Podcasts about kilfenora

Clare is expected to reap the social and cultural benefits of four new flexible outdoor structures that have been rolled out throughout the county. The structures which are demountable and transportable involve both a seating and bandstand function and are currently located in Kilfenora, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Kilrush and Lees Road in Ennis. Funded by the Outdoor Public Space Scheme, the project aims to promote new ways to of experiencing arts, performance and social activities. Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan believes it will enhance the festival season.

Earlier this week Alan Morrissey spoke about the near 200% increase in the number of children waiting over one year for initial speech and language therapy in the last three years. During the chat, we heard calls for ‘less talk and more action' to reduce waiting times for special needs supports In Clare. Alan spoke with Kilfenora native Deirdre Linnane, who told us about her son, Jack. The two-year-old is among the children awaiting an assessment of needs, as well as speech and language therapy. Deirdre told us she feels her son is being let down by the system. On Fridays Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michelle Ryan a listener who knows all about the system. Michelle, who lives in Inch, is a parent of two autistic children, and both have been diagnosed through the CDNT – Children's Disability Network Team - in Clare. NDA hope to hear from families on their experience of the Children's Disability Network Team service model. Further details and survey link can be found at the following link: https://nda.ie/news/we-would-like-to-hear-from-families-on-their-experience-of-the-childrens-disability-network-team-service-model

There has been a near 200% increase in the number of children waiting over one year for initial speech and language therapy in the last three years. The figures, which were compiled by the Labour Party, also reveal a 170% rise in the numbers waiting over a year for psychology support in the same period. Meanwhile, Labour's comparative analysis shows that the increase in the number of staff providing therapeutic support has been a fraction of the almost two-fold jump in demand for therapies and services. To find out more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Deirdre Linanne, parent of Jack Linnane from Kilfenora.

For National Biodiversity Week we bring you stories of traditional farming and rural life and how they relate to biodiversity.  There are very few direct references to biodiversity in the Cuimhneamh an Chláir archive since that concept has only become part of common language in more recent times.  However there are stories of plant life and nature, cures, dyes, farming practices etc that tell us in subtle ways about biodiversity and environmental sustainability.Featured are Brendan Dunford from Tubber (Burren Beo Trust), John Vaughan from Kilfenora, Pat & Oliver Nagle from Corofin, Sean O' Halloran from Kilfenora, Paddy Joe McMahon from Cappabane, Scariff, Teresa Flynn from Mountshannon, Thomas Barry from Inagh, Michael McGrath from Lisdoonvarna / Scariff, Bridie Mahony from Moughna, Catherine Talty from Coore.  The collectors / cuairteóirí are Paula Carroll, Tomás MacConmara, Frances Madigan.For more of Catherine Talty's self-recordings check the Cuimhneamh an Chláir collections at Digital Repository of Ireland, supported by The Heritage Council.  GLOSSARY OF TERMSSwallow hole: Many rivers in the Burren area of Co. Clare flow underground as well as overground, due to the many fissures in the limestone pavement. Swallow holes are the point at which the surface water disappears underground.In Seán O' Halloran's account:Scailp (Irish): The cleft between rocks, very common in the Burren in Co. ClareRúitín (Irish): AnkleFáisceán (Irish): – a home-made tourniquet used to keep an animal's broken leg bound and immobilised Series 2 of The Clare Oral History Podcast is supported by The Ireland Funds Follow Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Instagram, Facebook, X or LinkedIn

It's hoped a new shuttle bus service connecting towns and villages in West and North Clare will deliver for the local economy. The free of charge Burren and Cliffs Explorer is expected to run for the next three months and significantly ease traffic congestion in the region. Operated by C&C Executive Travel, the service offers seven busses on seven different routes servicing areas including Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Ballyvaughan, Poulnabhrone, Corofin and Carron. Chair of Clare's Strategic Tourism Policy Committee, Cllr Shane Talty, who's also a member of the Cliffs Of Moher 2040 Board, says it's a positive day for the region.

A new free of charge shuttle bus service connecting two of Clare's most prominent tourist destinations to towns and villages has officially been launched today. The Burren and Cliffs Explorer is expected to run for the next three months and significantly ease traffic congestion in the region. There are seven busses in the fleet for seven different routes that will all be operated by C&C Executive Travel. The service begins at 9am daily in Miltown Malbay, Kilfenora, Doolin and Liscannor and will have busses arriving at, and leaving the Cliffs of Moher every half hour. Clare Tourism Director Siobhán McNulty believes it will bring major benefits.

For over 100 years, the Kilfenora Céilí Band has been at the heart of Irish traditional music, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. Now, they're bringing their electrifying show, Sparks Will Fly, to the National Opera House on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Band leader John Lynch, a master of the banjo and mandolin, joins us to share the band's rich history, the magic behind their music, and what audiences can expect from this unforgettable night of céilí and craic!

As you've been hearing on Clare FM news, new hopon hop-off shuttle bus service linking towns, villages and visitor attractions throughout North and West Clare is the subject of public consultation and engagement sessions taking place in Miltown Malbay and Kilfenora on Monday (April 7, 2025) and Tuesday (April 8, 2025) next. The free “Burren and Cliffs Explorer” set to be launched by Clare County Council, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), this summer will be open to online and onsite bookings. To tell us more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor, Joe Garrihy. Photo(C): mladn61 from Getty Images Signature via canva

Two more stops have been confirmed as part of a Cliffs of Moher shuttle bus service due to commence on May 1st. The service will now take on passengers at Corofin and Carran in addition to halts at Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, Lahinch Miltown Malbay and Lisdoonvarna, with the latter two both to serve as hubs with facilities and free parking. The service is expected to run until August 31st with a potential extension until September, while public consultation on the proposed timetables will run from now until the end of next month. Corofin Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Killeen is hopeful it will become a permanent feature.

The gang at Vaughan's Pub & Restaurant in Kilfenora must be in high spirits! That's after they were nominated for awards at the 2025 Irish Restaurant Awards. To top it all off, Vaughan's are in the running for multiple awards, after receiving nominations in 11 different categories. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chef at Vaughan's Kilfenora Pub & Restaurant, Garrett Farrell. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/Vaughanspubkilfenora/?locale=gl_ES

A Clare family has won the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association All-Star Award for 2024. The Kearney family from Kilfenora were the recipients of the prestigious accolade. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Enda Kearney, Farm Owner in Kilfenora Photo(C): Enda Kearney

It is time for the ninth episode of our second season of The Village Tour. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan Morrissey chats with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more. In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan paid a visit to Kilfenora.

