Claire Byrne Escapes Ireland’s Winter for a Sun-Soaked Break in Roatan

When most of Ireland was wrapped in scarves and bracing against December’s icy winds, one of the country’s most recognizable broadcasters chose a very different setting: the warm, turquoise shores of Roatan. Irish journalist Claire Byrne surprised her followers when she shared a playful photo of herself on the island — smiling with a monkey perched on her head — a moment that instantly went viral among her audience back home.

A familiar face on Irish airwaves

Claire Byrne is far from an ordinary tourist. She is one of Ireland’s most respected and longstanding journalists, known for her work in both television and radio. Her career spans decades, from early reporting roles to becoming the trusted host of “Today with Claire Byrne” on RTÉ Radio 1 — a position she held for 15 years before stepping away to pursue new paths .

Her professionalism, straightforward interview style, and clear voice on national issues have made her one of the most recognized media figures in the country. In 2025, she announced a major career shift: moving from RTÉ to join Newstalk, marking yet another milestone in a career defined by evolution and influence in Irish journalism .

Before beginning her new role, Byrne decided to take a well-earned break — choosing Roatan, the Bay Islands’ largest tourism gem, as her getaway. According to Irish media, she traveled to Honduras specifically to escape Ireland’s frosty December weather and enjoy a few days of sunshine and calm. Her now-famous vacation photo shows Byrne glowing under the Caribbean sun, with a capuchin monkey perched cheerfully on her head. The image sparked laughter and affection among her followers, who are more accustomed to seeing her behind a microphone or moderating serious discussions than interacting with tropical wildlife.

Claire shared this snap in Roatan on her iG account @claireeby

Her visit to Roatan matters more to us than you'd think

For Roatan, having an international public figure like Claire Byrne vacation on the island highlights the growing global appeal of the Bay Islands. While Roatan has long been beloved for its reefs, beaches, and culture, visitors with international visibility naturally bring attention to the destination — especially when they share moments as memorable and charming as Byrne did.

For Byrne, the trip seems to have been a moment of decompression — a pause before stepping into the next significant phase of her professional life. And for the thousands who follow her career, her sunny escape offered a rare, personal glimpse into a woman better known for holding others’ stories than sharing her own.