Travel Tales with Fergal

Check out my two part Canary Islands special focusing on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote with the Sunday World correspondent Eamon Dillon. This episode focus' on Lanzarote and the previous episode was all about Fuerteventura. I stayed at the Hotel AEQUORA Lanzarote Suites https://slasuites.com For more information on the Canary Islands - Canary Islands Tourism Board: www.hellocanaryislands.com Fuerteventura Tourism Board: http://www.visitfuerteventura.es/Lanzarote Tourism Board: https://turismolanzarote.com/If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out my two part Canary Islands special focusing on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote with the Sunday World correspondent Eamon Dillon. This episode focus' on Fuerteventura and the second episode on Lanzarote. I stayed at the R2 Rio Calma Hotel https://r2hotels.com/en/hotel/r2-rio-calma-hotel-spa-conference-en/ For more information on the Canary Islands - Canary Islands Tourism Board: www.hellocanaryislands.com Fuerteventura Tourism Board: http://www.visitfuerteventura.es/Lanzarote Tourism Board: https://turismolanzarote.com/If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have 3 really special guests to talk about this wonderful Madeira destination special. When I was in Madeira, I kept hearing that Christmas is a magical time of year to visit, so I have Irish travel writer Deirdre Mullins who paints a really evocative image of Christmas on the island. You will also hear from travel writer Rob Rees sharing great activity and golf tips and finally Emily Blandy, of the world famous 7th generation Blandy wine family, gives us some great local insider tips for the island.Madeira is a lush green tropical mountainous island with towns built dramatically into the hills going up from the sea with breathtaking landscapes, verdant volcanic mountains, lush flower garden and banana trees in very nook and cranny. Recommended stay https://suitehoteledenmarportobay.com-hotel.com/ #visitmadeira#madeiranowordsneeded#madeirabelongstoall#madeiraisland For further information about Madeira: https://visitmadeira.comIf you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish travel writer Conor Power tells us all about his recent slow boat trip along the tranquil canals and rivers of Brittany. He was blown away by the prettiness of the villages and towns he sailed through - many of them never featuring in any guide book. Conor shares his route on a river/canal system that he describes as one of the prettiest that he has seen after years of doing this around France, Ireland, Italy, Holland and Canada.Get ThereConor Power was a guest of Brittany Ferries https://www.brittany-ferries.ie, with regular year-round sailings from Cork to Roscoff. A seven-night self-catered stay on board a Salsa B, which sleeps up to 12 people, in October 2024, starting and ending at Le Boat's base in Messac, costs from €137 pp / €1,649 per boat. For the same boat departing 11 April 2025, it's €245 pp/ €2,956 per boat. No boating license or experience necessary. See https://www.emeraldstar.ie for trip details around Europe. If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a very special episode celebrating Ireland's patron saint St Patrick with the acclaimed Armagh tour guide Donna Fox who share the myths and history of Ireland's most legendary saint. Donna also talks about the holy city of Armagh where Saint Patrick built his first church.Armagh is recognised as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and holds a unique connection to St. Patrick. It was here that he established his first stone church in 445 AD, and it remains the only city in the world with two cathedrals named in his honour. The city celebrates his legacy year-round, but particularly during the Home of St. Patrick Festival (March 9-17, which blends tradition with modern celebrations. For more information go to https://www.donnafoxtours.com and https://visitarmagh.comIf you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is debut American novelist Barbara Boyle who tells us all about her new book Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse.The author writes in her debut novel about her journey from a busy American life to an idyllic one in northern Italy where she started a new life in Monforte d'Alba, a picturesque town in Piemonte restoring a centuries-old farmhouse. So if you, like me, loved “A Year in Provence” then this book about travel, moving abroad, cultural immersion, food and personal transformation is for you. We chat about the dream of retiring to a village in another country and everthing that comes with that move. For more information on Barbra and her great new good do to https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.comIf you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to my winter activities in Gstaad and Interlaken special with the Irish travel journalist Ed Finn. I always say the Swiss Alps are not just for skiers to enjoy. This stunning country has much to offer with snow covered mountainous landscapes, picturesque old world villages, delicious cuisine and activities like show-shoeing, hiking, kayaking and raclette rafting at nighttime and all of these activities are there to be enjoyed by non-skiers and skiers alike. Listen to Ed Finn as he transports us to the wonderful towns of Gstaad and Interlaken in Switzerland and regales us with all this stunning part of Switzerland has to offer. Listen next to Part 1 of this Swiss Special "Skiing in Gstaad" with Rob “Robsski” Rees. Gstaad has an understated classy charm but the real treasure is its stunning, magical Alpine landscape and some of the best skiing in the Alps.Information on SwitzerlandGstaad Holiday Region For more information on Gstaad, visit gstaad.chInterlaken Holiday RegionFor more information on Interlaken, visit interlaken.chTravel SwitzerlandTravel Switzerland's Swiss Travel Pass offers international visitors to Switzerland unlimited travel on consecutive days across the rail, bus and boat network, plus scenic routes (seat reservation fees apply) and local trams and buses in around 90 towns and cities. It also includes the Swiss Museum Pass, which grants free entry to 500 museums and exhibitions, visit travelswitzerland.comGoldenPass Belle Epoque from Zweisimmen to SaanenmöserThe GoldenPass MOB Belle Epoque train that runs on the Zweisimmen-Montreux line offers a journey with a romantic, retro-style ambience. Its coaches are inspired by the Golden Mountain Pullman Express from the 1930s, a luxury train in the style of Orient Express. The current train is a reproduction of the Belle Epoque style of its