To Isaac Lang, master of the world's largest chemical engineering conglomerate… To Linh Pham, architect of a modern Olympus and originator of the future… To Zara Swann, legal wizard and grand keeper of secrets… I am Alfredo Kilfenora, and I welcome you to the greatest technological achievement man has ever saw! Welcome to the party. It'll be a night like no other, one you'll never forget.

The National Transport Authority has received over 300 public submissions on its plans to reform bus services in North Clare. Fáilte Ireland, Clare County Council, community groups from Corofin, Kilnaboy, Fanore, Kilfenora and elected representatives from both Clare and Galway have been among those to express opposition. One element of the new system would see the Fanore stop removed from the traditional Ennis to Galway route in favour of a shutlle service between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan, traversing Corkscrew Hill. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney believes the status quo should be retained.

A new shuttle bus service to the Cliffs Of Moher to be rolled out later this year will come with free entry to the landmark. The complementary service by Clare County Council will be ran as a pilot through the peak tourist months of June, July and August both this year and in 2026 and will be extended to May and September depending on demand. There will be multiple pre-determined routes with stops at Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Liscannor and Doolin. Local Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy is hopeful it will be a success.

To Isaac Lang, master of the world's largest chemical engineering conglomerate… To Linh Pham, architect of a modern Olympus and originator of the future… To Zara Swann, legal wizard and grand keeper of secrets… I am Alfredo Kilfenora, and I welcome you to the greatest technological achievement man has ever saw! Welcome to the party. It'll be a night like no other, one you'll never forget.

To Isaac Lang, master of the world's largest chemical engineering conglomerate… To Linh Pham, architect of a modern Olympus and originator of the future… To Zara Swann, legal wizard and grand keeper of secrets… I am Alfredo Kilfenora, and I welcome you to the greatest technological achievement man has ever saw! Welcome to the party. It'll be a night like no other, one you'll never forget.

Louis Griffin is bringing a national boxing title back to Clare. The young fighter from Kilfenora won the U18 national boxing title at the National Stadium in Dublin. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Louis Griffin on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c): Kilfenora Boxing Club via Facebook

A new project aimed at archiving Kilfenora's traditional musicians is underway. Aoife Kelly has started a new project to create a free online archive of traditional musicians from Kilfenora. Aoife wants to get as much information as possible about the local musicians from the 1st half of the 20th century and before. To find out more, Peter O'Connell was joined by project coordinator, Aoife Kelly. To get involved, contact Aoife at info@soundsofkilfenora.com. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162860821559289&set=a.61836249288

A Clare child with additional needs will have to wait a further year and a half without any significant treatment, due to his condition being more serious than initially thought. Jack Linnane is a 2-year-old who hails from Kilfenora with communication difficulties. His mother, Deirdre Linnane, believes her son is developing additional difficulties due to the extra 18 months without receiving any meaningful treatment. To discuss this further, Deirdre Linnane joined Alan Morrissey in-studio. Photo (c): Clare FM

To Isaac Lang, master of the world's largest chemical engineering conglomerate… To Linh Pham, architect of a modern Olympus and originator of the future… To Zara Swann, legal wizard and grand keeper of secrets… I am Alfredo Kilfenora, and I welcome you to the greatest technological achievement man has ever saw! Welcome to the party. It'll be a night like no other, one you'll never forget.

Meanwhile 9,000 homes and businesses remain without power this morning. More Than six thousand properties lost supply at the peak of the storm last night. The worst hit areas were in the west and North of the county with the likes of Kildysart, Kilrush, Corofin, Doonbeg, Ennistymon, The Hand, Kilfenora and Ennis bieng heavily effected. ESB Technical Manager Michael Sammin say crews are working to restore supply, but admits its expected to take till tomorrow for electricity to be restored for many.

Clare County Council has been accused of presenting a "word blizzard" when consulting the public about various tourism projects. The first meeting of Clare's Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee Meeting this week has heard discussion around the input of communities in the Cliffs of Moher 2040 Strategy. Published in September of 2023, the preliminary draft strategy involved consultation with 5,100 local residents, 14 key stakeholders, six business organisations and six community groups. Kilfenora-based Clare Public Participation Network representative on the Tourism Development SPC, Andy Lambert, says the way in which public consultation is carried out doesn't allow for meaningful engagement with communities.

It's claimed all post offices in Clare are at risk amid the closure of a prominent Ennis branch. An Post has confirmed its Market Street office will shut for the final time at 4pm on October 31st, as it has been unable to fill a vacancy arising from the retirement of the outgoing Postmaster. It marks the seventh post office closure in Clare since 2018, with, Broadford,Cree, Craggagh-Fanore, Doonbeg, Lissycasey and Kilfenora all having lost their institutions in recent years. Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor and Postmaster Tom O'Callaghan says the current operating model is flawed.

