Today we're winding our way down an idyllic country road in Ireland to the famed Adare Manor. Set in a charming village of thatched cottages, blooming rose gardens, and cobblestone streets, this jewel of County Limerick will have you wanting to come back over and over again.
Joining me today is Br…Today we're winding our way down an idyllic country road in Ireland to the famed Adare Manor. Set in a charming village of thatched cottages, blooming rose gardens, and cobblestone streets, this jewel of County Limerick will have you wanting to come back over and over again.
Joining me today is Brendon O'Connor, the General Manager of Adare Manor, which recently won the Conde Nast award for Best Resort in Europe. Brendan and I chat about everything from the potato famine to genealogy, to hidden secrets of the Manor, and the incredible local food and culture. If you've ever wanted to know more about Western Ireland, this is the episode for you!
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
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Galway is a popular place to stay in western Ireland, but just how much can you comfortably explore when you use Galway City as your base?
→ See the video of this episode: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/galway-base-explore-ireland/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/
→ Get the Ireland Tra…Galway is a popular place to stay in western Ireland, but just how much can you comfortably explore when you use Galway City as your base?
→ See the video of this episode: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/galway-base-explore-ireland/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/
→ Get the Ireland Travel Compass: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass
We'll look at the day-trip possibilities around Galway, what you can realistically fit into a day, and how to decide when a destination is simply too far away to make sense as a day trip.
This episode is part of my series exploring the best places to stay in Ireland for multiple day trips, helping you choose a base based on what you actually want to see and experience.
Locations highlighted:
- Connemara
- Aran Islands
- Burren
- Athlone
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
When comparing flights to Ireland, it's tempting to focus on the lowest fare or shortest total travel time. But there's another detail worth considering: whether your connection happens before or after your overnight transatlantic flight.
Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/boo…When comparing flights to Ireland, it's tempting to focus on the lowest fare or shortest total travel time. But there's another detail worth considering: whether your connection happens before or after your overnight transatlantic flight.
Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/booking-flights-to-ireland-europe-layovers/ireland-travel-tips/
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
- https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/TRIP
- https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/FAQ
I generally recommend connecting in the North America and flying directly to Ireland from there, rather than flying overnight to London, Amsterdam, or Paris and making another connection.
In this episode, I explain why that choice can make your journey easier and help you enjoy more of your first day in Ireland.
What you'll learn:
• Why I prefer North American connections when flying to Ireland
• What travelers should know about connecting through London Heathrow
• How a European layover can affect your first day in Ireland
• What happened when a canceled flight nearly sent my young daughters and me through Paris
• When a European connection might actually be worth considering
The cheapest flight isn't always the best flight. Think about how you'll feel when you arrive, not just how much you'll spend getting there.
More Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
This is part of my series exploring the best places to stay in Ireland for day trips. This time we're using Dublin as our base to see just how many places you can comfortably explore without changing accommodations.
See the video & article at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-base-explore-…This is part of my series exploring the best places to stay in Ireland for day trips. This time we're using Dublin as our base to see just how many places you can comfortably explore without changing accommodations.
See the video & article at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-base-explore-ireland/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/
Using my Ireland Travel Compass, I'll show you day trip options around Dublin, what falls within a reasonable travel radius, and places you may not have considered when planning your Ireland itinerary.
Destinations recommended in this video:
• Boyne Valley
• Athlone
• Kilkenny
• Wicklow
• Belfast
And what about those popular day tours from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway? Yes, they can be done. We'll look at why possible doesn't necessarily mean recommended, especially when you consider how much of your day will be spent getting there and back.
Everything I'm using to explore these locations is inside my Ireland Travel Compass. The interactive planning map includes hundreds of places to see, things to do, and experiences around Ireland, along with the tools and advice to help you build a realistic itinerary.
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Kinsale may sit at the beginning or the end of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, depending on how you travel it, but this colorful County Cork town deserves more than a quick stop.
Fáilte Ireland certified guide Clodagh FitzGerald shares a local’s perspective on Kinsale, from the history of Charles Fort …Kinsale may sit at the beginning or the end of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, depending on how you travel it, but this colorful County Cork town deserves more than a quick stop.
Fáilte Ireland certified guide Clodagh FitzGerald shares a local’s perspective on Kinsale, from the history of Charles Fort and James Fort to harbour adventures, coastal walks, great food, and some of the best places to explore nearby.
Charles Fort, viewed from the harbour
Highlights include:
Why Kinsale deserves more time than a quick day trip
Charles Fort, James Fort, and the Old Head Signal Tower
Walking tours, harbour cruises, kayaking, and other ways to explore
Where to eat and stay in Kinsale
Day trips to Cork City, Cobh, West Cork, and beyond
Clodagh also shares an important Ireland itinerary tip: don’t over-plan. Quality beats quantity when you’re trying to enjoy Ireland rather than simply check places off a list.
The post Exploring Kinsale, Ireland: Food, Forts & Coastal Adventures appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.more
This is the first in my series exploring the best places to base yourself for day trips in Ireland.
Full article with video & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/central-base-ireland-day-trips/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/
We’re starting in the center of the country to answer a q…This is the first in my series exploring the best places to base yourself for day trips in Ireland.
Full article with video & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/central-base-ireland-day-trips/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/
We’re starting in the center of the country to answer a question I hear all the time: can you stay in one central location and tour all of Ireland? I’ll show you why it can work for some trips... and why one central base may not be as convenient as it sounds.
Using Athlone as our base, I’ll take you into my Ireland Travel Compass to see what you can realistically reach on a day trip. Dublin and Galway look quite manageable. Westport, the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara make for much longer days. And once you start considering places like the Giant’s Causeway or Dingle, the reality of all that driving becomes very clear.
The goal isn’t simply to find a central place to stay. It’s to choose a base that works for what you actually want to see and how much time you’re comfortable spending in the car.
Throughout this series, I’ll use the Ireland Travel Compass to explore different bases around Ireland, what you can comfortably reach from each, what might be pushing it for a day trip, and experiences nearby that you may not have considered.
Learn more about the Ireland Travel Compass: IrelandFamilyVacations.com/compassyt
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Do you actually need a Leap Card when visiting Dublin or traveling around Ireland? Maybe, but the Leap Visitor Card isn't automatically the best choice just because you're a visitor.
Dublin city centre is compact and very walkable, and I rarely use public transportation when I'm exploring the city.…Do you actually need a Leap Card when visiting Dublin or traveling around Ireland? Maybe, but the Leap Visitor Card isn't automatically the best choice just because you're a visitor.
Dublin city centre is compact and very walkable, and I rarely use public transportation when I'm exploring the city. Depending on your plans, individual fares or a Standard Leap Card may cost less than a Visitor Leap Card.
Full article for indepth info & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/leap-card-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/
In this episode I'll explain:
• The difference between a Standard Leap Card and Leap Visitor Card
• How much the Leap Visitor Card costs
• Whether a Leap Card can actually save you money
• Where you can use a Leap Card in Dublin and around Ireland
• Where Leap Cards aren't accepted
• Why you may not need a Leap Card at all
• How and where to purchase one
Planning to take the DART to Howth? I'll also show you a real-world fare comparison that may make you rethink the €8 one-day Visitor Card.
Additional information mentioned in the episode:
- How to get around Ireland: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/travel-ireland-bus-car-train/planning-your-irish-vacation/
- How to use your mobile phone in Ireland: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/tips-using-mobile-phone-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/
- WifiCandy: IrelandfamilyVacations.com/wifi (use code IFV10 for discount_
What's the best way to get around Ireland? It depends on your itinerary, budget, travel style, and how much flexibility you want.
Fill article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/travel-ireland-bus-car-train/planning-your-irish-vacation/
In this video, I break down the pros and cons of tra…What's the best way to get around Ireland? It depends on your itinerary, budget, travel style, and how much flexibility you want.