predecessors. mob.ch/en/stories/belle-epoque Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad****,Saanenmösergolfhotel.ch/enLunch at the Lochstafel mountain restaurant lochstafel.chLunch at Miradi in Gstaad's newest hotel, The Mansard miirohotels.com/the-mansardDinner at the Restaurant La Gare Bernerhof in Gstaad bernerhof-gstaad.ch/en/gastronomy/restaurant-la-gareIf you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Rob “Robsski” Rees tell us all about skiing in the wonderful Swiss ski resort of Gstaad. Gstaad is long associated with the glitz, glamour of 5 star hotels like the fairytale Disney like castle Gstaad Palace and celebrities like Hemingway, Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and most famously Julie Andrews.The town has an understated classy charm but the real treasure is its stunning, magical Alpine landscape and nature and some of the best skiing in the Alps.Check out part 2 next week when Irish broadcaster of the year Ed Finn tells us all about the wonderful winter activities in Gstaad and Interlaken.Information on SwitzerlandGstaad Holiday Region For more information on Gstaad, visit gstaad.chInterlaken Holiday RegionFor more information on Interlaken, visit interlaken.chTravel SwitzerlandTravel Switzerland's Swiss Travel Pass offers international visitors to Switzerland unlimited travel on consecutive days across the rail, bus and boat network, plus scenic routes (seat reservation fees apply) and local trams and buses in around 90 towns and cities. It also includes the Swiss Museum Pass, which grants free entry to 500 museums and exhibitions, visit travelswitzerland.comGoldenPass Belle Epoque from Zweisimmen to SaanenmöserThe GoldenPass MOB Belle Epoque train that runs on the Zweisimmen-Montreux line offers a journey with a romantic, retro-style ambience. Its coaches are inspired by the Golden Mountain Pullman Express from the 1930s, a luxury train in the style of Orient Express. The current train is a reproduction of the Belle Epoque style of its predecessors. mob.ch/en/stories/belle-epoque Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad****,Saanenmösergolfhotel.ch/enLunch at the Lochstafel mountain restaurant lochstafel.chLunch at Miradi in Gstaad's newest hotel, The Mansard miirohotels.com/the-mansardDinner at the Restaurant La Gare Bernerhof in Gstaad bernerhof-gstaad.ch/en/gastronomy/restaurant-la-gareIf you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm delighted to say that Irish travel journalist Conor Power returns to tell us all about his recent trip to the Maldives – a place he calls “paradise". Conor paints a magical picture for us on what it is like staying in those over tropical water villas in two hotels – the Kandima Maldives https://kandima.com and Nova Maldives https://nova-maldives.com. You can see pictures of these exquisite resorts on my @traveltaleswithfergal Instagram page.This is the 5th year and 7th season of this podcast and for any new listeners, I would point you to over 80 great episodes of destination specials, adventurer stories and celebrity travel recommendations. I've some great trips already planned for 2025 that I'm looking forward to sharing with you over the year.If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the 2025 Austria Alpine ski season begins, I interview travel ski journalist Cian Byrne about our recent December trip to the towns of Maria Alm in the Hochkonig region and Bad Gastein in the Gastein region, which are both part of the huge 760km ski area of Ski Amade near Salzburg. Visit https://www.skiamade.com/en for tips, trips and deals.If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal#IrelandsBlueBook #Meath Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to my Co Meath destination special, in conjunction with Ireland's Blue Book, where we will be celebrating and discovering the historic and magical Boyne Valley with two local hoteliers over two episodes. Today I am chatting to Tadhg Carolan from Tankardstown House, a Meath native and board member of Ireland's Blue Book collection of family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. For more details go to https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie/houses.html/station-houseTankardstown Estate comprises an 18th Century Manor House, adjoining Orangery and a central courtyard of Cottage Suites. Tucked behind the Main House is the ‘Garden Village', where classic evening dining takes place in the 2AA Rosette Restaurant, ‘Brabazon', as well as serving casual lunch and Afternoon Tea. If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal#IrelandsBlueBook #Meath Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to my Co Meath destination special, in conjunction with Ireland's Blue Book, where we will be celebrating and discovering the historical and magical Boyne Valley with two local hoteliers over two episodes. Today am chatting to Suzanne Mullen from the Station House Hotel, the newest member of Ireland's Blue Book collection of family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. For more details go to https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie/houses.html/station-house The Station House Hotel is an award winning boutique hotel located in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East and is set on 12 acres of manicured gardens and woodland and offers an idyllic country escape, approximately 40km from Dublin airport.If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal#IrelandsBlueBook #TheStationHouseHotel #Meath Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm delighted to say my guest is the esteemed Irish travel journalist from print, radio and television Ed Finn and we discuss our recent trip to Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon in Spain.Zaragoza is the fifth largest city in Spain. Zaragoza has impressive sites like the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, the Cathedral of the Saviour, known as the SEO and the Aljafería Palace, the northernmost Spanish-Moorish palace in Europe.Zaragoza is home to Aragon's Mudejar architectural treasures, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, including the SEO and the Aljafería.Zaragoza is also famous for his links when chocolate came to Europe and as the world capital of Garnacha wine.For more information on Zaragoza visit https://www.zaragoza.esIf you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest travel writer Conor Power shares his experiences from our recent trip to the wonderful region of Extremadura in south west Spain on the border of Portugal. We chat about the Ribera del Guadiana Wine and Cava Route, in the region of Extremadura and its wine-growing