The Gobbins is a cliff-face path on IslandMagee, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, northeast of Belfast. Unlike many other costal paths that just follow close along the top of an ocean-side cliff, the Gobbins first descends down to sea level, then winds along he base of the cliff, up and down steep cut stone stairs, across bridges from sea-stack to cliff face and island to island, past caves and through a narrow tunnel. Though it was long inaccessible to the public because it fell into disrepair after World War II, it has been rebuilt within the last several years and re-opened to the public as of Summer 2015.     Start out at the beautiful visitor’s center for a walk through the interpretive display to learn about the history of the path, the wildlife that abounds in the surrounding area, and the astounding effort that it took to reconstruct the path in its current incarnation.     If you’d like to check out some parts of the Gobbins path from the comfort of your own home, take a look at the 360 degree pictures of the Gobbins on VirtualVisitTours.com:   http://www.virtualvisittours.com/gobbins-cliff-path/   Walking the Gobbins path is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience…though we’re already looking forward to the next time we get to walk the Gobbins! We highly recommend a visit!   Check out the official Gobbins Path website at:   http://www.thegobbinscliffpath.com/

The Gobbins is a cliff-face path on IslandMagee, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, northeast of Belfast. Unlike many other costal paths that just follow close along the top of an ocean-side cliff, the Gobbins first descends down to sea level, then winds along he base of the cliff, up and down steep cut stone stairs, across bridges from sea-stack to cliff face and island to island, past caves and through a narrow tunnel. Though it was long inaccessible to the public because it fell into disrepair after World War II, it has been rebuilt within the last several years and re-opened to the public as of Summer 2015. Start out at the beautiful visitor’s center for a walk through the interpretive display to learn about the history of the path, the wildlife that abounds in the surrounding area, and the astounding effort that it took to reconstruct the path in its current incarnation. If you’d like to check out some parts of the Gobbins path from the comfort of your own home, take a look at the 360 degree pictures of the Gobbins on <a href="http://VirtualVisitTours.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">VirtualVisitTours.com</a>: <a href="http://www.virtualvisittours.com/gobbins-cliff-path/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.virtualvisittours.com/gobbins-cliff-path/</a> Walking the Gobbins path is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience…though we’re already looking forward to the next time we get to walk the Gobbins! We highly recommend a visit! Check out the official Gobbins Path website at: <a href="http://www.thegobbinscliffpath.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.thegobbinscliffpath.com/</a>

Ep. 37 - The Gobbins Path

In this episode, we bring you more sites associated with the Patron Saint of Ireland. Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Balintubber Abbey Website: www.ballintubberabbey.ie/ Tochar Phadraig Website: www.heritagecouncil.ie/landscape/initiatives/the-pilgrim-paths/tochar-phadraig/ The Western Way: www.irishtrails.ie/trail/western-way--gal-/37/ Christopher Sommervile Walk of the Week: www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/walk-of-the-week-mamean-connemara-co-galway-26574913.html Altadaven Wood: www.voicesfromthedawn.com/st-patricks-chair-and-well/ The Rock of Cashel: www.cashel.ie Saint Patrick's Well: pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/2014/04/12/st-patricks-holy-well-at-marlfield-clonmel The closing song, sung by Kathy, is "May the Road Rise to Meet You" by Denes Agay.

In this episode, we bring you more sites associated with the Patron Saint of Ireland. Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Balintubber Abbey Website: <a href="http://www.ballintubberabbey.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ballintubberabbey.ie/</a> Tochar Phadraig Website: <a href="http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/landscape/initiatives/the-pilgrim-paths/tochar-phadraig/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heritagecouncil.ie/landscape/initiatives/the-pilgrim-paths/tochar-phadraig/</a> The Western Way: <a href="http://http//www.irishtrails.ie/trail/western-way--gal-/37/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.irishtrails.ie/trail/western-way--gal-/37/</a> Christopher Sommervile Walk of the Week: <a href="http://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/walk-of-the-week-mamean-connemara-co-galway-26574913.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/walk-of-the-week-mamean-connemara-co-galway-26574913.html</a> Altadaven Wood: <a href="http://www.voicesfromthedawn.com/st-patricks-chair-and-well/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.voicesfromthedawn.com/st-patricks-chair-and-well/</a> The Rock of Cashel: <a href="http://www.cashel.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.cashel.ie</a> Saint Patrick's Well: <a href="http://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/2014/04/12/st-patricks-holy-well-at-marlfield-clonmel/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/2014/04/12/st-patricks-holy-well-at-marlfield-clonmel</a> The closing song, sung by Kathy, is "May the Road Rise to Meet You" by Denes Agay.

Ep. 36 - In The Footsteps of Patrick - Continued

During this, the last of our special Halloween-week episodes, we are taking a look at some contemporary ways to observe Samhain/Halloween.

During this, the last of our special Halloween-week episodes, we are taking a look at some contemporary ways to observe Samhain/Halloween.

Ep. 35 - Contemporary Irish Halloween Traditions

Our Halloween-week episodes are nearly done. In this episode, we talk about two supernatural creatures of Ireland: the Pooka and the Banshee.

Our Halloween-week episodes are nearly done. In this episode, we talk about two supernatural creatures of Ireland: the Pooka and the Banshee.

Ep. 34 - Samhain stories of the supernatural: the Pooka and the Banshee

We've talked in a previous episode about the tradition of carving turnips to carry home an ember from the communal Samhain bonfire.  But where does the term Jack o' Lantern come from? In this episode, we tell the tale of Stingy Jack.

We've talked in a previous episode about the tradition of carving turnips to carry home an ember from the communal Samhain bonfire.  But where does the term Jack o' Lantern come from? In this episode, we tell the tale of Stingy Jack.

Ep. 33 - The Legend of Stingy Jack

Finn Mac Cumhal

It is said that Finn Mac Cumhal fought a goblin of the fairy folk on Samhain-eve on the hill of Tara. In this special Halloween-week episode, we tell the story of Finn and how he became the captain of the Fianna of Erinn. This story is from "The High Deeds of Finn and Other Bardic Romances of Ancient Ireland", By T.W. Rolleston, Illustrated by Stephen Reid, which can be found on Project Gutenberg at www.gutenberg.org

It is said that Finn Mac Cumhal fought a goblin of the fairy folk on Samhain-eve on the hill of Tara. In this special Halloween-week episode, we tell the story of Finn and how he became the captain of the Fianna of Erinn. This story is from "The High Deeds of Finn and Other Bardic Romances of Ancient Ireland", By T.W. Rolleston, Illustrated by Stephen Reid, which can be found on Project Gutenberg at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14749/14749-h/14749-h.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.gutenberg.org</a>

Ep. 32 - Finn Mac Cumhal and the Captaincy of the Fianna

This is the first of a special Halloween series, where we explore the history of contemporary Halloween traditions and observances, such as bonfires, jack o'lanterns, costumes and trick or treating.

This is the first of a special Halloween series, where we explore the history of contemporary Halloween traditions and observances, such as bonfires, jack o'lanterns, costumes and trick or treating.

Ep 31. - A History of Halloween Traditions

We're back! Sorry to have been gone for so long! In this small episode, we talk about what we've been up to and what our plans for new episodes. We also mention the Thin Places tours led by our friend Mindie Burgoyne. You can check out her website at http://www.thinplacestour.com/ Please follow us on FaceBook!

We're back! Sorry to have been gone for so long! In this small episode, we talk about what we've been up to and what our plans for new episodes. We also mention the Thin Places tours led by our friend Mindie Burgoyne. You can check out her website at <a href="http://www.thinplacestour.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.thinplacestour.com/</a> Please follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Engaging-Ireland/198762845626" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FaceBook</a>!

