After staying in a luxury treehouse in France, I began to wonder what Ireland had to offer beyond the traditional hotel experience. The answer? Quite a lot. In this episode of Travel Tales with Fergal, I explore four truly unusual stays around the country — each offering something distinctive, memorable and a little out of the ordinary.

First, I revisit my summer stay at Trinity College Dublin Rooms. Available from May to August, the student accommodation within the historic college grounds offers a rare chance to wake up in the heart of Dublin, surrounded by tranquillity yet steps from the city’s buzz. There’s the novelty of morning coffee trucks in the square, after-hours calm once the day visitors leave, and of course the chance to explore the iconic Book of Kells and the magnificent Long Room Library. Visit https://www.tcd.ie

Next, I head to Mount Congreve Gardens in Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford. An 18th-century estate with extraordinary gardens, it offers everything from off-grid bell tents to stylish eco-cabins with hot tubs. I stayed in one of the atmospheric two-bedroom gate lodges — rich, gothic interiors, antique beds and velvet armchairs. With after-hours access to the gardens, direct links to the Waterford Greenway, and easy reach of the Comeragh Mountains and Mahon Falls, it’s an ideal blend of heritage and outdoor adventure. Visit https://mountcongreve.com

From there, it’s on to the forest escape that is Cabu by the Lakes in Co. Cavan. Set on the shores of Lough Oughter, these woodland cabins range from cosy one-beds to larger barn houses with hot tubs. Think wood-burning stoves, lakeside views, outdoor saunas and cold plunges tucked among the trees. With boating, kayaking and forest walks on your doorstep - and new cabins launching in 2026 - it’s a grown-up retreat designed for switching off. Visit https://holidays.cabu.co.uk

Finally, I visited Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa in Tralee, Co. Kerry, where I stayed in one of their distinctive Iglucraft woodland cabins. These Nordic-style pods combine craftsmanship and comfort, all set against the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains. Family-run for three generations, the estate is also deeply committed to sustainability, with extensive rewilding, native tree planting and scenic walking trails woven through the grounds. Visit https://www.ballygarry.com

From college cloisters to woodland hideaways, lakeside cabins to historic estates, this episode highlights four unforgettable Irish stays that prove you don’t have to leave the country to experience something truly different. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next short break, this one is for you.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

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Today, I’m joined by Conor Dillon, the General Manager of the Dylan Hotel to explore what makes this renowned boutique five-star hotel located in the heart of Dublin 4 so special.

Conor shares his professional journey through the hospitality industry, including time spent working internationally in exotic places like Australia and Bermuda, before returning to Ireland to lead one of the city’s most distinctive hotels.

He discusses the ethos behind The Dylan and what it means for the hotel to join Ireland’s Blue Book, the esteemed collection celebrating the very best of Irish hospitality.

Tucked just off Baggot Street, behind that striking red-brick Victorian façade dating back to 1900, the Dylan has quietly built a reputation as one of the capital’s most distinctive places to stay combining rich heritage with a confident, contemporary Irish design identity.

Located just a short stroll from Grafton Street and close to the Aviva Stadium and RDS, the Dylan offers the best of both worlds - peaceful surroundings with the city’s cultural highlights within easy reach. Guests can even explore the neighbourhood through a curated self-guided walking tour.

The conversation also explores Conor’s recommendations for visitors to Dublin - from must-see cultural spots to his personal favourite hidden gems in the southside of the city.

This is an insightful and engaging episode for anyone interested in travel, hospitality, and the stories behind Ireland’s great hotels.

I love the Blue Book because they are generally family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gift recommendation and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie.

Check out the Dylan Hotel here https://www.dylan.ie

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m taking you to Switzerland and to the Valais Canton. I recently returned from a trip to three very different ski resorts: Les Marécottes, Verbier, and Bettmeralp. Each was beautiful in its own way, but it was the Aletsch Arena that truly stayed with me. It has been described as an insider’s secret resort or a hidden gem. But it is well known to the Swiss and it’s where they go to ski.

In this episode, I’m joined by local expert David Kestens, who helps bring the Aletsch Arena to life. We talk about the car-free mountain villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. David gives us an insiders guide to the insiders secret resort.

I found myself deeply drawn to the Aletsch Arena, not just for its scenery, but for the feeling it creates. We also explore what the region offers throughout the year, from peaceful alpine walks in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.

The Aletsch Arena is home to the Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, and forms part of one of Switzerland’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Surrounded by more than forty peaks rising over four thousand metres including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Eiger. It’s a place that naturally encourages you to slow down and take a breath.

We also chat about Les Marécottes, and about what is possibly Switzerland’s most famous ski resort, Verbier. A place that’s very personal to me. I’ve visited Verbier many times over the years and it’s where I first learned to ski.

