Episodes

When comparing flights to Ireland, it's tempting to focus on the lowest fare or shortest total travel time. But there's another detail worth considering: whether your connection happens before or after your overnight transatlantic flight. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/booking-flights-to-ireland-europe-layovers/ireland-travel-tips/ Resources mentioned in the podcast: - https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/TRIP - https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/FAQ I generally reco...

This is part of my series exploring the best places to stay in Ireland for day trips. This time we're using Dublin as our base to see just how many places you can comfortably explore without changing accommodations. See the video & article at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-base-explore-ireland/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/ Using my Ireland Travel Compass, I'll show you day trip options around Dublin, what falls within a reasonable travel radius, and places you may not h...

Kinsale may sit at the beginning or the end of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, depending on how you travel it, but this colorful County Cork town deserves more than a quick stop. Fáilte Ireland certified guide Clodagh FitzGerald shares a local’s perspective on Kinsale, from the history of Charles Fort and James Fort to harbour adventures, coastal walks, great food, and some of the best places to explore nearby. Charles Fort, viewed from the harbour Highlights include: Why Kinsale deserves more tim...

This is the first in my series exploring the best places to base yourself for day trips in Ireland. Full article with video & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/central-base-ireland-day-trips/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/ We’re starting in the center of the country to answer a question I hear all the time: can you stay in one central location and tour all of Ireland? I’ll show you why it can work for some trips... and why one central base may not be as convenient as it sound...

Do you actually need a Leap Card when visiting Dublin or traveling around Ireland? Maybe, but the Leap Visitor Card isn't automatically the best choice just because you're a visitor. Dublin city centre is compact and very walkable, and I rarely use public transportation when I'm exploring the city. Depending on your plans, individual fares or a Standard Leap Card may cost less than a Visitor Leap Card. Full article for indepth info & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/leap-card-ireland/...

What's the best way to get around Ireland? It depends on your itinerary, budget, travel style, and how much flexibility you want. Fill article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/travel-ireland-bus-car-train/planning-your-irish-vacation/ In this video, I break down the pros and cons of traveling around Ireland by train, bus, rental car, private driver guide, and even boat. We'll look at where each option works well, where it can make your trip more difficult, and why you don't have to ...

In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody chats with Caroilín Callery, founder of the National Famine Way, and Edel McWeeney Moran, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, about the Global Irish Famine Way and the Bronze Shoes connecting Ireland's Famine emigration story with communities around the world. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/global-irish-famine-way/attractions/ Episode highlights: • How the National Famine Way grew from the story...

Ireland's history isn't only castles and green landscapes. Famine, conflict, ancient beliefs, emigration, ghost stories, and traditions surrounding death are woven through the places travelers visit today. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dark-tourism-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ Luisa Golz, Director of Sales at Desmond Tours, completed her PhD research on festivals with dark themes. She joins Jody to explain what dark tourism actually means, why travelers are drawn ...

Credit card rental car coverage can be a useful way to reduce the cost of renting a car in Ireland, but not every card covers Ireland—and even cards that do can have very different limits, exclusions, and requirements. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/credit-card-car-rental-insurance-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ I explain what you need to check before declining the rental company's CDW, including proof-of-coverage requirements, credit card holds, vehicle and rental-leng...

The Ring of Kerry gets most of the attention on Ireland's southwest coast. The Ring of Beara, right next to it, gets far less — despite having its own mountain pass, its own islands, and the only cable car in Ireland. Show notes & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/beara-peninsula-cork-kerry-coastal-drive-guide/ireland-travel-tips/ Jody talks with Tessa Dennison, publisher of Best of Beara magazine and book, about what makes the Beara Peninsula worth the detour: where to base your trip,...

Renting a car in Ireland after age 75 is absolutely possible, but not every rental company follows the same policies. Knowing what documentation you may need before you arrive can save time, stress, and unexpected surprises at the rental counter. See the video episode & more information at IrelandFamilyVacations.com/drive75 In this episode, I explain where to find senior driver policies on rental company websites, compare companies with no additional requirements to those that ask for insuranc...

RVing in Ireland is different from other places - and getting the basics wrong can turn a dream trip into a stressful one. Jody talks with Sandra Willis, chief explorer at Motorhome Roots Ireland, about what it actually takes to travel Ireland by motorhome or camper van: choosing the right vehicle size, where you're allowed to park overnight, the apps worth downloading, and the one mistake she sees travelers make again and again. Visit the full article with helpful links: https://irelandfamily...