MiniCast - The State of the Podcast 2014

In this episode, we talk about a request we got from the folks over at Infinite Ireland (http://www.infiniteireland.com/), which prompted us to reminisce about all of the Irish “firsts” we experienced during our first trip to Ireland. We hope that you enjoy reliving the joys of our first days in Ireland with us! Here are some of the places we remembered from that first trip: Fairymount Farm - http://www.fairymountfarm.com/ The Rock of Cashel - http://www.cashel.ie/ Clonmacnoise - http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/clonmacnoise/ The Clonfinlough Stone - http://www.megalithicireland.com/Clonfinlough%20Stone.html Bunratty Folk Park - http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleandFolkPark/ Ailwee Cave - http://www.aillweecave.ie/aillweecave.html Birr Castle - http://www.birrcastle.com/ Poulnabrone - http://www.megalithicireland.com/Poulnabrone.htm Craggaunowen - http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/CraggaunowenTheLivingPastExperience/ The Cliffs of Moher - http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/

In this episode, we talk about a request we got from the folks over at Infinite Ireland (<a href="http://www.infiniteireland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.infiniteireland.com/</a>), which prompted us to reminisce about all of the Irish “firsts” we experienced during our first trip to Ireland. We hope that you enjoy reliving the joys of our first days in Ireland with us! Here are some of the places we remembered from that first trip: Fairymount Farm - <a href="http://www.fairymountfarm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.fairymountfarm.com/</a> The Rock of Cashel - <a href="http://www.cashel.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cashel.ie/</a> Clonmacnoise - <a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/clonmacnoise/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/clonmacnoise/</a> The Clonfinlough Stone - <a href="http://www.megalithicireland.com/Clonfinlough%20Stone.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.megalithicireland.com/Clonfinlough%20Stone.html</a> Bunratty Folk Park - <a href="http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleandFolkPark/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleandFolkPark/</a> Ailwee Cave - <a href="http://www.aillweecave.ie/aillweecave.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.aillweecave.ie/aillweecave.html</a> Birr Castle - <a href="http://www.birrcastle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.birrcastle.com/</a> Poulnabrone - <a href="http://www.megalithicireland.com/Poulnabrone.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.megalithicireland.com/Poulnabrone.htm</a> Craggaunowen - <a href="http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/CraggaunowenTheLivingPastExperience/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/CraggaunowenTheLivingPastExperience/</a> The Cliffs of Moher - <a href="http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/</a>

Ep. 30 - Our Irish Firsts

In this episode, we follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick, paying a visit to a few of the key sights connected with Ireland’s patron saint.

In this episode, we follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick, paying a visit to a few of the key sights connected with Ireland’s patron saint.

Ep. 29 - In the footsteps of Patrick

Travis and Kathy Nelson talk about Irish travel, history and culture...as well as their own desire to live in Ireland.  If you dream of traveling to Ireland and want to make your dream a reality, this is the podcast for you!  Includes tips for travel in Ireland and information about places to see.  Podcasting "live" from Ireland, whenever the opportunity presents itself.

I&#39;ve been to Ireland multiple times and travel internationally 2-3 times a year. The advice in this podcast is solid and a valuable resource to new travelers and worthwhile for experienced folks like me who want inside information on places I&#39;m considering. Recommendable to anyone planning a trip to Ireland.

Solid advice for new travelers

This podcast described all my feelings for Ireland

Amazing

The Engaging Ireland Podcast

In this episode, we review our top 10 list of places to see in the counties of Northern Ireland and in county Donegal.

In this episode, we review our top 10 list of places to see in the counties of Northern Ireland and in county Donegal.

Ep. 27 - Part 1 - Northern Ireland and Donegal Top 10

Skellig Michael

In this episode we talk about our hands-down, bar none, favorite day out of all the things we've done and seen in Ireland: our visit to Skellig Michael.The following links are mentioned in this episode of the podcast:The B&amp;B Network Ireland site: http://www.ireland-bnb.net/Skellig Experience website: http://www.skelligexperience.comSkellig Experience boat operators list: http://www.skelligexperience.com/boat.htmBirdWatch Ireland: http://www.birdwatchireland.ieSkelligs Rock Bird Information: http://www.skelligsrock.com/wildlife.htmSkellig Info from the Dioces of Kerry: http://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/page/heritage/holy-places/skellig/

In this episode we talk about our hands-down, bar none, favorite day out of all the things we've done and seen in Ireland: our visit to Skellig Michael.The following links are mentioned in this episode of the podcast:The B&amp;B Network Ireland site: <a href="http://www.ireland-bnb.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ireland-bnb.net/</a>Skellig Experience website: <a href="http://www.skelligexperience.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.skelligexperience.com</a>Skellig Experience boat operators list: <a href="http://www.skelligexperience.com/boat.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.skelligexperience.com/boat.htm</a><a href="http://www.skelligexperience.com/boat.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>BirdWatch Ireland: <a href="http://www.birdwatchireland.ie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.birdwatchireland.ie</a>Skelligs Rock Bird Information: <a href="http://www.skelligsrock.com/wildlife.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.skelligsrock.com/wildlife.htm</a>Skellig Info from the Dioces of Kerry: <a href="http://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/page/heritage/holy-places/skellig/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/page/heritage/holy-places/skellig/</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 19 - Skellig Michael

In response to a listener's questions and comments, we produced this show in order to illustrate what a two-week vacation in Ireland could look like. This is only one of an infinite number of options available to travellers, but it will give you an idea of what you *can* do.  Fasten your seatbelts for a whirlwind tour of the Republic and Northern Ireland! Ferries from Rossaveel (Bus available from Galway City)   Aran Island Ferries www.aranislandferries.com  Aran Direct www.arandirect.com  Ferries from Doolin  Doolin 2 Aran Ferries http://www.aran-island-ferry.com/  Aran Doolin Ferries http://www.doolinferries.com/  Doolin Ferry http://www.doolinferry.com/  Moher Cruises http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com/ (This carrier provides service to Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher cruises, as do some of the other Doolin operators.)  Flights to the Aran Islands  Aer Arann http://www.aerarannislands.ie/  Shuttle buses for ferries and flights leave from Galway (and Kilronan) daily, but you can drive yourself out to the airport or ferry docks if you prefer.  Other Links  Kylemore Abbey http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/  Connemara Region http://www.connemaraireland.com/  County Mayo Home Page http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/ (with links to towns and attractions in County Mayo, including the village of Murrisk and the town of Westport)  County Sligo Home Page http://www.countysligo.com/  Sligo Heritage Page http://www.sligoheritage.com/  Enniskillen Home Page http://www.enniskillen.com/  Ulster American Folk Park http://www.folkpark.com/  Dungiven Castle http://www.dungivencastle.com/welcome.html  North Antrim Information http://www.northantrim.com/  Giant’s Causeway http://www.northantrim.com/giantscauseway.htm  Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge http://www.northantrim.com/carrick_a_rede.htm  Dunluce Castle/Carrickfergus Castle http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukiant03.htm  Monasterboice http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/monasterboice.htm  Mellifont Abbey http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/mellifont-abbey.htm  Bru na Boinne http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/BrunaBoinneVisitorCentreNewgrangeandKnowth/  Loughcrew http://www.loughcrew.com/cairns.htm (When you return the key to the cairn, be sure to take a trip through the Loughcrew Gardens or buy a cup of tea or coffee and a snack at the Coffee Shop.)  National Museum of Ireland http://www.museum.ie/en/homepage.aspx  Dublin Bus Tours (we’re not making a recommendation of one over another…) http://www.dublintours.net/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=7192  http://194.106.151.179/sightseeing/index.aspx  Kilkenny Self-Guided Walking Tour http://www.knockahopple.com/Kilkenny.pdf  Kells Augustinian Priory http://www.kellsvillage.bravepages.com/priory.htm  Cashel town and the Rock of Cashel http://www.cashel.ie/  Mallow Information http://www.mallow.ie/co/web/Cork%20County%20Council/Mallow/Visit%20Mallow Killarney http://www.killarney.ie/ Ring of Kerry http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com/ Skellig Michael http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/ireland/skellig_michael.html http://www.kerrypoet.utvinternet.com/monastic/kerry/skellig.html Skellig Experience Centre http://www.skelligexperience.com/skellig_experience.html  Dingle Peninsula http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/  The Famine Cottage http://www.famine-cottage.com/  Blasket Islands http://www.greatblasketisland.com/  Blennerville Windmill http://www.blennervilleattractions.ie/  King John’s Castle &amp; Bunratty Castle and Folk Park http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/   Join us again next time for more adventures in Ireland. Slan!

