The Travel Lounge

Paul McVeigh, born in Belfast,  began his career as a playwright before moving to London where he wrote comedy shows, which were performed at the Edinburgh Festival and in London’s West End.  He briefly returned to theatre in 2022,  with ‘Big Man’ at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, which won an Irish Times Theatre Award.   Paul's short stories have been published in literary journals and anthologies, read on BBC Radio 5 and commissioned by BBC Radio 4. The Good Son (2015) is his first novel and was shortlisted for The Guardian’s ‘Not The Booker’ Prize. He received The McCrea Literary Award in 2015. Paul’s blog for writers gets over 40,000 hits a month and has had over 1 million visitors. His short story series "The Circus" aired recently on BBC Radio 4 and is available on BBC Sounds.

Paul has taught creative writing and read his work, in Australia, Austria, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, Switzerland and Turkey. In the UK he’s taught at the Barbican Centre, British Library, Hampsted Theatre, Tricycle Theatre, Waterstones Piccadilly and at universities in Brighton, London, Swansea and Wolverhampton. He judges international literary prizes including the Edge Hill Short Story Prize, the Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Prize, the International Dylan Thomas Prize and the Royal Society of Literature’s V. S. Pritchard Award. He reviews for the TLS and The Irish Times. He has interviewed authors in print and on stage including five Booker Prize-winners.  Paul co-founded the London Short Story Festival, of which, he was Director and Curator for 2014 & ’15. He is associate director at Word Factory, ‘the UK’s national organisation for excellence in the short story’ The Guardian. Paul’s blog for writers which posts on submission opportunities for journals and competitions has had over a 2 1/2 million visitors. He founded the Paul McVeigh Residency at The Harrison in 2023.

Melanie Harrison describes herself as delightfully bonkers which is probably an essential quality to possess when you run a beautiful, bohemian, burlesque property of distinction on Belfast's rather salubrious Malone Rd.    Visitors to the Chambers of Distinction get a very interesting and fun Irish experience — not only are the rooms dedicated to literary and historical figures of all hues who have a connection to Belfast,  but the interiors are also eclectic,  rich, vivid, wild colours abound, as do wild-animal prints and theatrical collages such as Fifi, hanging proudly in the drawing room bar.  A standard hotel it is not.    Melanie and her unique offering now proudly boast numerous awards and accolades and the repeat business is huge.   People from Dublin and the south really discovered Belfast during Covid and the great value for money that it offers as a city - " People weren’t proud of this city for a long time. Now we are much more confident, We’ve a thriving music, theatre, food and art scene. Exciting things are happening and we’re part of it.”  

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

Instagram: @theharrisonbelfast

Thanks to the Lyric Theatre Belfast for all their support in recording this podcast

Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

Welcome to a harmonious journey through the captivating soundscape of Belfast which is now officially recognised as a UNESCO City of Music.  In this special episode of "Pure Belfast - Sound of Music," we embark on an auditory adventure that takes us through the storied musical history of this vibrant city, a place that has given birth to legendary artists like Van Morrison, Ruby Murray, and Snow Patrol. 

We have the distinct pleasure of hosting a trio of esteemed guests who will guide us through this melodious exploration.  First, we sit down with Charlotte Dryden, the creative force behind the Oh Yeah Music Centre, a veritable hub for music enthusiasts in Belfast.  Charlotte takes us on a journey through the centre's fascinating museum and their unique music tours that brings to life the city's musical heritage.  Check out the Belfast City Music walking tour - Don't miss out on the best of Belfast's music scene! Book your spot on the Belfast Music Walking Tour for a leisurely, music-filled stroll through the city.

Next, we are joined by Cameron Menzies, the visionary head of NI Opera, an institution that has earned acclaim far beyond the city's borders, with an Irish Times Award to its name for "Into the Woods".  Cameron shares his insights into the dynamic world of opera and its connection to Belfast's musical landscape.   Check out what's on at NI Opera

And finally, we're graced with the presence of Dani Larkin, who will enchant us with her latest masterpiece, "Come Home to Me," from her album "Walking with Natives." Prepare to be serenaded by her mesmerising voice and lyrics that resonate deep within the soul.  For details on Dani's shows and music visit - Dani Larkin 

This episode is a symphonic celebration of Belfast's thriving musical culture, a tribute to the artists who have shaped its identity, and a spotlight on the exciting talents pushing the boundaries of sound in this UNESCO City of Music.    The Hills are alive .........

Thanks to the Lyric Theatre Belfast for their support in the recording of this podcast

Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

Titanic Distillers Belfast - The pump house and neighbouring dry dock catered for White Star liners such as Olympic and Titanic more than 100 years ago, and it’s now the site of the city’s first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years.  The brainchild of Peter Lavery,  Stephen Symington and Richard Irwin, Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock opened to the public earlier this year.  Almost £8m has been invested to convert the pump house into a distillery and visitor centre, where guests will be able to sample some of Titanic Distillers’ products.  Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour of the exterior dry dock, which includes a 66-step descent to where the Titanic last rested on dry land.

In this episode we chat to head distiller Damian Rafferty and owner Peter Lavery.
www.titanicdistillers.com

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Welcome to the Pure Belfast Podcast - In this week's episode I'm talking to Eimear Kearney, Head of Marketing and Communications at Titanic Belfast  and Adrian McNally the General Manager of Titanic Hotel Belfast.  Eimear tells me about about
the new reimagined Titanic Experience which opened in March of this year after a £4.5 million refurbishment and now introduces 'The Pursuit of Dreams' as a new theme which uses immersive technology combined with the authentic Titanic Story in the newly refreshed spaces which are called Never Again; Ballard’s Quest; The Ship of Dreams and The Lasting Legacy.   www.titanicbelfast.com

Adrian McNally has an illustrious career in hospitality and has worked all over the world in Shanghai, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, Dallas, Kansas City, London, Dublin and Nairobi.  He tells me today about the exciting journey of one of Belfast's most iconic hotels and why it has become part of the whole Titanic experience for visitors to stay here.   www.titanichotelbelfast.com

Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

Welcome to the Pure Belfast Podcast -  In the first episode we are joined by award winning chef and restaurateur - Niall Mc Kenna.  

Belfast man Niall has been cooking since the age of 14 and in the course of his career spent 12 years training under the likes of Michelin starred Chefs Nico Ladenis, Gary Rhodes at The Greenhouse and City Rhodes and Marco Pierre White at The Canteen. He also worked in the prestigious Avenue Restaurant in Mayfair and at the Notting Hill Brasserie before returning to Belfast to set up his own restaurant in 2003.   Niall has cooked for some serious celebrities and famous faces -  Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Liam Neeson and Jamie Dornan to name but a few!   His new restaurant, Waterman and his cooking school has been receiving rave reviews from food critics and the public alike...  Niall himself was named a Tourism Hero by industry chiefs for his contribution to the hospitality sector and his ground-breaking Apprentice Programme.   Niall has also starred in the BBC TV programme - Great British Menu -  I was delighted to experience a first for me when I met up with Niall recently - cooking on a podcast... now that's just totally "Pure Belfast"  

Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com

From theme parks to national parks, world-class museums to celebrity beach resorts, there are so many things to do in New Jersey - In this special podcast Ed and Sarah tell Classic Hits FM's, Trina Maher's  why New Jersey is a fascinating state that is often overlooked, partly because of its more famous neighbour, New York.  It’s the most densely populated state in the country, and its home to some of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.  But what is New Jersey known for and what makes this state well worth a visit?

WHAT IS NEW JERSEY KNOWN FOR?
New Jersey is known for its beautiful beaches, casinos, entertaining boardwalks, and untouched nature. With its crucial role in American history and distinctive culture today, there is much to discover. New Jersey is also famous for its food. From diners to pizzerias to Italian restaurants, the Garden State has something to offer for everyone who loves good food.

HISTORY, CULTURE, AND TRADITIONS NEW JERSEY IS KNOWN FOR
The Garden State
New Jersey is known by many nicknames, but perhaps the most popular is “The Garden State.” This moniker is fitting, as New Jersey is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country.  From fruits and vegetables to flowers and trees, New Jersey grows it all. In fact, the state is responsible for over 50 million pounds of the country’s cranberry production, and the Hammonton area is sometimes known as  the “Blueberry Capital of the World.”

New Jersey is also known for its wine industry. There are more than 50 wineries in the state, producing everything from sparkling wines to fruit-based liqueurs.

This is just a snapshot of the many things to do in New Jersey, you can find out more at
 
VisitNJ.org

or visit Sarah's Blog -

https://thetravelexpert.ie/america/top-things-to-do-in-new-jersey/

Happy Travels

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South Africa’s diverse melting pot of cultures has earned it the nickname the ‘Rainbow Nation’, a moniker that mirrors the country’s colourful local life. The beauty of South Africa is there are so many ways to dive into its culture – Ed and Sarah have both travelled extensively in SA and just love to chat about it...

South Africa’s rich mix of cultures means its cities have a kaleidoscope of neighbourhoods to wander. Cape Town has the rainbow-hued houses of the Bo-Kaap and the trendy bars and cafés of Gardens, while in Johannesburg you can wander the artsy vibes of Maboneng or taste your way around the hip eateries of Braamfontein. In Soweto, make time for the history of Vilakazi Street – the only place in the world where two Nobel Prize winners (Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela) have lived. If you’re exploring Durban, reborn Station Drive Precinct now has a fashionable café culture, while the restored Victorian and Edwardian architecture of Morningside are home to buzzing restaurants and art galleries.

It’s not just the capital that is home to pockets of unique culture, with small towns all over the country hiding a wealth of cultural experiences such as local crafts, food and ways of life. In the foothills of the Maluti Mountains on the western fringes of the Drakensberg, visiting the town of Clarens is like going back in time. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Free State’, the chocolate-box Dutch sandstone architecture feels as if it’s not been touched since the village was first built in 1912 and its quaint high street is a joy to wander in search of pottery, leatherwork and other curios. Similarly, Cradock is another place still keeping old traditions alive. Originally founded in 1813 for migratory farmers, cattle farmers still live and work at this town on the Great Fish River today.

