Episodes

Ireland’s world-famous golf courses may top the bucket list, but some of the most memorable experiences happen well beyond the marquee names – especially when you pair great golf with Irish whiskey and local connection. This article is based on podcast episode 336 featuring David Hayes, owner of Dunes & Drams, a bespoke tour company with a focus on two of Ireland's most famous pasttimes: golf and whiskey. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource ...

Standing on Ireland’s wild Atlantic edge is always unforgettable, but if you’re planning to walk the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail, a few important updates will shape how you experience it. Cliffs of Moher viewed from the cliffs trail Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail Update: What’s Open and What’s Not The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is fully open, and the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail is also open – but they are no longer directly connected. That’s the key change travelers need to understand....

Westport has long been one of those places travelers stumble upon and wish they’d planned more time for. With new developments at Westport Estate and a new luxury hotel, it’s quickly becoming a destination worth lingering in. Top Reasons to Base Yourself in Westport, County Mayo Set along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Mayo, Westport blends colorful charm with easy access to some of Ireland’s most scenic landscapes. The town itself offers lively pubs, great restaurants, and a welcoming atmosp...

Just after Easter, Jody is heading back to Ireland—and this trip is filled with experiences, stays, and a few surprises that might inspire your own plans. Ireland trip preview: tours, experiences, and places to stay This upcoming visit blends guided tours, hands-on experiences, and independent exploring across Ireland—from the Causeway Coast to the southeast, with plenty of memorable stops along the way. Giants Causeway from the cliff walk above This article is also available as the Traveling...

Cruise stops in Ireland can feel like a whirlwind – but with the right plan, even a few hours can turn into an unforgettable experience. With more cruise ships arriving at Irish ports each year, travelers have more options than ever when it comes to shore excursions. But not all tours, or tour providers, are created equal. Seabourn Ovation docked in Cobh Podstawko, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons This article is based on podcast episode 332 fe...

Ireland and castles go hand in hand. With thousands scattered across the island, it can feel like there’s one around every bend in the road. The real challenge isn’t finding castles in Ireland — it’s deciding which ones to add to your itinerary. Barbican Gate Rock of Dunamase, County Laois, Ireland This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 331. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. No matter the type of travel ...

Landing at Dublin Airport is often the first stop in your Ireland journey, but one of the first questions many travelers have is how to get into the city centre. A lot of people immediately look for the cheapest option. That makes sense, but the cheapest option may not always be the best choice depending on how many people are traveling, how much luggage you have, and where your hotel is located. Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre Transportation Options Before we look at the ways to get int...

Group tours are one of the most popular ways to experience Ireland – especially for travelers who want to see a lot without worrying about driving, directions, or logistics. Nearly half of overseas visitors explore Ireland this way, which means coaches crisscross the island daily, bringing travelers to castles, coastlines, and charming towns. But what is it actually like to travel around Ireland on a coach tour? And how do you make sure the tour you choose matches the experience you want? This...

This article is part of my Planning Your Ireland Vacation series — a step-by-step guide that walks you through the entire planning process, answers common questions, and helps you move forward with clarity. If you’d like to follow the full series in order, you’ll find it at: IrelandFamilyVacations.com/planning During your Ireland vacation you'll have dozens of opportunities to purchase Ireland souvenirs and gifts. My advice? Buy items that will keep memories of your trip fresh for years to com...

Not far beyond Dublin’s busy streets lies a landscape of forest trails, heather-covered hills, and stories that stretch back thousands of years. The Dublin Mountains are closer than most visitors realize – and packed with history, mythology, and unforgettable views. trail in the Dublin Mountains photo courtesy of Ben Shorten, My Bike or Hike; used with permission This article is based on podcast episode 327 featuring Ben Shorten, owner of My Bike or Hike, guided tours around the Dublin area del...

Two Ways Across Ireland: Direct and Easy, or Scenic and Story-Filled Traveling between Dublin and Galway might look simple on a map – a straight shot from east to west. And it can be. But this is Ireland, and sometimes the best part of the journey is what happens when you detour off the motorway. Dublin to Galway Drive: 2 Routes Across Ireland Dublin and Galway are two of Ireland’s most popular city bases. Whether you're starting your trip in the capital or finishing along the Wild Atlantic Wa...

Skellig Michael rises straight out of the Atlantic, jagged and dramatic, and according to archaeologist Neil Jackman, it’s every bit as challenging as it looks. Visiting this remote Kerry island can be an extraordinary experience – but only if travelers understand what’s involved before they try. Visiting Skellig Michael: What Travelers Need to Know Clochans on Skellig Michael Image provided by Tuatha; used with permission This article is based on podcast episode 325 featuring archaeologist Ne...