In response to a listener's questions and comments, we produced this show in order to illustrate what a two-week vacation in Ireland could look like. This is only one of an infinite number of options available to travellers, but it will give you an idea of what you *can* do. Fasten your seatbelts for a whirlwind tour of the Republic and Northern Ireland! Ferries from Rossaveel (Bus available from Galway City) Aran Island Ferries <a href="http://www.aranislandferries.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.aranislandferries.com</a>  Aran Direct <a href="http://www.arandirect.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.arandirect.com</a> Ferries from Doolin  Doolin 2 Aran Ferries <a href="http://www.aran-island-ferry.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.aran-island-ferry.com/</a>  Aran Doolin Ferries <a href="http://www.doolinferries.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.doolinferries.com/</a>  Doolin Ferry <a href="http://www.doolinferry.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.doolinferry.com/</a>  Moher Cruises <a href="http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com/</a> (This carrier provides service to Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher cruises, as do some of the other Doolin operators.) Flights to the Aran Islands  Aer Arann <a href="http://www.aerarannislands.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.aerarannislands.ie/</a>  Shuttle buses for ferries and flights leave from Galway (and Kilronan) daily, but you can drive yourself out to the airport or ferry docks if you prefer. Other Links  Kylemore Abbey <a href="http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/</a>  Connemara Region <a href="http://www.connemaraireland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.connemaraireland.com/</a>  County Mayo Home Page <a href="http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/</a> (with links to towns and attractions in County Mayo, including the village of Murrisk and the town of Westport)  County Sligo Home Page <a href="http://www.countysligo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.countysligo.com/</a>  Sligo Heritage Page <a href="http://www.sligoheritage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sligoheritage.com/</a>  Enniskillen Home Page <a href="http://www.enniskillen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.enniskillen.com/</a>  Ulster American Folk Park <a href="http://www.folkpark.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.folkpark.com/</a>  Dungiven Castle <a href="http://www.dungivencastle.com/welcome.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dungivencastle.com/welcome.html</a>  North Antrim Information <a href="http://www.northantrim.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.northantrim.com/</a>  Giant’s Causeway <a href="http://www.northantrim.com/giantscauseway.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.northantrim.com/giantscauseway.htm</a>  Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge <a href="http://www.northantrim.com/carrick_a_rede.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.northantrim.com/carrick_a_rede.htm</a>  Dunluce Castle/Carrickfergus Castle <a href="http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukiant03.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukiant03.htm</a>  Monasterboice <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/monasterboice.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/monasterboice.htm</a>  Mellifont Abbey <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/mellifont-abbey.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/mellifont-abbey.htm</a>  Bru na Boinne <a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/BrunaBoinneVisitorCentreNewgrangeandKnowth/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/BrunaBoinneVisitorCentreNewgrangeandKnowth/</a>  Loughcrew <a href="http://www.loughcrew.com/cairns.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.loughcrew.com/cairns.htm</a> (When you return the key to the cairn, be sure to take a trip through the Loughcrew Gardens or buy a cup of tea or coffee and a snack at the Coffee Shop.)  National Museum of Ireland <a href="http://www.museum.ie/en/homepage.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.museum.ie/en/homepage.aspx</a>  Dublin Bus Tours (we’re not making a recommendation of one over another…) <a href="http://www.dublintours.net/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=7192" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dublintours.net/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=7192</a> <a href="http://194.106.151.179/sightseeing/index.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://194.106.151.179/sightseeing/index.aspx</a>  Kilkenny Self-Guided Walking Tour <a href="http://www.knockahopple.com/Kilkenny.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.knockahopple.com/Kilkenny.pdf</a>  Kells Augustinian Priory <a href="http://www.kellsvillage.bravepages.com/priory.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.kellsvillage.bravepages.com/priory.htm</a>  Cashel town and the Rock of Cashel <a href="http://www.cashel.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cashel.ie/</a>  Mallow Information <a href="http://www.mallow.ie/co/web/Cork%20County%20Council/Mallow/Visit%20Mallow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mallow.ie/co/web/Cork%20County%20Council/Mallow/Visit%20Mallow</a> Killarney <a href="http://www.killarney.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.killarney.ie/</a> Ring of Kerry <a href="http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com/</a> Skellig Michael <a href="http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/ireland/skellig_michael.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/ireland/skellig_michael.html</a> <a href="http://www.kerrypoet.utvinternet.com/monastic/kerry/skellig.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.kerrypoet.utvinternet.com/monastic/kerry/skellig.html</a> Skellig Experience Centre <a href="http://www.skelligexperience.com/skellig_experience.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.skelligexperience.com/skellig_experience.html</a>  Dingle Peninsula <a href="http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/</a>  The Famine Cottage <a href="http://www.famine-cottage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.famine-cottage.com/</a>  Blasket Islands <a href="http://www.greatblasketisland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.greatblasketisland.com/</a>  Blennerville Windmill <a href="http://www.blennervilleattractions.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.blennervilleattractions.ie/</a>  King John’s Castle &amp; Bunratty Castle and Folk Park <a href="http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/</a> Join us again next time for more adventures in Ireland. Slan!

Engaging Ireland - Episode 11 - A Whirlwind Tour of Ireland

Our Choices for Top 10 Monastic Sites in Ireland In the next few episodes, we will be taking a look at our Top 10 lists for Ireland. Seems like everyone is putting together a “Top 10” list these days, so we thought we would share some of our top choices for Ireland. We have chosen our favorites from several categories; for example, we’ll list our top ten favorite towns/cities, our top ten. Why didn’t we limit ourselves to just one list of Top 10 Favorites? It’s too hard! And, while we admit we haven’t seen everything there is to see yet, these are our favorites thus far. We begin the podcast series with our Top 10 Monastic/Spiritual Sites. Ireland is virtually littered with sites dating back thousands of years. These are the sites we are most drawn to again and again. For more information on any of the sites we mention, please click on the links below. NOTE: Many of the sites are part of Heritage Ireland (www.heritageireland.ie). If you purchase an OPW Heritage Card, you can enter these sites for no cost or reduced cost. Skellig Michael  http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&amp;id_site=757http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-West/SkelligMichael/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skellig_Michael Interesting web book entitled “The Forgotten Hermitage of Skellig Michael” by      Walter Horn, Jenny White Marshall, and Grellan D. Rourke: http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft1d5nb0gb;brand=ucpress Boat operators to Skellig Michael: http://iguide.travel/Skellig_Michael/Overview/Boat_Operators Loughcrew http://www.knowth.com/loughcrew.htmhttp://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/Loughcrew/http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/ireland/loughcrew.html (Great Photos) Loughcrew House, Gardens, and Adventure Coursehttp://www.loughcrew.com/ Rock of Cashel/Hore Abbey http://www.cashel.ie/http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/RockofCashel/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hore_AbbeyClonmacnoise http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/Clonmacnoise/http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/clonmacnoise Kells (Co. Kilkenny) Site with comprehensive information about Kells Prioryhttp://kells.frantzen.de/index.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kells_Priory Kilree Round Tower and High Cross (just up the road from Kells)http://www.roundtowers.org/kilree/index.htm Glendalough http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/GlendaloughVisitorCentre/http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/glendalough Dublin St. Patrick’s Cathedral http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/index.aspxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Patrick%27s_Cathedral,_Dublin  Christ Church Cathedralhttp://cccdub.ie/ http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/dublin-christ-church-cathedral.htm Hill of Tara/Hill of Slane http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/HillofTara/http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/tara/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Tara http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/slane/index.htmlhttp://www.slane.com/hillofslane.htm Quin Abbey http://www.nd.edu/~ikuijt/Ireland/Sites/mdonnel2/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quin_Abbey Brú na Bóinne(Newgrange, Knowth, Howth) http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/BrunaBoinneVisitorCentreNewgrangeandKnowth/ http://www.knowth.com/bru-na-boinne.htm

Our Choices for Top 10 Monastic Sites in Ireland In the next few episodes, we will be taking a look at our Top 10 lists for Ireland. Seems like everyone is putting together a “Top 10” list these days, so we thought we would share some of our top choices for Ireland. We have chosen our favorites from several categories; for example, we’ll list our top ten favorite towns/cities, our top ten. Why didn’t we limit ourselves to just one list of Top 10 Favorites? It’s too hard! And, while we admit we haven’t seen everything there is to see yet, these are our favorites thus far. We begin the podcast series with our Top 10 Monastic/Spiritual Sites. Ireland is virtually littered with sites dating back thousands of years. These are the sites we are most drawn to again and again. For more information on any of the sites we mention, please click on the links below. NOTE: Many of the sites are part of Heritage Ireland (<a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heritageireland.ie</a>). If you purchase an OPW Heritage Card, you can enter these sites for no cost or reduced cost. Skellig Michael <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&amp;id_site=757" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&amp;id_site=757</a><a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-West/SkelligMichael/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-West/SkelligMichael/</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skellig_Michael" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skellig_Michael</a> Interesting web book entitled “The Forgotten Hermitage of Skellig Michael” by      Walter Horn, Jenny White Marshall, and Grellan D. Rourke: <a href="http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft1d5nb0gb;brand=ucpress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft1d5nb0gb;brand=ucpress</a> Boat operators to Skellig Michael: <a href="http://iguide.travel/Skellig_Michael/Overview/Boat_Operators" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://iguide.travel/Skellig_Michael/Overview/Boat_Operators</a> Loughcrew <a href="http://www.knowth.com/loughcrew.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.knowth.com/loughcrew.htm</a><a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/Loughcrew/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/Loughcrew/</a><a href="http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/ireland/loughcrew.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/ireland/loughcrew.html</a> (Great Photos) Loughcrew House, Gardens, and Adventure Course<a href="http://www.loughcrew.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.loughcrew.com/</a> Rock of Cashel/Hore Abbey <a href="http://www.cashel.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cashel.ie/</a><a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/RockofCashel/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/RockofCashel/</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hore_Abbey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hore_Abbey</a>Clonmacnoise <a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/Clonmacnoise/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/Clonmacnoise/</a><a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/clonmacnoise" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/clonmacnoise</a> Kells (Co. Kilkenny) Site with comprehensive information about Kells Priory<a href="http://kells.frantzen.de/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://kells.frantzen.de/index.htm</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kells_Priory" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kells_Priory</a> Kilree Round Tower and High Cross (just up the road from Kells)<a href="http://www.roundtowers.org/kilree/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.roundtowers.org/kilree/index.htm</a> Glendalough <a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/GlendaloughVisitorCentre/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/GlendaloughVisitorCentre/</a><a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/glendalough" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/glendalough</a> Dublin St. Patrick’s Cathedral <a href="http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/index.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/index.aspx</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Patrick%27s_Cathedral,_Dublin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Patrick%27s_Cathedral,_Dublin</a> Christ Church Cathedral<a href="http://cccdub.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://cccdub.ie/</a> <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/dublin-christ-church-cathedral.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/dublin-christ-church-cathedral.htm</a> Hill of Tara/Hill of Slane <a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/HillofTara/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/HillofTara/</a><a href="http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/tara/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/tara/</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Tara" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Tara</a> <a href="http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/slane/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/slane/index.html</a><a href="http://www.slane.com/hillofslane.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.slane.com/hillofslane.htm</a> Quin Abbey <a href="http://www.nd.edu/~ikuijt/Ireland/Sites/mdonnel2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.nd.edu/~ikuijt/Ireland/Sites/mdonnel2/</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quin_Abbey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quin_Abbey</a> Brú na Bóinne(Newgrange, Knowth, Howth) <a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/BrunaBoinneVisitorCentreNewgrangeandKnowth/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/BrunaBoinneVisitorCentreNewgrangeandKnowth/</a> <a href="http://www.knowth.com/bru-na-boinne.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.knowth.com/bru-na-boinne.htm</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 20 - Top 10 Monastic and Spiritual Sites in Ireland