In a new TG4 series from IWR Media, Caomhnóirí na Talún, they follow five Irish farmers over the course of a year as they farm with nature. From an extensive suckler farm on Inis Mór island to the karst beauty of the Burren to the dairy heartland of east Cork, ther cameras follow as these farmers create and conserve habitats on their farms, pioneer new ideas and try to find a way to protect wildlife and their living. Irish farmers, trying to balance nature and farming Across the country we've seen catastrophic declines of birds, wild bees and native plants. Even once common birds of our farmland and open countryside like the skylark and kestrel, are now in deep trouble. The intensification of farming and forestry directed by policy and payments over decades, is seen as one of the most significant contributors to these losses - as land use changed, as wetlands and bogs were drained and reclaimed, as pesticide use and chemical fertiliser increased or as grass management changed such as the switch from hay meadows to silage. As more and more land was brought into production, there was less and less space for wildlife. Yet if biodiversity is to improve, if habitat loss can be reversed or even halted, it is across Irish farmland that change will happen. If it's to happen, farmers are the ones who will turn this crisis around. And across the country there's a growing number of farmers who are forging that path and farming with nature. Over the course of a year, our cameras follow five of these farmers as they create habitats like ponds, nettle patches or bee scrapes on their farms. As they let their hedgerows grow, blossom and fruit. As they discover treasure in the fields. As they adopt new farming techniques like mob grazing or no-till to regenerate soil on intensive ground. Or as they keep faith with traditions such as the winterage [winter grazing] that maintain the wildflower beauty of landscapes like the Burren and the Aran islands. All while trying the find a balance between nature and the realities of making a living from farming. The Farmers Pádraic Ó Flaithearta has a small dry stock suckler herd on Inis Mór and like hundreds of farmers across the Aran islands, Pádraic farms traditionally in one of the most unique habitats of machair and species-rich grassland. John Arnold and his wife Mary run a dairy farm in Bartlemy, east Cork and are part of the flagship farmer-led B.R.I.D.E project [Biodiversity Regeneration in a Dairying Environment]. Full-time teacher and part-time farmer Eoin Collins, farms a suckler beef herd with Dad Michael in Kilfenora, Co. Clare where traditional farming practices maintain the rich flora of their Burren land. Journalist and organic farmer Hannah Quinn-Mulligan farms in partnership with her grandmother Catherine on their Limerick farm where Hannah's been increasing habitats and trialing new farming practices to help nature. And outside Maynooth, Norman Dunne, alongside Dad Michael, has switched to a regenerative farming approach which sees him try to rebuild fertility and life in the soil after decades of intensive tillage. An IWR Media production for TG4 2024 with funding from Coimisiún na Meán. Caomhnóirí na Talún is Written & Directed by Mary Brophy. Co-Directed & Produced by Neal Boyle. More about the show in Irish Tá meath tubaisteach tagtha ar éin, beacha fiáine agus plandaí dúchasacha ar fud na tuaithe. Áirítear diansaothrú na feirmeoireachta agus na foraoiseachta ar cheann de na cúiseanna is mó atá leis seo. Ach má tá feabhas le teacht ar an mbithéagsúlacht, is ar thalamh feirme na tíre a tharlóidh sé. Leantar cúigear feirmeoirí sa tsraith nua seo ó IWR Media agus iad ag feirmeoireacht leis an dúlra, ag cruthú nó ag caomhnú gnáthóga ar a bhfeirmeacha, ag triail smaointe nua agus iad ag iarraidh an dúlra agus a slí bheatha a chosaint. Across the countryside we've seen catastrophic declines of birds, wild bees and native plants. Even once common birds like the skylark and kestrel are n...

Faoin Tuath is part of the Queer Sheds initiative, which aims to tackle the social isolation experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals in rural Ireland. This new project provides a space for community building, skill sharing, and solidarity among LGBTQ+ people. The festival, held at the Common Knowledge Centre in Kilfenora from July 26th to July 28th, offers a diverse array of activities. To learn more, Peter O'Connell spoke with Fionn Kidney, Co-founder of Queer Sheds.

The Kilfenora Ceilí Band will be playing the beautiful surrounds of the Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre later this month. The show forms part of this year's Vandeleur Festival Kilrush. The band will have superb support, in the shape of Cratloe's Ger O'Donnell.

It's claimed schools in Clare's urban centres are being "swamped" due to an uneven spread of social housing. There are over 2,800 people on the social housing list in this county at the moment with almost 700 of these seeking a house with between three and five beds. The most popular areas of choice are Ennis, Shannon and Clarecastle while the least popular are Kilfenora, Kilmaley and Kilmihil. Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy believes locating social housing units in different parts of Clare would have a positive effect on rural communities and relieve pressure on services in urban centres.

A Clarecastle councillor believes the Government must look at international best practice to secure the survival of the post office network. A funding package of €30 million over a three-year fixed period was introduced in 2022 to support a "sustainable, nationwide post office network". Broadford, Cooraclare, Cree, Craggagh-Fanore, Doonbeg, Lissycasey and Kilfenora are among the communities in Clare that have lost their post offices in recent years, while over 200 nationwide have closed their doors since 2018. Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor says if countries such as New Zealand can have profitable post office services, so too can Ireland.

Pat spoke to Dena McGrath and Paula Carroll at  the recent launch of the creativity for wellbeing initiative developed by Clare County Council's Healthy Clare and Age Friendly Clare programmes in partnership with Cuimhneamh an Chláir (Clare Memories), IFA Clare Farm Families Committee and the HSE's Connecting for Life teams. The project which was funded by Creative Ireland - Clare targeted 5 Mart areas across County Clare (Ennis, Kilfenora, Kilrush, Scariff and Sixmilebridge), and worked with the farmers in those areas to graphically capture Past, Present and Future farming from our farmers perspective. . https://clarememories.ie/ https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/farmers-weaving-stories-together?fbclid=IwAR1IQgNx3DaNDI8mnMdadsMZsoe7Pu03QA0cvN5H2q9qgOMWo055laa7h9M   Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 16th December 2023 from the SBCR studio   Hosted by Pat O'Brien and Anthony Lenihan. Saturday Chronicle is kindly sponsored by James M Nash and Co and Derg Kitchen Design   http://dergkitchendesign.ie 

Ireland has lost another one of its musical greats with the death of Shane MacGowan. The Pogues' frontman passed away in the early hours of Thursday, at the age of 65. Born on Christmas Day in 1957, he will always be remembered for ‘Fairytale of New York', one of the most popular Christmas songs in history. Many from the world of music and beyond have been paying tribute to Shane MacGowan, including President Michael D. Higgins, who released a statement in which he said, “Shane will be remembered as one of music's greatest lyricists...his words have connected Irish people all over the globe to their culture and history, encompassing so many human emotions in the most poetic of ways.” To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Katie Theasby, a singer from Kilfenora, and drummer, Ray Fean. Picture (c) Getty Images

Bus Eireann has identified a contractor to enable the resumption of school bus services from Meelick to Limerick. The route has been suspended since September due to acute driver recruitment and retention difficulties facing the provider. Bus Eireann's policy of not allowing drivers aged over 70 to operate school runs has been identified as a central issue by parents and politicians alike, while its understood the route from Kilfenora to Ennistymon is still facing disruptions. Mountshannon Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley believes the government must make the career more attractive to prevent future hardship for parents and guardians.