tradition and exquisite regional gastronomy, historical Roman and Moor heritage, archaeological sites, monasteries and castles.This area is where the Spanish go on holidays for a cultural and food fix. It is in a way an idealised version of Spain with open planes of fields of vines and olive oil as far as the eye can see to the distant horizon. Think spaghetti westerns landscape where farms are often 1,000's of acres. Where brilliant sunsets blaze the land orange every night. The capital Mérida is a destination you should put at the top of your list when it comes to visiting Extremadura. As the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, Mérida boasts an impressive collection of Roman ruins that have earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman Theatre, still used for performances today, is a remarkable testament to the city's ancient past. If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of the 4th anniversary of this podcast, we have a US Election Special with Daniel Gilmore, a Republican and Sean O'Neill, a Democrat who discuss the current state of America in the lead up to one of the most anticipated elections in US history. They give a topical, informative and entertaining insight into the Trump v Harris campaigns, exactly 4 years after their last two episodes before and after the 2020 election.If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Porto is gaining a reputation as one of Europe's coolest cities both as a holiday destination and as a gateway to northern Portugal.I explore this great city and the Minho region above Porto with lush green hills and Vino Vert vineyards and the stunning medieval towns of Braga and Ponte de Lima. I also talk about the areas below Porto including the Douro Valley, the Arouca region and the River Paiva which is great for rafting. Check out my Instagram for more detailed info on the trip.If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have just returned from a family holiday to Provence in France and I am in love with all things French. I discuss this magical part of France with my favourite returning guest and wife Eimer. We talk about the glitzy beach town of Cassis on the coast,following in the footsteps of author Peter Mayle around the medieval hill towns of the Luberon and the city of Aix en Provence. We also cover the Alpilles region around St Remy and Beaucaire and the wonderful ancient Roman cities of Arles and Avignon. We talk about the great markets, restaurants, food and wines and the friendliness of the people of Provence. This is the episode for Francophiles!If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to my Donegal destination special, in conjunction with Ireland's Blue Book, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches 2,500 kilometres along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork. The Blue Book is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Today we are focusing on Donegal, which is the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, with an interview with Karoline Sweeney from the Castle Grove Country House. Castle Grove is a family-run Georgian house, built in 1695 and set is its own 250-acre estate. Castle Grove Country House is one of the few remaining private estates in the northwest of Ireland which overlooks Lough Swilly and is ideally placed between Letterkenny and Rathmullan so it's the perfect base from which to explore beautiful Donegal and Wild Atlantic Way. For further details go to https://www.castlegrove.com I love the Blue Book because they are generally family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie.If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to part 2 of my Kerry destination specials, in conjunction with Ireland's Blue Book, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches 2,500 kilometres along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork. The Blue Book is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Today we are focusing on Kerry, probably Ireland's most famous tourist region, with an interview with Frank Slattery from Carrig Country House. If you haven't already, I'd recommend you listen to part 1 with Patrick Hanley from the Lansdowne Kenmare. I love the Blue Book because they are generally family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie. The Carrig Country House is hidden away on Caragh Lake and lies at the foot of the northern lower slopes of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks at the head of the Caragh Valley. It is a magnificent tranquil location midway between the bustling town of Killorglin to the east and the charming village of Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh Beach to the west. Check here https://carrighouse.com. If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we continue our series in conjunction with Ireland's Blue Book celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches over 2,500 kms along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork. The Blue Book is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.You should check out my previous two Blue Book episodes on Connemara. But today we are focusing on Kerry, probably Ireland's most famous tourist region, with two great interviews with Patrick Hanley from the Lansdowne Kenmare in part 1 and Frank Slattery from Carrig Country House in part 2.I love the Blue Book because they are generally family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gift recommendation and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie.The Lansdowne Kenmare has been an intrinsic part of the history of Kenmare since 1790 and was fully restored in 2021 by my guest today Brian Hanley whose family have been associated with the centre of Kenmare for many years. The Heritage Town of Kenmare is affectionately known as “The Jewel in the Crown” as it is a landmark destination on the famous Ring of Kerry. For more information check out https://www.lansdownekenmare.com.If you haven't already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My wonderful guest is Kevin Flanagan, from the brilliant travel podcast The Top Travel destinations with Kevin Flanagan, which I highly recommend. Kevin is a travel writer for the Sunday Independent, a best selling author and documentary maker, actor and ballet dancer so a true renaissance man.But what really shines throughout this episode as we meander around the world is Kevin's passion for travel. When I travel it is much more than the geographic location that brings place to life – it's the history of a place, the culture, the food, the drink, the fun and the sun. It's the architecture and the people. Kevin gets that so if you like all things travel then you will love this episode. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2nd Connemara Destination episode is an interview with Henry Hodgson from Currarevagh House, whose family were founding members of Ireland's Blue Book collection, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Currarevagh House is an early Victorian Country House, set in 180 acres of private parkland and woodland bordering on Lough Corrib. Visit here https://currarevagh.comThe Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches from Donegal to Cork, over 2,500 winding kms of glorious scenery, beaches, villages and hotels, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and we will be interviewing famous hoteliers along this world famous route over the coming months. I love the Blue Book because they are mostly family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gift recommendation and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches from Donegal to Cork, over 2,500 winding kms of glorious scenery, beaches, villages and hotels, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and we will be interviewing famous hoteliers along this world famous route over the coming months. The first two Connemara Destination episodes focus on Connemara with interviews with two hoteliers Brian McEvilly from the Cashel House Hotel and Henry Hodgson from Currarevagh House who are both founding members of Ireland's Blue Book collection, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.I love the Blue Book because they are mostly family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gift recommendation and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie.Situated in the heart of Connemara, the Cashel House Hotel overlooks the majestic Cashel Bay on the west coast of Ireland. This classic country house retreat was built in the 19th century and converted to a family-run four-star hotel in 1968 by the McEvilly family. I had a great chat with Brian all about Connemara, the Wild Atlantic Way, tip and recommendations and the history of his family's hotel. Check them here https://www.cashelhouse.ieIf you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest Tomas Mac an t-Saoir has spent the past eight years – on and off – cycling around the world taking in parts of the United States, journeying from the top of Africa from Egypt to South Africa and tackling the breadth of Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. For his most recent adventure, he pedalled from India to the UAE, passing the Himalayan peaks of Pakistan through the Taliban strongholds and deserts of Afghanistan onto Iran and the UAE. He gives a great insight into parts of the world visited by only the most inquisitive adventurers and he does it all by his trusty bike. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irishman Dermot Cosgrove lived the life of an old school adventurer by leaving home as a teenager to join the mythical French Foreign Legion before the Gulf War. Dermot served in some of the most dangerous conflict zones during the 90's in the Middle East and Africa. He has since worked as a security consultant in many conflict zones around the world. He takes us through his life from the arduous training as a legionnaire to being in the middle of firefights in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a true adventurer and anyone who grew up reading about the renowned French Foreign Legion will find this episode fascinating.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am delighted to say that my first guest of Season 6 is the legendary Irish adventurer Damian Browne, who was my very first guest on Season 1. Damian talks about his New York to Galway row and the subsequent documentary Man v Ocean which Damien is currently touring as a one man play around Ireland. Please subscribe or follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode this year and you won't want to miss the great guests and destination specials I have lined up for Season 6.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out my review of 2023 with my travel buddy Eimer. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am interviewed today my Eimer my travel buddy all about our trip to the Turkish Turquoise or Lycian Coast. The blue-green hues of the sparkling sea of the Turkish Riviera has deservedly earned its moniker “the Turquoise Coast”. In fact, the word turquoise comes from the French word for Turkish. Turkey offers unique attractions where east meets west and the ancient meets modern. Everywhere you go along the Turquoise Coast you practically bump in ancient ruins and for me the highlight is the Turkish people themselves who have perfected the art of good hospitality. We chat about Kalkan, Kas, Fethiye - Olundeniz, Dalyan and Gocek.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we close out the year I chat about my fvourite travel books and as often happens on my travel slot on Clare FM I went off on many tangents. Keep an eye out next week for my espidoe on the Turkish Riviera and the annual end of yerar review.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is Longford native Senator Micheál Garrigy, Seanad Spokesperson on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, and Media and previously the Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council. He is also chairperson of the County Longford Tourism Committee so the perfect guest to tell us now all about what Longford has to offer for tourists with its rich history, literature & culture.There are many more attractions and activities in Longford for tourists including the Royal Canal Greenway from Clondra to Dublin, which is the longest linear greenway in Ireland. The National Famine Way from Strokestown is also a great trail in Longford for walkers.For history buffs there is the Corlea Trackway Visitors Centre in Kenagh, which is home to an ancient Iron Age bog road which dates back to 148BC. Then there is also the Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre in Granard which is a Norman Ireland interactive visitors centre adjacent to Ireland's tallest motte. Another great place to visit is the Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown which is located in the old schoolhouse in the town. The centre tells the story of one of Ireland's leading female writers and is home to many original artifacts from the 18th century.Longford is home to Center Parcs Longford Forest, Ireland's largest tourist attraction with over 100 activities on offer for up to 2,500 guests in luxurious guest lodges on-site and Ireland's largest Spa – Aqua Sana Spa in the beautiful surrounds at Newcastle Woods. Longford is part of the Hidden Heartland brand and for more information on what makes Longford so special please click on https://www.longford.ie/en/see-do. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a Ski Special from Adelboden in Switzerland. Switzerland is the quintessential postcard image of a ski country that most people have of picturesque traditional villages in pine forest filled valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks.Adelboden is a very traditional town with farming still the main source of income and this gives it the feel of a real lived in town rather than a tourist ski resort. I got the same line from any locals I talked to who said it is even more beautiful in the summer and a great place for hiking and mountain biking.Adelboden is surrounded on all sides by mountains giving the sense you are in the middle of the alps. This resort was perfect because it has many kms of wide open gentle red runs making it perfect for the average Irish skier and I would say it is a great resort for families or couples.Adelboden's low key charm has always made this resort popular with Swiss people with the spectacular mountains view I have ever seen in the alps.For details check the Swiss tourism website here https://www.myswitzerland.com and I recommend the Cambrian hotel in Adelboden to stay https://www.thecambrianadelboden.com.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about Irish romantic getaways and I picked three very special venues from Ireland's Blue Book that are all the epitome of romance with two castles with four poster beds and a Georgian town house. They are Barberstown Castle in Kildare, Tubbrid Castle in Kilkenny and 1 Pery Square in Limerick.My first guest is Ted Robinson from Barberstown Castle in Straffan, Co Kildare. This 13th century castle is famous as being the home of Eric Clapton from 1979 to 1985 when music royalty like Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan stayed. For romance there is nothing quite like an Irish country house break. Unless you go to a castle that is, and you have that castle all to yourself. The stunning and faithfully restored 15th century castle in Kilkenny called Tubbrid Castle only takes one booking at a time. You can have the three bedroomed medieval tower house all to yourself to sleep like a king and queen in a huge four poster bed.Tubbrid Castle has been lovingly restored by the late John Campion and his son Dr John Campion and the castle has been receiving rave reviews since it opened for guests a few years ago. The castle is the newest addition to the Blue Book collection and media like Forbes and the New York Times have been raving about it.Whenever I am looking for a hotel for a city break, I always pick the location first, ideally central and then look for a family run hotel with some history attached to it. That is exactly what No.1 Pery Square is in the heart of the Georgian Quarter in Limerick. The proprietor Patricia Roberts tells me all about the history of this magnificent Georgian town house in Limerick. For great romantic getaway deals check reland's Blue Book website https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie. I love the Blue Book because they are mostly family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses or castles, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in.Check out No.1 Pery Square in Limerick here https://oneperysquare.comCheck out Tubbrid Castle in Kilkenny here https://www.tubbridcastle.comcheck out Barberstown Castle here https://www.barberstowncastle.ieIf you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am interviewed today by my wife and travel buddy Eimer for my Season 4 finale. We do a review of my travels this year and look forward to next year. I want to thank all my listeners in over 100 countries worldwide and I look forward to sharing more travel adventures, destination specials and interviews with great guests in 2023. Take care and safe travels.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to part two of my County Clare destination specials. When you ask a Clare person for recommendations and tips it is always a long list. That is why I had to do two County Clare destinations specials to help do justice this this stunning county on the west coast of Ireland. In part two today you will first hear Clare county councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, the Mayor of Ennis, who tells us all about my hometown and the official “friendliest and tidiest town in Ireland”. Then you will get to hear from the wonderful Mike Glynn from the Bunratty Castle and folk Park. Then we will hear from Dave Merrins of Burren Gold Cheese who tells us all about the Burren Geopark and the award winning Geofoods group. Finally we will hear from Rosie McMahon from the Shannon Estuary Way Retreat. In partnership with Clare County Council and Visit Clare Website: www.visitclare.ieFacebook: @Visit ClareTwitter: @ClareTourismInstagram: @VisitClare #VisitClare #Makingiteasy #Keepdiscovering.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I grew up in Ennis in Co. Clare and I have always noticed when anyone asks me “where am I from” and I reply “Clare', that it brings a smile to their face which in turn fills me with pride. I don't think I have ever met a Clare person that doesn't love Clare. When you ask a Clare person for recommendations and tips it is always a long list. That is why I recorded two County Clare destinations specials to help do justice to this stunning county on the west coast of Ireland. In part one today you will hear from cllr Tony O'Brien, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council who gives a great Clare tourism overview. Clare is synonymous with traditional music and you will hear from Clarles Monod of the Tunes from Doolin fame. Then you will hear from Nuala Mulqueeney of the award winning Aillwee Burren Experience and finally Arlene White of Clare Walks share her highlights of East Clare. In partnership with Clare County Council and Visit Clare Website: www.visitclare.ieFacebook: @Visit ClareTwitter: @ClareTourismInstagram: @VisitClare #VisitClare #Makingiteasy #Keepdiscovering.