In this episode, we sit down to talk with Marie McKown of Tourism Ireland to discuss current issues affecting Ireland tourism, such as how the recession has affected travel to and within Ireland and how the tourism industry in the country has reacted.   Links to some of the sites mentioned in the podcast:   Tourism Ireland http://www.discoverireland.com/    The Characters of Ireland videos page on Discover Ireland  (page was down when we posted the podcast)   Blog for Discover Ireland http://blog.discoverireland.com/    About Walking in Ireland http://www.discoverireland.ie/Walking.aspx    Tourism site for Northern Ireland http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/    Irish Hotel Federation http://www.irelandhotels.com/    Irish Rail (the Republic) http://www.irishrail.ie/home/  Translink (Northern Ireland rail service)  http://www.translink.co.uk/    Bus Eireann (the Republic)  http://www.buseireann.ie/    Londonderry (a.k.a. Derry)  http://www.derryvisitor.com/    The following links are not necessarily endorsements for use of the product or service. They are merely mentioned in the podcast.   Dan Dooley car rental  http://www.dandooley.com/    Aer Lingus http://www.aerlingus.com/

In this episode, we sit down to talk with Marie McKown of Tourism Ireland to discuss current issues affecting Ireland tourism, such as how the recession has affected travel to and within Ireland and how the tourism industry in the country has reacted. Links to some of the sites mentioned in the podcast: Tourism Ireland <a href="http://www.discoverireland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.discoverireland.com/</a> The Characters of Ireland videos page on Discover Ireland  (page was down when we posted the podcast) Blog for Discover Ireland <a href="http://blog.discoverireland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://blog.discoverireland.com/</a> About Walking in Ireland <a href="http://www.discoverireland.ie/Walking.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.discoverireland.ie/Walking.aspx</a> Tourism site for Northern Ireland <a href="http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/</a> Irish Hotel Federation <a href="http://www.irelandhotels.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.irelandhotels.com/</a> Irish Rail (the Republic) <a href="http://www.irishrail.ie/home/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.irishrail.ie/home/</a> Translink (Northern Ireland rail service)  <a href="http://www.translink.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.translink.co.uk/</a> Bus Eireann (the Republic)  <a href="http://www.buseireann.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.buseireann.ie/</a> Londonderry (a.k.a. Derry)  <a href="http://www.derryvisitor.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.derryvisitor.com/</a> The following links are not necessarily endorsements for use of the product or service. They are merely mentioned in the podcast. Dan Dooley car rental  <a href="http://www.dandooley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dandooley.com/</a> Aer Lingus <a href="http://www.aerlingus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.aerlingus.com/</a>

Ep. 21 - Tourism Ireland Interview

In this episode, we talk about Glendalough and our day in the Wicklow mountains Glendaloughhttp://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/GlendaloughVisitorCentre/Wicklow Mountains National Parkhttp://www.wicklownationalpark.ie/Avoca Handweavershttp://www.avoca.ie/index`.phpWicklow Walking Trailshttp://www.wicklownationalpark.ie/pages/walkingtrails.phpWicklow Way Walking Trailhttp://www.wicklowway.com/Gardens and Houses:Powerscourt House &amp; Gardenshttp://www.powerscourt.ie/gardens/Avondale House &amp; Gardens (Rathdrum)http://www.gardensireland.com/avondale.htmlKilruddery House &amp; Gardens (Bray)http://www.killruddery.com/Russborough House (Blessington)http://www.russborough.ie/Mount Usher Gardenshttp://www.mountushergardens.ie/Monastic Ireland Websitehttp://www.monasticireland.com/historicsites/glendalough.htm#1The Irish Fireside Podcasthttp://www.irishfireside.comFollow us on Twitter!http://twitter.com/EngagingIreland

In this episode, we talk about Glendalough and our day in the Wicklow mountains Glendalough<a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/GlendaloughVisitorCentre/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/GlendaloughVisitorCentre/</a>Wicklow Mountains National Park<a href="http://www.wicklownationalpark.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.wicklownationalpark.ie/</a> Avoca Handweavers <a href="http://www.avoca.ie/index1.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.avoca.ie/index`.php</a> Wicklow Walking Trails<a href="http://www.wicklownationalpark.ie/pages/walkingtrails.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.wicklownationalpark.ie/pages/walkingtrails.php</a>Wicklow Way Walking Trail<a href="http://www.wicklowway.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.wicklowway.com/</a>Gardens and Houses:Powerscourt House &amp; Gardens<a href="http://www.powerscourt.ie/gardens/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.powerscourt.ie/gardens/</a>Avondale House &amp; Gardens (Rathdrum)<a href="http://www.gardensireland.com/avondale.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.gardensireland.com/avondale.html</a>Kilruddery House &amp; Gardens (Bray)<a href="http://www.killruddery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.killruddery.com/</a>Russborough House (Blessington)<a href="http://www.russborough.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.russborough.ie/</a>Mount Usher Gardens<a href="http://www.mountushergardens.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mountushergardens.ie/</a>Monastic Ireland Website<a href="http://www.monasticireland.com/historicsites/glendalough.htm#1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.monasticireland.com/historicsites/glendalough.htm#1</a>The Irish Fireside Podcast<a href="http://www.irishfireside.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.irishfireside.com</a>Follow us on Twitter!<a href="http://twitter.com/EngagingIreland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/EngagingIreland</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 9 - Glendalough and Wickow Mountains

Ireland boasts many beautiful and interesting gardens. In this episode, we highlight a few of our favorites. It’s difficult to narrow down our list to just ten, but we have made our choices. If you have a favorite garden, please feel free to send a comment telling us about your favorite garden and why it is special to you. 

Ireland boasts many beautiful and interesting gardens. In this episode, we highlight a few of our favorites. It’s difficult to narrow down our list to just ten, but we have made our choices. If you have a favorite garden, please feel free to send a comment telling us about your favorite garden and why it is special to you.

Ep. 24 - The Top 10 Gardens in Ireland

In anticipation of Saint Patrick's Day, we briefly explore the life and legend of Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.

In anticipation of Saint Patrick's Day, we briefly explore the life and legend of Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.

Engaging Ireland - Episode 18 - St. Patrick: Separating the Life from the Legend

All Ireland Travel website (Kemberlee and Peter’s website) http://www.allirelandtravel.com/ Peruse the site and check out the information related to travel to and within Ireland, as well as information about car rental and accommodation. As Kemberlee notes in our interview, the information/descriptions for many of the attractions and accommodations listed on the website were recently updated and expanded.     While you’re there, be sure to check out their blog. The link to it is found under “More Information” (select “blogspot”). You can also link to the Ireland Yahoo group from the website and sign up to join the discussions!      Dublin Pass and Ireland-at-a-Glimpse guides   Please visit the All Ireland Travel website for links to purchase these. They are also a great deal, if you are going to visit several of the places covered under each pass. Check the website to see if the places you are planning to visit are covered!     Lee Valley Clothing: http://www.leevalley.ie/ We had lunch and conducted our interview with Peter and Kemberlee at the Lee Valley Retail Outlet in Inchigeela (west of Cork City just off the N22 on the R584), which just happens to have a lovely cafeteria upstairs.   Other things to do in the Inchigeela (or Inchigeelagh)/Lee Valley area   http://www.inchigeelagh.com/Activities.htm This is (yet another) lovely part of Ireland with a lot to offer the outdoors enthusiast.  OPW Heritage Card   http://www.heritageireland.ie/ The Heritage Card is a pass for entry to sites maintained and operated by the Office of Public Works in Ireland. You can purchase passes before you go to Ireland by downloading and completing the form (available at the website) and mailing it in with payment. Or you can just purchase the pass at the first OPW site you visit while in Ireland. (You may also pay per site if you don’t care to purchase the Heritage Card. You don’t have to have a card to get into the sites.) Check the online site while you’re planning your vacation to see how many of the Heritage Sites you might visit and the cost per each entry. Some sites cost as little as €2, while other sites cost as much as €11 (for Newgrange/Knowth/Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre).  

All Ireland Travel website (Kemberlee and Peter’s website) <a href="http://www.allirelandtravel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.allirelandtravel.com/</a> Peruse the site and check out the information related to travel to and within Ireland, as well as information about car rental and accommodation. As Kemberlee notes in our interview, the information/descriptions for many of the attractions and accommodations listed on the website were recently updated and expanded.  While you’re there, be sure to check out their blog. The link to it is found under “More Information” (select “blogspot”). You can also link to the Ireland Yahoo group from the website and sign up to join the discussions!  Dublin Pass and Ireland-at-a-Glimpse guides Please visit the All Ireland Travel website for links to purchase these. They are also a great deal, if you are going to visit several of the places covered under each pass. Check the website to see if the places you are planning to visit are covered!  Lee Valley Clothing: <a href="http://www.leevalley.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.leevalley.ie/</a> We had lunch and conducted our interview with Peter and Kemberlee at the Lee Valley Retail Outlet in Inchigeela (west of Cork City just off the N22 on the R584), which just happens to have a lovely cafeteria upstairs. Other things to do in the Inchigeela (or Inchigeelagh)/Lee Valley area  <a href="http://www.inchigeelagh.com/Activities.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.inchigeelagh.com/Activities.htm</a> This is (yet another) lovely part of Ireland with a lot to offer the outdoors enthusiast. OPW Heritage Card  <a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/</a> The Heritage Card is a pass for entry to sites maintained and operated by the Office of Public Works in Ireland. You can purchase passes before you go to Ireland by downloading and completing the form (available at the website) and mailing it in with payment. Or you can just purchase the pass at the first OPW site you visit while in Ireland. (You may also pay per site if you don’t care to purchase the Heritage Card. You don’t have to have a card to get into the sites.) Check the online site while you’re planning your vacation to see how many of the Heritage Sites you might visit and the cost per each entry. Some sites cost as little as €2, while other sites cost as much as €11 (for Newgrange/Knowth/Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre).

Engaging Ireland - Episode 12 - All Ireland Travel Interview (Part 1)

Charles Fort

We give a brief update about the job hunt in Ireland and about our trip to Kinsale and Charles Fort.Heritage Ireland/OPW - Info about heritage passes and all OPW sites. Also updates on clusures and schedule modifications.http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/ Desmond Castlehttp://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/DesmondCastle/ Charles Forthttp://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/CharlesFort/ Kinsale Town Infohttp://www.kinsale.iehttp://www.cork-guide.ie/kinsale.htmOne-Minute Irishhttp://omIrish.libsyn.com/ Mike Hanrahanhttp://www.mikehanrahannl.com/

We give a brief update about the job hunt in Ireland and about our trip to Kinsale and Charles Fort.Heritage Ireland/OPW - Info about heritage passes and all OPW sites. Also updates on clusures and schedule modifications.<a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/</a> Desmond Castle<a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/DesmondCastle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/DesmondCastle/</a> Charles Fort<a href="http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/CharlesFort/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/CharlesFort/</a> Kinsale Town Info<a href="http://www.kinsale.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.kinsale.ie</a><a href="http://www.cork-guide.ie/kinsale.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cork-guide.ie/kinsale.htm</a>One-Minute Irish<a href="http://omirish.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://omIrish.libsyn.com/</a> Mike Hanrahan<a href="http://www.mikehanrahannl.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mikehanrahannl.com/</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 005 - Kinsale and Charles Fort

