Podcasts Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

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By: Ireland Family Vacations

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...

Driving from Dublin to Killarney: Two Scenic Routes, One Incredible Day
#264
Last Tuesday at 3:47 PM

The drive from Dublin to Killarney is one of the most popular point-to-point routes in Ireland. It takes about four hours if you're going straight through—but where’s the fun in that? These routes offer plenty of chances to turn the journey into a full day of exploration, with castles, gardens, and charming towns along the way.

Barbican Gate Rock of Dunamase, County Laois, Ireland

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 264. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

How...


Lovely Laois
#149
05/02/2025

County Laois (pronounced leash) may not be on your radar when planning your Ireland itinerary, but if you are traveling between Dublin and Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry, or Clare, you're likely to pass through this often overlooked county.

Barbican Gate Rock of Dunamase, County Laois, Ireland

Ready to start planning your Ireland vacation?
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This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 149, featuring Aubrey Hutchinson, owner of Abbeyleix Chauffeur Services.
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Can You Book Flight to Ireland too Early?
#265
04/29/2025

Booking flights can be a nerve-wracking game of ‘now or later.’ That anxiety often leads to early clicks — and higher prices.

I use a simple flight monitoring process to take the edge off (outlined here), but timing – and a bit of patience – plays a crucial role. So, can you book flights too early? Let’s break that down.

Aer Lingus flight over Ireland

Flight Price Fluctuations

While tracking flight prices can help you predict what may happen, it is not a fool proof indicator of what flight prices may do.

Airlines use dynamic...


Old Irish Traditions That Survive in Modern Ireland with Felicity Hayes-McCoy
#48
04/25/2025

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 bit about Felicity Hayes-McCoy

Felicity lives at the very end of the Dingle Peninsula, a Gealtacht, or Irish speaking, area where many old traditions are still a way of daily life.

Felicity's books House on an Irish Hillside and Enough is Plenty have deep ties into...


Ireland at Your Own Pace: Smart Tips for a Trip Without the Rush
#262
04/22/2025

I fear that I can be a bit like a broken record as I seem to repeat ‘slow down, do less, experience more' like it is a personal Ireland travel mantra.

Which, I suppose, it kind of is. As I've mentioned previously, I've made every travel mistake there is to make and I still struggle not to repeat them with every trip I make.

Take time to slow down and experience moments like these

I want my time to be my own but, I don't want to feel like I'm rushing from place to place ju...


6 Day Trips From Dublin - no car required!
#261
04/18/2025

Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital and home to the country’s busiest airport, is a no-brainer starting (or ending) point for your Irish adventure.

There’s plenty to see and do in Dublin—you could easily spend a few days soaking up the sights, history, and pints—but don’t stop there! Some of Ireland’s most incredible spots are just a day trip away.

The best part? You don’t even need a car to get out and explore. Whether you prefer to do your own thing or hop on a guided tour, there are loads of gre...


Derry Guided Tours
#116
04/15/2025

Planning to visit Derry/ Londonderry?

This city in Northern Ireland is well known for its defensive city walls, murals, and the tragic Bloody Sunday history during the period known as The Troubles.

Located at the westernmost end of the Causeway Coastal Route and the northernmost tip of the Wild Atlantic Way, Derry makes a terrific base to for touring portions of these scenic drives.

Ferryquay Gate, one of 4 gates in the Derry city walls.

Visiting Derry in Northern Ireland

This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 116, featuring...


How to Get the Most Helpful Advice from Travel Forums
#263
04/10/2025

I offer a lot of Ireland travel advice. In over 22 years of travel to and through Ireland, I have made dozens (hundreds?) of mistakes and have learned a lot. Additionally, I spend a lot of time researching anything new, confirming and updating the information I have, and traveling (on my own dime and not on hosted trips) to get the same experiences that you would have on your own visit.

So when I offer advice you can know that it is genuine, based on my own experiences, and not something that has been purchased, or paid for.<...