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 185 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is a West Cork Destination Special and I love doing destination specials in Ireland as the real passion Irish people have for their home areas always shines through. I interviewed two hoteliers from the Clonakilty area to give us an overview of the area with local tips and recommendations. My first interviewee is Michael O'Neill from Fernhill House and Gardens Hotel, who is a 4th generation hotelier. Then you will hear from Kela Hodgins of Donowen House both close to Clonakilty in West Cork. Both Kela and Michael are part of Ireland's Blue Book collection. I love the Blue Book because they are mostly family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gif recommendation and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie. Check out Fernhill House Hotel here https://www.fernhillhousehotel.comCheck out Dunowen house here https://dunowenhouse.ieIf you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As you can imagine I have many places on my travel bucket list, and I got to finally visit Granada in Andalucía in southern Spain this month, which was at the very top of that list. The city did not disappoint, and I had very high expectations. I really wanted to go to Granada to see the final capital of Moorish Spain and learn about history from the Moorish perspective and their influence on European food, architecture, culture and science. The most obvious example of this Moorish influence is the Alhambra which looms over the town. The Alhambra is a huge medieval middle eastern style complex overlooking the city encompassing forts, royal palaces, serene gardens, fountains and pools. My episode today is all about my top travel tips when visiting this glorious city.Websites: www.turgranada.es / www.andalucia.org / www.spain.info Recommended ActivitiesCosta Tropical Lunch at Chambao de Joaquín restaurant, in La Herradura. Visit to the San Ramón farm, with subtropical crops https://www.fincasanramon.net/ Visit to the Señorío Nevada winery https://www.senoriodenevada.es/bodega-y-cata.html/ Granada Tours with the guide Manu Estudillo. Granada Flamenco show - Venta el Gallo - https://www.cuevaventaelgallo.es/Trópolis (bread making workshop, Geoparque)- - www.tropolis.esCaviar de Riofrío (Loja). - - www.caviarderiofrio.comVisit of the town Montefrío. - - https://www.turismomontefrio.org/en/home/Lorca Tour www.universolorca.comIf you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My very special guest today is Triona O'Mahoney from Munster Vales, which is the tourist brand of the five mountain ranges between the Comeragh, Knockmealdown, Galtee, Ballyhoura and Nagles mountain ranges. These five mountain ranges incorporate nine heritage sites and 1,100km of over 90 marked walking trails and provide a mix of outdoor recreational activities including walking, cycling and angling amongst historic inland, coastal and rural towns and villages.Triona O'Mahony is the tourism marketing officer of the Munster Vales which was set up through the hard work of local community groups, county councils and Government agencies to promote the stunning areas lying to the south of Cashel, east of Charleville, and north of Fermoy and Lismore, it's a vast area between the counties of Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary.I live in the middle of this beautiful area so this is a very special personal episode.For details and itineraries check their website check out their website https://munstervales.com. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a Greece special episode focusing on my recent trip to the Halkidiki region in northern Greece. The Halkidiki region is made up of three peninsulas or fingers with something for all types of travellers. The first finger is called Kassandra and is the most developed for tourism with glitzy hotels and huge nightclubs that would give Ibiza a run for its money. The middle finger is Sithonia which is less developed with some of the best secluded beaches in Greece and the third finger is Mount Athos which is an independent theocracy called the holy mountain and considered the holiest site in the Orthodox church.My ideal place is a small fishing village with a crescent shaped soft white sand beach protected by a sheltered cove and surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains. The village is small enough to have very few tourists but big enough to have a few fish restaurants you don't mind going back to again and again. The last piece of the jigsaw is accommodation with a pool but also a few minutes' walk from the beach and the village. I found that place at the very end of the stunning Sithonia peninsula at my new favourite place called the Porto Koufo Resort situated around two hours' drive from Thessaloniki airport.For more information on the Porto Koufo Resort visit https://portokouforesort.comIf you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest is the acclaimed bestselling author John Connell, who has written a trilogy of autobiographical books which have been described as love letters to his home county of Longford.John has just released The Stream of Everything which is about a canoe trip down the Camlin river in Longford with a friend. This stunning book is a meditation on the simple beauty of nature and a celebration of the slow pace of rural living especially in counties like Longford.John published the bestseller The Cow Book in 2018 which is a memoir of his return to his family's farm in Longford after many years in Australia. Then he wrote The Running Book about his love of running but also the rich colonial history of Longford.Longford recently made national attention in the tourism industry when Center Parcs set up Ireland's largest tourist attraction with over 100 activities on offer for up to 2,500 guests in luxurious guest lodges on-site at Newcastle woods.But there are many more attractions and activities in the county for tourists including the Royal Canal Greenway from Clondra to Dublin, which is the longest linear greenway in Ireland. The National Famine Way from Strokestown is also a great trail in Longford for walkers.For history buffs there is the Corlea Trackway Visitors Centre in Kenagh, which is home to an ancient Iron Age bog road which dates back to 148BC. Then there is also the Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre in Granard which is a Norman Ireland interactive visitors centre adjacent to Ireland's tallest motte. Another great place to visit is the Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown which located in the old schoolhouse in the town. The centre tells the story of one of Ireland's leading female writers and is home to many original artifacts from the 18th century Longford is part of the Hidden Heartland brand and for more information on what makes Longford so special please click on https://www.longford.ie/en/see-do. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I have a destination special episode today on the city of Derry in Northern Ireland. I had never been to Derry and it is such a novelty to go to a new place that is both very familiar but also very different to my experiences of other holidays in Ireland.For lovers of history and entertainment, it is the perfect city for a break. By day you can visit the many great museums like the Guildhall. Then by night there are great restaurants and bars all clustered together to create a vibrant nightlife buzz.To give you a flavour of what this wonderful city has to offer I have interviews with Charlene McCrossan from Martin McCrossan City Wall Tours, David Gilliland from Brook Hall gardens and Richard Allen from Oakfire Adventures. For more information on these activities go to https://www.visitderry.com. For Oakfire Adventures go to https://oakfireadventures.comFor Martin McCrossan Tours go to https://www.visitderry.com/things-to-do/martin-mccrossan-city-tours-p707361For Brook Hall Gardens go to https://brookhall.co.ukFor Walled City Brewery go to https://www.walledcitybrewery.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I have a Center of Portugal Destination Special for final episode of Season 3 of Travel Tales with Fergal.I visited the centre of Portugal in September and what really shone through for me was the natural friendliness of the inhabitants of this stunning mountainous region between Lisbon and Porto.The landscape of the centre of Portugal continuously changes from the endless Atlantic surf beaches on the coast all the way up to the Serra da Estrela mountain range. The area contains over 40 mountain villages all with their own unique personalities, 4 natural parks and 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites. For more information check https://www.centerofportugal.com.You will hear interviews on the podcast from local people from this stunning region and Paul McLaughlan from the Irish Examiner.Useful InformationAccommodationCasas da Lapahttps://www.casasdalapa.pt RestaurantsCasa de S. Lourenço - Burel Panorama Hotelhttps://www.casadesaolourenco.pt Transportation https://www.madomistours.ptIf you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.This is the last episode of Season 3 so please keep an eye on Instagram for updates on Season 4. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I have a great guest today for people who are interested in adventurous travel off the beaten track. My guest is Thom Breathnach who is the travel editor of the Irish Examiner. So it was fascinating to see what 5 places would Thom pick from his travels all around the world. Thom shares great tales to American, Iran, South Africa and Switzerland and many more places in between.Thom is very much into conservation and loves travelling into the wilds of nature. He wanted his first trip post pandemic to be a special one so I loved hearing about his recent trip to Churchill, Manitoba in Canada which is known as the polar bear capital of the world. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I have a very special guest today - the brilliant Irish American comedian Des Bishop who shares with us the five places that have most influenced him on his travels.Des Bishop's latest stand up show is called Mia Mamma and it is a comic and dramatic exploration of his mother Eileen's passing in 2019. The show explores sadness and grief through humour and is full of love, affection and hope. The show is also an elegy to the Irish mammy – that most celebrated and most important member of every family.Des is touring all over Ireland over the next few months including Clonmel on the 10th of March and you can get tickets here https://secure.tickets.ie/Listing/EventInformation/43538/des-bishop and details on his Irish tour here https://www.desbishop.net/tour-dates.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I spent 20 wonderful days on the Annapurna Circuit through trekking from village to village through mist-covered valleys, remote villages and sacred monasteries in the Nepalese Himalayas in 2000. That experience has given me a deep appreciation of Nepal, the Sherpas and the climbers who attempt the greatest mountain of them all - Everest.Since then, I have always been fascinated with stories of Everest's often deadly history. So I was riveted last May when following the literal ups and downs of my podcast guest today as he attempted to climb Everest during the peak of the pandemic. Damian Browne hails from Galway and is a former professional rugby player who has played for Leinster, Northampton, Brive and Oyonnax. Damian's passion for travel and adventure has led him to visit more than 50 countries on 6 continents.Damien is an adventurer in the truest sense of the word using the world's most extreme environments to test his physical and mental capabilities. Damien has covered more ground than many of the great explorers of the early 20th century including spending 63-days rowing solo across the Atlantic. An epic trip he previously spoke to me about on my very first podcast in 2020Since he first climbed Elbrus (the highest mountain in Europe) in Russia in 2018 he has been obsessed with successfully climbing Everest. His original trip was called off in 2020 when the pandemic took hold and he only found out he could go to Nepal in April last year a few days after his Australian partner gave birth to their first child in Brisbane.Epic is a word often used when talking about adventures but this attempt on Everest was truly epic. Damian's tale is all about that famous mountain, what it is like working with Sherpas, being at basecamp, the Khumbu Icefall and much more. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Follow Damian and Fergus' attempt to row the Atlantic this summer https://www.facebook.com/projectempower2022/To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I have a very special episode today celebrating the life of the world renowned travel and food writer and broadcaster Anthony Bourdain with interviews with Patrick Radden Keefe from the New Yorker who wrote the definitive profile of him, Laurie Woolever who was his assistant for many years and who has just released a brilliant an oral biography on Tony and Paddy Daly who was his producer for many shows in Ireland.Anthony Bourdain, author of Kitchen Confidential and the host-writer of the seminal food and travel series Parts Unknown, introduced us to entire cultures, places and foods. He opened up new countries and places to us through his celebration of food and travel and inspired us to go out and explore. I rediscovered the brilliance of Anthony Bourdain during the first lockdown when I re watched his show Parts Unknown on Netflix to get my armchair travel fix when the world was closed. My favourite thing to do when travelling is to sit outside a café, sample some local cuisine and watch the world go by. Bourdain would often do just that on his shows and he could brilliantly convey the emotions attached to that experience. Bourdain brought the streets and markets alive and you could practically smell the food.If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergalLaurie Woolever's new book Stories on Bourdain is here https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/bourdain-9781526645159Patrick Radden Keeffe book Empire of Pain is here https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612861/empire-of-pain-by-patrick-radden-keefe/The Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

