In the new Christmas issue: Saipan star Éanna Hardwicke graces the cover of Hot Press

It's time to officially kick off the festive celebrations – as we bring you this year's special Christmas issue of Hot Press, featuring cover star Éanna Hardwicke!

With the hotly awaited Saipan movie about to hit cinemas, Éanna talks to Stuart Clark about his stunning portrayal of fellow Corkman Roy Keane, and why Steve Coogan was a natural fit for the role of Mick McCarthy. Also on the agenda in an action-packed interview are Normal People, Nicola Coughlan, Fontaines D.C., Michael D. Higgins and Hollywood awards ceremonies...

Elsewhere in this action-packed issue:

In this year's Hot Press Christmas Summit, Stuart Clark takes a deep-dive into some of the many musical, cultural and political happenings of the past 12 months, with the help of a few familiar faces – including BIIRD's Lisa Canny, KNEECAP manager/Bohemian FC COO Daniel Lambert, Cliffords' Iona Lynch, Junior Brother, Shark School's Peggy Forde and Nora Staunton, Steve Wall, and DUG. 

Hot Press Christmas Roundtable 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

Say goodbye to last minute shopping indecision, courtesy of our in-depth Christmas Gift Guide! We've also rounded up the best shows, matches, gigs and other events and experiences around the country this festive season, in our unmissable Entertainment Guide...

Winners of Hot Press’s inaugural Amhrán na Laoch Irish Language Song Contest in 2024, Huartan have finally unveiled their debut album, which showcases their massive tradtronic sound in all its glory. They fill in Riccardo Dwyer on its creation...

Jamie-Lee O’Donnell talks to Lucy O'Toole about a transformative year – including Leonard And Hungry Paul; Kneecap’s ‘Sayōnara’ video; her big move to Barcelona; and taking important steps on her mental health journey, following the global success of Derry Girls.

Jamie-Lee O'Donnell

Having just released a fascinating new memoir, in a hugely compelling interview, veteran broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan discusses the Troubles, personal loss, scandals, encounters with cranky musicians, and a whole lot more.

Imelda May discusses her new RTÉ series Amhráin na nGael, which sees the artist travel the country, trying her hand at sean nós singing and strengthening her connection with the Irish language.

Imelda May

Armed with a new album, Ad Astra, which finds them still at the height of their punky powers, Ash are about to bring their 2025 to a close with an Irish tour. Tim Wheeler talks blasting off into space, Graham Coxon, The Darkness, Coldplay, Shakespeare and hack ‘n’ slash movies with Stuart Clark.

As he releases his compelling new memoir What Have I Done?, comedy writing supremo Ben Elton chats to Paul Nolan about the ups and downs of his career, The Young Ones, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie – and what an Irish episode of Blackadder might have looked like.

Ben Elton

As she returns with Not My First Emotional Rodeo – a deluxe edition of her most recent album – Janet Devlin discusses the unstoppable rise of country music, incorporating emo and pop influences, and the joys of playing with a live band.

Ahead of a January tribute concert concert marking the 40th anniversary of Phil Lynott’s death, Thin Lizzy keyboardist Darren Wharton discusses the singer’s towering legacy.

Cathal MacGabhann of The Altered Hours talks about the band’s new self-titled LP, obscure ’60s compilations and the joys of distortion...

Iona Zajac discusses her brilliant debut album, Bang – the pinnacle of a mega year, in which the Scottish polymath toured with The Pogues and supported Alison Moyet...

Iona Zajac - Bang

Director Aoife Kelleher talks to Roe McDermott about on her new documentary Testimony, which explores survivors’ courage, State complicity, and why the Mother and Baby Homes story remains unfinished business.

And that's not all – you can also look forward to wonderful insights from Wendy Erskine, Ger Eaton, Luz, Cicada, and Tom Davis; a Festive Drinks Feature; and a brilliant selection of must-read reviews, previews and news...

So don't miss out! This special festive issue of Hot Press lands in shops later this week  – and is also available to order online below: