The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

1. 1
   Number 1: The Beara Peninsula: A Guide to Cork and Kerry’s Overlooked Coastal Drive

   The Ring of Kerry gets most of the attention on Ireland's southwest coast. The Ring of Beara, right next to it, gets far less — despite having its own mountain pass, its own islands, and the only cable car in Ireland. Show notes & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/beara-peninsula-cork-kerry-coastal-drive-guide/ireland-travel-tips/ Jody talks with Tessa Dennison, publisher of Best of Beara magazine and book, about what makes the Beara Peninsula worth the detour: where to base your trip, the drive over the Healy Pass, the ferry to Bere Island, and a handful of villages most visitors never see. Highlights: - Why the Beara Peninsula gets overlooked despite sitting next to two famous coastal drives - Where to base your trip: Kenmare, Glengarriff, and Bantry - Driving the Healy Pass and riding Ireland's only cable car to Dursey Island - Eyeries, the Ballycrovane Ogham Stone, and the ferry to Bere Island - Tessa's top tips: water-based activities, slowing down, and building in extra time Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

   August 11, 2026·24min
   Play
2. 2
   Number 2: Using Credit Card Coverage for a Car Rental in Ireland: What You Must Understand

   Credit card rental car coverage can be a useful way to reduce the cost of renting a car in Ireland, but not every card covers Ireland—and even cards that do can have very different limits, exclusions, and requirements. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/credit-card-car-rental-insurance-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ I explain what you need to check before declining the rental company's CDW, including proof-of-coverage requirements, credit card holds, vehicle and rental-length restrictions, and what your coverage does—and doesn't—protect. You'll also learn what can happen financially if the rental car is damaged, why it's worth reading the claims requirements before you leave home, and why detailed photos at pickup and return can be valuable when you're relying on credit card coverage. Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

   August 18, 2026·19min
   Play
3. 3
   Number 3: Why Abbeyleix Is One of Ireland’s Best Bases for Slow Travel

   Abbeyleix, in the heart of County Laois, is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East while enjoying the charm of a welcoming Georgian market town. Full show notes and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/abbeyleix-slow-travel-ireland/attractions/ In this conversation, Preston House owner Ross McDonald shares what makes Abbeyleix so special - from its fascinating history and thriving community to the nearby attractions that make it worth staying for a few days instead of simply passing through. Highlights - Why Abbeyleix is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East - The story behind Abbeyleix's Georgian streetscape - Ross's favorite nearby places to visit - What it's like to stay at Preston House - How Abbeyleix has become a destination in its own right Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

   July 14, 2026·30min
   Play
4. 4
   Number 4: Sip Your Way Around the Ring of Kerry: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland’s Most Scenic Drive

   The Ring of Kerry is famous for breathtaking scenery—but there's another side of this iconic route that's worth discovering. This conversation with Kerry whiskey expert Neil Saad explores the region's growing craft whiskey scene, local distilleries, fascinating history, and the pubs where visitors can experience authentic Irish hospitality. Full show notes & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ring-of-kerry-whiskey-tours/attractions/ Highlights - Explore Skellig Six18 Distillery near Cahersiveen - Discover the Spirit of the Sea Experience in Portmagee - Learn why Kerry has become a destination for whiskey lovers - Find the best whiskey pubs in Killarney, Tralee, and Killorglin - Get practical tips for adding whiskey experiences to your Ring of Kerry itinerary Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

   June 30, 2026·34min
   Play
5. 5
   Number 5: Tracing Irish Roots: How to Research Your Family History and Find the Stories Behind the Names

   Thinking about tracing your Irish ancestry but not sure where to begin? Full show notes & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/irish-genealogy-research-family-roots-ireland/random-bits/ Genealogist Chris Lucia shares practical advice for researching Irish family history, avoiding common mistakes, and uncovering the stories behind the names on your family tree. From surviving Irish records to planning a heritage trip, this conversation offers realistic guidance for anyone hoping to connect with their Irish roots. Highlights • Why Irish genealogy can be challenging—and why it's still worth pursuing • The best places to begin your family history research • Irish records and resources that can help break through research barriers • Tips for planning an ancestry-focused trip to Ireland • When it makes sense to hire a professional genealogist Ireland Travel Resources: • Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive • DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

   June 23, 2026·35min
   Play