Longing for Ireland

Tune in to the rhythmic heartbeat of Belfast, a city where melodies echo through the streets and music is woven into the very fabric of its culture. In this special episode, we explore Belfast as the vibrant UNESCO City of Music, delving into the harmonious tapestry that defines its soul. Join us as we navigate the musical corridors with local experts, Dolores Vischer, from Creative Tours Belfast...

Prepare to uncover the captivating history and spirit of Cork, Ireland, as we delve into the city's rebellious character. Joining us for this exploration is Dara Burke, the founder of Rebel City Tours, a company dedicated to showcasing the unique character of Cork.    Discover the historical events and iconic figures that have shaped Cork's reputation for rebellion and how this legacy co...

Mischievous, unpredictable, and shape-shifting – this mythical Irish being is said to be especially active at Halloween, or what we call Samhain. But what is it, and why is there a Halloween festival named after it? We're joined by Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies, and Folklore at University College Dublin to explore this mythical creature and its namesake, th...

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky, wondering about the mysteries it holds, or can you hardly see the stars at night? Join us as we head off into the starry embrace of OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, nestled in the Sperrin mountains in Northern Ireland, where the stars shine so undisturbed and bright that you can see galaxies with the naked eye.  Guiding us through the constellations and la...

Are you intrigued by the serene world of flyfishing in Ireland's enchanting west or have you never even considered the sport? Join us as we uncover the essentials of this peaceful pastime. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner seeking guidance, this episode covers the how, what, when, and where of flyfishing in western Ireland. We're joined by Heather Richie from Delphi Lod...

Whiskey with the extra ‘e’, this episode is all about the history of Irish whiskey, the fall and resurgence of Irish whiskey and the whiskey experience on the island. Today, we're joined by John Callely from Whiskey Island , as we go on an exciting dive into the delicious drink that is whiskey. We explore its history, from its rise to prominence to its remarkable resurgence in recent years an...

Rooted in ancient myth the stunning Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is one of the world's best-kept secrets, boasting a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage that will take your breath away. Today, we're joined by Darren Rice, Geopark Manager for the area, as we go on a fascinating journey and delve into the areas rich history and uncover the secrets of its geolo...

Nestled on the coast of County Dublin, the picturesque town of Dalkey is a hidden gem of Irish history nestled in a cosy seaside town. At its heart stands the iconic Dalkey Castle, a towering monument to the town's rich heritage. Today, we're joined by Margaret Dunne, Manager at Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, as we explore the fascinating history and culture of this beautiful area....

Tea is something that has bound households together, it is synonymous with gossip, and in general just something to sit and love while enjoying the cosy atmosphere around you. But what is afternoon tea – the Irish way?  Today we are joined by Ciara McCaughey, from Vintage Tea Trips to talk about what tea means for the Irish and why you should try a cup when visiting! For more information on the tr...

Stallions, mares, and foals – Horses are amazingly beautiful and this time we delve into the Irish National Stud - A government owned commercial breeding farm for top class racehorses, featuring two spectacular gardens, an experience centre and the retired ‘Legends’ of the sport, all within the 600 acres/242 hectares farm. Today we are joined by David Wardell, Tourism Development Manager at the Ir...

Single pot, blended, peated, malted - single, double, or triple distilled - what does it all mean and what makes Irish Whiskey different from other whiskies? Today we are joined by James Kilgannon, whiskey expert and Distillery & Brand Coordinator at Teeling Distillery to talk about Teeling Whiskey and how to experience whiskey in Ireland. For more information on the trips on offer visit: Teel...

Rooted in ancient myths and the fastest sport on grass; Gaelic games give a glimpse into ancient Irish heritage that still thrives to this day – But what are Gaelic games? Today we are joined by Cormac Ó Donnchú, co-founder of Experience Gaelic Games to talk about the sports and their connection to Irish culture. For more information on the trips on offer visit: experiencegaelicgames.com     This...

City breaks – a great way to do a quick trip to another country and culture. Come, explore, enjoy, and return another day. But which city should you choose and what should you do? Today we are joined by Veera Bianca, a travel writer and travel photographer to talk about Dublin and Belfast as weekend getaways and what to do in each city. To read and follow Veera’s Finish blog visit: veerabianca.com...