Fill article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/travel-ireland-bus-car-train/planning-your-irish-vacation/
In this video, I break down the pros and cons of traveling around Ireland by train, bus, rental car, private driver guide, and even boat. We'll look at where each option works well, where it can make your trip more difficult, and why you don't have to choose just one.
Mixing and matching transportation can often make the most sense. You might explore Dublin without a car, take a train to another city, rent a car for the countryside, or hire a private driver guide for a day.
Before deciding how you'll travel around Ireland, figure out what you want your trip to look like... then choose the transportation that fits it.
Topics covered:
- Train travel in Ireland
- Bus travel in Ireland
- Renting a car in Ireland
- Private driver guides in Ireland
- Mixing transportation options in Ireland
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Ireland and the Irish - we all have a story to tell, right? In this episode I get the insider stories from Ireland - both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - from three brilliant guests who all agreed to answer questions about why they love living there, their favourite traditions, what s…Ireland and the Irish - we all have a story to tell, right? In this episode I get the insider stories from Ireland - both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - from three brilliant guests who all agreed to answer questions about why they love living there, their favourite traditions, what surprises visitors and what we as travellers need to know before we go. What I loved most about speaking with these Ireland locals is the variety of their answers - I thought I knew a lot about this part of the world but there's so much more to learn. A huge thanks to Laura, Tony and Colin for being part of this special Chats with Locals episode.
Links:
• Thanks to sponsor, Slowly - download Slowly to start building genuine friendships today -available for free on the App Store and Google Play - https://notaballerina.com/slowly
• Laura Pakenham on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurajpakenham/
• Laura’s book "Irish: History and culture through language" - https://amzn.to/3ST7Z6b
• Colin Johnston’s website https://racingdaydreams.com/
• And huge thanks to Tony O’Sullivan
• Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers
• Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin
• Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com
• Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/402 Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody chats with Caroilín Callery, founder of the National Famine Way, and Edel McWeeney Moran, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, about the Global Irish Famine Way and the Bronze Shoes connecting Ireland's Famine emigration story w…In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody chats with Caroilín Callery, founder of the National Famine Way, and Edel McWeeney Moran, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, about the Global Irish Famine Way and the Bronze Shoes connecting Ireland's Famine emigration story with communities around the world.
Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/global-irish-famine-way/attractions/
Episode highlights:
• How the National Famine Way grew from the story of 1,490 people who left Strokestown in 1847
• Why the Bronze Shoes have become such a powerful symbol for the Irish diaspora
• How the Global Irish Famine Way expanded into Canada and is now growing in the United States
• How local communities and historians are uncovering overlooked Famine stories
• How travelers can experience the National Famine Way and take part in the 180th anniversary events in May 2027
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Ireland's history isn't only castles and green landscapes. Famine, conflict, ancient beliefs, emigration, ghost stories, and traditions surrounding death are woven through the places travelers visit today.
Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dark-tourism-in-ireland/ireland-trav…Ireland's history isn't only castles and green landscapes. Famine, conflict, ancient beliefs, emigration, ghost stories, and traditions surrounding death are woven through the places travelers visit today.
Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dark-tourism-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/
Luisa Golz, Director of Sales at Desmond Tours, completed her PhD research on festivals with dark themes. She joins Jody to explain what dark tourism actually means, why travelers are drawn to these places, and how Ireland's darker history can add depth to a trip without turning the entire vacation into doom and gloom.
Highlights:
• What "dark tourism" actually means — and why you may already be doing it
• Why famine ships, workhouses, and memorials can create such powerful travel experiences
• How Samhain, Halloween, folklore, and "thin places" fit into Ireland's darker traditions
• How to visit places associated with tragedy respectfully
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Credit card rental car coverage can be a useful way to reduce the cost of renting a car in Ireland, but not every card covers Ireland—and even cards that do can have very different limits, exclusions, and requirements.
Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/credit-card-car-rental-…Credit card rental car coverage can be a useful way to reduce the cost of renting a car in Ireland, but not every card covers Ireland—and even cards that do can have very different limits, exclusions, and requirements.
Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/credit-card-car-rental-insurance-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/
I explain what you need to check before declining the rental company's CDW, including proof-of-coverage requirements, credit card holds, vehicle and rental-length restrictions, and what your coverage does—and doesn't—protect.
You'll also learn what can happen financially if the rental car is damaged, why it's worth reading the claims requirements before you leave home, and why detailed photos at pickup and return can be valuable when you're relying on credit card coverage.
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes is travelling again so we'll catch up with her cruising around Ireland where she managed to take in the solar eclipse that happened this week. Plus, last week I got the chance to visit the area of Diamond Valley, only about a 40 minute drive south of Calg…Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes is travelling again so we'll catch up with her cruising around Ireland where she managed to take in the solar eclipse that happened this week. Plus, last week I got the chance to visit the area of Diamond Valley, only about a 40 minute drive south of Calgary. It's also home to Eau Claire Distillery, known for it's fabulous whiskey, gin and vodka and is Canada's most awarded craft distillery. It was a fun night out so we'll talk to the CEO of Eau Cl...more
The Ring of Kerry gets most of the attention on Ireland's southwest coast. The Ring of Beara, right next to it, gets far less — despite having its own mountain pass, its own islands, and the only cable car in Ireland.
Show notes & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/beara-peninsula-cork-kerry…The Ring of Kerry gets most of the attention on Ireland's southwest coast. The Ring of Beara, right next to it, gets far less — despite having its own mountain pass, its own islands, and the only cable car in Ireland.
Show notes & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/beara-peninsula-cork-kerry-coastal-drive-guide/ireland-travel-tips/
Jody talks with Tessa Dennison, publisher of Best of Beara magazine and book, about what makes the Beara Peninsula worth the detour: where to base your trip, the drive over the Healy Pass, the ferry to Bere Island, and a handful of villages most visitors never see.
Highlights:
- Why the Beara Peninsula gets overlooked despite sitting next to two famous coastal drives
- Where to base your trip: Kenmare, Glengarriff, and Bantry
- Driving the Healy Pass and riding Ireland's only cable car to Dursey Island
- Eyeries, the Ballycrovane Ogham Stone, and the ferry to Bere Island
- Tessa's top tips: water-based activities, slowing down, and building in extra time
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Renting a car in Ireland after age 75 is absolutely possible, but not every rental company follows the same policies. Knowing what documentation you may need before you arrive can save time, stress, and unexpected surprises at the rental counter.
See the video episode & more information at IrelandF…Renting a car in Ireland after age 75 is absolutely possible, but not every rental company follows the same policies. Knowing what documentation you may need before you arrive can save time, stress, and unexpected surprises at the rental counter.
See the video episode & more information at IrelandFamilyVacations.com/drive75
In this episode, I explain where to find senior driver policies on rental company websites, compare companies with no additional requirements to those that ask for insurance or medical documentation, and share practical tips to help you choose the right rental company for your Ireland vacation.
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
RVing in Ireland is different from other places - and getting the basics wrong can turn a dream trip into a stressful one.
Jody talks with Sandra Willis, chief explorer at Motorhome Roots Ireland, about what it actually takes to travel Ireland by motorhome or camper van: choosing the right vehicle …RVing in Ireland is different from other places - and getting the basics wrong can turn a dream trip into a stressful one.
Jody talks with Sandra Willis, chief explorer at Motorhome Roots Ireland, about what it actually takes to travel Ireland by motorhome or camper van: choosing the right vehicle size, where you're allowed to park overnight, the apps worth downloading, and the one mistake she sees travelers make again and again.