Wildlife lovers should head to Hermanus, known as one of the finest whale-watching hotspots on the planet. You can spot the likes of southern right whales from the shore. Head into the town to discover charming boutique shops and cafes where you can meet the locals and feast on fresh produce.

Even with South Africa’s progressive outlook post-apartheid, there’s still plenty of room for traditional culture to thrive. Nowhere does it burn brighter than in KwaZulu-Natal, the spiritual homeland of the Zulu – South Africa’s largest ethnic group. A visit to a Zulu village in Zululand takes you straight to the heart of daily life, where you can unpick their fiercely proud customs and beliefs. Absorb details about their family structures and patriarchal responsibilities, understand why cattle are so highly prized by the Zulu and learn how their homes are made. You might even have the chance to meet a sangoma, a spiritual healer, who will shed light on their sacred lands and rites.

For tonnes of info on this amazing country visit - www.southafrica.net

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Malaga is the third oldest city in Western Europe after Lisbon and Cadiz, and its historical centre is a pleasure to explore. The streets are covered in marble tiles and there are beautiful buildings around every corner, including the magnificent Cathedral of Malaga. In typical Spanish fashion, the streets are lined with tapas bars where locals gather to socialise – the city is bursting with energy.From beach days to city strolls, Malaga city has so much to offer, however, the region of Andalucia is packed with possibilities too. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites located here, as well as the beautiful cities of Seville and Cordoba.

2923 is the 50th anniversary of the death of Picasso, he lived here in Malaga until he was 12 and never returned.  The Casa Natal where he was born and the Museo Picasso are really worth a visit.  Picasso was influenced by the light and colours of Andalucia and so will you.

There are many day trips from Malaga to choose from. Tours to Rhonda, the Alhambra in Grenada, as well as Tangier in Morocco are the most popular, but I urge you to visit one of Spain’s best kept secrets – the Caminito del Rey.
 
The Caminito del Rey was on our bucket list for many years and we finally got to walk it recently.   It was even more impressive than we imagined and is something that we highly recommend everyone to do when visiting Malaga or the Costa del Sol. The views are spectacular from beginning to end, with stunning gorges, canyons and cliffs around every corner.  Thanks to Sarah for telling me about this wonderful place, the train from Malaga is so easy to arrange to El Chorro and from there a 15 min bus trip to the start of the walk.   www.spain.info

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It’s possible to spend months in Lisbon and discover something new every day but if you only have a weekend, you can still walk away with a memorable impression of the city.  In this Podcast, we explore Portugal’s capital in 48 hours.  One of the must-do experiences in Lisbon is riding the bright yellow 28 tram. To enjoy it at its best, get up early to avoid the tourist and commuter crowds. These trams are operational antiques, carrying people up and down Lisbon’s hilly streets since the 1930s. Buy a weekend travel pass, catch the tram at Praça da Figueira and bounce between Lisbon’s coolest neighbourhoods. Passing more landmarks in one swoop than any other line, the 28 will take you past the Sé Cathedral (Lisbon’s oldest church) and the Estrela Basilica (a convent constructed on the orders of Portugal’s Queen Mary I). This ride takes only 40 minutes, so there is plenty of time left of your morning to explore.  Please subscribe and leave a comment - Happy Travels - Ed & Sarah

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Maine is home to many mountains and several state parks but there is only one mile-high Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, located in the glorious Baxter State Park. Located right “next door” is the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.  We were joined on Travel Talk recently by Eric Goodwin the strategic Consultant for Katahdin Tourism.  "These incredible places are right here in the Katahdin Region"

Located in the east central portion of the state, known as The Maine Highlands, the Katahdin region boasts scenic vistas and abundant wildlife throughout north-ern Penobscot County’s hilly lake country, the rolling farm country of western Pe-nobscot, and southern Aroostook’s vast softwood flats. The area is home to incredi-ble wildlife; including our local celebrity the moose, as well as osprey, bald eagles, blue herons, beaver, black bear, white-tailed deer, fox and more.

Visit in spring, summer and fall to enjoy miles of hiking trails—from casual walks to challenging hikes, kayaking and canoeing on pristine lakes, white water raft-ing with up to Class V rapids, world class fishing for trout, landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass, birding, nature photography, mountain biking and much more.

Visit in winter to enjoy Katahdin’s spectacular snowmobiling, cross-country ski-ing, snowshoeing, ice climbing and dog sledding. Our backyard features groomed and scenic XC ski trails to accommodate beginners through experts. There are miles of back-country XC skiing and snowshoeing in and around Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument as well. Snowmobilers enjoy over 350 miles of groomed trails with welcoming lodges, food and gas to keep the fun going.

You can even see the Northern lights in Katadhin
https://youtu.be/9g0yP-2PhvU

For more information on this fantastic region visit - 

https://www.katahdinmaine.com/

https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm

Pure Belfast is brought to you by our sponsors - www.VisitBelfast.com