio Dublin in the 1970s and 80s, using that fame as cover for years of sexual abuse. Written and produced by Peter Mulryan.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pirate Predator
What is Pirate Predator about?
Pirate Predator, from RTÉ Documentary on One, tells the story of Eamon Cooke — who became a cult-like figure through pirate station Radio Dublin in the 1970s and 80s, using that fame as cover for years of sexual abuse. Written and produced by Peter Mulryan.
Is Pirate Predator worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if institutional-era abuse cases and Irish social history interest you". It scores 7/10 on binge factor. RTÉ Documentary on One traces Eamon Cooke, a pirate radio DJ turned cult figure who was one of Ireland's most prolific child abusers.
Who is Pirate Predator for?
Pirate Predator is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish; Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news.
What is the best episode of Pirate Predator to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
Where can I listen to Pirate Predator?
Pirate Predator is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Pirate Predator?
If you enjoy Pirate Predator, you might also like: Crime Next Door: The Beast of Birkenhead, You Didn't See Nothin, The Trial of Erin Patterson, S-Town. See our full "Podcasts Like Pirate Predator" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Investigative, sombre, historically grounded
- Episode length
- 35-50 min
- Episodes
- Limited series
- Binge factor
- 7/10
- Country
- Ireland
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