In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode, I explain what you need to know before driving your rental car across the border into Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll learn which routes are permitted, what fees apply, and how to make sure your insurance and rental agreement stay valid.
Full sh…In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode, I explain what you need to know before driving your rental car across the border into Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll learn which routes are permitted, what fees apply, and how to make sure your insurance and rental agreement stay valid.
Full show notes with video & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/driving-rental-car-ireland-northern-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/more
Lori-Ann and Nick Mancini transform their daughters' Irish dance opportunity into an unforgettable 20-day family adventure across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, blending cultural experiences with memorable exploration. • Flying direct from Orlando to Dublin before driving through I…Lori-Ann and Nick Mancini transform their daughters' Irish dance opportunity into an unforgettable 20-day family adventure across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, blending cultural experiences with memorable exploration. • Flying direct from Orlando to Dublin before driving through Ireland and Northern Ireland • Discovering the surprising beauty of Northern Ireland, including Tollymore Forest, Giant's Causeway and Silent Valley • Flying to Edinburgh and experiencing Holyrood ...more
In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody isn’t just giving you Ireland travel advice - she’s inviting you to join her in Ireland next spring.
Two small-group tours are now open for 2026:
A Giant Adventure explores the stunning landscapes and storied sites of Northern Ireland, inclu…In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody isn’t just giving you Ireland travel advice - she’s inviting you to join her in Ireland next spring.
Two small-group tours are now open for 2026:
A Giant Adventure explores the stunning landscapes and storied sites of Northern Ireland, including a night in a castle and plenty of hands-on experiences.
Craft, Culture & Craic is a women-only journey focused on creativity, connection, and slower-paced travel through some of Ireland’s most charming places.
If you’ve ever dreamed of going to Ireland - and wished someone else would handle the details - this is your chance.
Learn more about Traveling in Ireland Tours: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-tours/more
Mickela Mallozzi is a bundle of creative energy. She is the creator and host of the award winning TV show Bare Feet as well as a professor at New York University. She tells Brent about the new season of Bare Feet that includes adventures in Ireland like a distillery in a jail, eating oysters right f…Mickela Mallozzi is a bundle of creative energy. She is the creator and host of the award winning TV show Bare Feet as well as a professor at New York University. She tells Brent about the new season of Bare Feet that includes adventures in Ireland like a distillery in a jail, eating oysters right from the ocean, and the punk rock scene in Northern Ireland. Plus, a little talk about New Zealand and the importance of accessibility. [Ep 345]
Show Notes:
Destination Eat Drink foodie travel guides at Buy Me a Coffee
In this episode of the Exploring Ireland Podcast, we're diving into the vibrant city of Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital. Hosts Dan McDermott and local experts take listeners through key historical and cultural spots such as the Crumlin Road Jail, Ulster Museum, and the Titanic Quarter. Fionn Dav…In this episode of the Exploring Ireland Podcast, we're diving into the vibrant city of Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital. Hosts Dan McDermott and local experts take listeners through key historical and cultural spots such as the Crumlin Road Jail, Ulster Museum, and the Titanic Quarter. Fionn Davenport provides insights on Belfast's food scene, nightspots, and travel tips, while Daragh O'Sullivan and Ann Marie Walsh explore top attractions, including the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. The podcast also highlights recommendations for dining, drinking, and lodging, ensuring a comprehensive guide to discovering Belfast.more
In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody speaks with Gleann Doherty, owner of Derry Guided Tours.
Gleann shares his deep knowledge of Derry/Londonderry’s complex and fascinating history, from its ancient walls to its powerful murals and the lasting impact of The Troubles. As a nativ…In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody speaks with Gleann Doherty, owner of Derry Guided Tours.
Gleann shares his deep knowledge of Derry/Londonderry’s complex and fascinating history, from its ancient walls to its powerful murals and the lasting impact of The Troubles. As a native of the city with a degree in Irish History and Politics, Gleann offers a thoughtful, local perspective on why Derry is a must-visit destination in Northern Ireland.
Derry is included in the FREE Ulster Overview itinerary! Get your at IrelandFamilyVacations.com/ulster
Highlights from the episode include:
- The origins of the city's dual name — Derry and Londonderry — and what locals typically use.
- Why the Derry Walls are one of the most significant ancient monuments in Northern Ireland — and how you can actually walk (or even drive!) on top of them.
- The story behind the Bogside murals and how they serve as visual narratives of Derry’s recent past.
- Gleann’s personal connection to the city and how his guided tours offer insight into both the landmarks and lived experience of the Troubles.
- Must-see nearby locations like Doagh Famine Village, the Inishowen Peninsula, and the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs.
- A tip for music lovers: head to Waterloo Street for a taste of traditional Irish music.
You can learn more or book a tour with Gleann at Derry Guided Tours, or find him on Instagram and Facebook.
Full show notes can be found at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/derry-guided-tours-traveling-in-ireland/regions-and-counties/northern-ireland/londonderry/more
In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast - live from Ireland- Jody sits down with Dermot Friel, owner of Friel's Pub and Gorta – Swatragh’s Famine Story.
Gorta, located above Friel’s Pub in Swatragh, offers a unique and immersive experience focused on the often-overlooked impact of the G…In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast - live from Ireland- Jody sits down with Dermot Friel, owner of Friel's Pub and Gorta – Swatragh’s Famine Story.