We present the second half of our conversation with Peter and Kemberlee from All Ireland Travel (see show notes from Episode 12). B&amp;B Vouchers  Vouchers for accommodation at B&amp;Bs (and sometimes hotels) are often part of vacation packages for travel in Ireland, or they may be sometimes be purchased separately.  We have never used vouchers on any of our trips to Ireland. We neither condone nor condemn their use. You really have to decide for yourself if you think they would work well for your travel plans. How do you make that decision? Take a look at some of the following sites for more information. On this site, Michele Erdvig (an Ireland Expert from IrelandYes.com) gives readers an interesting take on when she thinks B&amp;B vouchers may or may not be a good value for travel in Ireland. http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ireland-144/2009/2/B-B-Vouchers-Ireland.htm Read this article for a good look at the pros and cons of the vouchers. http://www.dochara.com/save/save-on-accommodation/bed-breakfast-vouchers/ Peter and Kemberlee’s favorite places to visit in Ireland: Killarney Countryside  Killarney National Park http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/ The Gap of Dunloe Here, we will make appropriate use of the wonderful descriptions Kemberlee and Peter have placed on their website of places of interest in Ireland.  http://www.all-ireland.com/attractions/munster/kerry/gapofdunloe.htm#brandon Here is a general description of the Gap of Dunloe. http://www.irishtourism.com/attractions-ireland/gap-of-dunloe_155224-attraction.htm And the following description of the Gap comes from the Planet Ware website (www.planetware.com). “The western part of the Killarney National Park extends from the Upper Lake to the southwest shore of the Lower Lake by way of Purple Mount (2,698ft/822m) and its northern foothills. This range of hills is separated from Macgillicuddy's Reeks to the west by the rocky defile known as the Gap of Dunloe, best reached from the R562, which follows the north side of the Lower Lake. From the road to the Gap, which goes off on the left just after the golf courses, can be seen Dunloe Castle, set amid trees, and a group of ogham stones (National Monument). It is customary to drive as far as Kate Kearney's Cottage, but from there the climb to the pass (some 2.5mi/4km) is usually continued in a jaunting car, on a pony or on foot. There are five little lakes, fed by a rapid mountain stream. The highest of these is Serpent Lake, into which St Patrick is said to have consigned all the snakes he expelled form Ireland. The mighty rocks bearing the marks of glacial action which flank the gorge give an excellent echo. From the top of the pass (784ft/239m) there are superb views of hills, valleys and lakes in the varied shades of green, yellow and brown presented by the vegetation and the red sandstone rocks.” This little gem is one visitor’s description of the walk through the Gap. It’s a very wonderful description of most of the walk. We say “most of the walk” because the family in the story didn’t walk all the way through the Gap to the Black Valley side. It’s a shame that many people don’t get all the way through, too, because we really thought that last mile and a half were probably the most beautiful and serene of the whole walk. (Unless you pay them extra, the jaunting cars don’t go further than the third lake in the gap, and there’s still a couple of miles of gorgeous valley to be experienced from there!) http://www.irelandforvisitors.com/articles/the_gap.htm A thorough description (with photos) of how many tourists make the trek through the Gap of Dunloe and back to Killarney Town each day: http://www.lakehotel.com/Gap_of_dunloe.htm The Black Valley On our visit to Killarney National Park this year, we were determined to walk the Gap of Dunloe, and (thanks to confirmation from Peter and Kemberlee) we decided to start our walk at the Gap Head on the Black Valley end of the Gap. We did this because we had heard stories about how crowded it can get at the other end of the gap where most people begin their journey. We parked next to a little church in the Black Valley and made our way up the switchbacks in the road leading up into the gap. When we arrived at the other end of the gap, we had a lovely lunch at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and, as it had begun to rain in earnest, we decided to hire a jaunting car to take us up to the third lake (which is generally as far as they go before they turn around and head back). From there, we continued walking through the rest of the gap and back to our car in the Black Valley. The road down into the Black Valley is not a drive for the faint of heart or the inexperienced driver, but the rewards are well worth it, if you can stomach the narrow, bumpy roads. At the bottom of the drive, you can either turn right toward Lord Brandon’s Cottage or left toward the Gap of Dunloe. The drive to Lord Brandon’s Cottage is really beautiful (and the road has been repaved beginning at the point where it enters Killarney National Park property) and worth a look! You could park your car at the small lot near the gates at Six Arch Bridge and walk the extra 2 or 3 km to the Gap of Dunloe, and we considered doing that, but decided against it. We were very glad that we didn’t have to walk the extra distance at the end of our day, as we were water-logged (despite the proper gear and apparel) and VERY tired from fighting against the wind the last couple of miles! On a fairly nice day, though, it might not have been too bad. We’ll never know… Muckross House and Gardens http://www.muckross-house.ie/ We have, admittedly, never visited Muckross House, but it looks to be a lovely period house that has been very well maintained and furnished. We would like to stop in during one of our future trips. Gougane Barra You might not recognize this name at first, but many of you may have seen photos of the fairly well-known oratory of St. Finbarr, which is located on an island in Gougane Barra Forest Park. http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&amp;rec_site=88 http://www.gougane.cork2020.com/ We were quite heartbroken that, due to the late hour of the day when we passed by, we were unable to make the detour to visit. The park also contains the source of the mighty River Lee (which eventually travels downhill to Cork City and out into Cork Harbour). We will be back to visit Gougane Barra! Dublin City Just about everyone who visits Ireland will spend some amount of time in Dublin City. There are many, many worthwhile things to see and do in the city, but you won’t need a car. For this reason, we generally suggest to our listeners that they visit Dublin either at the beginning of their stay or at the end of their stay (before they pick up a rental car or after they’ve dropped it off). It’s very easy to get to and from Dublin Airport to the city center, and driving in Dublin is, in some ways, more painful than driving in New York City! An informative website to visit, as one might guess, is http://www.dublin.ie/, where you can plan out your itinerary. Be sure to make note of any festivals or special events that might affect where you can and cannot go. Below are a couple of the bus companies that provide the hop-on/hop-off tours of the city, as was mentioned in the podcast. http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/  (Dublin Bus Tour) http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/pdf/tours_08.pdf (Here’s where you can download the PDF flyer for the Dublin Bus Tours) http://www.irishcitytours.com/hop_citydublin.htm (Irish Sightseeing Tours - the red and yellow buses) You can also book day tours by bus from Dublin City out to places like the Wicklow Mountains and Malahide and Brú na Bóinne. The Antrim Coast  As we have mentioned in previous podcasts, we have not made it into Northern Ireland yet. We would like to make a special trip of 2-3 weeks, in order to give the region the attention it deserves.  http://www.northantrim.com/ The following site includes information about Glenarriff, a favorite area that Kemberlee mentions in the interview. http://www.causewaycoastandglens.com/ (Causeway Coast and Glens) The Beara Peninsula (and West County Cork) If you would like general information about the peninsula, consult the following website: http://www.bearatourism.com/  The Beara Way is popular walking route located on the Beara Peninsula. The length of the complete walk is apparently difficult to estimate. Some information indicates the walk is 115 miles, while others maintain that is over 130 miles. In all fairness, there are several splinter routes that go off the main route, so the distance you would go would probably be determined by the number of those splinter routes you explore.  Even if you don’t get out of your car and walk at all (which would be a real shame, because you’ll miss a lot of really interesting sites), the Beara Peninsula offers beautiful landscapes and vistas along the main ring road, and you’ll not generally find the number of people and vehicles that you would find on, say, the Ring of Kerry right next door! Dingle Peninsula A good site for information about your trip to the Dingle Peninsula. http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/ Dingle is also less crowded than the Ring of Kerry, generally, but there are many historical/archaeological sites of interest. As the Wikitravel website describes the area:  “The landscape is wild and beautiful from the eastern spine of the peninsula in the steep Slieve Mish (mountain of phantoms) to the western end where the land breaks into a scattering of uninhabited and dramatic islands and cliffs and beaches alternate around the coast. Dingle town (An Daingean) is small enough to walk and big enough to be lively.” http://wikitravel.org/en/Dingle_Peninsula North Clare Doolin “Doolin is a small fishing village on the west coast of Ireland, often referred to as the capital of Irish traditional music.” – this is the description on the Doolin website: http://www.doolinireland.net/. For further information on Doolin and its environs, refer to: http://www.doolin-tourism.com/ The Burren The Burren is basically a geological region of County Clare. http://www.burrenpage.com/ Wikipedia describes it this way:  Its “rolling hills are composed of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks known as "grikes", leaving isolated rocks called "clints". The region supports arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants side by side, due to the unusual environment. The blue flower of the Spring Gentian, an alpine plant, is used as a symbol for the area by the tourist board. Burren's many limestone cliffs, particularly the sea-cliffs at Ailladie, are popular with rock-climbers. For potholers (spelunkers), there are a number of charted caves in the area.” The Burren Centre in Kilfenora is a great place to start your visit to the Burren region. You can view an informative video about the Burren and walk through the exhibition area where you’ll get an understanding of how the Burren came to be and what life on the Burren has been like for animals, plants, and man. http://www.theburrencentre.ie/ This is one of our favorite pages about the Burren: http://www.burrenbeo.com/ Derry City, Northern Ireland You may still hear Derry referred to as Londonderry, but most locals simply refer to the city as Derry. Derry has a long and, sometimes, unsettled history. But its turbulent history is always interesting. http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/http://www.derryvisitor.com/ Here is a brief history of Derry (up to the 1920s). http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukider01.htm A Wikipedia article examines more of Derry’s history and geography. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry Carrickfergus, County Antrim Dobbins Castle (a.k.a. D’Aubins Castle or Dobbins Inn Hotel) A little of the history of the hotel and its ghost(s) can be found at the All Ireland Travel website: http://www.all-ireland.com/accommodations/ulster/antrim/dobbinsinnhotel.htm Glenariff, County Antrim Glenariff, sometimes called the “Queen of the Glens,” is one the famous Glens of Antrim. It is the largest of the glens and was shaped, as were the others, by glaciers during the Ice Age. One of the most popular places to visit in this beautiful glen is the forest park:  http://www.irelandholidays.net/English/Activities/Glenariff/Forestpark.htm We hope you enjoyed listening in on our afternoon conversation in Inchigeela. We’ll meet you again down the road!