Join me as we explore why the Aletsch Arena, and the wider Valais region, are among the most special places to visit, from the stunning mountain villages to the wonderful train, and discover why they may just earn a place on your Switzerland bucket list.

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Stays

Marecottes - https://www.zoo-alpin.ch/fr/zoo-boutique-hotel

Buttmeralps - https://www.sporting-bettmeralp.ch

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share

soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am delighted to have travel journalist Ed Finn back to talk about magical Seville and the surrounding region and towns in Andalusia.

The Andalusia cities of Seville and Cordoba are magnificent but there are small villages and towns between these cities are real gems full of character including Alcalá de Guadaíra, Cazalla de la Sierra, Almodovar del Rio, Palma Del Rio and Montilla.

Stays

Cazalla

de la Sierra - Casa Rural Las Navezuelas

Alcalá

de Guadaíra - Hotel Oromana

Activities

Stargazing activity (Sierra Morena is a certified

Starlight

Destination) - https://naturspirit.es/categoria-producto/astroturismo/

El Viso del Alcor - Olive oil tasting at Basilippo

Cycling along the Sierra Morena Greenway, which is part of the upgraded Camino Vertical and I would highly recommend Restaurante Batán de las Monjas for food.

Palma Del Rio - Palacio Portcarrero

Almodovar Del Rio – Old Moorish Castle to visit from

Games of Thrones

Montilla – Visit to local winery Alvear 1729

Wine tasting at Bodegas Colonias de Galeón

Active Tourism in the Province of Seville

https://www.turismosevilla.org/en

How to get there

Aer

Lingus flies to Seville three times per week until 17 May 2026. Fares are available from €50.99 each way, including taxes fees and carrier charges. For more see https://www.aerlingus.com

Check out my 2 part Cordoba Special series with Christina Ybarra of Palacio Portocarrero in Palma del Rio, Cordoba, Andalusia who talks about the fascinating

history of this area from the Romans to the Moors to modern times and Paco Gonzalez as he tells us about the best places to visit in Cordoba and he guides

us through the beautiful countryside, villages, forts, palaces, olive farms and vineyards around that stunning area between Seville and Cordoba.

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Fergal

O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share

soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram

@traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook

@traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter

@FergalTravel

YouTube

@traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to my first episode of Season 9 and I have a ski special where I chat to ski expert journalist Rob "Robsski" Rees all about the stunning Austrian ski resorts of Zee Am See - Kaprun.

Austria is the number one ski destination for Irish skiers — and once you visit, it’s easy to see why. Great value, reliable snow, great modern infrastructure, the best après-ski in the alps, and resorts for every level of skier.

I am just back from a family ski trip to one of the real gems of the Austrian Alps: Zell am See–Kaprun and I was bowled over by the beauty of these beautiful traditional towns sandwiched between the mountains and the lake.

With over 140 kilometres of pistes on the Schmittenhöhe mountain overlooking Lake Zell, and year-round snow on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, this area really has it all including access to the huge Skicircus Saalbach via the Alpin Card.

So whether you’re here for the scenery, the snow, or that unbeatable Austrian ski culture, Zell am See–Kaprun is a destination that truly delivers — and that’s exactly what I’ll be chatting with my ski expert guest Robsski today.

ABOUT ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN

Glacier, mountains and lake – the all-year round destination of Zell am See-Kaprun in Austria brings together the diversity of the Alps. In the unique natural paradise at the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park sports enthusiasts, active holidaymakers, families and those seeking relaxation will discover a wide range of experiences in summer and in winter.

These include “TOP OF SALZBURG” on 3,029 metre on the Kitzsteinhorn, the only glacier ski resort in Salzburger Land, the Maiskogel family region, the panorama and family mountain Schmittenhöhe, Lake Zell and the multi-award winning 36-hole leading golf course.

In winter is Zell am See-Kaprun one of Austria’s most attractive winter sports regions. Snow enthusiasts can conquer a total of 408 kilometres of ski slopes including the glacier thanks to the ticket alliance Ski ALPIN CARD for the Skicircus area taking in the Kaprun, Zee Am Zee and Saalbach regions.

ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN

https://www.zellamsee-kaprun.com/en

ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL TAUERNHOF**** IN KAPRUN

https://www.tauernhof-kaprun.at/en

SKI HIRE

https://www.bruendl.at

SKIING AT KITZSTEINHORN

Lunch at the new gletschermühle restaurant

 Visit TOP OF SALZBURG including National park Gallery, panoramic platforms and Cinema 3000

SKIING AT SCHMITTENHÖHE

At Schmittenhöhe visit the new “Kaiserblick” panoramic-platform (for free with your lift passes) and enjoy the views of 30 threethousand-metre-high peaks of Hohe Tauern mountain range

LUNCH at Restaurant Sonnkogel 

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 140 countries worldwide.

Please follow on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the final epsiode of 2025 and Season 8 of the podcast where I go through my recommendations for my favourite European Christmas markets.

I also go through other other options to do over the Christmas period inclusing River cruises on the Dabnube and Rhine, pre Christmas skiing in Austria and exploring warm countries like French Polyneia and Australia.

I have some great episodes coming on in January for Season 9 so if you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide.

Please follow on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am delighted to have Pádraig McGillicuddy, the third-generation proprietor of the Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa set over 100 aces outside Tralee in Co. Kerry as our guest this week.

Ballygarry has recently been voted in the top 10 of the Irish Independent hotel awards, number 6 in the Tripadvisor awards and included recent Irish Examiner and Sunday Times Top 100 awards.

I recently stayed in the brand new Cabins on the hotel grounds and I chat to Pádraig about these stunning new cabins and the history of this renowned Kerry family run hotel.

Check out the Ballygarry Estate Hotel here https://www.ballygarry.com

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide.

Please follow on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For an Irish travel podcaster, I have never dedicated a full episode to Ireland, so it is great to have as my guest today travel author Cian Byrne, who has just completed a new Moon Travel Guide to Ireland. This is a real insider’s guide to travelling Ireland.

As Cian said to me “This book is the culmination of two years of hard work and a lifetime spent in Ireland. I’m lucky enough to travel to many places in the world, but it was a real treat to be able to be a tourist in Ireland. There’s plenty in the new Moon Guide to Ireland; there’s lots about places everyone will know about and lots about places that often get forgotten about”.

From dramatic cliffs and soaring mountains to lively cities and charming villages, local Irish author Cían Byrne reveals the magic of Ireland with Moon Ireland.

You can get the guide from here

https://www.moontravelguides.com/titles/cian-byrne/moon-ireland/9798886471427/

Follow Cian’s travels on his Instagram @Cianwrites

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by Conor Power — travel writer, historian, and the author of Hurling 1810, a remarkable deep dive into the origins and cultural significance of our national game.

Conor’s work uncovers stories, characters, and passions that shaped hurling decades before the foundation of the GAA and long before the modern rules we know today.

Conor’s book traces how the game evolved and its surprising early similarities to rugby and why its spirit has endured for generations.

In this fiction book set in 19th century Ireland, Conor brings to life the communities, traditions, conflicts, and passions that shaped the sport long before it took its modern form. He tells us about a time when the big Anglo Irish landlords ruled with an iron fist and owned professional hurling teams to help flex their power.

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide.

Hurling 1810 published and available from menmabooks.eu.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to part 2 of my Cordoba Special series with tour guide Paco Gonzalez as he tells us about the best places to visit in Cordoba and he guides us through the beautiful countryside, villages, forts, palaces, olive farms and vineyards around that stunning area between Seville and Cordoba.

The Cordoba Region

Most tourists go to the cities like Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga but there are small villages and towns between these cities are real gems full of character including Carmona and Ecija, Alcalá de Guadaíra, Cazalla de la Sierra, Almodovar del Rio, Palma Del Rio and Montilla.

Cordoba

The Mesquita - Once one of main cities in the ancient Arab world with one of the most famous mosques to rival Mecca

Guided tour of the Jewish Quarter, Roman bridge, Alcazar and Historic Centre of Córdoba

Equestrian show at the Royal Stables

Food Cordoba

Dinner at Taberna La Viuda

Lunch at La Cazuela de la Esparteria

Stays

Cordoba - Hotel Mezquita Center

Cazalla de la Sierra - Casa Rural Las Navezuelas

Alcalá de Guadaíra - Hotel Oromana

Activities

Palma Del Rio - Palacio Portcarrero

Almodovar Del Rio – Old Moorish Castle to visit from Games of

Thrones

Montilla – Visit to local winery Alvear 1729

Wine tasting at Bodegas Colonias de Galeón

Stargazing activity (Sierra Morena is a certified Starlight

Destination)

El Viso del Alcor - Olive oil tasting at Basilippo

Cycling along the Sierra Morena Greenway, which is part of the upgraded Camino Vertical

Check out my Cordoba Special Pt 1 with Christina Ybarra of Palacio Portocarrero in Palma del Rio, Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain.

How to get there

Aer Lingus flies to Seville three times per week until 17 May, 2026. Fares are available from €50.99 each way, including taxes fees and carrier charges. For more see  https://www.aerlingus.com

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide.

The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.