Join Jody as she talks with Tony Kirby, author and Burren guide, about what makes the Burren in County Clare such a fascinating and unique destination in Ireland. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Tony Kirby, the founder of the Heart of Burren Walks. If you prefer to listen to the podcast,…
Jody is taking to the Atlantic waves again! Join her conversation about surfing in Ireland with Ben Bennett, owner of Ben’s Surf Clinic in Lahinch, County Clare. This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page. Surfing in Ireland Recorded live at Randaddy’s…
In today’s podcast Jody’s guest Joan Hamilton of Doolin2Aran Ferries takes you across the Atlantic waves to the Aran Islands, three islands off the coast of counties Galway and Clare where the old Irish ways are still very much in evidence. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at…
Get off the plane in Shannon and you can be horseback riding in County Clare in under 30 minutes! This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Sarah O’Brien, of Castlefergus Riding Stables. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. Horseback Riding…
Halloween in Ireland, traditionally known as Samhain (SOW-in), marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the ‘darker half’ of the year. Rituals and traditions that we still carry out today were begun in Ireland as far back as 10th century- including pumpkin carving, the wearing of costumes, and trick or treating. Ireland, an already magical…
The end of October may not seem like the ideal time to visit Ireland. The days are getting shorter, the air a bit cooler, the pubs a wee bit quieter. But if Halloween is your favorite holiday, I would encourage you to visit Ireland as Samhain (SOW-een) draws near. As the final harvest approaches and…
The last time I stayed at Doolin Hostel was in 2016. I found it much the same as I had during our stay in 2014: clean, comfortable, welcoming. The only noticeable change was that we didn’t have to wash our own dishes after enjoying the light continental breakfast. It’s obviously time for me to return because…
Yes! Family travel in Ireland is possible! No land is more filled with magic than Ireland. Even if you’re past the age of believing in fairies (though I don’t think you should ever stop believing in fairies) the moment your flight touches down on Irish soil a feeling of possibility washes over you. You just don’t…
Situated on the far eastern edge of County Clare, the village of Killaloe was once known as the ‘Capital of Ireland’. Of course, that was in the early 11th century when Brian Boru was High King of Ireland and he ruled from the town of his birth. Now the town, nestled in a bend of…
Join Jody as she chats with Marie Brennan, the Events Manager for Shannon Heritage, about the company’s top attractions and some of the great events they host. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Marie Brennen, the Events Manager for Shannon Heritage. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find…
Jody is in Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre chatting with Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen. Stream our podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Libsyn and Google Play Music. Show Notes: (Click on times below to Expand) 00:00 Intro Jody is on location at the…
Jody is joined by her eldest daughter, Brenna. On this podcast, Brenna shares her experience attending Connemara Maths Academy (CMA) at Kylemore Abbey. Also, Jody discusses her experience and concerns that a parent might have with allowing their kid to attend CMA. To learn more about CMA, please check out Episode 3 of the Podcast….
It’s true that County Clare lures visitors with a trio of tourist highlights: the towering Cliffs of Moher, the unparalleled surprise of the Burren, and Ireland’s friendliest airport in Shannon. But what else can you expect from this western county in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way? Quite a lot, actually. My most recent…
Jody is in Bunratty, Ireland with Maurice Walsh, manager of the famous Durty Nelly’s Pub. This pub is over 400 years-old and sits by the toll-bridge over the river Owengarney. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Maurice Walsh the general manager of Durty Nelly’s. If you prefer to listen to the podcast,…
Jody is joined by Connemara Maths Academy (CMA) Founder & Director Aengus O’Connor B.Sc., D.L.S., M.Phil., P.D.E. They are discussing the wonderful Summer Camp in Ireland offered by the CMA. These fun camps are for all kids, ages 10 and up, regardless of their education level; and are designed to enhance their understanding in math….
It was a funny coincidence that had me meeting Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in 2013. As the girls and I waited for our Cliffs of Moher cruise with Doolin2Aran Ferries, we happened to be standing near a woman who was very knowledgeable about the area. She was happy to…
While I am always on the look out for new attractions and activities to share across Ireland it pays to revisit sites I’ve spent time at in the past. This fall the girls and I returned to the Cliffs of Moher. While we had seen the cliffs from a cruise in 2013, we hadn’t been on top…
Knappogue Castle, owned and managed by Shannon Heritage, was once open for public tours. Though the walled garden is still available to visitors, there are only two ways into the castle: the nightly Medieval Banquet from April – October or via castle rental, for an event or lodging. During our 3 night stay at Knappogue…
Few drives in Ireland are as breath-taking as the Sky Road in Clifden. We experienced this first hand as we made our way to Ocean Villa B&B, our first lodging in Clifden. We were unprepared for the feeling that we could easily drop over the edge of the road- or the thrill that accompanied the views…
Ireland is a land where magic shimmers over each hill, just ahead – if you could only catch it. It pulls you forward, off the quick motorways and onto the slower, narrower roads lined with stone walls and hedgerows. It’s an unhurried pace Ireland draws you to, and you’re well to heed it, as rushing only leads…