Longing for Ireland

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Stone age fortresses, endless stone walls, a shipwreck on land and special jumpers – what makes the Aran Islands so special? How do you get there and what should you see?

Today we are joined by Eugene Garrihy and Joan Hamilton, from Doolin2Aran Ferries. The Garrihy family have been sailing the waters between the islands for more than 70 years from Doolin, co. Claire and now offer ferry services between the mainland and the Aran Islands; Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer.

For more information on the trips on offer visit: doolin2aranferries.com

This episode’s Irish words:

Potato:

Prátaí – pronounced: praw-tee 

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How are you? :

Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú? – Pronounced:  Kay hee ah will too

I am very good:

Ta me go maith - Taw may guh mah

And yourself? :

Agus tu fein? -  ogg-us too fayne

I am very, very good (excellent):

Ta me an-mhaith - Taw may on a wha

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Cheers! (to your health)

Sláinte - Pronounced:  S + lawn + Ch(urch)

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Giant`s Graves, Fairy Trees and Cure Wells - what are they? And how does Celtic History, Mythology and Walking Trails come together in Ireland?

Today we are joined by Martin Bradley, an Ecologist who brings groups on mystical adventures through the countryside surrounding Derry~Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Adventures where every step provides you with glimpses into the mythology of local trees, flora, prehistoric monuments and the fascinating folklore of bogs, fairies, and cure wells.

For more information on the trails visit: foyletrails.com

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This episode we will be talking about one of the most famous attractions on the Island of Ireland – a UNESCO world heritage site and a landscape formed by myth and geology.

But what is the Giant's Causeway? How was it formed? And who was the Giant?
 
To answer these we are joined by Kathryn Weir, Storyteller at The Giant’s Causeway Experience Centre. The centre and site is owned and managed by the National Trust, a charity and membership organisation for heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For more info on The Giant's Causeway visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway

Legendary Giant:
Fionn mac Cumhaill or Finn McCool

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How do you find a good pub? What should you order in a pub? And what are the top tips when going to a pub?

This time we are joined by Garvan Rushe, owner and guide at Dublin Tour Guide which offers private walking tours of Dublin. Their Pub Tour is a firm favourite amongst travellers for the last ten years.

For more info on Garvan's tours visit: dublintourguide.ie

This episode’s Irish word:
Cheers! (to your health)
Sláinte - Pronounced:  S + lawn + Ch(urch)

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Who was Saint Patrick? And why is he so important in Ireland? And how should you experience Saint Patrick in Ireland?

This time we are joined by Martina Purdy, former BBC political correspondant, turned nun and now guide at the Saint Patrick Centre as well as the director of the centre, Dr. Tim Campbell.

Bonus info: the Irish name "Niamh" (pronounced "Neeve") means Saint in Irish.

For more info on the tours and the centre see www.saintpatrickcentre.com

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What is and was Christmas in Dublin like?

This time we are joined by Mark McKenna and Gerry Dowling, two Dubliners and guides at The Little Museum of Dublin, who will take us back to their childhood Christmases and give their best advice on what to experience in Dublin during Christmas.

Visit The Little Museum of Dublin at www.littlemuseum.ie

This episode’s Irish phrase:
Happy Christmas to you!
Nollaig Shona Duit! (singular)  pronounced - Null-igg Hunna Ditt
Nollaig Shona Daoibh (plural)  pronounced - Null-igg Hunna Deeve 

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What is Halloween? And is it true that it is Irish and not from the US?
 This time we explore the origins and traditions of Halloween.
 
 We are joined by the expert of everything to do with Irish traditions, Clodagh Doyle, Keeper at the Irish Folklife Division of the National Museum of Ireland. 
 
Irish words to learn this episode:
Samhain (Halloween)
Barmbrack (a traditional cake)
Colcannon (potato stew)
 
Remember you can do an Irish Halloween this year by playing games like apple bobbing, apple on a string or fortune telling games - although we suggest you try and come up with some more up to date predictions! Carve a lantern out of a pumpkin, turnip or potato. You might also be mischievous this year! Just like our recording software - we apologise for the poor audio quality. Next time will be better.

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Today we interview travel writer and photographer, Simone Moelle, and get her top tips for things to do in Dublin, Ireland - featuring great ideas on what to see and where to eat.