Pirate Predator
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed
"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
Rate this podcast
Community reviews
0 reviewsWrite a quick review
No reviews yet. Be the first!
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: Believed, Pipeline, The Missing Cryptoqueen, The Trial of Erin Patterson. 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
Listen on
Browse category
Region
🇮🇪Ireland True CrimeNewsletter
Get weekly recommendations
Curated picks, new reviews, hidden gems.
If you liked this, try…
See all alternatives
Believed
Listeners who want to understand systemic institutional failure, survivor stories, and how Nassar's abuse was enabled so long; essential for anyone working in safeguarding or sports.
Pipeline
The Crime Desk's investigation into four professional divers sucked hundreds of feet into a Caribbean oil pipeline in 2022 — and the failing safety standards that put them there.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
BBC journalist Jamie Bartlett tracks down Dr Ruja Ignatova, who persuaded millions to invest in OneCoin before vanishing without a trace.
The Trial of Erin Patterson
The Crime Desk's courtroom coverage of the Erin Patterson 'mushroom murders' trial — one of the biggest cases of the decade.
Spiral: Murder in Detroit
The Free Press investigates the 2023 stabbing death of Detroit community leader Samantha Woll, and the fraught questions the case raised about antisemitism and justice.
Death in Ice Valley
True crime fans who love cold case mysteries with an international dimension; people fascinated by forensic identification and the stories hidden in unidentified remains.
Explore more in these categories: