AirBnB in Ireland is a wonderful hybrid of cottages and private rooms for rent with a smattering of bed & breakfasts and hostels including their accommodations for additional business exposure. The options are nearly endless… depending on where in Ireland you search your options can include private castles, thatch-roofed cottages, and city center apartments. But not…
Join Jody as she chats with author Mary Pat Kelly about her passion for Ireland, her inspiration for the novels Galway Bay and Of Irish Blood, and find out Mary Pat’s 3 favorite places in Ireland. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen. Stream our podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Libsyn and Google Play Music. Show…
Our first stop as we explored County Kilkenny was Jerpoint Abbey. Located near Thomastown, just south of Kilkenny, you really can’t miss it as it nestles up to a curve of the N9 (a major roadway). We received a great lesson on the history of Jerpoint Abbey from Sheila in the interpretive center- be sure to…
Did you know that Ireland used to be covered in trees? It’s true- only 1% of Ireland’s native woodlands remain. Join Jody as she chats with Lyn Nelson, Director of Emerald Heritage about saving Ireland’s native woodlands – one square foot of land at a time. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen. Stream our…
Today, Jody is joined by her best friend, Kara, who just made her first trip to Ireland this summer. Kara is talking about her experience with being gluten-intolerant and eating in Ireland. She also talks about her overall experience with visiting Ireland for the first time. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you…
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…
Fota Wildlife Park is a quick 10km from Cork City, but the 100 acres of parkland feel like they are miles from the bustling town. A zoological park with ‘open and natural’ surroundings for animals, Fota Wildlife Park offers the feeling of a safari in a safe, family friendly environment. Wandering around the spacious grounds can…
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….
Jody is flashing back to an interview she had with Anthony Moloney, owner of the wonderful Doolin Hostel. Click on the link to learn more about the Doolin Hostel. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. The information included in this podcast was…
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,…
Recorded: Sunday, April 17, 2016 1 pm CST In this episode, Jody is joined by Lisa Goodmurphy from gonewiththefamily.com who took an 8-day Spring Break Ireland vacation (which included St. Patrick’s Day!) with her family. She’s here to talk about her trip and give recommendations and advice about traveling in Ireland. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON…
I’m a bit embarrassed that my study of the Irish language has become stagnant in the past couple years, though I am proficient enough to read Irish signs. The language system I use is Bitesize Irish Gaelic – Irish language lessons in easy, ‘bitesize’ bits. The following article was gracious written by Eoin Ó’Conchúir. Eoin is a native Irish…
Recorded: Sunday, April 3, 2016 Ireland Vacation Coaching is a service that Jody provides to people who need assistance with planning their own Ireland Family Vacation. In this podcast, you will find out what vacation coaching is as Jody coaches Deb Thompson on her own upcoming trip to Ireland. Jody will also share some great travel…
Recorded: Monday, March 14, 2016 Jody Halsted is a guest on Irish Fireside with Corey Taratuta. She answers Max’s question about choosing the best castles for kids in Ireland. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page. The information included in this podcast was correct…
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…
Recorded: Tuesday, January 19, 2016 7 pm CST In this episode, Jody introduces herself and gives the listeners a brief overview of the history, purpose and the many useful features available on the Ireland Family Vacations website. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen. Stream our podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Libsyn and Google Play Music. Show Notes: (Click…