We present the second half of our conversation with Peter and Kemberlee from All Ireland Travel (see show notes from Episode 12). B&amp;B Vouchers Vouchers for accommodation at B&amp;Bs (and sometimes hotels) are often part of vacation packages for travel in Ireland, or they may be sometimes be purchased separately. We have never used vouchers on any of our trips to Ireland. We neither condone nor condemn their use. You really have to decide for yourself if you think they would work well for your travel plans. How do you make that decision? Take a look at some of the following sites for more information. On this site, Michele Erdvig (an Ireland Expert from <a href="http://IrelandYes.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IrelandYes.com</a>) gives readers an interesting take on when she thinks B&amp;B vouchers may or may not be a good value for travel in Ireland. <a href="http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ireland-144/2009/2/B-B-Vouchers-Ireland.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ireland-144/2009/2/B-B-Vouchers-Ireland.htm</a> Read this article for a good look at the pros and cons of the vouchers. <a href="http://www.dochara.com/save/save-on-accommodation/bed-breakfast-vouchers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dochara.com/save/save-on-accommodation/bed-breakfast-vouchers/</a> Peter and Kemberlee’s favorite places to visit in Ireland: Killarney Countryside Killarney National Park <a href="http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/</a> The Gap of Dunloe Here, we will make appropriate use of the wonderful descriptions Kemberlee and Peter have placed on their website of places of interest in Ireland. <a href="http://www.all-ireland.com/attractions/munster/kerry/gapofdunloe.htm#brandon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.all-ireland.com/attractions/munster/kerry/gapofdunloe.htm#brandon</a> Here is a general description of the Gap of Dunloe. <a href="http://www.irishtourism.com/attractions-ireland/gap-of-dunloe_155224-attraction.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.irishtourism.com/attractions-ireland/gap-of-dunloe_155224-attraction.htm</a> And the following description of the Gap comes from the Planet Ware website (<a href="http://www.planetware.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.planetware.com</a>). “The western part of the Killarney National Park extends from the Upper Lake to the southwest shore of the Lower Lake by way of Purple Mount (2,698ft/822m) and its northern foothills. This range of hills is separated from Macgillicuddy's Reeks to the west by the rocky defile known as the Gap of Dunloe, best reached from the R562, which follows the north side of the Lower Lake. From the road to the Gap, which goes off on the left just after the golf courses, can be seen Dunloe Castle, set amid trees, and a group of ogham stones (National Monument). It is customary to drive as far as Kate Kearney's Cottage, but from there the climb to the pass (some 2.5mi/4km) is usually continued in a jaunting car, on a pony or on foot. There are five little lakes, fed by a rapid mountain stream. The highest of these is Serpent Lake, into which St Patrick is said to have consigned all the snakes he expelled form Ireland. The mighty rocks bearing the marks of glacial action which flank the gorge give an excellent echo. From the top of the pass (784ft/239m) there are superb views of hills, valleys and lakes in the varied shades of green, yellow and brown presented by the vegetation and the red sandstone rocks.” This little gem is one visitor’s description of the walk through the Gap. It’s a very wonderful description of most of the walk. We say “most of the walk” because the family in the story didn’t walk all the way through the Gap to the Black Valley side. It’s a shame that many people don’t get all the way through, too, because we really thought that last mile and a half were probably the most beautiful and serene of the whole walk. (Unless you pay them extra, the jaunting cars don’t go further than the third lake in the gap, and there’s still a couple of miles of gorgeous valley to be experienced from there!) <a href="http://www.irelandforvisitors.com/articles/the_gap.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.irelandforvisitors.com/articles/the_gap.htm</a> A thorough description (with photos) of how many tourists make the trek through the Gap of Dunloe and back to Killarney Town each day: <a href="http://www.lakehotel.com/Gap_of_dunloe.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.lakehotel.com/Gap_of_dunloe.htm</a> The Black Valley On our visit to Killarney National Park this year, we were determined to walk the Gap of Dunloe, and (thanks to confirmation from Peter and Kemberlee) we decided to start our walk at the Gap Head on the Black Valley end of the Gap. We did this because we had heard stories about how crowded it can get at the other end of the gap where most people begin their journey. We parked next to a little church in the Black Valley and made our way up the switchbacks in the road leading up into the gap. When we arrived at the other end of the gap, we had a lovely lunch at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and, as it had begun to rain in earnest, we decided to hire a jaunting car to take us up to the third lake (which is generally as far as they go before they turn around and head back). From there, we continued walking through the rest of the gap and back to our car in the Black Valley. The road down into the Black Valley is not a drive for the faint of heart or the inexperienced driver, but the rewards are well worth it, if you can stomach the narrow, bumpy roads. At the bottom of the drive, you can either turn right toward Lord Brandon’s Cottage or left toward the Gap of Dunloe. The drive to Lord Brandon’s Cottage is really beautiful (and the road has been repaved beginning at the point where it enters Killarney National Park property) and worth a look! You could park your car at the small lot near the gates at Six Arch Bridge and walk the extra 2 or 3 km to the Gap of Dunloe, and we considered doing that, but decided against it. We were very glad that we didn’t have to walk the extra distance at the end of our day, as we were water-logged (despite the proper gear and apparel) and VERY tired from fighting against the wind the last couple of miles! On a fairly nice day, though, it might not have been too bad. We’ll never know… Muckross House and Gardens <a href="http://www.muckross-house.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.muckross-house.ie/</a> We have, admittedly, never visited Muckross House, but it looks to be a lovely period house that has been very well maintained and furnished. We would like to stop in during one of our future trips. Gougane Barra You might not recognize this name at first, but many of you may have seen photos of the fairly well-known oratory of St. Finbarr, which is located on an island in Gougane Barra Forest Park. <a href="http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&amp;rec_site=88" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&amp;rec_site=88</a> <a href="http://www.gougane.cork2020.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.gougane.cork2020.com/</a> We were quite heartbroken that, due to the late hour of the day when we passed by, we were unable to make the detour to visit. The park also contains the source of the mighty River Lee (which eventually travels downhill to Cork City and out into Cork Harbour). We will be back to visit Gougane Barra! Dublin City Just about everyone who visits Ireland will spend some amount of time in Dublin City. There are many, many worthwhile things to see and do in the city, but you won’t need a car. For this reason, we generally suggest to our listeners that they visit Dublin either at the beginning of their stay or at the end of their stay (before they pick up a rental car or after they’ve dropped it off). It’s very easy to get to and from Dublin Airport to the city center, and driving in Dublin is, in some ways, more painful than driving in New York City! An informative website to visit, as one might guess, is <a href="http://www.dublin.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dublin.ie/</a>, where you can plan out your itinerary. Be sure to make note of any festivals or special events that might affect where you can and cannot go. Below are a couple of the bus companies that provide the hop-on/hop-off tours of the city, as was mentioned in the podcast. <a href="http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/</a>  (Dublin Bus Tour) <a href="http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/pdf/tours_08.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/pdf/tours_08.pdf</a> (Here’s where you can download the PDF flyer for the Dublin Bus Tours) <a href="http://www.irishcitytours.com/hop_citydublin.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.irishcitytours.com/hop_citydublin.htm</a> (Irish Sightseeing Tours - the red and yellow buses) You can also book day tours by bus from Dublin City out to places like the Wicklow Mountains and Malahide and Brú na Bóinne. The Antrim Coast As we have mentioned in previous podcasts, we have not made it into Northern Ireland yet. We would like to make a special trip of 2-3 weeks, in order to give the region the attention it deserves. <a href="http://www.northantrim.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.northantrim.com/</a> The following site includes information about Glenarriff, a favorite area that Kemberlee mentions in the interview. <a href="http://www.causewaycoastandglens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.causewaycoastandglens.com/</a> (Causeway Coast and Glens) The Beara Peninsula (and West County Cork) If you would like general information about the peninsula, consult the following website: <a href="http://www.bearatourism.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bearatourism.com/</a> The Beara Way is popular walking route located on the Beara Peninsula. The length of the complete walk is apparently difficult to estimate. Some information indicates the walk is 115 miles, while others maintain that is over 130 miles. In all fairness, there are several splinter routes that go off the main route, so the distance you would go would probably be determined by the number of those splinter routes you explore. Even if you don’t get out of your car and walk at all (which would be a real shame, because you’ll miss a lot of really interesting sites), the Beara Peninsula offers beautiful landscapes and vistas along the main ring road, and you’ll not generally find the number of people and vehicles that you would find on, say, the Ring of Kerry right next door! Dingle Peninsula A good site for information about your trip to the Dingle Peninsula. <a href="http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/</a> Dingle is also less crowded than the Ring of Kerry, generally, but there are many historical/archaeological sites of interest. As the Wikitravel website describes the area: “The landscape is wild and beautiful from the eastern spine of the peninsula in the steep Slieve Mish (mountain of phantoms) to the western end where the land breaks into a scattering of uninhabited and dramatic islands and cliffs and beaches alternate around the coast. Dingle town (An Daingean) is small enough to walk and big enough to be lively.” <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Dingle_Peninsula" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://wikitravel.org/en/Dingle_Peninsula</a> North Clare Doolin “Doolin is a small fishing village on the west coast of Ireland, often referred to as the capital of Irish traditional music.” – this is the description on the Doolin website: <a href="http://www.doolinireland.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.doolinireland.net/</a>. For further information on Doolin and its environs, refer to: <a href="http://www.doolin-tourism.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.doolin-tourism.com/</a> The Burren The Burren is basically a geological region of County Clare. <a href="http://www.burrenpage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.burrenpage.com/</a> Wikipedia describes it this way:  Its “rolling hills are composed of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks known as "grikes", leaving isolated rocks called "clints". The region supports arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants side by side, due to the unusual environment. The blue flower of the Spring Gentian, an alpine plant, is used as a symbol for the area by the tourist board. Burren's many limestone cliffs, particularly the sea-cliffs at Ailladie, are popular with rock-climbers. For potholers (spelunkers), there are a number of charted caves in the area.” The Burren Centre in Kilfenora is a great place to start your visit to the Burren region. You can view an informative video about the Burren and walk through the exhibition area where you’ll get an understanding of how the Burren came to be and what life on the Burren has been like for animals, plants, and man. <a href="http://www.theburrencentre.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.theburrencentre.ie/</a> This is one of our favorite pages about the Burren: <a href="http://www.burrenbeo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.burrenbeo.com/</a> Derry City, Northern Ireland You may still hear Derry referred to as Londonderry, but most locals simply refer to the city as Derry. Derry has a long and, sometimes, unsettled history. But its turbulent history is always interesting. <a href="http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/</a><a href="http://www.derryvisitor.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.derryvisitor.com/</a> Here is a brief history of Derry (up to the 1920s). <a href="http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukider01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukider01.htm</a> A Wikipedia article examines more of Derry’s history and geography. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry</a> Carrickfergus, County Antrim Dobbins Castle (a.k.a. D’Aubins Castle or Dobbins Inn Hotel) A little of the history of the hotel and its ghost(s) can be found at the All Ireland Travel website: <a href="http://www.all-ireland.com/accommodations/ulster/antrim/dobbinsinnhotel.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.all-ireland.com/accommodations/ulster/antrim/dobbinsinnhotel.htm</a> Glenariff, County Antrim Glenariff, sometimes called the “Queen of the Glens,” is one the famous Glens of Antrim. It is the largest of the glens and was shaped, as were the others, by glaciers during the Ice Age. One of the most popular places to visit in this beautiful glen is the forest park: <a href="http://www.irelandholidays.net/English/Activities/Glenariff/Forestpark.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.irelandholidays.net/English/Activities/Glenariff/Forestpark.htm</a> We hope you enjoyed listening in on our afternoon conversation in Inchigeela. We’ll meet you again down the road!