On Monday's Morning Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by Seamie Garrihy from Kilfenora who featured on this year's Late Late Toy Show. The Late Late Toy Show is one of the biggest TV events of the year and it was also a big deal for the new Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty, who was hosting his first ever festive edition of the show. However, this year's Late Late Toy Show was also a massive deal for Clare youngster Seamie Garrihy. The little lad from Kilfenora made a big impression and is the talk of the country!

This week in Boghill, Kilfenora, Ennis a mixture of makers, artists, growers and designers have come together for a week of research, skill sharing and learning at the Common Knowledge Centre. As part of the Homestead Residency, Common Knowledge will host a public event during Design Week. The ‘Homestead Hooley' takes place on today, where the public is invited to join the artists for an evening of storytelling and connection from. To learn more, on Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by, Aoife Hammond, coordinator of the Homeworks Project.

On the 5th of July 2023, SBCR presenters, Daragh Leamy and Anthony Lenihan headed West for Miltown Malbay to soak up the atmosphere of the 51st Willie Clancy Festival.  On their travels they recorded great music and spoke to a number of people including James Morrissey, chairman of Claddagh records, and John Lynch leader of the Kilfenora ceili band. Tune in for an hour of music, history and talk from the Willie Clancy summer school.

Uisce Éireann insists investment in water treatment infrastructure in Clare is ongoing, to offset the effects of high temperatures in the future. The utility has urged people to conserve water this summer, as low reservoir levels caused by elevated temperatures is leading to water shortages and reduced pressure in some areas. The Ennistymon, Lahinch, Fanore, Kilfenora and Ballyvaughan areas are the worst hit, though people across the county are advised to take steps to reduce their water consumption, with ongoing temperatures of around 25 degrees are forecast. Uisce Éireann's Regional Operations Lead, Duane O'Brien says the utility is investment in projects such as Ennistymon Water Treatment Plant to combat water shortages in Clare.

Next week, writers Colm Tóibín, Niamh Campbell and archivist Catriona Crowe come together online for a special discussion of The Barracks - Patrick O'Kane plays David Trimble in a fictional account of the last few days of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations - The Kilfenora Céilí Band takes to the stage of the National Concert Hall.

Brian O'Driscoll who is the founder of Paving The Way Home was invited to speak in the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora in the West of Ireland.  The Diocese holds an annual novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  This talk took place on Monday 6th March 2023 at the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas (known locally as Galway Cathedral).

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by 15 year old Ennistymon boxer Louis Griffin who is set to represent his province and country in an International Box Cup in Poland next weekend. Robert Cassidy who is one of Louis' boxing coaches also joined Alan in studio. Louis discussed his career in boxing to date including the Carpathian Cup, where he will be travelling with a team of six other Irish Champions to Poland to compete in the competition. Robert his trainer praised Louis' ability to take advice and complimented Louis on his bright future ahead in amateur boxing.

Several old time fiddle tunes from Ireland are included in this episode of the Porch Fiddler Podcast along with tunes from the Appalachian Mountains. They include: Humours of Ballyloughlin, Kilfenora, and Fanny Power. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eric-wilson4/message

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Kilfenora Céilí Band Legend John Lynch. John was recently honoured with the Mike Flannagan Award for outstanding achievement in Banjo at Fleadh Ceoil Na hEireann in Mullingar. John spoke to Alan of his fantastic achievement and his lifetime adventure with the Kilfenora Céilí Band.

 Leader and musician of over 30 years with the Kilfenora talks about the groups history as well as taking about recent evolutions within the band and their upcoming appearance at the festival. Interview as Broadcast Live from the dead centre of Scariff on 30th July as part of the harbour Festival 2022. Hosted by Geraldine Colleran and Carol McNamara Saturday  Chronicle is kindly sponsored by James M Nash and Co and Derg Kitchen Design   http://dergkitchendesign.ie

On Thursday's Morning Focus Alan was joined by Bernard Lucas, Cormac Coyne and Brother Liam O'Meara from The Burren Chernobyl Project to discuss the imminent Catríona Lucas Challenge to Mount Kilimanjaro. On June 25th, Clare coast guard volunteer Bernard Lucas, along with Cormac Coyne of Inis Oir and Eoin Keane from Kilfenora will set out to climb 5,895 metres to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. The trio are making the ascent for the Caitriona Lucas Challenge, which is named after Bernard's late wife, Caitriona, who lost her life off the coast of Clare on the 12th of September, 2016 - the first Irish Coast Guard volunteer to die while on a call-out. All funds raised as a result of the challenge will go to the Burren Chernobyl Project.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Orla Vaughan, Organiser of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, to address the controversy over a float depicting a deceased Carlow pensioner being brought to a post office. Photo (c) Svetlanais from Getty Images Pro via canva.com

