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Traveling in Ireland

Traveling in Ireland

By: Ireland Family Vacations
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Welcome to “Traveling in Ireland,” the podcast where Jody Halsted, your go-to Ireland travel expert, chats with locals about their areas and tourism businesses. Listen for laid-back conversations that spill the beans on the best places and experiences Ireland has to offer. From the buzz of Dublin to the tranquil spots in County Kerry, we’re diving into it all. Get ready for stories, insights, and tips that go beyond the guidebooks. Plus, I’ll be dishing out some Ireland travel tips to make your trip smoother than a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. Whether you’re a newbie or a frequent flyer to Ireland, this podcast is your shortcut to the real deal. Grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s chat all things Ireland on “Traveling in Ireland” with Jody Halsted.IrelandFamilyVacations.com Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • A Look Ahead to My Ireland Trip: Tours, Experiences & Stays to Inspire You

    A Look Ahead to My Ireland Trip: Tours, Experiences & Stays to Inspire You
    Mar 31 2026
    Just after Easter, Jody is heading back to Ireland—and this trip is filled with experiences, stays, and a few surprises that might inspire your own plans. Ireland trip preview: tours, experiences, and places to stay This upcoming visit blends guided tours, hands-on experiences, and independent exploring across Ireland—from the Causeway Coast to the southeast, with plenty of memorable stops along the way. Giants Causeway from the cliff walk above This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 333. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. Flying into Shannon: what to know Jody is flying into Shannon Airport, a favorite for its easy access to western Ireland. While direct routes can be limited outside peak season, arriving here puts travelers close to highlights like Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Wild Atlantic Way. Travel tip: When possible, choose a direct flight into Ireland or a layover in your departure country for a smoother arrival experience. Northern Ireland and Donegal: a scenic adventure One portion of the trip heads north, covering: The Causeway Coast, home to dramatic cliffs and the famous Giant’s CausewayThe Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, known for rugged beauty and quieter roadsThe Boyne Valley, rich in history and ancient sitesA stay at Cabra Castle for a memorable castle experience This route is ideal for travelers who want a mix of scenery, history, and unique accommodations. See the Giant Adventure itinerary Southeast Ireland: crafts, culture, and hands-on fun Another part of the journey focuses on the southeast, with interactive experiences like: Crafting Claddagh ringsFood tours featuring local flavorsPuffin spotting on the Saltee IslandsFalconry in AdareA visit to The Donkey Sanctuary in Cork This region is often overlooked, but places like Wexford offer a quieter, more local feel with plenty to see and do. See the Craft, Culture & Craic itinerary Returning favorites worth revisiting Even seasoned travelers return to places they love—and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is one of those spots (I haven't wandered these grounds on my own since 2002!). Located near Shannon, Bunratty offers: A restored castle you can exploreA folk park that recreates village life from the pastSeasonal events and demonstrations It’s especially good for families or anyone wanting an immersive look at Irish history. Cliffs of Moher updates and what to expect Work has been ongoing to improve safety along the cliff top trails around the Cliffs of Moher. Travelers planning a visit should check current access updates, as sections of the cliff walk have been closed during improvements. Note: the Cliffs of Moher site and visitors centre are not closed! The works are on the miles of walking trails along the cliff from Doolin to Hags Head. Unique places to stay across Ireland This trip includes a mix of new and noteworthy accommodations: Barnahown (County Cork): A B&B at the base of the Galtee MountainsKilliane Castle Country House & Farm (Wexford): A charming stay in a lesser-visited countyThe Grace (Westport Estate, Mayo): A newly opened accommodation with estate accessGlamping on Inis Mór (Aran Islands): Beachside pods with easy access to island cycling and coastal views These options highlight the variety of stays available, from traditional to unique. Island time and coastal experiences Ireland’s islands offer a different pace—and this trip includes a few standout options: Inis Mór: Explore by bike, enjoy coastal scenery, and slow downClare Island (Mayo): A great day trip with history and viewsSaltee Islands: Known for seabirds, including puffins Ferries can be weather-dependent, so flexibility is key when planning island visits. New experiences to try in Ireland Adding hands-on and memorable activities can make a trip stand out. A few ideas from this trip include: Chocolate making on the Causeway CoastFalconry experiences (hawk walks)Wildlife spotting, including puffinsFarm and animal visits for a more local connection These experiences are ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Highlights to inspire your own trip Mix regions: combine north, west, and southeast for varietyAdd hands-on activities for memorable momentsChoose accommodations that enhance the experienceInclude at least one island visitRevisit iconic sites—you’ll see them differently each time If you’re planning your own journey, tools like the Ireland Travel Compass can help you take ideas like these and turn them into a trip that fits your time, interests, and travel style. And if you’d like to follow along as this trip unfolds, you’ll find updates, stories, and a few behind-the-scenes moments shared on Facebook and Instagram, as well as in the weekly email (sign up below). The post A Look Ahead to My Ireland Trip: Tours, Experiences & Stays to Inspire You appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
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    10 mins
  • Ireland Cruise Excursions: How to Make the Most of Your Day in Port

    Ireland Cruise Excursions: How to Make the Most of Your Day in Port
    Mar 24 2026
    Cruise stops in Ireland can feel like a whirlwind – but with the right plan, even a few hours can turn into an unforgettable experience. With more cruise ships arriving at Irish ports each year, travelers have more options than ever when it comes to shore excursions. But not all tours, or tour providers, are created equal. Seabourn Ovation docked in CobhPodstawko, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons This article is based on podcast episode 332 featuring Bob McAuliffe, owner of About Ireland Taxi Tours.Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. Ireland Cruise Excursions: How to Choose the Right Experience Bob McAuliffe, owner of About Ireland Taxi Tours, has spent decades helping visitors make the most of their limited time ashore. His advice is simple: focus on quality, not quantity. Bob's pro-tips will help you choose the right excursion and make the most of your time in port. Check Reliability Before You Book Before reserving any independent excursion, take time to read reviews and verify the company’s reputation. Look at platforms like Google and TripAdvisor to get a sense of consistency and service. A reliable company should also guarantee that you’ll return to your ship on time – something not every provider offers. Avoid Over-Ambitious Itineraries Ireland may look small on a map, but travel times can be deceiving. Routes often include narrow roads, scenic stops, and unexpected delays. For example, trying to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Cork during a short port stop simply isn’t realistic. A good tour provider will tell you that—and help you plan something more enjoyable instead. Choose the Right Vehicle for Comfort Vehicle size matters more than many travelers expect. Irish cars are generally smaller than those in North America, so squeezing too many people into a standard sedan can make for a long, uncomfortable day. If you’re traveling with a group or need accessibility accommodations, confirm the vehicle type in advance. Don’t Trust Google Maps Timing Google Maps often underestimates travel time in Ireland because it assumes local driving speeds without stops. But visitors tend to pause for photos, scenery, and spontaneous discoveries – which is part of the magic. Build in extra time so your day feels relaxed, not rushed. Charles Fort, viewed from the harbour Why Local Drivers Make All the Difference One of the biggest advantages of booking an independent tour is the opportunity to connect with a local driver. These aren’t just drivers – they’re storytellers, guides, and often lifelong residents of the area. They know the backroads, the history, and the personal connections that turn a sightseeing trip into something memorable. That might mean: Stopping at a family-run sweet shop to watch traditional candy being madeVisiting a quiet village not on typical tour routesGetting a quick lesson in hurling in a nearby fieldTracing family roots with help from local heritage centers It’s these moments, unplanned and personal, that tend to stand out most. This sheep didn't mind having his photo taken as we traveled through West Cork. Making the Most of Limited Time in Port Cruise schedules are tight, especially at tender ports where getting ashore takes additional time. Planning your day carefully ensures you see more and stress less. Start Early at Popular Attractions If Blarney Castle is on your list, for example, timing is everything. Arriving early can mean the difference between a quick visit and hours in line to kiss the Blarney Stone. Even better, allow time to explore the gardens, which many consider the highlight of the visit. Know When You Don’t Need a Tour In some ports, you may not need a driver at all. For example: Cobh offers easy access to attractions like Spike Island, the Titanic Experience, and Fota HouseDublin city center is highly walkable, with museums and landmarks close together A trustworthy provider will tell you when you can explore on your own, and when a guided experience adds value. Focus on What You Enjoy Rather than trying to tick off a “top 10” list, think about what interests you most. Love gardens? Ireland has plenty.Interested in history? Castles, heritage sites, and ancient ruins are everywhere.Prefer local experiences? Markets, pubs, and small workshops offer authentic connections. Your day should reflect your interests, not a generic checklist. Guest Feature: Bob McAuliffe, About Ireland Taxi Tours Bob McAuliffe is the owner of About Ireland Taxi Tours, a company offering private, customizable day tours and cruise excursions from all 12 Irish ports. What began as a local taxi service in Cork has grown into a nationwide network of experienced, local drivers who provide personalized tours based on each traveler’s interests and schedule. Bob and his team specialize in: Cruise ship shore excursionsPrivate day toursCustom ...
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    28 mins
  • 10 Castles in Ireland to Inspire Your Trip

    10 Castles in Ireland to Inspire Your Trip
    Mar 17 2026
    Ireland and castles go hand in hand. With thousands scattered across the island, it can feel like there’s one around every bend in the road. The real challenge isn’t finding castles in Ireland — it’s deciding which ones to add to your itinerary. Barbican Gate Rock of Dunamase, County Laois, Ireland This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 331. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. No matter the type of travel you enjoy—or the type of transportation you’re using—you’ll find castles that easily fit into your trip. With more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins scattered across Ireland, the real challenge isn’t finding them… it’s deciding which ones make sense for your route and the time you have. That’s exactly the kind of planning the Ireland Travel Compass is designed to help with. It brings attractions and accommodations together geographically, helps you see what fits well together, and makes it much easier to build an itinerary that actually works. And if you’d like a simple way to start thinking about your own itinerary, I’ve created a resource that walks you through my TRIP framework – a straightforward way to avoid the most common Ireland planning mistakes and build a trip that feels manageable and enjoyable. 10 Castles in Ireland Worth Visiting With thousands of castles scattered across Ireland, choosing which ones to visit can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few of my favorite castles in Ireland—and why they stand out. Rock of Dunamase (County Laois) – The Dramatic Castle Ruin Rock of Dunamase may be one of the most atmospheric castle ruins in Ireland. The site dates back to the 9th century when it served as a stronghold of the Kings of Laois. The ruins visitors see today sit on top of a massive rocky outcrop and were largely destroyed during Cromwell’s invasion in 1650. Even in ruin, the location tells you why it mattered: the views stretch for miles across the countryside. Traveler tips: Free OPW-managed siteRarely crowdedEasy detour when traveling between Dublin and KilkennyShort walk up to the ruins with sweeping views Driving through narrow country roads and farmland to reach it only adds to the experience. Lawn games in front of Malahide Castle : Crack the whip.By Aoife for Flytographer; Dublin, Ireland. All rights reserved. Malahide Castle (County Dublin) – The Fairy Tale Castle Just 10 minutes from Dublin Airport, Malahide Castle is a perfect first stop after arriving in Ireland. The castle itself offers fascinating guided tours led by engaging storytellers who bring the Talbot family history to life. But the estate offers far more than the castle alone. Visitors can enjoy: Extensive parklands perfect for stretching your legs after a flightWalled gardensA fairy trailButterfly houseDining at Avoca café The grounds are partly free to explore, while the gardens and castle tour require tickets. During busy months (May–September), it’s smart to pre-book the castle tour. Malahide is also very easy to reach from Dublin city center by DART or bus, making it a great half-day excursion. Looking for more day trips from Dublin? Click Here! Bunratty Castle beyond Durty Nellie's Bunratty Castle (County Clare) – The Irish Tower House Experience If you want to understand the most common type of castle in Ireland, Bunratty Castle is the perfect example. Tower houses — tall, four-story defensive structures — once dotted the Irish landscape. Bunratty is considered the most completely restored example in the country. Visitors can explore: Dungeon levelsNarrow spiral staircasesBattlements with views over the countryside Surrounding the castle is Bunratty Folk Park, a 26-acre living history village that showcases historic Irish homes and daily life. Highlights include: Traditional farmhouses and cottagesCostumed interpretersA recreated village with shops, schoolhouse, and pub Bunratty is also famous for its medieval banquet experience, held year-round. These dinners are extremely popular, so booking well in advance is highly recommended. Kilkenny Castle viewed from the parklands Kilkenny Castle (County Kilkenny) – Ireland’s Castle Palace Unlike many defensive castles, Kilkenny Castle evolved into a grand aristocratic residence. Originally built as a fortress, it was transformed over centuries by the Butler family — Earls and later Dukes of Ormond — who held the castle for more than 600 years. Today visitors will find: Elegant reception roomsDecorative plasterwork ceilingsLarge windows overlooking parklandFormal gardens The castle sits in the center of Kilkenny City, surrounded by roughly 50 acres of parkland that locals still use for picnics, sports, and relaxing on sunny days. Kilkenny Castle is an OPW managed site. Tickets are available on site, and advance booking is rarely necessary. Learn about the OPW Heritage Card – the best deal in Irish history ...
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    25 mins
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This is a wonderful resource for anyone who loves, or wants to visit Ireland. Each episode is targeted towards a specific need, topic, or question. The guests are wonderful too.

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