Irish Fireside

By Liam Hughes & Corey Taratuta

Personal Journals Society & Culture Places & Travel

What's Irish Fireside about?

The Podcast on Irish Travel, Irish Customs and All Things Irish. We take you to some of the best Irish towns and villages. As we explore Ireland's most popular destinations, we offer our suggestions to get you off the tourist trail and in to the "real" Ireland. Sit back, relax and make yourself comfortable at the Irish Fireside, and feel free to use our Episode Guides for maps, destination recaps and links to the sites and topics we discuss.

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Irish Fireside episodes:

03.18.2020
#161 Ireland's Little Ark
In an era of religious oppression, one Irish priest found a way to circumvent the laws and inspire his congregation on the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare. Music composed by Hicham Chahidi Library “Shine” & “Tendresse” royalty free music...
03.12.2020
#160 The Glory of Holycross
Holycross didn't always have that name... until the arrival of a relic of the True Cross arrived it was known as the Church of the Eight Hands -- for rather gruesome reasons. There's a lot more to this church than...
03.07.2020
#159 The Pietà in the Bog
In the tiny village of Kilcormac, there's a holy statue that has been safeguarded by the locals for hundreds of years. It has survived religious suppression, Cromwell's armies, and a parish priest who thought it belonged with him.
03.05.2020
#158 The Secrets of Timahoe
In this episode I introduce you to a bit of the history and charms of Timahoe, County Laois, and sites nearby. If you go off the beaten path to visit Timahoe, you might consider some stops nearby, like climbing the...
04.05.2019
#157 Downloading Offline Google Maps for Navigation in Ireland - AUDIO VERSION
Whether it's because you don't have an international plan for your smartphone or you simply hit a deadzone, it's a good idea to download local maps to your phone before you get lost in Ireland. In this episode, I walk...
03.16.2019
#156 Four Ways to Access the Internet in Ireland
We've grown accustomed to around-the-clock internet access in our daily lives. That doesn't necessarily have to change when we travel in Ireland. Even if you're looking for occasional online check-ins, here are my tips for getting your devices connected on...
02.15.2019
#155 - Tips for choosing a rental car in Ireland
Here are my tips for choosing the right car rental company when planning your trip to Ireland.
04.28.2018
Old Irish Traditions That Survive in Modern Ireland with Felicity Hayes-McCoy
This special episode come from the Traveling in Ireland Podcast with Jody Halsted. I thought Irish Firesiders might enjoy the tales and tidbits shared by author Felicity Hayes-McCoy. More at https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/old-irish-traditions-with-felicity-hayes-mccoy-traveling-in-ireland-podcast/podcasts/
02.16.2018
#154 Using Your Smartphone and Tablet in Ireland
We've gotten used to carrying the internet in our pocket, but when it comes to mobile phones and tablets abroad, there are few things every traveler should know to avoid expensive bills or unusable connections. In this episode, I've got...
12.25.2017
Nollaig Shona Duit
Lullaby for Caoilte is our Christmas tradition here at the Irish Fireside. Enjoy. FYI: Nollaig shona dhuit=Happy Christmas in Irish In the spirit of Christmas we bring you this song performed by our friends in Tipperary, Ireland – Sheelagh Chadwick,...
06.18.2017
#153 A Daily Dose of Ireland with Alexa and the Amazon Echo
A video version of this episode is available at http://irishfireside.com/2017/06/18/153-daily-dose-ireland-alexa-amazon-echo-audio-video/. Here's an overview of how you can keep up on Irish music, news, weather, books, and travel plans using the Amazon Echo.
06.04.2017
#152 Medications and Your Trip to Ireland
Whether it’s prescriptions or over-the-counter, you’ll need to know how to pack them, what you can bring, where you can get more, and what to do if you need an emergency refill.
06.04.2017
#151 Powering Your Electronics in Ireland - Audio
Whether it’s your phone, tablet, laptop, curling iron, or sleep apnea machine, here’s a look at how you can power up all your devices while visiting the Emerald Isle.
06.04.2017
#150 Introducing Irish Fireside Travel Tip Episodes - Audio
I’m launching a series of quick, rough and ready podcast episodes that cover specific Irish travel questions.
02.21.2017
SPECIAL: Ireland's Airports with Ireland Family Vacations and the Irish Fireside
Today Corey visits Jody Halsted and Ireland Family Vacations to discuss the ins and outs of Ireland's airports.
12.19.2016
#149 Budgeting for Meals and Miscellaneous Expenses in Ireland with Stephanie Chastain
Our efforts to anwer Brian's question about budgeting for a trip to Ireland continue with Stephanie Chastain from Infinite Ireland as we focus on food and other expenses.
03.14.2016
#148 The Best Irish Castles for Kids with Jody Halsted - Audio
Jody Halsted answers Max's question about choosing the best castles for kids in Ireland.
11.04.2015
#147 What Sites Can I See Outside of Dublin Without a Car? – Featuring Pól Ó Conghaile – AUDIO
Pól Ó Conghaile answers Terry's question about seeing sites outside of the Capital without renting a car... "We’ll be in Dublin this September, and want to strike out and see some other parts of Ireland, but we won’t be renting...
09.15.2015
#146 What is tax free and duty free shopping in Ireland?
Michele Erdvig sheds some light on a topic that can save tourists some serious cash on their purchases in Ireland.
03.17.2015
#145 How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Ireland? – AUDIO
Stephanie Chastain returns to talk about the various accommodation options available and how much you should set aside in your budget.
03.14.2015
#144 How Much Should I Budget for Transportation on My Trip to Ireland? - AUDIO
Stephanie Chastain steps in to help us figure out how much it will cost us to get to Ireland and how much we should set aside for getting around once we get there. Whether it’s a self-drive or public transportation,...
03.10.2015
#143 Where Can I Go to Hear Irish Spoken? - AUDIO
Eoin O Conchuir from Bitesize Irish Gaelic steps in to tell us a few spots that are perfect for catching locals using the Irish language.
