Traveling in Ireland Podcast Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

It started with a shared love for sea swimming and a chat at a trade show in San Francisco. Orla Leahy and Biddy Hughes, both seasoned professionals in Irish tourism, quickly bonded over their passion for the sea – and soon after, an ambitious idea was born: swim at every single blue flag beach in Ireland.

That’s 98 beaches across the island, from wide Atlantic strands to tiny coves. And they wouldn’t just be doing it for fun; they’d use the project, dubbed Seafillies, to raise money for the RNLI, Ireland’s volunteer-led lifeboat service.

This article is based on podcast episode 286 featuring Orla Leahy and Biddy Hughes.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

If you’ve spent any time near the Irish coast, you’ve likely seen the RNLI in action, either training or responding to emergencies. In 2024 alone, the service launched 881 lifeboats, rescued over 1,000 people, and saved 22 lives, all with volunteers who balance full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

For Orla and Biddy, the RNLI was a clear choice when it came to fundraising. It’s a national organization with deep community roots, offering safety and support not just to locals, but to visitors who may find themselves in trouble on the cliffs or in the water.

Blue flag beaches meet high standards for water quality, accessibility, and safety. That includes the presence of lifeguards during the summer season, something Orla and Biddy emphasize heavily. While Ireland boasts many stunning beaches that don’t hold blue flag status, the designation offers a layer of reassurance, especially for families or first-time visitors.

From vast sands like Curracloe (made famous in Saving Private Ryan) to smaller, lesser-known stretches, Ireland’s beaches vary wildly in landscape and atmosphere. And yes, the water is always refreshing – no matter the season. As the Seafillies quickly discovered, sea temperatures don’t fluctuate as dramatically as you might expect. While it’s chilly in March, by late summer the Atlantic and Irish Sea have had time to warm, making dips a bit more inviting.

One surprise? The west coast tends to be warmer than the east, a tip worth tucking away if you’re planning a swim.

Beyond the swims themselves, the Seafillies have found incredible support from the communities they visit. Local businesses have embraced the project, showing up with everything from skincare samples and hand massages to breathwork sessions and hot drinks. Mobile saunas have even become a fixture at many beaches, offering post-swim warmth and relaxation.

Seaweed baths, coastal picnics, seafood feasts, these are the experiences that turn a swim into a memory. For Orla and Biddy, the joy of discovering new communities and sharing their favorite finds is an unexpected bonus, one that’s already enriching their work in tourism.

To raise funds for the RNLI, the Seafillies launched a donation page and designed a clever t-shirt featuring their branding and a list of all 98 beaches. The first batch sold out quickly, with proceeds going directly to the RNLI. The link to donate or grab a shirt is on their Instagram (@seafillies)—and yes, shipping is available.

As of now, they’ve completed over 50 beaches, aiming to finish by October. They’re calling in favors for transport (anyone with a helicopter?) and using every free weekend to tick more off the list. With each swim, they’re raising both awareness and funds – proving that you can combine fun, purpose, and a bit of cold water courage.

Asked to share their top picks, both women had standout memories.

Biddy’s Top 3:

Orla’s Top 3:

No matter the location, each beach has offered something special—and every swim brings them closer to their fundraising goal.

You can follow the Seafillies on Instagram, where they share highlights from their swims, local finds, and community stories. You’ll find the donation link there too, if you’d like to support the RNLI through their effort. Whether you dip a toe or dive right in, Ireland’s beaches – and its people – have something unforgettable to offer.

The post Swimming Ireland’s Coastline, One Blue Flag Beach at a Time appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

At Iowa Irish Fest, the music flows as easily as the pints. This year, I sat down with Belfast-born musician Ian Gould, who’s been sharing Irish music around the world for years.

Known for weaving stories and history into his performances, Ian also hosted a bodhrán workshop during the festival, giving curious festival-goers a hands-on introduction to Ireland’s frame drum.

This article is based on podcast episode 285 featuring Irish trad musician Ian Gould.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

We covered a lot of ground in our chat – a surprising fact about the bodhrán, thoughts on trad versus contemporary Irish music, and even the tours he leads to Ireland and Scotland.