Planning an Ireland vacation can feel overwhelming when you start adding up the numbers -but a memorable trip doesn’t have to be out of reach. With smart choices and a few intentional trade-offs, travelers can enjoy Ireland fully without overspending. Guinness costs less in a rural pub This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 324. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. How to Travel Ireland on a Tighter...

If you’ve spent any time researching Ireland trips online, you may have noticed a strange pattern: different companies, different websites… and yet the itineraries feel almost identical. There’s a reason for that, and it goes back much further than modern travel trends. Why Ireland itineraries follow the same routes Ireland’s most familiar travel routes weren’t designed with today’s vacation style in mind. They were created as efficient ways to move people through the country using the transpo...

Choosing an Ireland vacation package seems simple enough. You find a deal you like- be it self-drive or guided- and make the purchase. Done. Ireland vacation booked and ready. But it may not be so simple. Airline transfers, car rental, accommodations… they all play a role in the success of your vacation to Ireland. This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 324. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. Ire...

Visiting the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) Dublin didn’t earn its UNESCO City of Literature designation by accident. This is a city shaped – physically, culturally, and emotionally – by writers. Their words echo through streets, pubs, libraries, and public spaces, forming part of everyday life rather than sitting quietly on a shelf. One of the best places to understand how writers shaped Dublin – and why literature still matters here – is the Museum of Literature Ireland, known simply as ...

Avoid the worst Dublin crowds by planning your trip around these dates when prices will rise, accommodations will fill, and streets will be swarming with people. Aer Lingus College Football Classic, August 27–30 NFL Game in Dublin, September 24–29 This was cancelled by the NFL on February 2, 2026 Concerts impacting Dublin availability Guns N' Roses at 3Arena June 12 & 14 Lily Allen at 3Arena July 1 Wolfe Tones at 3Arena July 3 & 4 Bon Jovi at Croke Park August 30 (coincides with college fo...

If you're planning a trip to Ireland in 2026 these tips will make planning smoother, help you avoid crowds, and maybe even save you a bit of money. Probably the most important tips are when NOT to be in Dublin, but there are some updates to European entry & exit systems that you need to know, as well as really important advice for 2027. Jody Halsted – Ireland Family Vacations and the Traveling in Ireland podcast In case you're wondering why you would want to get your Ireland travel advice fro...

It's almost the end of 2025 – and you know what that means! 2026 trip planning is getting underway and the Ireland Travel Compass is available for presale! Learn more here and get on the presale list at IrelandFamilyVacations.com/compass 2026 Traveling in Ireland Podcast Preview I also have so many amazing podcast episodes lined up for the new year, including • 2026 travel tips – my annual New Year episode with up-to-date advice, plus dates you might want to avoid • Live “from Ireland” episod...

This Quick Tip shares where to find the Family Travel Resource Page on my website — a hub packed with practical articles, kid-friendly recommendations, and free itineraries designed to help families of all ages plan a smoother, happier Ireland trip. If you’re traveling with little ones, teens, or a full multigenerational crew, this page saves time and gets you straight to the information that matters. Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 317 The post Family Travel in Ireland: Your Essential Res...

In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode, I’m showing you exactly where to find answers to the most common Ireland travel questions. Over 20 years of traveler questions — and my own “learned the hard way” experiences — are organized on my FAQ page to help you plan with confidence. From safety and seasons to flights, packing, car rental, lodging, and food… this is the single best place to start your trip planning. Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 316 [powerpoint] The post Ireland Tra...

Several of my travel partners rolled out special offers that run well into the new year — and a few stretch all the way through 2026. From tours and tastings to stays and savings, these are the deals worth grabbing while they last. 📍 See everything mentioned here + more gift ideas: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/gifts Unforgettable Experiences in Ireland From driver-guide discounts and upgraded stays to tour savings and gift cards, these Ireland-based experiences are perfect for anyone pl...

In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode… I’m breaking down the three main types of driver services in Ireland so you can choose the one that fits your style, budget, and itinerary. From full-service, white-glove driver-guided tours to flexible private drivers to simple point-to-point transfers, you’ll learn what each option includes and when they make the most sense. I also share red flags, common booking mistakes, and where to find my trusted driver recommendations. 👉 Find my updated d...

What makes Ireland such a special place? Get an Insider's Tour of the Emerald Isle with Jack Kavanagh, author of Always Ireland. Jack shares the 3 things he believes make Ireland so appealing to Americans, his advice for people planning a trip, and 3 places he thinks people shouldn't miss. Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 145 The post An Insiders Tour of Ireland with Jack Kavanagh appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.