03.05.2015
#142 How Much Time Should I Spend in Dublin? - Featuring Pól Ó Conghaile - AUDIO
Pól Ó Conghaile steps in to answer a question many of Dubin's first-time visitors ask... "how much time should I spend there?" Pól's got tips for setting your pace, things to see, and making the most of your visit to...
03.05.2015
#141 Irish Travel Questions & Answers Announcement; plus "Practice Speaking Irish Day"
We're announcing a new segment on the podcast where we answer your questions about travel in Ireland. You're invited to email you questions or record and send them. Plus, there's a new "holiday" in the works... Practice Speaking Irish Day!
01.30.2015
#140 Feeding Your Soul on Clare Island and on Your Trip to Ireland
Carl O'Grady takes some time to talk about the wonders of Clare Island and Corey offers a few tips that will help you take a second look at your travel plans and assure you don’t over extend your itinerary.
10.03.2014
#139 Exploring "Delightful Dublin with Emily Westbrooks" -- AUDIO
The pages of “Delightful Dublin” feel like you’re spending a day exploring a Dublin neighborhood with a good friend showing you her favorite places to eat, shop, play, and meet people. I've been lucky enough to chat with author Emily...
07.29.2014
#138 Finding Value and Comfort in Ireland's Unique Hostel Stays
Hostels have come a long way in recent years, and many hostels offer a boutique, yet budget, experience for travelers. In this episode, we talk about Irish hostels and reveal a list of the best hostels.
03.24.2014
#137 Time Travel in Ireland with Archaeologist Neil Jackman
Neil Jackman introduces us to some of his favorite sites in Ireland and offers some insight into archaeology in Ireland.
03.01.2014
#136 Learning to Speak Irish with Eoin
Eoin Ó Conchúir from Bitesize Irish Gaelic offers his insights in to the Irish language and teaches us a few handy phrases in the process... "Pionta Guinness Le do thoil!!!" And Liam sings us a song in Irish.
01.01.2014
#135 Irish Fireside Pen Pals Project
We're hosting an old-fashioned pen pal exchange where people write real letters to each other and send them through the mail. Details at www.IrishFireside.com/penpals
12.29.2013
#134 Our 2014 Ireland Travel Recap
Enjoy a few minutes of the top stories, quotes, videos, and photos from the Irish Fireside in the last year.
12.13.2013
#133 Fairytale Travel in Ireland with Christa Thompson
The original headless horseman, St Kevin’s hideaway, the remains of St Nick, and the Hellfire Club are among the fairytale treasures from The Fairytale Traveler Christa Thompson.
11.27.2013
#132 Ireland's World Heritage Sites with Gary Arndt
In this episode Corey chats with blogger, podcaster, and photographer Gary Arndt about his recent trip to Ireland, world heritage sites on the Emerald Isle, and Ireland's appeal to Americans.
11.14.2013
#131 The Ferry, Adventure, and Ireland's Connection to Liverpool - an Interview with Helen Davies
In this episode Corey sits down with blogger Helen Davies to talk about her recent visit the Emerald Isle where they talk about traveling by ferry, taking in a bit of adventure travel, and Ireland's connection to the city of...
10.16.2013
#130 Keeping Your Trip to Ireland Alive After You Get Home
Our listeners share the ways they keep their trips to the Emerald Isle alive.
09.30.2013
#129 Alternatives to Ireland’s Most Popular Destinations PART 2
In this episode Corey shares our listeners' picks for alternatives to five more of Ireland’s most popular sites. Then Liam honors Ireland's Titanic heritage by singing the last song reportedly played on the deck of the Titanic.
09.05.2013
#128 Alternatives to Ireland’s Most Popular Destinations
In this episode Corey shares our listeners' picks for alternatives to five of Ireland’s most popular sites. Then Liam finishes the podcast by singing Yeats’ poem “The Wandering Angus.”
07.12.2013
#127 Perks, Privileges, & Discounts on Your Trip to Ireland
Test drive some special offers on Irish travel from the Gathering Gestures and Heritage Island Ireland Discount Guide… on your smartphone!
05.10.2013
#126 Liam and the Old Souls of Ireland
In this episode Liam talks about Irish story telling and the old souls that bring tales to life as part of the launch of Gavin Greer's free ebook "Ireland: A Gathering of Stories"
04.01.2013
#125 Your Smartphone in Ireland and the Best Apps for Irish Travel
In this episode, I chat with Jody Halsted and Stephanie Chastain about smartphones in Ireland and the best apps for Irish travel.
02.13.2013
#124B (AUDIO ONLY) When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
The audio-only version of Episode #124
02.13.2013
#124 When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
In this video episode Corey considers a several factors that may influence when you will plan your trip.
02.13.2013
#124 When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
In this video episode Corey considers a several factors that may influence when you will plan your trip.
02.02.2013
#123 Exploring Ingenious Ireland with Mary Mulvihill
In this episode, we chat with Mary Mulvihill about Ireland's science and innovation contributions with a look at the Hill of Tara, Newgrange, the Antrim Coast, Dublin City, and interesting places throughout Ireland
01.07.2013
Headlines from the Irish Fireside PDF-Only w/ Links
No Audio or Video in this Post / PDF-Only. Click "View PDF or look under "Show Extras" for PDF.
05.20.2012
#122 Jumping Into Ireland with Michele Erdvig
Michele Erdvig and Corey Taratuta cover some of the most popular Irish travel news in preparation for the 2012 tourism season.
03.27.2012
This Week in Travel Interview
The good folks over at the This Week in Travel Podcast invited Corey come on and talk about travel... RVing... and, of course, IRELAND!!! Enjoy.
12.20.2011
#121 The Certificate of Irish Heritage
Karl Elliston answers all our questions about the new Certificate of Irish Heritage.
07.18.2011
#120 The Thrill of Gaelic Games at Croke Park
It's the season of Sundays in Irish sport, and there's no better place than Dublin's Croke Park, the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), to take in a match.
07.01.2011
#119 Fairy Hunting with the Family in Ireland
Jody Halsted gives her tips for traveling with the kids as well as shares her secrets to finding fairies on the Emerald Isle.

What's Irish Fireside about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Irish Fireside episodes:

#161 Ireland's Little Ark

#160 The Glory of Holycross

#159 The Pietà in the Bog

#158 The Secrets of Timahoe

#157 Downloading Offline Google Maps for Navigation in Ireland - AUDIO VERSION

#156 Four Ways to Access the Internet in Ireland

#155 - Tips for choosing a rental car in Ireland

Old Irish Traditions That Survive in Modern Ireland with Felicity Hayes-McCoy

#154 Using Your Smartphone and Tablet in Ireland

Nollaig Shona Duit

#153 A Daily Dose of Ireland with Alexa and the Amazon Echo

#152 Medications and Your Trip to Ireland

#151 Powering Your Electronics in Ireland - Audio

#150 Introducing Irish Fireside Travel Tip Episodes - Audio

SPECIAL: Ireland's Airports with Ireland Family Vacations and the Irish Fireside

#149 Budgeting for Meals and Miscellaneous Expenses in Ireland with Stephanie Chastain

#148 The Best Irish Castles for Kids with Jody Halsted - Audio

#147 What Sites Can I See Outside of Dublin Without a Car? – Featuring Pól Ó Conghaile – AUDIO

#146 What is tax free and duty free shopping in Ireland?

#145 How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Ireland? – AUDIO

#144 How Much Should I Budget for Transportation on My Trip to Ireland? - AUDIO

#143 Where Can I Go to Hear Irish Spoken? - AUDIO

#142 How Much Time Should I Spend in Dublin? - Featuring Pól Ó Conghaile - AUDIO

#141 Irish Travel Questions & Answers Announcement; plus "Practice Speaking Irish Day"

#140 Feeding Your Soul on Clare Island and on Your Trip to Ireland

#139 Exploring "Delightful Dublin with Emily Westbrooks" -- AUDIO

#138 Finding Value and Comfort in Ireland's Unique Hostel Stays

#137 Time Travel in Ireland with Archaeologist Neil Jackman

#136 Learning to Speak Irish with Eoin

#135 Irish Fireside Pen Pals Project

#134 Our 2014 Ireland Travel Recap

#133 Fairytale Travel in Ireland with Christa Thompson

#132 Ireland's World Heritage Sites with Gary Arndt

#131 The Ferry, Adventure, and Ireland's Connection to Liverpool - an Interview with Helen Davies

#130 Keeping Your Trip to Ireland Alive After You Get Home

#129 Alternatives to Ireland’s Most Popular Destinations PART 2

#128 Alternatives to Ireland’s Most Popular Destinations

#127 Perks, Privileges, & Discounts on Your Trip to Ireland

#126 Liam and the Old Souls of Ireland

#125 Your Smartphone in Ireland and the Best Apps for Irish Travel

#124B (AUDIO ONLY) When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

#124 When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

#124 When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

#123 Exploring Ingenious Ireland with Mary Mulvihill

Headlines from the Irish Fireside PDF-Only w/ Links

#122 Jumping Into Ireland with Michele Erdvig

This Week in Travel Interview

#121 The Certificate of Irish Heritage

#120 The Thrill of Gaelic Games at Croke Park

#119 Fairy Hunting with the Family in Ireland