My guest today is Patrick Monahan who one of my favourite UK comedians. Patrick was the first person I actually interviewed for this podcast and I have been saving this episode for the right time and January, when you need a pick me up, is the perfect time.Patrick is half Irish/half Iranian and that mix has produced a big bundle of energy and positivity so I think you will enjoy this episode as Patrick has performed all over the world and is full of fun travel stories. I have some great episodes coming up over the next few weeks including a Portugal destination special and next Tuesday we have very special episode on Anthony Bourdain. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I walked on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain this year for this Camino Special Podcast series. Along the way I interviewed many interesting people including fellow walkers, pilgrims, guides and historians.The Camino is over 800kms from the Spanish border in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and it typically takes a walker between 30 to 35 to complete.The Camino is a truly magical pilgrimage and I hope these 3 episodes convey in some small way why the Camino is so special to me and to so many people around the world.Today you are going to hear from some of the fascinating people I met along the way starting with Jarlath O'Madain who I met during the walk and then interviewed him in Santiago on the day he finished his Camino.I met so many captivating guides who were full of knowledge and this really brought the Camino's history to life and helped me get an understanding of the different cultures of each of the four very different regions the Camino passes through. We get to hear from three on the podcast - Helder Cerejo, Patricia Longa and Ursula. Finally, I interviewed Philip Martin on the podcast previously and he chose the Camino as his Happy Place, so I will finish with Philip summing up the magic of the Camino. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. For more information on the Camino please go to https://www.spain.info. I flew with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Bilbao and then from Santiago to Dublin. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I walked the Camino for this special 3 part Camino podcast series this year where I interviewed many interesting people including fellow walkers, pilgrims, guides and historians.The Camino is over 800kms from the Spanish border in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and it typically takes a walker between 30 to 35 to complete.In part 2 today I talk to Catharine Murphy who has walked the Camino many times and she gives us a great guide to the many ways to do the Camino. We then hear from my guides Fran and Ursula and then we finish off with an insightful interview with the American writer Curtis Williams on the history of the Camino.The Camino is a truly magical pilgrimage and I hope these 3 episodes convey in some small way why the Camino is so special to so many people around the world. We will have the final 3rd part of this special next Tuesday. For more information on the Camino go to the website https://www.spain.info .I flew with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Bilbao and then from Santiago to Dublin. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I was fortunate to walk on the Camino in Spain in September for this special episode.The full Camino is over 800kms from the Spanish border in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and it typically takes a walker between 30 to 35 days, walking around 25 km a day, to do the full Camino.The Camino is a truly magical experience that I would recommend to everyone but especially lovers of walking and history enthusiasts. The Camino brings you through four very different regions of Spain with four very distinct landscapes, culture, architecture, people, cuisine, weather and even language.The Camino is one of Christianity's most venerated and ancient pilgrimage walks and goes to the tomb of St James at the magnificent world heritage listed cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, which is the third most holy site in Christianity after Rome and Jerusalem.Today you will hear an interview from Fergal O'Keeffe on his Camino experiences, then Fergal interviews three writers John Connell, Mark O'Halloran and Curtis Williams about their Camino journeys.I hope these episodes convey in some small way why the Camino is so special to so many people around the world.There is an openness and camaraderie amongst fellow walkers, who share a passing “Buen Camino” greeting and they will often chat and exchange stories with you. Next Tuesday I will share those fascinating interviews with you and we will go a little deeper in the history and mystique of the Camino. For more information on the Camino go to the website https://www.spain.info.I flew with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Bilbao and then from Santiago to Dublin. If you haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I have had a number of comedians over the last 3 seasons and I'm delighted to say that my special guest today Is Karl Spain, who is have my favourite Irish stand up comedian.I have run a comedy club in Clonmel, Tipperary for over 15 years and Karl Spain was the MC at my very first show and I'm delighted to say he will be headlining my next show, which is a Christmas special on the 9th of December in Bakers Bar in Clonmel.As you will hear now Karl isn't just a great stand up but also a great natural story teller. Karl tells us about his love of going to sports events like the football world Cup, and he shares great stories from performing at comedy gigs all over the world to places including India, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Romania, Brussels, Dubai and Edinburgh to name a few. If you have haven't already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.Fergal O'Keeffe is the host of Ireland's No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.