Podcasts about ireland family vacations

Planning your Ireland vacation is a smart way to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. While the idea of “winging it” might sound tempting, today's travel landscape in Ireland is a bit different from what it used to be. With more visitors, limited accommodations, and higher demand for attractions, a little planning goes a long... The post Why ‘Winging It' Might Not Be the Best Plan for Your Ireland Vacation appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

If you're flying to Ireland from North America, chances are you're looking at round-trip tickets into and out of Dublin. It's the most popular route for good reason—direct flights, solid availability, and yes, it's usually cheaper. But if your Irish adventure follows a classic path—landing in Dublin, heading down to Killarney or Dingle, touring the... The post Arrive in Dublin, Depart from Shannon: Why to Consider this Itinerary Tweak appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The drive from Dublin to Killarney is one of the most popular point-to-point routes in Ireland. It takes about four hours if you're going straight through—but where's the fun in that? These routes offer plenty of chances to turn the journey into a full day of exploration, with castles, gardens, and charming towns along the... The post Driving from Dublin to Killarney: Two Scenic Routes, One Incredible Day appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Booking flights can be a nerve-wracking game of ‘now or later.' That anxiety often leads to early clicks — and higher prices. I use a simple flight monitoring process to take the edge off (outlined here), but timing – and a bit of patience – plays a crucial role. So, can you book flights too... The post Can You Book Flights too Early? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

I fear that I can be a bit like a broken record as I seem to repeat ‘slow down, do less, experience more' like it is a personal Ireland travel mantra. Which, I suppose, it kind of is. As I've mentioned previously, I've made every travel mistake there is to make and I still struggle... The post Ireland at Your Own Pace: Smart Tips for a Trip Without the Rush appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

I offer a lot of Ireland travel advice. In over 22 years of travel to and through Ireland, I have made dozens (hundreds?) of mistakes and have learned a lot. Additionally, I spend a lot of time researching anything new, confirming and updating the information I have, and traveling (on my own dime and not... The post Getting the Most Helpful Advice from Travel Forums appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

I am a huge fan of beautiful gardens! We have visited many gardens throughout the years, and while gardens in Ireland always have something to offer, there is a sweet spot if you want to catch the blooms looking their best. Don't Miss This!Enchanting Irish Gardens to add to your Itinerary Reader Question: I came... The post When is the Best Time to Visit Irish Gardens? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

When you think of the Great Famine, your mind likely drifts to the midlands of Ireland. However, a unique and deeply moving famine experience exists in Northern Ireland at Gorta, located above Friel's Pub in Swatragh, Mid Ulster. Here, you can step into history and uncover the often-overlooked impact of the famine in this region... The post Experience the Famine Story at Gorta in Northern Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Do you ‘knead' a taste of Ireland right now? Today's guest has an Irish bread making experience you can try in your own home – or in her thatch cottage in the North of Ireland. Irish Baking Experience at Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Tracey Jeffery, the owner... The post A Tasty Trip into County Down at Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody shares valuable insights and tips for planning multi-generational family trips to Ireland. She emphasizes the importance of creating memorable experiences for families, discusses transportation logistics, accommodation choices, and activity planning, and offers advice on how to manage group dynamics effectively. Jody also highlights the benefits... The post Tips to Plan a Memorable Multigenerational Trip to Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Have you ever dreamed of living and working in Ireland? While moving overseas might seem like a daunting challenge, there's an exciting opportunity that could make this dream a reality for young adults—the Working Holiday Authorization (WHA). This program allows eligible U.S. citizens to live and work in Ireland for up to 12 months, creating... The post How to Live & Work in Ireland for a Year appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

When you think of Ireland, you might picture rolling green hills, ancient castles, and lively pub music. But did you know that Ireland is also one of the world's top destinations for equestrian tourism? Welcome to Horse Country—an area that embodies the island's deep-rooted connection to horses, from world-class breeding to immersive visitor experiences. Get... The post Welcome to Horse Country: Ireland's Equestrian Heartland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most popular natural attraction at the edge of the Burren landscape, are experiencing partial trail closures due to necessary repairs on specific trail sections. However, the visitor centre and several trails remain open, with options for guided tours providing safe and comprehensive experiences. The trail closures stem from safety concerns... The post Cliffs of Moher in 2025: Safety and Tips appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

This article provides essential tips for travelers arriving at Dublin Airport early in the morning. The post Landed Very Early at Dublin Airport? Here's What to Do! appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

So, what is CDW coverage and why do you have to have it? Put very simply, CDW coverage limits your liability for material damage to the vehicle. Basic CDW is included in your rental agreement. This coverage limits your liability for damage to the vehicle. But it does not completely cover it. The amount over... The post Ireland Car Rental CDW Insurance appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Ireland rental car insurance and CDW coverage leaves many people confused. What you must know before renting a car in Ireland. The post Ireland Rental Car Insurance: What is CDW Coverage and Why Do I Need It? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