Gorta, located above Friel’s Pub in Swatragh, offers a unique and immersive experience focused on the often-overlooked impact of the Great Famine in Northern Ireland. Through historical research, interactive exhibits, and haunting famine sculptures, visitors can step into the past and learn about the soup kitchen that once served the local community. This compact yet powerful exhibit, paired with the hospitality of Friel’s Pub, makes for an unforgettable cultural and historical experience.
Learn about the 1840s famine relief efforts led by Dr. Mooney and supported by the Mercers Company.
Takeaways
Gorta is a one-of-a-kind famine soup kitchen experience in Northern Ireland, located above Friel’s Pub in Swatragh.
Learn about the 1840s famine relief efforts led by Dr. Mooney and supported by the Mercers Company.
Explore the famine story through storyboards, audio recordings, and visual displays.
Gorta is open daily, with tickets available at Friel’s Pub.
Pair your visit with the Emigrant’s Walk led by Cathy O’Neill and explore local history beyond the exhibit.
Friel’s Pub is a fourth-generation, family-run pub offering hospitality and future accommodations like glamping huts.
Planning to visit Northern Ireland? Get your free Ulster Overview itinerary at irelandfamilyvacations.com/ulster
Complete show notes & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/gorta famine story at friels pub/more
Is Northern Ireland on your itinerary? Today's guest, Jamese McCloy, is going to give you a dozen reasons to venture off the tourist trail and explore the heart of Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland.
Exploring Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland
Click Here to add this to your Ireland vacation board on Pint…Is Northern Ireland on your itinerary? Today's guest, Jamese McCloy, is going to give you a dozen reasons to venture off the tourist trail and explore the heart of Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland.
Exploring Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland
Click Here to add this to your Ireland vacation board on Pinterest!
This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Jamese McCloy, shepherd at Glenshane County Farm. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.
Highlights of Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland
Embrace the ‘old Ireland' you've imagined!
Get the FREE Ulster Itinerary to help plan your own visit to Ireland's northern counties.
The Sperrin Mountains are relatively untouched; they are a beautiful, spiritual place
Slemish Mountain, where St. Patrick is believed to have been a shepherd
Seamus Heaney Homeplace – Seamus Heaney won the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature
Bronagh's Bakehouse – Irish baking experience and dining
Lough Neagh Stories – tour with a fisherman
Davagh Dark Sky Observatory
The Ponderosa – the highest pub in Ireland
Crosskeys Inn – Ireland's Oldest Thatched Pub
Friel's Bar – historic pub and Gorta Famine Story
Easy day trips to the Causeway Coast, Belfast, and Derry!
Meet My Guest: Jamese McCloy
Jamese McCloy is a fourth-generation shepherd who wants to show people sheep farming and particularly his highly trained team of working sheepdogs. He invites visitors to his farm set deep on the beautiful, little-known landscape of the Sperrin Mountains.
At Glenshane County Farm you can expect a bucolic Irish farm experience. Watch the sheepdogs at work, try your hand at shearing, cuddle a baby lamb, and even stay a while at the 5-stay Glenshane Country House.
Learn more Glenshane Country Farm
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3 Experiences to Add to Your Northern Ireland Itinerary
Get an unbeatable quote on your car rental in Ireland with Irish Car Rentals!
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Brohagh's Bakehouse or Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen – Irish baking experiences
Dalriada Kingdom Tours – unique, private, and personal experiences
2 Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episodes
Episode 256: Glenshane Country Farm
Episode 97: Mid-Ulster – The Heart of Northern Ireland
The post Mid Ulster – the Heart of Northern Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.more
Two countrymen explore Ireland's reverence for their national poet, W. B. Yeats. Then a Dublin journalist shares what it was like to grow up amid the turbulent societal changes in his city during the 1960s and '70s. And a guide from Belfast tells us why an Emerald Isle itinerary should include a vis…Two countrymen explore Ireland's reverence for their national poet, W. B. Yeats. Then a Dublin journalist shares what it was like to grow up amid the turbulent societal changes in his city during the 1960s and '70s. And a guide from Belfast tells us why an Emerald Isle itinerary should include a visit to Northern Ireland.more
For St. Patrick’s Day, Brent is in Ireland for a visit to a castle (and some ice cream!) with Samantha Brown. Then, it’s off to Dublin for a few pints (and great craic) before we trek back to Northern Ireland for some incredible Game of Thrones sites. [Ep 328]
Show Notes:
Destination Eat Drink foo…For St. Patrick’s Day, Brent is in Ireland for a visit to a castle (and some ice cream!) with Samantha Brown. Then, it’s off to Dublin for a few pints (and great craic) before we trek back to Northern Ireland for some incredible Game of Thrones sites. [Ep 328]
Join Tracy and Doug in episode 124 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast as they recount their exciting three-day itinerary in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Building on their extensive UK journey, this episode delves into the highlights of their Belfast adventure, offering insights and tips for those plann…Join Tracy and Doug in episode 124 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast as they recount their exciting three-day itinerary in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Building on their extensive UK journey, this episode delves into the highlights of their Belfast adventure, offering insights and tips for those planning a visit to this vibrant city. The episode begins with Tracy and Doug's journey from Dublin to Belfast, navigating train and bus transfers due to ongoing engineering works. They share their expe...more