Cosy cottages, town houses, country homes, farmhouses, and historic houses – They are all very different, but one thing thy have in common is the sense of Irish homeliness. Today we are joined by Helena Healy, CEO at B & B Ireland to talk about Irish homeliness and how to experience Ireland from a B&B. For more information on the trips on offer visit: bandbireland.com   This episode’s Iris...

Three giant mounds stand on top of 3 hills overlooking a bend in the Boyne River. But these three mounds are no ordinary mounds, they have been named as UNESCO World Heritage and figure throughout Irish history, myth, and folklore. So, what makes them so special and why should you visit?  Today we are joined by Clare Tuffy, from the Office of Public Works at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to tal...

Guinness – Synonymous with Ireland and a must try when on the island - but what makes it so special? How is it made and what is the story behind it the famous beer? Today we are joined by Colm O’Connor, Beer Specialist at the Guinness Storehouse to talk about what makes Guinness so special as well as what you can expect when visiting the Home of Guinness in the heart of Dublin. For more informatio...

U2, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, and many more have recorded songs or albums at Dublin’s first recording studio, since its founding 40 years ago – but, what makes it so special and why should you visit? Today we are joined by Aidan Alcock, Director at Windmill Lane Recording Studio to talk about the studio, its history, process, and famous recording artists as well as what you will experience w...

RMS Titanic – the world’s largest ship at its launch has not only left its mark in film culture but also in its birthplace – the city of Belfast – where you now find the world-leading Titanic Experience visitor attraction in the very shipyard where Titanic was built. But what legacy has Titanic left and how can you find its traces and experience this famous ship? Today we are joined by Scott Shaw,...

Beautiful seafood, warming chowder, lamb and beef from the greenest pastures and absolutely delicious derry products… so much to try, yet so little time – so where should you start? Today we are joined by Suzanne Burns, owner and guide at Kinsale Food Tours , to talk about Irish food; tips on what to try, Irish raw ingredients, and what to bring back when returning from Ireland. Kinsale Food Tours...

Poetical, political & provocative – Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats and many more playwrights come from Ireland, but why are there so many playwrights and what makes Irish theatre so special? Today we are joined by James Hickson, from the National Theatre of Ireland, the Abbey Theatre, to talk about theatre culture in Ireland and how theatre has influenced Irish culture. The Abbey Thea...

Stone age fortresses, endless stone walls, a shipwreck on land and special jumpers – what makes the Aran Islands so special? How do you get there and what should you see? Today we are joined by Eugene Garrihy and Joan Hamilton, from Doolin2Aran Ferries. The Garrihy family have been sailing the waters between the islands for more than 70 years from Doolin, co. Claire and now offer ferry services be...

Giant`s Graves, Fairy Trees and Cure Wells - what are they? And how does Celtic History, Mythology and Walking Trails come together in Ireland? Today we are joined by Martin Bradley, an Ecologist who brings groups on mystical adventures through the countryside surrounding Derry~Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Adventures where every step provides you with glimpses into the mythology of local trees...

This episode we will be talking about one of the most famous attractions on the Island of Ireland – a UNESCO world heritage site and a landscape formed by myth and geology. But what is the Giant's Causeway? How was it formed? And who was the Giant?   To answer these we are joined by Kathryn Weir, Storyteller at The Giant’s Causeway Experience Centre . The centre and site is owned and managed...

How do you find a good pub? What should you order in a pub? And what are the top tips when going to a pub? This time we are joined by Garvan Rushe, owner and guide at Dublin Tour Guide which offers private walking tours of Dublin. Their Pub Tour is a firm favourite amongst travellers for the last ten years. For more info on Garvan's tours visit: dublintourguide.ie This episode’s Irish word: C...

Who was Saint Patrick? And why is he so important in Ireland? And how should you experience Saint Patrick in Ireland? This time we are joined by Martina Purdy, former BBC political correspondant, turned nun and now guide at the Saint Patrick Centre as well as the director of the centre, Dr. Tim Campbell. Bonus info: the Irish name "Niamh" (pronounced "Neeve") means Saint in Iri...