Despite its deep, drum-like heartbeat, the bodhrán is a relatively recent addition to traditional Irish ensembles. While a few historic paintings hint at its earlier presence, the instrument only became a standard part of the trad music scene in the 1960s and 70s, popularized by groups like The Chieftains.

Drums have existed in every culture for centuries, but in Ireland, the bodhrán’s construction often uses ash or oak for strength, with goat skin stretched across the frame for its pliable tone. Some feature decorative woodwork, though functionality comes first.

At Iowa Irish Fest, Ian’s workshop stood out for actually supplying bodhráns for attendees to try – though pizza-box substitutes were on hand if needed. Players learned how different beaters (or even brushes) create varied sounds, from crisp snaps to soft swishes.

Traditional Irish music tends to be defined by its core instruments – fiddles, whistles, and, in more recent decades, the bodhrán. Older singing styles, such as sean-nós, were unaccompanied and uniform, without harmonies.

Contemporary Irish bands, like Gaelic Storm or Screaming Orphans, often start with that traditional base and expand into modern arrangements and global influences. While they may still feature the fiddle or pipes, their sound reaches beyond the boundaries of strict trad.

When Ian isn’t performing, he’s traveling – sometimes hosting tours through his boutique travel company, G&W Irish Tours, which he co-owns with Paul Ward. They run several small-group trips each year to Ireland and Scotland, focusing on exploring smaller regions in depth rather than racing “all over everywhere” in a week.

This autumn (2025), they’re running a foodie-focused trip, followed by a music-themed tour next April (2026), a Scotland trip in May, and an Ulster-focused “Nine to the North” tour in June that includes Ian’s hometown of Belfast.

For details, visit G&W Irish Tours and see if one of their itineraries fits your calendar. If you can’t join me in Ireland, traveling with Ian might just be your next best option.

The post The Beat of Ireland: Ian Gould on the Bodhrán, Trad Music, and Tours appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Guinness might be one of the most iconic Irish exports, but did you know it's the number one selling draft beer in the United States? It’s growing at an impressive rate – so much so that Guinness Brewery Ambassador Zach Berger proudly shared the news at Iowa Irish Fest. That creamy pint? It’s not just a nod to Ireland—it’s a thriving, evolving brand with deep roots and global appeal.

And here’s something most people don’t realize: all Guinness Draft sold in the U.S. is brewed in Dublin at St. James’s Gate. While there are Guinness breweries in Baltimore and Chicago, those are innovation hubs – think limited-run beers and culinary pairings – not production sites for the classic stout.

This article is based on podcast episode 284 featuring Zack Berger, Guinness Brand Ambassador (follow on Instagram @guinnessinthecity).
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Guinness has come a long way since the days when it was shipped in barrels and bottled in individual pubs. Back then, quality control teams traveled to those pubs to ensure the product remained true. If a pub was caught altering the beer? The punishment was a national ad outing the misrepresentation. A bold move, but effective.

The Guinness we know today, with its distinct pour and that classic “wait for the settle” moment, didn’t debut until 1959. Before that, a pub might have served a blend of casks to achieve that creamy result. Innovation has always been baked into Guinness and continues today through its American breweries.

There’s a reason the Guinness Storehouse is the number one attraction in Ireland. It’s more than beer, it’s legacy. Guinness has managed to stay true to its Irish identity while becoming a global brand. In fact, in some parts of Africa, Guinness is seen more as a local product than an import. That kind of cultural integration doesn’t happen by accident.

According to Zach, it’s Guinness’s authenticity, consistency, and connection to Irish craftsmanship that keeps people returning. Whether it’s music, film, or beer – Irish culture is having a moment, and Guinness is at the center of it.

And yes, that harp on the pint is the same harp you see on official Irish emblems – but with a twist. Quite literally. Guinness used it first. When Ireland became a republic and adopted the harp as a national symbol, they flipped it to avoid copyright infringement.