Mike Church Show-The Spirit Of St. Patrick LIVES In Ireland And The Irish Freedom Party with Michael Leahy LIVE from Kilfenora Ireland  SPECIAL GUEST MICHAEL LEAHY - New Chairman of the Irish Freedom Party Irish Freedom Party - https://www.irishfreedom.ie/member/michael-leahy/ About Michael Leahy: He has been involved in a variety of community and voluntary organisations in Clare for many years. He is a former chairman of the Clare Pro-Life Campaign and was actively involved in both the Nice and Lisbon treaty referenda in attempting to prevent the expansion of EU power. He has recently become extremely concerned at the loss of liberty and freedom of the Irish people at the hands of an ever-expanding state. He was a founder member of the Irish Freedom Party in 2019 and was elected vice chairman in 2020.   Michael Leahy is an Architect and Planner by profession. He set up practice in 1986 and has long experience of running a business and as an employer. He is the former President of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce and was a board member for Bord Pleanála from 2012 to 2017. He has strong involvement in the local community including charitable and cultural groups. Michael is passionate about rural regeneration and making it affordable for people to access the housing market. European Union  What We Represent: Irish Freedom is a national movement of the Irish people and a political party with the primary objective of re-establishing the national independence and sovereignty of Ireland and restoring its national democracy by leaving the European Union. You can imagine if Texas wanted to secede from the United States if wouldn't happen overnight so this is a long battle/fight. What We Support: The Irish Freedom Party supports all democratic endeavours to achieve the consent of the voters of Northern Ireland for a re-united and independent Ireland under the control of the Irish people and not that of either London or Brussels MOST of our laws are passed in Brussels. The Catholic Church used to be central to our society. We used to have 60% Mass attendance now it is less than 6% and 10-15% in more rural areas. 1937 the Irish Constitution  It was passed by a vote of the people 57%, it is largely Natural Law based. I can remember 20-25% inflation -  Our Readers And Listeners Keep Us In Print & On The Air! Click here to subscribe to The CRUSADE Channel's Founders Pass Member Service & Gain 24/7 Access to Our Premium, New Talk Radio Service. www.crusadechannel.com/go What Is The Crusade Channel? The CRUSADE Channel, The Last LIVE! Radio Station Standing begins our LIVE programming day with our all original CRUSADE Channel News hosted by award winning,  25 year news veteran Janet Huxley. Followed by LIVE! From London, “The Early Show with Fiorella Nash & Friends. With the morning drive time beginning we bring out the heavy artillery The Mike Church Show! The longest running, continual, long form radio talk show in the world at the tender age of 30 years young! Our broadcast day progresses into lunch, hang out with The Barrett Brief Show hosted by Rick Barrett “giving you the news of the day and the narrative that will follow”. Then Kennedy Hall and The Kennedy Profession drives your afternoon by “applying Natural Law to an unnatural world”!    The CRUSADE Channel also features Reconquest with Brother André Marie, The Fiorella Files Book Review Show, The Frontlines With Joe & Joe and your favorite radio classics like Suspense! and CBS Radio Mystery Theater. We've interviewed hundreds of guests, seen Brother Andre Marie notch his 200th broadcast of Reconquest; The Mike Church Show over 1500 episodes; launched an original LIVE! News Service; written and produced 4 Feature Length original dramas including The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes and set sail on the coolest radio product ever, the 5 Minute Mysteries series! Combined with our best in the business LIVE!

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/y98wd4tn Bishop of Clonfert appointed Bishop of Galway. Easpag Chluain Fearta ceaptha mar Easpag ar Ghaillimh. The Catholic Bishop of Clonfert, Michael Duignan, has now been appointed Bishop of Galway. Is é Easpag Caitliceach Chluain Fearta, Michael Duignan atá ceaptha anois mar Easpag ar Ghaillimh. The announcement was made in Galway Cathedral this morning when Mass was read and the main celebrant was Pope Nuncio Jude Okolo. Rinneadh an fógra in Ard-Eaglais na Gaillimhe ar maidin nuair a léadh Aifreann agus ba é Nuncio an Phápa,Jude Okolo, an príomh- cheiliúraí. The future of Clonfert and the Diocese of Galway - Kilmacdow as well as the Apostolic Administration of Kilfenora will be the responsibility for the future. Beidh cúraimí Chluain Fearta agus Dheoise na Gaillimhe-Chill Mhic Dhuach chomh maith le Riaradh Aspalda Chill Fhionnúrach ar an Easpa Duignan feasta. Bishop Michael Duignan, 51, is a native of Athlone. 51 bliain d'aois atá an tEaspag Michael Duignan, as Áth Luain ó dhúchas. He succeeds Bishop who has resigned from Brendan Kelly. Tagann sé i gcomharbacht ar an Easpag Breandán Ó Ceallaigh (Brendan Kelly) atá éirithe as a chuid cúraimí. Bishop Kelly, now 75, was also at the altar in the cathedral this morning. Bhí an tEaspag Ó Ceallaigh, atá 75 anois é féin freisin ar an altóir san ardeaglais ar maidin. In an address given by Bishop Duignan, he thanked Pope Francis 'for the confidence he has shown in me in carrying out these additional tasks'. In aitheasc a thug an tEaspag Duignan,ghabh sé buíochas leis an bPápa Proinsias 'as an muinín atá léirithe aige ionam na cúraimí breise seo a chomhlíonadh'. He also said that he was very interested in Irish and that he would ask people with Irish in his dioceses to help him with the language. Dúirt sé freisin go raibh suim mhór aige i gcúrsaí Gaeilge agus go mbeadh sé ag iarraidh ar dhaoine le Gaeilge sna deoisí atá aige chuile chúnamh a thabhairt dó leis an teanga. This is the first time that 2 major Catholic dioceses on the island of Ireland have come together under one bishop. Is í seo an chéad uair riamh a bhfuil 2 mhórdheoise Chaitliceach ar oileán na hÉireann tagtha le chéile faoi aon easpag amháin. However, the Vatican says that it is not an amalgamation, and that neither diocese will lose whatever independence it already has. Deir an Vatacáin áfach nach aon chomhnascadh atá i gceist, agus nach gcaillfidh ceachtar deoise pé neamhspleáchas atá aici cheana féin. There are currently 26 dioceses on the island for the Catholic community of 4.5m people. 26 deoise atá ar an oileán faoi láthair don phobal Caitliceach de 4.5m duine. Bishop of Clonfert appointed Bishop of Galway Easpag Chluain Fearta ceaptha mar Easpag ar Ghaillimh

Episode 6 features stories of life on the land in Co. Clare. There are stories of farming and of the crafts associated with it, of entertainment and of the rhythms of rural life in Co. Clare in times past.John Vaughan from Kilfenora tells us about the tradition of wintering out cattle in the magical Burren area of Co. Clare.  Paddy Murphy from Mullagh tells us about cow doctors in the days before vets.  John Queally from Cooraclare and Susan Williams from Kilfenora tell us about the practice in country houses of killing a pig for food.  Teresa Flynn from Mountshannon describes the typical vegetable garden that was part of most farms in Co. Clare.  John Minogue from Glendree, Tulla gives a beautifully detailed and technical description of thatching houses.   Jimmy Gleeson from Coore in West Clare, tells us of supplementing farm incomes by hunting rabbits.  Patrick Flanagan from Doolin describes the joy of country house dances when the work day was over.The first 6 episodes of this podcast are funded by The Heritage Council. Follow the work of Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Instagram or Facebook

On this week's episode of Clare Means Business, Josh speaks with Kilfenora businesswoman Melanie O Shea who speaks about her journey from Adelaide to North Clare and the setting up of her Gruaig salon business. He also hears about a new Property Industry Ireland submission which calls for changes to the Central Bank's mortgage lending rules.

Episode 3 features stories of the working lives of women in Co. Clare.Susan Williams in Kilfenora and Maura McInerney in Killaloe talk of hard physical labour.  Peggy Hogan in Feakle tells us of the magic of the washing machine.  Susan Barrett in Inagh and Annie Corry in Tulla tell stories of childbirth.  Nora McMahon in Ennistymon, Bridie Morgan and Mary Casey in Corofin all tell us about the work young girl-children were expected to do.  Moira Garry in Cooraclare and Nan Aherne in Ennistymon ran their own businesses.  The first 5 episodes of this podcast are funded by The Heritage Council. Follow the work of Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Facebook. 

"Lie flat , kiss the sky , and let the moon bathe your eyes .."Want to become a THL Member and get extra bonus episodes every Monday, ad-free plus instant access to over 30+ exclusive episodes? Sign up at https://www.thlpod.com.Follow The Tommy, Hector & Laurita Podcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you enjoy the podcast the easiest way to help us spread the word is to leave a review!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-tommy-and-hector-podcast-with-laurita-blewitt.

Enda Gallery is a songwriter, multi-intrumentalist musician and respected producer living near Kilfenora, Co Clare. He also spends a lot of his time in Berlin. Enda's acclaimed debut album is titled The Journey to Zero and it's well worth checking out, as are his collaborations and productions with numerous other artists. Find the video version of this episode on YouTube and Facebook. Look up Creative Souls of Clare podcast. With thanks to Creative Ireland Clare and Clare CoCo Community Support Scheme, and to all listeners. Also check out Ruairí McKiernan's Love and Courage podcast. 

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Almada, suffered a heart attack in Kilfenora while on holiday, from Massachusetts and Micheal Sheridan, CEO of the Irish Community Air Ambulance. Michael joined us to pay tribute to the work of the Community Air Ambulance before he returns to the States this weekend. © Pat Flynn

On Monday's Morning Focus, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Kilfenora musician Tara Howley and Wedding Planner with Coordination Made Easy, Kate Deegan to discuss the change to Fáilte Ireland guidelines to allow live music in outdoor settings and allow outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people.

Ministers in the UK will debate a law that would force people to provide a verified ID before being able to set up a social media account. The petition was launched by model and reality star Katie Price, following online because aimed at her son Harvey. It has since gained traction following racist comments which were made towards Marcus Rashfored, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho after they failed to score in the penalty shoot-out Euro 2020 final. But how would this work in practice and would it benefit the wider social media community? On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Clarke-Browne from Munster Images and by Tara Howley, Singer/Songwriter from Kilfenora. Picture © Pixabay

A conversation about Enda's life. This was an exciting one for me because Enda is both a perfect guest for this podcast - he initially set out on a career in accountancy but quickly realised that he should become a musician instead and is now really gathering steam in terms of public acclaim for his music - but also he is a relative of mine. We share a great great grandfather from Ennistymon in Co Clare. Before this interview we had literally never met or spoken before. You'll hear more about our Gallery connection early in the interview and from there you'll hear all about Enda's genuinely inspiring story of leaving accountancy to study music, a bold move to Berlin to give it a crack in an exciting and artist-friendly city and much more about his trajectory since then including his thoughts on the fear people experience in trying to be creative, the effect of meditation on his life and how he set up his own music label. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R9Sg7ssqJSc (https://youtu.be/R9Sg7ssqJSc) Episode overview: 2.40-10.18 Gallery connection, Ennistymon and Enda's family 10.18-17.25 Beginnings of passion for music, work ethic and youth 17.25-33.33 Moment of epiphany in Porto, time studying commerce, triathlon training, time in accountancy 33.33-54.55 Transition to music, reaction of others, his approach to creating music, choosing Berlin and early days there 54.55-1.13.21 Effect of meditation on his life, things feeling more solid, getting a job in an AI startup to pay artists he worked with, setting up his own label 1.13.21-1.41.05 Collaborations with other artists, Irish hip-hop, facing fears in creativity, the value of trying, how he feels in performance, closing out with more on Enda's family and the Gallery connection Guest: Enda Gallery Host and producer: Donal Gallery  Recorded using Zoom between North London and Kilfenora, County Clare, Ireland Artwork by Anna Obert https://www.instagram.com/annaobertillustration/  Music by Donal Gallery  Twitter: https://twitter.com/PathsPodcast  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PathsPodcast  Get in touch with stories of people who've lived unusual lives at pathspodcastpeople@gmail.com  Thanks for listening Support this podcast

Stephen Fletcher talks to Aidan O'Sullivan from Church of Ireland community in Spanish Point about plans to repair and refurbish the 12th Century St Fachtnan's cathedral in Kilfenora, which has been a place of worship since the 5th century.

Kilfenora flute player Noel O'Donoghue talks about his musical legacy and 30 years resident musician at Gus O'Connors, Doolin.  The Morning Dew presents the best of Irish traditional music and song along with unique live interviews with artists about their musical journey, creative projects and  relevant issues relating to the changing landscape during covid. Scariff Bay Community Radio supporting the traditional arts. Originally broadcast Sunday 11th April 2021. Full version of show available here https://www.mixcloud.com/Scariffbaypodcasts/the-morning-dew-with-cliodhna-donnellan-11th-april-2021/ www.clicreativechange.com  