Visit the full article with helpful links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/motorhome-travel-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/
Highlights:
- Why bigger isn't always better when it comes to motorhome size in Ireland
- The real rules around campsites, aires, and pub car park overnight stays
- The apps Sandra actually uses to find places to park
- The most common mistake travelers make — and how to avoid it
- Sandra's own story, from a canal boat in England to Motorhome Roots Ireland
- Three of Sandra's favorite motorhome spots: Enniskillen, Donegal, and Carrick-on-Shannon
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Have you decided to rely on your credit card or third-party rental car insurance for your Ireland trip?
Before you do, it's important to understand what happens if you actually need to file a claim.
In this episode I share my personal experience after damaging a rental car in Ireland and walk you …Have you decided to rely on your credit card or third-party rental car insurance for your Ireland trip?
Before you do, it's important to understand what happens if you actually need to file a claim.
In this episode I share my personal experience after damaging a rental car in Ireland and walk you through the reimbursement process, from the €1,630 damage charge and required paperwork to the two-month insurance claim that followed. The insurance paid the claim, but the process completely changed how I choose rental car coverage today.
You'll learn:
- What happens after a rental car accident in Ireland
- How credit card and third-party rental car insurance claims work
- Which documents you'll need to keep
- Why reimbursement insurance can take time
- Why I now choose inclusive rental car coverage
If you're still deciding which type of rental car insurance is right for your trip, be sure to use the resources below for answers to your car rental & driving questions.
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Abbeyleix, in the heart of County Laois, is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East while enjoying the charm of a welcoming Georgian market town.
Full show notes and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/abbeyleix-slow-travel-ireland/attractions/
In this conversation, Preston Hou…Abbeyleix, in the heart of County Laois, is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East while enjoying the charm of a welcoming Georgian market town.
Full show notes and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/abbeyleix-slow-travel-ireland/attractions/
In this conversation, Preston House owner Ross McDonald shares what makes Abbeyleix so special - from its fascinating history and thriving community to the nearby attractions that make it worth staying for a few days instead of simply passing through.
Highlights
- Why Abbeyleix is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East
- The story behind Abbeyleix's Georgian streetscape
- Ross's favorite nearby places to visit
- What it's like to stay at Preston House
- How Abbeyleix has become a destination in its own right
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive
Landing at Dublin Airport doesn't mean you need to get behind the wheel immediately.
If your Ireland vacation begins in Galway, Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, or another destination beyond Dublin, driving after an overnight flight may not be the safest choice.
Full show notes + video: https://irelandf…Landing at Dublin Airport doesn't mean you need to get behind the wheel immediately.
If your Ireland vacation begins in Galway, Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, or another destination beyond Dublin, driving after an overnight flight may not be the safest choice.
Full show notes + video: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-airport-transportation/ireland-travel-tips/
In this episode I'll explain:
• Why I recommend limiting arrival-day driving to about 90 minutes
• When it makes sense to hire a private driver
• Why a direct airport coach is often the easiest option
• When taking the train is worth considering
I'll also share my recommendations for reaching popular destinations, including Galway, Cork, Killarney, and Kilkenny, so you can choose the transportation that best fits your budget, travel style, and energy level.more
The Ring of Kerry is famous for breathtaking scenery—but there's another side of this iconic route that's worth discovering.
This conversation with Kerry whiskey expert Neil Saad explores the region's growing craft whiskey scene, local distilleries, fascinating history, and the pubs where visitors …The Ring of Kerry is famous for breathtaking scenery—but there's another side of this iconic route that's worth discovering.
This conversation with Kerry whiskey expert Neil Saad explores the region's growing craft whiskey scene, local distilleries, fascinating history, and the pubs where visitors can experience authentic Irish hospitality.
Full show notes & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ring-of-kerry-whiskey-tours/attractions/
Highlights
- Explore Skellig Six18 Distillery near Cahersiveen
- Discover the Spirit of the Sea Experience in Portmagee
- Learn why Kerry has become a destination for whiskey lovers
- Find the best whiskey pubs in Killarney, Tralee, and Killorglin
- Get practical tips for adding whiskey experiences to your Ring of Kerry itinerary
Ireland Travel Resources:
- Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive