Episodes

Our mobile phones are ‘command central'. It is your main mode of communication, the camera you use most often, your calendar, and your filing cabinet. So when you travel you want to use it just like you do at home. There's only one problem – the cost. It's not always cheap to use your cell phone in Ireland – but with the proper planning you won't be surprised with a nasty sticker shock on your next bill. CLICK HERE to save this to your Ireland vacation planning board on Pinterest This article...

Learn more about Ireland's most visited heritage sites in 2023 - as well as my favorite sites (with far fewer visitors) that you might want to add to your itinerary. You'll hear a bit of history, some interesting tidbits, and even tips for visiting. Get the full show notes at https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-heritage-sites-2023

There is a lot to know if you plan to rent a car in Ireland… when you need it (and when you don't), the necessary insurance, and the excess car rental fees you may encounter. I received a terrific question from Bonnie P. which reminded me of another car rental fee you may encounter. My husband and I are taking our first vacation to Ireland in the beginning of May this year. We are going on a 10 day self-drive tour around Ireland, and the car rental company offered us a toll pass device for €4....

Ireland is a stunning country to explore by car, with its rolling hills, dramatic coastline, and charming villages. But driving in Ireland comes with its own set of challenges and differences you need to be aware of. If you haven't already made your Ireland car rental reservation, be sure to follow these 8 steps to stress-free car rental. You'll learn everything you need to know – including ‘hidden' car rental costs, money saving tips, and all about the insurance required when renting a car in ...

Ireland's main currency is the Euro. How to purchase Euros before & during your trip, credit cards accepted in Ireland & the cash app most accepted in Ireland.

Jody is joined by Alan and Audrey Kells, your welcoming hosts at Castle Hamilton by the lakes in County Cavan. Listen to hear why this is a perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts, with fishing, water activities, and endless explorations. Castle Hamilton is also a terrific spot for families, featuring restored cottages in varying sizes. Full show notes at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/castle-hamilton-cavan-outdoor-adventure/regions-and-counties/lake-counties/cavan/

Our final day in Ireland - and a long drive from Killarney to Kildare. Muckross Abbey - Kerry Woolen Mill - Wild Pixie - Carton House

This morning did not produce those amazing Ring of Kerry views… In fact, the fog was so thick in places that there were no views at all. But it didn't ruin our day! We had an amazing soak in old Jameson barrels at Sneem Seaweed Baths. This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page. Located in a wooded glen overlooking the River Sneem, and just behind the Sneem Hotel, this is a unique and relaxing experience. Listen to my chat wi...

Overview of the Wild Atlantic Way from Lahinch, County Clare to Sneem, County Kerry. Includes the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring. Information about staying at Ballyseede Castle. Also includes tips for Skellig Michael.

It's our second night in Lahinch. Our day began calm – and even a bit sunny – but now the rain is coming down in buckets, the wind is whistling, and the waves are beating the rocks on the beach below. In other words, it was a perfect Irish day. Atlantic Ocean views from Kilkee Cliff Walk Victorian Village of Kilkee, County Clare Heading south from Lahinch we followed the Wild Atlantic Way through the small coastal villages of Miltown Malbay, Quilty, and Doonbeg, before stopping in Kilkee. ...

I am writing this from a lovely seaside apartment in Lahinch, County Clare, just south of the Cliffs of Moher. Lahinch is known for its golf links, a very nice beach, and surfing. Today we spent a few hours at the Aillwee Burren Experience. Barn Owl aka ‘the silent killer' Originally known as Aillwee Cave, this Burren attraction opened in 1976 as a show cave in the lunar limestone landscape. The Farmshop followed, featuring the traditionally made Burren Gold Cheese, and in 2008 the Birds of ...

Live from Ireland! Hear about the new Book of Kells Experience, a wee bit about my favorite afternoon tea in Dublin, plus WifiCandy's new eSIM and an exclusive savings!

It was so much fun last fall that I'm doing it again! Live podcast episodes from Ireland March 9-24!

Are you tired of the same old tourist attractions? Do you crave a deeper connection with the places you visit? If so, experiential travel might just be the perfect fit for you. Jody chats with Ellen Mitchell, head of marketing at Ireland Chauffeur Travel, about the types of cultural experiences you will find across the island of Ireland. These include jewelry making, pottery, cooking, animal experiences like sheepdogs or birds of prey, and pampering experiences including seaweed baths.

This podcast is a bit different because, well, I'm interviewing myself! I've been bombarded with questions about why I love Ireland so much and how this whole adventure started. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's dive into the backstory together!

Ireland is a country known for stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The abundant rainfall that contributes to the country's '40 shades of green' is also at least partially responsible for the lush gardens you'll find across the country. While the majority of public gardens seem to be concentrated in the ‘sunny southeast', you can easily add a visit to a magnificent garden to any itinerary. This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of th...

Summary In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, I'm sharing the top 10 visitor attractions in Ireland for 2024, as determined by the Irish Independent Reader Awards. You'll also learn expert tips for visiting these popular attractions, such as pre-booking tickets, visiting during off-peak hours, and exploring alternative options. Overall, these attractions offer a great visitor experience and create lasting memories. Takeaways Pre-booking tickets and visiting during off-peak hours c...

Explore County Cavan, an outdoor retreat of lakes, mountains, and open countryside, located halfway between Dublin and Sligo. Guests Pauline and Samantha Rodgers, owners of Hawthorne Lodge B&B, take you on a virtual tour of this often-overlooked county located halfway between Dublin and Sligo. Full shownotes at https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/explore-county-cavan-hawthorne-lodge/regions-and-counties/lake-counties/cavan/

Round towers are an -almost- uniquely Irish structure. (Only 3 ancient round towers exist outside of Ireland.) At least 120 round towers are thought to have existed in Ireland. Today about 20 towers survive in complete condition. Today you can visit many round tower sites, though only about 20 are still standing in complete form. In this episode I'm sharing the round towers that visitors may plan to see, some additional round towers that could fit your itinerary, and 3 round towers you should de...

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 come. An added bonus when purchasing Ireland souvenirs – the Value Added Tax refund you receive as you leave the country. After years of traveling to Ireland with my family and groups, these tips will help you choose the best Ireland souvenirs and gifts for everyone. Ireland Souvenir Buying Tips If you love it,...

Ireland has so much to offer families. I think it is the best country for a first European vacation - there is no (or very little) language barrier, wide open space to explore, and the land oozes magic. When you're traveling in Ireland with kids it's smart to concentrate on one or two areas. Not only does it give you a base for a few nights in each location, which means less unpacking and repacking, but it also gives you time to really explore and enjoy where you are. Use these county parings as...

It's a sad fact; at one point or another, your magical vacation in Ireland will come to an end. As you’re packing your bags and making room for those sweaters, whiskey bottles, and wool throws, don’t forget one final task before heading to the airport: organizing your VAT refund paperwork. CLICK HERE to add this article to your Ireland vacation board on Pinterest. What is the VAT? VAT stands for Value Added Tax. If you’re from the United States, the easiest comparison is sales tax – with one ...

If you are considering touring with an Ireland driver guide then this information is for you! Learn what makes a driver guided tour different than a large bus tour, as well as why Ireland Chauffeur Travel is my first choice for chauffeured tours of Ireland. Traveling in Ireland Podcast episode 84 Touring with a Driver Guide in Ireland (1:45) Ireland Chauffeur Travel Paul Feehan, Transportation Manager and Senior Guide at Ireland Chauffeur Travel was our driver guide on A Celtic Experience 2...

Barnahown is a new luxury guest house and experience centre opening in Mitchelstown, County Cork in 2024. Mitchelstown and the Galtee Mountains also lie in the regions of Ballyhoura and the Munster Vales. Both are areas that are known for outdoor adventure and a slower, more relaxing, experience for visitors. Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 191 Barnahown Luxury Galtee Adventures Barnahown is a mid-1800s farm house that has been undergoing a loving and sensitive restoration over the past...