We ARE the source.' John Kelly of Capel Street and Scattery Island. Hiding the fiddle under your jacket in Dublin in the rare oul times. Strange hornpipes, slip jigs, slides. Patsy Geary, Jimmy O'Donahue and Kilfenora's three bakeries. The memory palace and preserving a life. Ireland, Australia, Tommy Potts posters and the evocative power of seagulls. Searching out the music in Darwin. Sydney, Melbourne and going back home. Also, maybe young kids shouldn't listen to the intro of this ep. There's a bit of Santa chat in there they might wanna miss. Thanks to Bill Martin of Geelong for helping make this episode possible. Mary Brennan's (after Aoife's great, great grandmother from Scattery Island) Hornpipes - The Ebb Tide and John Kelly's Hornpipe Jigs - Bimish Ag Ol, Patsy Gearys and Brian O'Lynn's Two reels - The Cabin Hunter and Delia Crowley's Three jigs - Scattery Island, Siney Crotty's and John Kelly's Slide The amazing website Aoife created archiving the music and work of her grandfather, John Kelly, is here: http://johnkellycapelstreet.ie/ And you can find Aoife's web design work here: https://www.aoifekelly.com You can find more info about Mise Fosta here: https://www.instagram.com/misefosta/ 'We aim to change the culture of abuse and harassment within the Irish traditional music & dance scene. Contact us at misefostarunda@gmail.com' And you'll find FairPlé here: https://www.fairple.com/ 'FairPlé aims to achieve gender balance in the production, performance, promotion, and development of Irish traditional and folk music. We advocate for equal opportunity and balanced representation for all.' To listen, stream or download simply click a link below: Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims. -- Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast. We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn't keep putting out an episode a week. That's why we're asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head. For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you'll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don't or can't chip in. And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do. Darren & Dom www.blarneypilgrims.com www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Kilfenora; the nervous you get playing in front of ten people, worse than playing in front of a thousand. Leaving your ego at the door. Being happy with what you're doing, being happy within yourself. First hearing the pipes and the trials of competition. Restless creativity, and finding your way to Riverdance. Managing social media and the inner self. (And a Burmese Mountain Dog called Saoirse). The tunes: The Cat's Meaow (Joanie Madden) and Ward's Jig The Three Kilfenoras A Slow Air... Queen of the Fair and Two jigs Tara Howley Music: www.facebook.com/tarahowleymusic/ Tara's Instagram is here: www.instagram.com/tarahowleymusic/ There's a cool video of Tara and her dad here: Tara Howley Traditional Irish Music and Dance www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVMrAJN5UzQ Thanks Tara. Lovely stuff. -- To listen, stream or download simply click a link below: Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims. -- Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast. We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn't keep putting out an episode a week. That's why we're asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head. For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you'll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don't or can't chip in. And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do. Darren & Dom www.blarneypilgrims.com www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

We present the second half of our conversation with Peter and Kemberlee from All Ireland Travel (see show notes from Episode 12). B&B Vouchers Vouchers for accommodation at B&Bs (and sometimes hotels) are often part of vacation packages for travel in Ireland, or they may be sometimes be purchased separately. We have never used vouchers on any of our trips to Ireland. We neither condone nor condemn their use. You really have to decide for yourself if you think they would work well for your travel plans. How do you make that decision? Take a look at some of the following sites for more information. On this site, Michele Erdvig (an Ireland Expert from IrelandYes.com) gives readers an interesting take on when she thinks B&B vouchers may or may not be a good value for travel in Ireland. http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ireland-144/2009/2/B-B-Vouchers-Ireland.htm Read this article for a good look at the pros and cons of the vouchers. http://www.dochara.com/save/save-on-accommodation/bed-breakfast-vouchers/ Peter and Kemberlee's favorite places to visit in Ireland: Killarney Countryside Killarney National Park http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/ The Gap of Dunloe Here, we will make appropriate use of the wonderful descriptions Kemberlee and Peter have placed on their website of places of interest in Ireland. http://www.all-ireland.com/attractions/munster/kerry/gapofdunloe.htm#brandon Here is a general description of the Gap of Dunloe. http://www.irishtourism.com/attractions-ireland/gap-of-dunloe_155224-attraction.htm And the following description of the Gap comes from the Planet Ware website (www.planetware.com). “The western part of the Killarney National Park extends from the Upper Lake to the southwest shore of the Lower Lake by way of Purple Mount (2,698ft/822m) and its northern foothills. This range of hills is separated from Macgillicuddy's Reeks to the west by the rocky defile known as the Gap of Dunloe, best reached from the R562, which follows the north side of the Lower Lake. From the road to the Gap, which goes off on the left just after the golf courses, can be seen Dunloe Castle, set amid trees, and a group of ogham stones (National Monument). It is customary to drive as far as Kate Kearney's Cottage, but from there the climb to the pass (some 2.5mi/4km) is usually continued in a jaunting car, on a pony or on foot. There are five little lakes, fed by a rapid mountain stream. The highest of these is Serpent Lake, into which St Patrick is said to have consigned all the snakes he expelled form Ireland. The mighty rocks bearing the marks of glacial action which flank the gorge give an excellent echo. From the top of the pass (784ft/239m) there are superb views of hills, valleys and lakes in the varied shades of green, yellow and brown presented by the vegetation and the red sandstone rocks.” This little gem is one visitor's description of the walk through the Gap. It's a very wonderful description of most of the walk. We say “most of the walk” because the family in the story didn't walk all the way through the Gap to the Black Valley side. It's a shame that many people don't get all the way through, too, because we really thought that last mile and a half were probably the most beautiful and serene of the whole walk. (Unless you pay them extra, the jaunting cars don't go further than the third lake in the gap, and there's still a couple of miles of gorgeous valley to be experienced from there!) http://www.irelandforvisitors.com/articles/the_gap.htm A thorough description (with photos) of how many tourists make the trek through the Gap of Dunloe and back to Killarney Town each day: http://www.lakehotel.com/Gap_of_dunloe.htm The Black Valley On our visit to Killarney National Park this year, we were determined to walk the Gap of Dunloe, and (thanks to confirmation from Peter and Kemberlee) we decided to start our walk at the Gap Head on the Black Valley end of the Gap. We did this because we had heard stories about how crowded it can get at the other end of the gap where most people begin their journey. We parked next to a little church in the Black Valley and made our way up the switchbacks in the road leading up into the gap. When we arrived at the other end of the gap, we had a lovely lunch at Kate Kearney's Cottage and, as it had begun to rain in earnest, we decided to hire a jaunting car to take us up to the third lake (which is generally as far as they go before they turn around and head back). From there, we continued walking through the rest of the gap and back to our car in the Black Valley. The road down into the Black Valley is not a drive for the faint of heart or the inexperienced driver, but the rewards are well worth it, if you can stomach the narrow, bumpy roads. At the bottom of the drive, you can either turn right toward Lord Brandon's Cottage or left toward the Gap of Dunloe. The drive to Lord Brandon's Cottage is really beautiful (and the road has been repaved beginning at the point where it enters Killarney National Park property) and worth a look! You could park your car at the small lot near the gates at Six Arch Bridge and walk the extra 2 or 3 km to the Gap of Dunloe, and we considered doing that, but decided against it. We were very glad that we didn't have to walk the extra distance at the end of our day, as we were water-logged (despite the proper gear and apparel) and VERY tired from fighting against the wind the last couple of miles! On a fairly nice day, though, it might not have been too bad. We'll never know… Muckross House and Gardens http://www.muckross-house.ie/ We have, admittedly, never visited Muckross House, but it looks to be a lovely period house that has been very well maintained and furnished. We would like to stop in during one of our future trips. Gougane Barra You might not recognize this name at first, but many of you may have seen photos of the fairly well-known oratory of St. Finbarr, which is located on an island in Gougane Barra Forest Park. http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&rec_site=88 http://www.gougane.cork2020.com/ We were quite heartbroken that, due to the late hour of the day when we passed by, we were unable to make the detour to visit. The park also contains the source of the mighty River Lee (which eventually travels downhill to Cork City and out into Cork Harbour). We will be back to visit Gougane Barra! Dublin City Just about everyone who visits Ireland will spend some amount of time in Dublin City. There are many, many worthwhile things to see and do in the city, but you won't need a car. For this reason, we generally suggest to our listeners that they visit Dublin either at the beginning of their stay or at the end of their stay (before they pick up a rental car or after they've dropped it off). It's very easy to get to and from Dublin Airport to the city center, and driving in Dublin is, in some ways, more painful than driving in New York City! An informative website to visit, as one might guess, is http://www.dublin.ie/, where you can plan out your itinerary. Be sure to make note of any festivals or special events that might affect where you can and cannot go. Below are a couple of the bus companies that provide the hop-on/hop-off tours of the city, as was mentioned in the podcast. http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/  (Dublin Bus Tour) http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/pdf/tours_08.pdf (Here's where you can download the PDF flyer for the Dublin Bus Tours) http://www.irishcitytours.com/hop_citydublin.htm (Irish Sightseeing Tours - the red and yellow buses) You can also book day tours by bus from Dublin City out to places like the Wicklow Mountains and Malahide and Brú na Bóinne. The Antrim Coast As we have mentioned in previous podcasts, we have not made it into Northern Ireland yet. We would like to make a special trip of 2-3 weeks, in order to give the region the attention it deserves. http://www.northantrim.com/ The following site includes information about Glenarriff, a favorite area that Kemberlee mentions in the interview. http://www.causewaycoastandglens.com/ (Causeway Coast and Glens) The Beara Peninsula (and West County Cork) If you would like general information about the peninsula, consult the following website: http://www.bearatourism.com/ The Beara Way is popular walking route located on the Beara Peninsula. The length of the complete walk is apparently difficult to estimate. Some information indicates the walk is 115 miles, while others maintain that is over 130 miles. In all fairness, there are several splinter routes that go off the main route, so the distance you would go would probably be determined by the number of those splinter routes you explore. Even if you don't get out of your car and walk at all (which would be a real shame, because you'll miss a lot of really interesting sites), the Beara Peninsula offers beautiful landscapes and vistas along the main ring road, and you'll not generally find the number of people and vehicles that you would find on, say, the Ring of Kerry right next door! Dingle Peninsula A good site for information about your trip to the Dingle Peninsula. http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/ Dingle is also less crowded than the Ring of Kerry, generally, but there are many historical/archaeological sites of interest. As the Wikitravel website describes the area: “The landscape is wild and beautiful from the eastern spine of the peninsula in the steep Slieve Mish (mountain of phantoms) to the western end where the land breaks into a scattering of uninhabited and dramatic islands and cliffs and beaches alternate around the coast. Dingle town (An Daingean) is small enough to walk and big enough to be lively.” http://wikitravel.org/en/Dingle_Peninsula North Clare Doolin “Doolin is a small fishing village on the west coast of Ireland, often referred to as the capital of Irish traditional music.” – this is the description on the Doolin website: http://www.doolinireland.net/. For further information on Doolin and its environs, refer to: http://www.doolin-tourism.com/ The Burren The Burren is basically a geological region of County Clare. http://www.burrenpage.com/ Wikipedia describes it this way:  Its “rolling hills are composed of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks known as "grikes", leaving isolated rocks called "clints". The region supports arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants side by side, due to the unusual environment. The blue flower of the Spring Gentian, an alpine plant, is used as a symbol for the area by the tourist board. Burren's many limestone cliffs, particularly the sea-cliffs at Ailladie, are popular with rock-climbers. For potholers (spelunkers), there are a number of charted caves in the area.” The Burren Centre in Kilfenora is a great place to start your visit to the Burren region. You can view an informative video about the Burren and walk through the exhibition area where you'll get an understanding of how the Burren came to be and what life on the Burren has been like for animals, plants, and man. http://www.theburrencentre.ie/ This is one of our favorite pages about the Burren: http://www.burrenbeo.com/ Derry City, Northern Ireland You may still hear Derry referred to as Londonderry, but most locals simply refer to the city as Derry. Derry has a long and, sometimes, unsettled history. But its turbulent history is always interesting. http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/http://www.derryvisitor.com/ Here is a brief history of Derry (up to the 1920s). http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukider01.htm A Wikipedia article examines more of Derry's history and geography. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry Carrickfergus, County Antrim Dobbins Castle (a.k.a. D'Aubins Castle or Dobbins Inn Hotel) A little of the history of the hotel and its ghost(s) can be found at the All Ireland Travel website: http://www.all-ireland.com/accommodations/ulster/antrim/dobbinsinnhotel.htm Glenariff, County Antrim Glenariff, sometimes called the “Queen of the Glens,” is one the famous Glens of Antrim. It is the largest of the glens and was shaped, as were the others, by glaciers during the Ice Age. One of the most popular places to visit in this beautiful glen is the forest park: http://www.irelandholidays.net/English/Activities/Glenariff/Forestpark.htm We hope you enjoyed listening in on our afternoon conversation in Inchigeela. We'll meet you again down the road!