Join Jody as she chats with author Mary Pat Kelly about her passion for Ireland, her inspiration for the novels Galway Bay and Of Irish Blood, and find out Mary Pat's 3 favorite places in Ireland.

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She went on to get her PhD in Irish Studies; did a documentary on Irish Nobel Peace Prize Winner John Hume; and wrote her dissertation called the Sovereign Woman: Her Image in the Literature in Ireland.

The ablity to always look on the bright side, is a strong trait among the Irish. Even though you can find historical markers of tragedy, there is this strong life-force and determination to not only survive but thrive.

MPK: The idea that you can endure and triumph over tragedy. Also, the strenghth in Irish women, both in history and mythology.

Purchase MPK's books on Barnes & Noble:

Questions: Contact Jody at [email protected].

The post Mary Pat Kelly | Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 14 appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Did you know that Ireland used to be covered in trees? It's true- only 1% of Ireland's native woodlands remain. Join Jody as she chats with Lyn Nelson, Director of Emerald Heritage about saving Ireland's native woodlands – one square foot of land at a time.

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Jody is joined by Lyn Nelson, Director of Emerald Heritage, a conservation group dedicated to restoring Ireland's native woodlands.

Likely in 2017.

The post Saving Ireland’s Woodlands with Emerald Heritage | Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 12 appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Today, Jody is joined by her best friend, Kara, who just made her first trip to Ireland this summer. Kara is talking about her experience with being gluten-intolerant and eating in Ireland. She also talks about her overall experience with visiting Ireland for the first time.

If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Kara was pleasantly surprised about how easy it was to go gluten free. She said it was even easier there than it is in the states. It was also cheaper there and tasted better.

Some of the things that they ate:
– Cake
– Pizza
– Cupcakes
– Bread
– Cookies

Since Ireland has a large population of Gluten-intolerant people, it is much easier to find restaurants, bakeries and pubs that will accommodate for this. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the easiest, Kara said the ease of finding great-quality gluten-free food was a 10!

Kara said that the pizza was awesome. She also loved the breakfast she had at the Lough Owell Lodge in Westmeath.

Kara was amazed by the history of Ireland. Seeing the castles and ancient cairns were stunning.

If you go to Ireland, you can't visit without trying Murphy's Ice Cream. Kara said that after having Murphy's Ice Cream, it was hard to eat ice cream from anywhere else.

Kara said that you will not have a hard time at all sticking to a gluten-free diet in Ireland. Food was easy to find, better quality and in most cases cheaper than what is available in the United States.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Jody at [email protected].

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 11

The post Gluten-Free in Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Jody is in Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre chatting with Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

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Jody is on location at the Cliffs of Moher for a quick chat with Katherine Webster about the Visitor's Centre and some of the local must-see hot spots.

There is a 12.5 mile walking trail that leads visitors on a safe and beautiful path along the Cliffs of Moher. The trail even provides shuttles for visitors that either don't want to walk the entire length or need a ride back to their car.

Aileen's Wave is a big barrel wave off the Cliffs of Moher. Surfers from all over the world come to take on this challenging ride.

More local activities.

Find more activities, lodging & dining recommendations near the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.

The post Visiting the Cliffs of Moher | Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 10 appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.