This article focuses on departures from Dublin and Shannon airports for North American visitors to Ireland. At this time no other Ireland airports offer direct flights to North America. How far can you stay from the airport the night before you leave Ireland and still have a relaxed morning and a (mostly) stress-free departure? A... The post Your Final Night in Ireland: How Close to the Airport Should You Stay? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The unique offerings of Tralee, the overlooked attractions in North Kerry, and the best ways to experience the region. The post Unveiling the Secrets of County Kerry (get off the tourist trail) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

If you're planning to visit Ireland in 2025 you need these Ireland travel tips before you begin booking! Below you'll learn about the new requirement for visiting Northern Ireland (and the UK), the days I recommend you NOT be in Dublin, and what's new in 2025. You'll also get handy tips on booking everything from... The post Essential Travel Tips for Ireland in 2025 appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Step into the enchanting world of Belleek Pottery, nestled in the picturesque County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Belleek Pottery is synonymous with Irish craftsmanship. Whether it's a beautiful white vase decorated with shamrocks or one of the delicate woven baskets, Belleek is instantly recognizable. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Patricia McCauley, Manager... The post Visit Belleek Pottery in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

If you've waited too long to do your shopping and want to give an Irish gift – or even the gift of Ireland – this year, I'm here to help! Give an Amazing Irish Experience Even if you aren't sure of your travel dates, many tours and attractions offer vouchers and gift cards. A few... The post Last Minute Irish Gifts to Give in 2024 appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Traditional Irish food with insights into the history, cultural significance of Irish cuisine through a Traditional Irish Food Experience. The post A Taste of Ireland: Corbett's Traditional Irish Food Experience appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Waterford, Ireland has been named the 2024 European City of Christmas. Learn more about Winterval, the largest Christmas Festival in Ireland and get tips for your visit. The post Waterford, Ireland's European City of Christmas appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

One of the first decisions you will make as you begin planning your Ireland adventure is transportation – how will you travel from city to country, cliffs to castles – while making the most of your time and budget? Consider the insights in this article to help you decide whether to hire a private driver-guide... The post Navigating Ireland: Comparing Costs and Experiences of Hiring a Private Driver vs. Renting a Car appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Discover the enchanting origins of Halloween in Ireland, where the festival of Samhain began over 3,000 years ago. The post Halloween, Samhain, and Tlachtga appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Use my recent private tour as inspiration for your own Ireland itinerary. Friends & Family Tour through the ‘Heart of Ireland' – see the itinerary Traveling in Ireland Podcast episode 234 The post Ireland Itinerary Inspiration: The Heart of Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Is corned beef Irish? Many people will tell you that it isn't – and that was the story I had heard as well. But according to a thesis written in 2011 by Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire from the Technological University Dublin and Pádraic Óg Gallagher, owner of Gallagher's Boxty House, corned beef does have a... The post A (Brief) History of Corned Beef in Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Ireland's history is rich and complex, with the Great Famine being one of the most significant events. The Irish Famine, known as an Gorta Mór, the Great Hunger, in Ireland, changed not only Irish history but, arguably, the history and future of countries across the globe as over one million people died from hunger and other... The post The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park and the National Famine Way appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Are you considering a visit to Ireland in the off-season? It's a terrific time to explore the Emerald Isle! In addition to Ireland's well-known attractions you'll also find unique festivals, smaller crowds, and plenty of extraordinary experiences. Read on for expert insights on making the most of your off-season trip to Ireland! This article is... The post Discover Ireland's Hidden Charms: Fall and Winter Travel Insights appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Irish mythology is rich with stories that have been passed down through generations, featuring a mix of heroic tales, tragic love stories, and epic battles. These stories are deeply rooted in Irish culture and have influenced literature, art, and even modern popular culture. They are celebrated for their richness, complexity, and the way they reflect... The post Encounters with Irish Mythology – Amazing Irish Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Non-EU visitors to Ireland can file a VAT refund at the airport as they leave Ireland. This refund returns the value added tax (aka VAT) applied to souvenir items purchased by tourists that leave the Republic of Ireland within 90 days of purchase. If you aren't familiar with the VAT (listen to podcast episode 142)... The post Can You Collect VAT Refund If You Aren't Flying Directly Home from Ireland? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Known as the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny offers visitors a unique blend of ancient stories, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you can't help but feel transported to another time, where each street corner holds a door to a new tale waiting to be discovered. This article is... The post Getting Up to Shenanigans in Kilkenny appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Renting a car in Ireland can be confusing at the best of times, and when you add in considerations for a family or group, the complexity can increase – especially when you are traveling with 5 or more people! In Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Ireland I outline the 8 steps... The post Best Ireland Car Rentals for Families & Groups appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The Byrne Brothers are a family musical act from originally from County Donegal. This multi-talented family travel through the US entertaining crowds with energetic Irish music and dance shows in pubs and at Irish festivals. Their story is interesting and inspiring, I hope you enjoy it! The Byrne Brothers Favorite Spots in Ireland The Byrne... The post The Byrne Brothers – Live from Iowa Irish Fest (podcast) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Enda Reilly is a singer and songwriter, winner of the IMRO Christie Hennessey Songwriting Competition, and storyteller. Most geologically interesting spots in Ireland Enda Reilly website Follow on Facebook & Instagram The post Singer/ Songwriter Enda Reilly – Live from Iowa Irish Fest (podcast) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Davy Holden shares his passion for Irish history on his YouTube channel. With over 550 videos it's easy to get sucked in. Davy Holden HistoryTop 10 Irish Rebel Songs book – ebook Davy Holden YouTube Follow Davy on Instagram – TikTok – Facebook The post Irish Rebel Songs with Davy Holden – Live from Iowa Irish Fest (podcast) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Michael Londra is an Irish Tenor from Wexford, star of Riverdance on Broadway, and host of Ireland with Micheal on PBS. Wexford Highlights Michael recommends listening to the Bow Tides (featured at the end of the podcast) The post Michael Londra – Live from Iowa Irish Fest (Podcast) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Known as the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow offers an array of stunning landscapes and attractions, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Powerscourt Estate. Powerscourt Estate ticks so many boxes for visitors to Ireland. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Vivienne Nyhan, sales manager at Powerscourt Estate. If you prefer to... The post Powerscourt Estate: The Crown Jewel of County Wicklow appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Join me live at Iowa Irish Fest in 2024! I'll be in the Tour & Travel Workshop area speaking Saturday about solo women's travel and Sunday on crafting your Irish adventure. Irish Festivals: Where the Craic is Mighty Irish festivals are filled with music, banter, tasty food, and plenty of fun. Sure, you're not in... The post Tips for Attending an Irish Festival appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Dublin is a popular city for most visitors to Ireland, and often the first or final location visited due to its proximity to Ireland's busiest airport. For families visiting with children, from toddlers to teens, Dublin can be a bit overwhelming as some of the more popular attractions – like the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick's... The post Dublin With Kids from Toddler to Teen: Family Friendly Attractions, Activities & Eateries appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The trick to packing light for your Ireland vacation is to choose clothes that can be ‘mixed and matched' to create different outfits. See my Ireland Packing List here. But if you are staying longer than a week you may find that you need to wash your clothes in something other than a sink. In... The post Here's How to Do Laundry During Your Ireland Vacation appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