Have you decided to rely on your credit card or third-party rental car insurance for your Ireland trip? Before you do, it's important to understand what happens if you actually need to file a claim. In this episode I share my personal experience after damaging a rental car in Ireland and walk you through the reimbursement process, from the €1,630 damage charge and required paperwork to the two-month insurance claim that followed. The insurance paid the claim, but the process completely changed...

Abbeyleix, in the heart of County Laois, is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East while enjoying the charm of a welcoming Georgian market town. Full show notes and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/abbeyleix-slow-travel-ireland/attractions/ In this conversation, Preston House owner Ross McDonald shares what makes Abbeyleix so special - from its fascinating history and thriving community to the nearby attractions that make it worth staying for a few days instead of simpl...

Landing at Dublin Airport doesn't mean you need to get behind the wheel immediately. If your Ireland vacation begins in Galway, Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, or another destination beyond Dublin, driving after an overnight flight may not be the safest choice. Full show notes + video: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-airport-transportation/ireland-travel-tips/ In this episode I'll explain: • Why I recommend limiting arrival-day driving to about 90 minutes • When it makes sense to hire ...

The Ring of Kerry is famous for breathtaking scenery—but there's another side of this iconic route that's worth discovering. This conversation with Kerry whiskey expert Neil Saad explores the region's growing craft whiskey scene, local distilleries, fascinating history, and the pubs where visitors can experience authentic Irish hospitality. Full show notes & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ring-of-kerry-whiskey-tours/attractions/ Highlights - Explore Skellig Six18 Distillery nea...

Thinking about tracing your Irish ancestry but not sure where to begin? Full show notes & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/irish-genealogy-research-family-roots-ireland/random-bits/ Genealogist Chris Lucia shares practical advice for researching Irish family history, avoiding common mistakes, and uncovering the stories behind the names on your family tree. From surviving Irish records to planning a heritage trip, this conversation offers realistic guidance for anyone hoping to conn...

Looking for a quieter side of Ireland? County Cavan offers peaceful lakes, ancient history, forest walks, and outdoor adventures that encourage travelers to slow down and truly experience the landscape. Full show notes and links at: Jody chats with Sean Thornton of Cavan Adventure Centre about why Ireland's Lakeland County deserves a place on your itinerary. From paddling to Clough Oughter Castle to disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature, this conversation highlights a side...

Exploring Ireland’s Boyne Valley and Westmeath reveals far more than famous castles and ancient monuments. From prehistoric cairns to quiet abbeys and welcoming farm stays, this region rewards travelers who slow down and venture beyond the busiest tourist stops. View full show notes and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/boyne-valley-westmeath-travel-tips/attractions/ Richard Ball of Johnsfort - Ireland at Your Leisure, shares favorite places across Meath and Westmeath, including ove...

Kilkenny is often treated as a quick stop between Dublin and Cork, but travelers who spend even a day or two here quickly realize how much they would have missed by rushing through. From medieval streets and castle walks to live music and hurling experiences, Kilkenny combines history, culture, and fun in a way few Irish cities can. Best Things to Do in Kilkenny City Kilkenny may be smaller than Galway or Dublin, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in atmosphere, history, and w...

Five weeks on the road across Ireland brings plenty of unforgettable moments — and a few lessons learned the hard way. From airport advice and overlooked historic sites to island adventures and incredible local experiences, this trip delivered a little bit of everything. For travelers planning their own Ireland itinerary, these are the stops, stays, and practical tips that stood out most. Ireland travel tips for planning a smoother trip One of the biggest lessons from this trip came before Ir...

There are places in Ireland that ask travelers to slow down, look around, and settle into the rhythm of a place instead of rushing through a checklist. Clare Island and Clew Bay in County Mayo are exactly that kind of destination. Just off the coast near Westport, Clare Island offers dramatic landscapes, deep history, welcoming locals, and experiences that feel personal rather than polished for crowds. During a visit to the island, Clare Island Whiskey founder Carl O’Grady shared why this corn...

The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry captures hearts quickly – but the real magic reveals itself when visitors slow down, look closer, and step just slightly off the main path. Dingle Peninsula travel tips: how to experience it beyond the highlights The Dingle Peninsula is often at the top of Ireland itineraries – and for good reason. With dramatic coastal views, colorful villages, and deep-rooted history, it delivers that “this is Ireland” feeling in abundance. But the difference between a go...

A chance meeting in Dublin led to a lively catch-up about how travel in Ireland is changing – and how visitors can experience so much more than the usual highlights. Boxty Sharing Platter at Gallagher's Boxty House in Temple Bar Custom Food and Whiskey Tours in Ireland What started as a Dublin food tour has grown into something much bigger. Gráinne, owner of Flavour Trails, has expanded her offerings to meet travelers who want more than a quick stop-and-go itinerary. Visitors can now choose f...