Episodes

One of Ireland's most popular luxury escapes, Ashford Castle in Mayo, has added new experiences that take you off the estate and introduce you to the taste, history, and culture of Connemara. Hoping to add a stay at Ashford (or any other castle) to your Ireland itinerary? It's possible – with a little planning! The new ‘My Ireland Vacation Planner & Journal‘ follows the exact steps I use to plan my own Ireland travels and tours. Four sections – planning, itinerary, travel tips & journal – lead...

Ireland might not be a 'budget' destination but with these tips and a little bit of planning you can save money on your Ireland vacation.

Brohagh O'Rourke and her husband Cathal, a fifth-generation farmer, are your hosts at the Burren Farm Experience in County Clare where you can take a guided walk, try AgriCamping, or taste farm-fresh produce.

A family tour of Ireland is definitely an unforgettable experience! But finding a tour that is designed for families as opposed to a tour that is 'family friendly' can be difficult! Today I'm sharing the best tours of Ireland for families.

Searching for a family tour of Ireland that won't break the bank but will provide amazing experiences? Discover the Sunny Southeast! Hear the tour highlights then click through to the show notes for inspiring photos as well as the full tour itinerary!

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. Full article & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/kinsale-county-cork-travel...

What is it like to inherit a Georgian country house? Get the inside scoop from Helen Brennan, caretaker of Clonacody House in Tipperary. And learn more about how you can enjoy a visit to her beautiful home.

How much does a trip to Ireland cost? Average daily cost is €65- €150 per day. Tips to create an Ireland vacation budget (free download in show notes).

Do you ‘knead' a taste of Ireland right now? Today's guest has an Irish bread making experience you can try in your own home – or in her thatch cottage in the North of Ireland. Irish mythology and modern tragedy… The warmth of whiskey and the cool spray of the North Atlantic… And the opportunity to get hands-on with Irish traditions passed down through the years… From Belfast to Bushmills and on to Derry, this tour leads our group of Squires through the legends, history, and marvels of ‘the No...

Discussing Ireland travel predictions for the rest of 2020 and into 2021 with 3 of my favorite Ireland tourism experts: Tina O'Dwyer, Pól Ó Conghaile, and Stephanie Chastain.

Archaeologist Neil Jackman joins Jody to talk about some of the 5,000 years of Irish history in Ireland's Ancient East and shares stories about his excavations which separate fact from fiction. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Neil Jackman, the director of Abarta Heritage. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Ireland's Ancient East Ireland has a reputation for its stunning beauty and rich history, and while places like D...

Calling all budding archaeologists- this is your chance to dig in the Irish dirt and earn college credits! Today I'm talking with Eileen Murphy, Professor of Archaeology at Queens University Belfast, about Ireland's archaeological history and QUB Archaeological Field School. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Eileen Murphy, Professor of Archaeology at Queens University Belfast. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Ireland'...

Life happens. People get sick. Travel companies close. Worldwide contagion breaks out. And your vacation plans fall apart. Proper planning and precaution can make cancelling a vacation a bit less painful. Yes, you may miss the trip but you'll be able to reschedule or plan a different one.

Are you beginning to trace your Irish ancestry but are overwhelmed or don't know where to start? My guest, genealogist and historian Declan Brady from the Irish Family History Centre in Dublin has tips to help you! This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Declan Brady, from the Irish Family History Centre. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Finding Your Irish Roots Today's podcast is brought to you by Ireland Chauffeur Travel,...

Take a journey off of the Wild Atlantic Way and into the Atlantic Ocean! Step aboard the Scattery Island ferry for an island tour that takes you back in time! The round tower on Scattery Island viewed through the door of one of the 6 churches on the island. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Irene Hamilton, the owner of Scattery Island Tours. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Scattery Island in County Clare Scattery Isl...

Tony Kirby, author and guide at Heart of Burren Walks Join Jody as she talks with Tony Kirby, author and Burren guide, about what makes the Burren in County Clare such a fascinating and unique destination in Ireland. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Tony Kirby, the founder of the Heart of Burren Walks. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Into the Heart of the Burren with Tony Kirby About Tony Kirby Tony leads Heart of ...

Today begins my first guided tour of Ireland! It's exciting- and a bit terrifying! By the time this podcast loads into your favorite app my group will be wandering through Kilkenny city. And for the next week they will discover ancient places, explore castles, stand upon two sets of cliffs, enjoy an intimate Irish session, clap along to music in pubs, take tea in a grand manor, and sleep in a castle! Even though you can't be with me in person, I would love to have you join me virtually! You'...

Felicity Hayes-McCoy. Author. I am thrilled to welcome author Felicity Hayes-McCoy back to the podcast. It wasn't that long ago when Felicity first joined me on the podcast to talk about her book The Library at the Edge of the World, her first book to publish in the US. A while back I received a question from a reader about the old Irish traditions, beliefs, and superstitions that survive in modern Ireland. As Felicity and I delve into this topic you'll soon understand why I chose her for this ...

Planning a Visit to Derry? Read More Here This article is based on a podcast episode recorded live at the Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, Kansas. This podcast features Nicole McElhinney and Bronagh Sharkey from the Amelia Earhart Legacy Association of Derry. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Amelia Earhart in Ireland A lot of people know about Amelia Earhart’s famous solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932, but might not know that she...

Jody welcomes returning guest Paula Carroll, Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. Celebrating 80 years of hospitality! Welcom to Ashford Castle This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Paula Carroll, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Ashford Castle Hotel: 8 centuries in the making Ashford Castle, formerly Cong Castle, became a hotel on July 6, 1939. The l...

In this episode Jody outlines the 10 steps to planning your perfect Ireland vacation itinerary. For this project you'll wand a map of Ireland and a bit of time. You'll learn where to focus your travels, how to calculate travel time, and how to choose the location for your accommodations. Full show notes: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dont-ruin-ireland-vacation-planning/ireland-travel-tips/ Quick links: Itineraries: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/plan Planner journal: https://irelandfami...

Jody is taking to the Atlantic waves again! Join her conversation about surfing in Ireland with Ben Bennett, owner of Ben's Surf Clinic in Lahinch, County Clare. This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page. Surfing in Ireland Recorded live at Randaddy's on the promenade in Lahinch, on the west coast of Ireland! As I was recording this with Ben we were watching people surf the January waves! Isn't it Too Cold to Surf in Ireland? ...

I may be biased, but I think A Celtic Experience is the best guided tour of Ireland. Learn why- and how to join me in Ireland this September! A Celtic Experience – My Guided Tour of Ireland I've spent years creating magical Ireland itineraries. Now I've created what I think is the best guided tour of Ireland available. (1:30) A Celtic Experience – Just the FAQs Dates: September 14-22, 2019 Small group tour limited to 10 people 4 and 5 star accommodation Daily breakfast 5 group meals OPW Heri...

Doolin2Aran Ferries In today's podcast Jody's guest Joan Hamilton of Doolin2Aran Ferries takes you across the Atlantic waves to the Aran Islands, three islands off the coast of counties Galway and Clare where the old Irish ways are still very much in evidence. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Cruising with Doolin2Aran Ferries Today’s podcast is brought to you by A Celtic Experience, my guided tour of Ireland. Designed with my driver gu...