Engaging Ireland - Episode 13 - All Ireland Travel Interview (Part 2)

The Ring of Hook, Hook Head lighthouse, Duncannon and Dunbrody AbbeyOn our first day back in Ireland, we drove the ring of hook and went to Hook Head Lighthouse, Duncannon fort and Dunbrody abbey.Ring of Hook/Duncannon Fort/Dunbrody Abbey http://www.thehook-wexford.com/ The Cockleshell Gallery http://www.cockleshellgallery.com

The Ring of Hook, Hook Head lighthouse, Duncannon and Dunbrody AbbeyOn our first day back in Ireland, we drove the ring of hook and went to Hook Head Lighthouse, Duncannon fort and Dunbrody abbey.Ring of Hook/Duncannon Fort/Dunbrody Abbey <a href="http://www.thehook-wexford.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.thehook-wexford.com/</a> The Cockleshell Gallery <a href="http://www.cockleshellgallery.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cockleshellgallery.com</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 004

We talk briefly about Belvelly Castle, mentioned in an earlier episode about Cobh.  Then we talk about our trip to Powerscourt.*Please note: We are not specifically endorsing any of the websites, companies, tourist sites or products that we list in our show notes. We are simply providing links to things we have mentioned in our podcast. You need to do your own research when deciding upon a product or service provider to find out which one best suits your individual needs and desires.Belvelly Castle LinkReal Estate Listing for Belvelly Castle:http://www.myhome.ie/residential/search/brochure/belvelly-castle-fota-cork-city-outer/YAYJY363002Powerscourt Main Websitehttp://www.powerscourt.ie/County Wicklow General Informationhttp://www.visitwicklow.ie/Town of Enniskerry Websitehttp://www.enniskerry.ie/Bus Eireann Day Tours Informationhttp://www.buseireann.ie/bubble.php?id=174Dublin Bus Tour (that includes Powerscourt)http://www.dublinbus.ie/sightseeing/southCoast.aspxGrayline Bus Company (with trips to the Wicklow Mountains and Powerscourt available from Dublin)http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/destinations/europe/ireland.go?mode=activities&amp;cd=&amp;cat=Show%20All%20Tours&amp;index=1&amp;itemcount=6Travel Toe Tour Companyhttp://www.traveltoe.com/product_info.php/products_id/2641

We talk briefly about Belvelly Castle, mentioned in an earlier episode about Cobh. Then we talk about our trip to Powerscourt. *Please note: We are not specifically endorsing any of the websites, companies, tourist sites or products that we list in our show notes. We are simply providing links to things we have mentioned in our podcast. You need to do your own research when deciding upon a product or service provider to find out which one best suits your individual needs and desires. Belvelly Castle Link Real Estate Listing for Belvelly Castle: <a href="http://www.myhome.ie/residential/search/brochure/belvelly-castle-fota-cork-city-outer/YAYJY363002" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.myhome.ie/residential/search/brochure/belvelly-castle-fota-cork-city-outer/YAYJY363002</a> Powerscourt Main Website <a href="http://www.powerscourt.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.powerscourt.ie/</a> County Wicklow General Information <a href="http://www.visitwicklow.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.visitwicklow.ie/</a> Town of Enniskerry Website <a href="http://www.enniskerry.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.enniskerry.ie/</a> Bus Eireann Day Tours Information <a href="http://www.buseireann.ie/bubble.php?id=174" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.buseireann.ie/bubble.php?id=174</a> Dublin Bus Tour (that includes Powerscourt) <a href="http://www.dublinbus.ie/sightseeing/southCoast.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dublinbus.ie/sightseeing/southCoast.aspx</a> Grayline Bus Company (with trips to the Wicklow Mountains and Powerscourt available from Dublin) <a href="http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/destinations/europe/ireland.go?mode=activities&amp;cd=&amp;cat=Show%20All%20Tours&amp;index=1&amp;itemcount=6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/destinations/europe/ireland.go?mode=activities&amp;cd=&amp;cat=Show%20All%20Tours&amp;index=1&amp;itemcount=6</a> Travel Toe Tour Company <a href="http://www.traveltoe.com/product_info.php/products_id/2641" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.traveltoe.com/product_info.php/products_id/2641</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 8 - Powerscourt

The Queenstown Storyhttp://www.cobhheritage.com/index2.html Cobh Chamber of commercehttp://www.cobhharbourchamber.ie/index.html Cobh Museumhtt://www.cobhmuseum.com Sirius Art Centrehttp://www.iol.ie/~cobharts/ St Colman's Cathedralhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cobh-cathedral Titanic trail tourhttp://www.titanic-trail.com/trail.htm Fota Islandhttp://www.fotawildlife.ie Fota House and Gardenshttp://www.fotahouse.com Heritage Island Guide Bookshttp://www.heritageisland.com/Touring%20Guide.asp Marine Transport Services (provides harbour cruises)http://www.scottcobh.ie/pages/tours.html Foodhttp://www.goireland.com/ireland/restaurants-in-ireland-page1.htm

The Queenstown Story<a href="http://www.cobhheritage.com/index2.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cobhheritage.com/index2.html</a> Cobh Chamber of commerce<a href="http://www.cobhharbourchamber.ie/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cobhharbourchamber.ie/index.html</a> Cobh Museumhtt://<a href="http://www.cobhmuseum.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.cobhmuseum.com</a> Sirius Art Centre<a href="http://www.iol.ie/~cobharts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.iol.ie/~cobharts/</a> St Colman's Cathedral<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cobh-cathedral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cobh-cathedral</a> Titanic trail tour<a href="http://www.titanic-trail.com/trail.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.titanic-trail.com/trail.htm</a> Fota Island<a href="http://www.fotawildlife.ie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.fotawildlife.ie</a> Fota House and Gardens<a href="http://www.fotahouse.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.fotahouse.com</a> Heritage Island Guide Books<a href="http://www.heritageisland.com/Touring%20Guide.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.heritageisland.com/Touring%20Guide.asp</a> Marine Transport Services (provides harbour cruises)<a href="http://www.scottcobh.ie/pages/tours.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.scottcobh.ie/pages/tours.html</a> Food<a href="http://www.goireland.com/ireland/restaurants-in-ireland-page1.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.goireland.com/ireland/restaurants-in-ireland-page1.htm</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 6 - Cobh and listener feedback

At the 2009 Milwaukee Irish Fest, we sat down for an interview with Liam Hughes and Corey Taratuta, the hosts of the popular Irish Fireside travel podcast.  They told us a bit about their podcast, Liam's cottage in Ireland, their favorite places to see in Ireland, and gave us some tips for first time Irish travelers.  You can find their amazing podcast at http://irishfireside.com

At the 2009 Milwaukee Irish Fest, we sat down for an interview with Liam Hughes and Corey Taratuta, the hosts of the popular Irish Fireside travel podcast. They told us a bit about their podcast, Liam's cottage in Ireland, their favorite places to see in Ireland, and gave us some tips for first time Irish travelers. You can find their amazing podcast at <a href="http://irishfireside.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://irishfireside.com</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 17 - Irish Fireside Interview

We caught up with Tommy Sands, world-renowned singer/songwriter and social activist from County Down, at the 2009 Milwaukee Irish Fest and asked him about his musical influences, his new book The Songman: A Journey in Irish Music, and how he views the changes that have taken place in the last few decades in Northern Ireland. If Tommy Sands’ name does not, at first, seem familiar to you, you may well be familiar with some of the songs he has written. Many of you will have heard "Sons and Daughters" or "There Were Roses," arguably his most widely-circulated songs. But the collection of songs in his discography is much broader than just songs about the Troubles.  Tommy is currently touring with his daughter, Moya, and his son, Fionán, and they recently released a CD titled "Let the Circle Be Wide." We encourage you to visit their website at www.tommysands.com and learn more about Tommy and some of his current projects, both here in the United States and in Northern Ireland.  More information about Tommy, Moya and Fionán may also be found at the Ixtlan Artist's Group website, www.ixtlanartists.com

We caught up with Tommy Sands, world-renowned singer/songwriter and social activist from County Down, at the 2009 Milwaukee Irish Fest and asked him about his musical influences, his new book The Songman: A Journey in Irish Music, and how he views the changes that have taken place in the last few decades in Northern Ireland. If Tommy Sands’ name does not, at first, seem familiar to you, you may well be familiar with some of the songs he has written. Many of you will have heard "Sons and Daughters" or "There Were Roses," arguably his most widely-circulated songs. But the collection of songs in his discography is much broader than just songs about the Troubles. Tommy is currently touring with his daughter, Moya, and his son, Fionán, and they recently released a CD titled "Let the Circle Be Wide." We encourage you to visit their website at <a href="http://www.tommysands.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tommysands.com</a> and learn more about Tommy and some of his current projects, both here in the United States and in Northern Ireland.  More information about Tommy, Moya and Fionán may also be found at the Ixtlan Artist's Group website, <a href="http://www.ixtlanartists.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ixtlanartists.com</a>

Engaging Ireland - Episode 15 - Tommy Sands Interview

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