There is a lot to do as you prepare for your Ireland vacation… Flights. Accommodations. Transportation. Tickets for tours and attractions. What to pack. What NOT to pack. The list goes on and on. Which makes it very easy to overlook the three important documents you must check prior to leaving for your Ireland vacation:... The post 3 Important Documents to Check BEFORE Your Ireland Vacation appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Tourist: a person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure. I'm not sure when ‘looking like a tourist' became taboo, but it is a statement I hear quite often. After a while it became clear that what was really being asked was less about ‘looking' like a tourist and more about how to... The post How Not to Look Like a Tourist in Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

One of the first things you'll notice in Ireland is that there is always a hot water kettle available for a cup of tea. Every hotel, and most B&Bs, provide a kettle, tea bags and instant coffee, and often a biscuit, for an easy afternoon pick-me-up or evening refresher. As a tea drinker I much prefer this... The post Afternoon Tea in Ireland – Amazing Ireland Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Traditionally, car rental at Dublin Airport has not been the best way to begin an Ireland vacation (even if you use my tips for a smooth car rental experience). After finding the rental desk the wait in line could be long (especially if you are waiting on someone who doesn't know about the insurance requirements) […] The post The Easiest Car Rental at Dublin Airport appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Of all the islands off the shores of Ireland, the Aran Islands may be the most well known. About the Aran Islands Located off the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands are accessible by ferry from County Galway, Rossaveel year-round or Galway City from March thru September, and Doolin from March thru mid-September. There […] The post Visiting Inis Mór and the Aran Islands appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

When planning an Ireland vacation there are a few things that MUST be booked in advance of your trip and not left to chance. From accommodations to attractions and experiences to tours, these are the things you need to arrange prior to arriving in Ireland. The post What Must be Booked in Advance in Ireland? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Advice for multigenerational Ireland family vacations. Including transportation, accommodations, and activities. The post The Ultimate Guide to Multigenerational Family Travel in Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Tips to declutter your Ireland itinerary to truly experience & enjoy your trip. Free resources to plan your perfect Ireland vacation. The post How Much Touring Can You Do in One Day in Ireland? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Tips for amazing Ireland winter vacations in October, November, and December! Plus: Halloween and Christmas Markets. The post Cool Facts about Ireland Winter Vacations appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.