Longing for Ireland

Tune in to the rhythmic heartbeat of Belfast, a city where melodies echo through the streets and music is woven into the very fabric of its culture. In this special episode, we explore Belfast as the vibrant UNESCO City of Music, delving into the harmonious tapestry that defines its soul.

Join us as we navigate the musical corridors with local experts, Dolores Vischer, from Creative Tours Belfast, uncovering the diverse genres, iconic venues, and the rhythmic pulse that makes Belfast a true musical haven.

Discover more at creativetoursbelfast.com
And at ohyeahbelfast.com or at visitbelfast.com

Irish words and saying:

• Feile (Festival) – Pronounced: "fay-luh"
• Feis (and Feisanna plural) (Irish word for a festival competition) – Pronounced: "fesh" (and "fesh-uh-nuh" plural)
• Bodhrán (Traditional drum) – Pronounced: "bow-rawn"
• Fiddle (Violin) – Pronounced: "fid-uhl"
• Seisiún (A traditional music gathering) – Pronounced: "seh-shoon"
• Feile an Phobail (Community festival) – Pronounced: "fay-luh an fo-bal"
• Fleadh Ceol (Music festival) – Pronounced: "flah k-yohl"

Musicians:

• Van Morrison
• Snow Patrol
• Ash
• Gary Moore
• James Galway
• Bicep 
• David Holmes
• Ruby Murry 
• Ulster Orchestra 

Film: Belfast

Places:

• Oh yeah Belfast
• 2 Royal Avenue
• Kelly’s Cellars
• Madden’s Bar
• The Black Box
• The Second Fiddle
• The Dirty Onion
• The American Bar
• The Sunflower
• Scott’s Jazz Club
• Bert's Jazz Bar
• The Deer’s Head
• The Banana Block
•  Sound Advice
•  God’s Waiting Room

Events:

• Events on the maritime mile
• Feile an Phobail
• Out To Lunch Arts Festival

Prepare to uncover the captivating history and spirit of Cork, Ireland, as we delve into the city's rebellious character. Joining us for this exploration is Dara Burke, the founder of Rebel City Tours, a company dedicated to showcasing the unique character of Cork.
 
 Discover the historical events and iconic figures that have shaped Cork's reputation for rebellion and how this legacy continues to influence the city's culture. Dara shares his top recommendations for experiencing the 'Rebel City' first-hand, and we'll get a sneak peek into the unique tours offered by Rebel City Tours.
 
 Discover more at rebelcitytour.com

Mentions:

• The Wallace sisters - change.org/p/remember-the-wallace-sisters
• Cork City Jail - corkcitygaol.com
• Spike Island - spikeislandcork.ie
• Mutton lane inn - corkheritagepubs.com/pub/mutton-lane-inn
• Nano Nagle Place - nanonagleplace.ie
• Greenway harbour cycle tour rebelcitytour.com
• Village of Passage West and Maritime Museum - passagemuseum.ie

 Irish words or sayings in this episode:

• Seanfhocail (Old word/oral wisdoms passed down) – Pronounced: "shan-uh-fo-kull"
• 'Tá fhiach an t-aon rud is mícheart a íoc' (Revenge is the only debt not worth repaying) – Pronounced: "Taw fee-akh on t-ayn rood iss me-khart a eek

Mischievous, unpredictable, and shape-shifting – this mythical Irish being is said to be especially active at Halloween, or what we call Samhain. But what is it, and why is there a Halloween festival named after it?

We're joined by Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies, and Folklore at University College Dublin to explore this mythical creature and its namesake, the Púca festival.

Discover more about the Púca festival by visiting pucafestival.com

Irish Words and Pronunciations:

Lúnasa (the beginning of the harvest) – Pronounced: "LOO-nuh-suh"

Samhain (the name for November/Halloween) – Pronounced: "SAH-win"

Nollaig (December/Christmas) – Pronounced: "NUL-ig"

Fear dearg (a red man) – Pronounced: "FAIR JARE-ug"

Breac (speckled) – Pronounced: "BRACK"

Mummer (costumed performer) – Pronounced: "MUH-mer"

Guisers (costumed Halloween goers) – Pronounced: "GIZE-ers"

Barnbrack (Irish Halloween fruitcake) – Pronounced: "BARN-brack"

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

 Guiding us through the constellations and landscape is none other than Dr. Barry Lynn, astronomer at OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory, so join us as we turn off the lights and adjust our eyes towards the endless skies.

 Discover the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory by visiting omdarksky.com

Irish words in this episode:

Ceoldán (music and poetry) – Pronounced: "kyool-don"

Ogham – (Medieval Irish alphabet) Pronounced: "og-uhm"

Dabhach (cauldron / bowl) – Pronounced: "da-vahg"

Experiences mentioned:

Beaghmore stone circles and Solar Walk: omdarksky.com/landscape-experience

The Giants of the Sperrins - Wooden Giants by the recycling artist Thomas Dambo: trollmap.com

Sperrinview Glamping: sperrinviewglamping.com

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

We're joined by Heather Richie from Delphi Lodge and Felix Sproll from Screebe House, both experts in their craft, as we gracefully cast our lines and explore the tranquil beauty of this timeless pastime. 

