I always have three items in my house. Funnily enough, they are mainly used for cooking and baking, and these Irish Trilogy Cupcakes are one of the most popular (and requested) items I make. While they are incredibly popular during St. Patrick’s Day festivities I give them for gifts at Christmas and make them on…
This simple cake is one of my favorites year round. It’s delightful with afternoon tea and wonderful as a dessert with a caramel whiskey sauce. My girls will even eat it for breakfast with fruit. This is a dense cake, not a sponge, and has a mild flavor that allows it to pair with nearly…
Shepherds Pie is a recipe designed to create a second meal from leftover meat, usually lamb. The meat was mixed with a sauce or gravy that contained root vegetables, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked. While the term Shepherds Pie is widely used now, the recipe was first known as Cottage Pie…
Corned beef is as synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day in the United States as a shamrock is with Ireland. And while traditional corned beef and cabbage is not Irish, it is definitely Irish American! Corned Beef Isn’t Irish??? Nope! Corned beef and cabbage actually traces back to New York and the influx of Irish immigrants…
When most people think of scones they think of a sweet treat, maybe served with a bit of jam and clotted cream, sitting aside a cup of tea. And while these scones would also be terrific served with afternoon tea, you definitely don’t want to top them with jam! These Mini Cheddar Scones are savory….
If you love a good stew this is one of the best I’ve ever made. While it can be made, start to finish, in about an hour and a half I prefer to make mine in the late morning and let it simmer on low for hours to really enhance the flavors. And it makes…
You’ll usually find a potato served at every meal in Ireland. They could be boxty (a traditional potato pancake) at breakfast, a side of fat chips at lunch, and mashed or roasted for dinner. Colcannon is a dish traditionally associated with the feast of Samhain (Halloween). During the feast to celebrate the end of the…
I adore Irish food. I think I’ve probably said that many (many) times over the years both on this website and in my podcast. And if I had to choose the one item I eat daily- multiple times if I can- it’s the Brown Bread. This quick, hearty bread is perfect with eggs and black…
Are you beginning to trace your Irish ancestry but are overwhelmed or don’t know where to start? My guest, genealogist and historian Declan Brady from the Irish Family History Centre in Dublin has tips to help you! This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Declan Brady, from the Irish Family History Centre. If…
Ireland is filled with wonderful monastic sites. And while you can expect a few similarities at all of them- spectacular ruins, a round tower, and a great story- each has something special. Glendalough, an easy day trip from Dublin, has the beauty of the Wicklow Mountains with wonderful walks and hikes. Clonmacnoise in County Offaly…
Take a journey off of the Wild Atlantic Way and into the Atlantic Ocean! Step aboard the Scattery Island ferry for an island tour that takes you back in time! This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Irene Hamilton, the owner of Scattery Island Tours. If you prefer to listen to the podcast,…
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,…
Today begins my first guided tour of Ireland! It’s exciting- and a bit terrifying! By the time this podcast loads into your favorite app my group will be wandering through Kilkenny city. And for the next week they will discover ancient places, explore castles, stand upon two sets of cliffs, enjoy an intimate Irish session,…
I am thrilled to welcome author Felicity Hayes-McCoy back to the podcast. It wasn’t that long ago when Felicity first joined me on the podcast to talk about her book The Library at the Edge of the World, her first book to publish in the US. A while back I received a question from a…
Planning a Visit to Derry? Read More Here This article is based on a podcast episode recorded live at the Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, Kansas. This podcast features Nicole McElhinney and Bronagh Sharkey from the Amelia Earhart Legacy Association of Derry. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player…
Jody welcomes returning guest Paula Carroll, Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. Celebrating 80 years of hospitality! Welcom to Ashford Castle This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Paula Carroll, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the…
Atop a hill overlooking the charming town of Westport in County Mayo, Knockranny House Hotel is a perfect accommodation for travelers looking for affordable luxury along the Wild Atlantic Way. Knockranny House Hotel in Westport After a week in Dublin for Temple Bar Trad Fest we were more than ready to slow down and relax…
Do You know the one thing that can ruin your Ireland vacation? No, it’s NOT the weather! It’s planning an Ireland itinerary that has too much driving! This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen. Ireland Vacation Planning Tips When…
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…
I may be biased, but I think A Celtic Experience is the best guided tour of Ireland. Learn why- and how to join me in Ireland this September! A Celtic Experience – My Guided Tour of Ireland I’ve spent years creating magical Ireland itineraries. Now I’ve created what I think is the best guided tour…