Discover the perfect fishing spots by visiting Great Fishing Houses of Ireland at irelandflyfishing.com or Inland Fisheries Ireland at fisheriesireland.ie

This episode’s Irish words or sayings:

Ceol (music) – Pronounced: "kyol" (rhymes with "yowl")

Craic (fun) – Pronounced: "krak" (rhymes with "crack")

C'mere (expression used to grab attention which can mean 'let me tell you something') – Pronounced: "ka-mere" (rhymes with "come here")

Céad míle fáilte (A thousand welcomes) – Pronounced: "kayd mee-leh fawl-cheh"

Whiskey with the extra ‘e’, this episode is all about the history of Irish whiskey, the fall and resurgence of Irish whiskey and the whiskey experience on the island.
Today, we're joined by John Callely from Whiskey Island, as we go on an exciting dive into the delicious drink that is whiskey. We explore its history, from its rise to prominence to its remarkable resurgence in recent years and leave you with some top tips for whiskey drinks.
For more information on Whiskey Island and their tours visit www.whiskeyisland.ie

This episode’s Irish words or sayings:
Uisce beatha (Water of life / whiskey) – Pronounced: ISH-ka bah-ha

An Irish toast:
Health and long life to you
and land without rent to you
A husband or wife of your choice to you
A child every year to you
And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you are dead
Sláinte

Drink recipes:
Irish Old Fashioned
•A young blend Irish whiskey – 60 ml
•Benedictine Dom (instead of sugar syrup) 25 ml
•Angostura bitters - 2 dashes
•Orange bitters - 2 dashes
•Rocks glass with orange peel
•Good thick well-packed ice
-Stir

(Irish) Whiskey sours
•Teeling small batch
•Lemon juice
•Honey sirup
•Apricot brandy
•Egg whites
•Coupe-style glass
-Shake up

Irish coffee
•Pouring cream
•200 ml size glass
•Good coffee
-Shake the cream

John’s favourite cocktail (batch)
•Young Irish whiskey (full 750 ml bottle)
•Cranberry juice 1l
•Apple juice 1l
-Stir
-Pour into slim jim glasses with ice and a slice of lime

Experiences mentioned:
The oldest pub – Sean’s Bar, Athlone: www.seansbar.ie

Rooted in ancient myth the stunning Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is one of the world's best-kept secrets, boasting a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage that will take your breath away.

Today, we're joined by Darren Rice, Geopark Manager for the area, as we go on a fascinating journey and delve into the areas rich history and uncover the secrets of its geology and culture. From the mythical tales of Slieve Gullion and Cú Chulainn to the astonishing Mourne wall.

For more information on the UNESCO Global Geopark visit: mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com

This episode’s Irish words:

• Booleying (taking cattle to the uplands for summer) – Pronounced: Boo-lee-ing
• Poitín (Irish moonshine) – Pronounced: pot-cheen
• Cú Chulainn (Cullan’s Hound) – Pronounced: coo-hull-in
• Sleive (Mountain) – Pronounced: sleeve

Experiences mentioned:

• Sup and soda - Tracey’s farmhouse kitchen: traceysfarmhousekitchen.com
• Booley and butter - Mountain Ways Ireland: mountainwaysireland.com
• Sing For Your Supper: bluebell-lane.com/sing-for-your-supper
• Paedric’s land (artistic centre) - https://bluebell-lane.com/events-2/

Nestled on the coast of County Dublin, the picturesque town of Dalkey is a hidden gem of Irish history nestled in a cosy seaside town. At its heart stands the iconic Dalkey Castle, a towering monument to the town's rich heritage.

Today, we're joined by Margaret Dunne, Manager at Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, as we explore the fascinating history and culture of this beautiful area. From the stories of its famous residents to the secrets hidden within the castle's walls.

So, sit back and join us as we discover the wonders of Dalkey and the incredible history of its castle.

For more information on Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre visit: dalkeycastle.com

This episode’s Irish words:

Céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) – Pronounced: kay-ed me-la fall-cha

Deilginis (Thorny Isle) – Pronounced: Delig-inish

Go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo arís (May we be alive at this time again)

Experiences mentioned:

Bloomsday and Joycean Evening: dalkeycastle.com/home/events/bloomsday

Maeve Binchy Festival / Echoes: echoes.ie

Dalkey Book Festival: dalkeybookfestival.org

Dalkey Lobster Festival: dalkeylobsterfestival.com

Killiney Castle Hotel /Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel: fitzpatrickcastle.com

The Haddington House hotel: haddingtonhouse.ie

Royal Marine Hotel: royalmarine.ie

DART (Train): dublinpublictransport.ie/dart-times

Literary walks: dalkeycastle.com/home/the-visit/literary-walks

Coliemore Harbour ferry to Dalkey Island (Ken the Ferry Man): kentheferryman.com

The James Joyce (Martello) Tower & Museum: joycetower.ie

 Writers mentioned

James Joyce

Samuel Beckett

George Bernard Shaw

Seamus Heaney

Maeve Binchy

Tea is something that has bound households together, it is synonymous with gossip, and in general just something to sit and love while enjoying the cosy atmosphere around you. But what is afternoon tea – the Irish way? 

Today we are joined by Ciara McCaughey, from Vintage Tea Trips to talk about what tea means for the Irish and why you should try a cup when visiting!

For more information on the trips on offer visit: vintageteatrips.ie

Or find them on Instagram @ vintageteatours or TikTok @ vintage_tea_trips

Teas mentioned:

Barry’s Tea 

Lyons

This episode’s Irish words:

Ar mhaith leat cupán tae? (Would you like a cup of tea?) – Pronounced: Air wua lat cup-on tay

Tá (Yes) – Pronounced: tá

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

Today we are joined by David Wardell, Tourism Development Manager at the Irish National Stud & Gardens to talk about why the government owns a stud and how it all works and what you get to experience there when you visit.

 For more information on the trips on offer visit: irishnationalstud.ie

 
Horses Mentioned

Stallions:

• Invincible Spirit
• I Am Invincible  (Resides in Australia, Son of Invincible Spirit)

The Living legends (Geldings):

• Beef or salmon
• Faugheen (The Machine)
• Hurricane Fly
• Kicking King