Even if you’re not a beer drinker (hi, me), the Guinness Storehouse is well worth a visit. It’s part museum, part cultural experience, and packed with layers of storytelling. You can expect:

The story behind the zoo ads is delightful. Artist John Gilroy drew inspiration from a seal balancing a ball, imagined it was a pint, and ran with it – eventually introducing the world to a whole animal cast and the famous zookeeper (a self-portrait, by the way).

There’s no “wrong” time to visit the Storehouse, but your ideal moment depends on your pace. Want a more relaxed, less-crowded visit? Go in the morning right when it opens. Interested in a livelier vibe with music and energy? Aim for the afternoon.

Visiting in the off-season? Try to time your Gravity Bar visit with the sunset. In winter months, the low light and city views are especially stunning.

And no matter when you go, don’t rush it. The tour is self-guided, and 90 minutes is a minimum if you want to absorb everything.

Guinness’s two American breweries – in Baltimore and Chicago – aren’t about recreating the classics. Instead, they focus on what’s next. These spots brew limited-edition beers like IPAs, lagers, and even fruited sours or barrel-aged stouts. If you’re visiting, don’t just order a standard draft – ask what’s new and local.

Baltimore offers a sprawling beer garden and open brewery feel, while Chicago delivers a more urban, culinary-forward experience, complete with beer cocktails and food pairings. Both serve as an introduction to the Guinness brand beyond the iconic stout and a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation.

Guinness may begin with a pint, but its story is so much more than that. It's about innovation, legacy, global identity, and great marketing. It's almost the story of Ireland – rich history with an eye to the future.

The post Guinness Stories: What You Might Not Know About Ireland’s Iconic Brew appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Want to visit Ireland without blowing your entire vacation budget on airfare?
You don’t need insider connections or complicated travel hacks – just two easy-to-use (and totally free) tools: Kayak Explore and Google Flights. These platforms make it simple to find the best airfare, whether you’re ready to book or searching for the best deal.

These tools are especially handy if you're using my flight monitoring strategy and haven't seen prices drop. When you're willing to be flexible with travel dates you open yourself to the kind of deals most travelers miss.

Ireland Family Vacations is programmatic ad-free, supported through partnerships with trusted travel brands I personally work with and recommend. We may earn income from purchases made via affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. ​See why this is important.

Let’s break down how to use both Kayak and Google Flights to find the best fares to Ireland (and beyond).

One of the most powerful tools for finding unexpected travel deals is Kayak Explore. This tool maps out low fares from your chosen departure airport to anywhere in the world—including Ireland.

Instead of entering a specific destination, just plug in your home airport and let Kayak show you what’s possible.

How to Use It:

Pro tip: Slide the map over to Europe to see where the best transatlantic deals are, including Dublin, Shannon, and maybe even Belfast. You might even spot surprising deals to nearby cities like London or Paris where you can hop on a budget flight to Ireland.

But there are a few trade-offs:

If you're dreaming of Ireland but your calendar is open, this tool is unbeatable.

If you want a bit more control over dates, stops, and flight class – but still want the flexibility to discover deals – Google Flights is your friend.

There are two easy ways to use the “Anywhere” search:

Once you’re in, choose Flexible Dates instead of putting in a strict travel window. You can search weekends, 1-week trips, or 2-week trips, across one month—or up to six months out.

Want to fly business class? Only looking for nonstop flights? Traveling with kids? You can fine-tune it all.

Keep in mind:

But if you’re planning a summer trip to Ireland and need specific dates or flight types, Google Flights gives you the best of both flexibility and precision.

Use Kayak Explore if:

Use Google Flights “Anywhere” if:

If you can be open about when you go (and even which airport you fly into or out of), you may find fares that are hundreds of dollars cheaper than what you'd expect. Sometimes you’ll find Dublin cheaper than Shannon, or vice versa – so be sure to check both if you’re renting a car or planning a circular route.

Even once-a-year flexibility – like planning next summer’s Ireland trip now based on today’s low fares – can make your trip much more affordable.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 283

The post Two Free Tools to Help You Find the Best Airfare to Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Dublin is often the first stop on an Ireland itinerary, but too often, visitors rush through it.

Gráinne Lawlor wants you to slow down, sit down, and taste the city. Through her company, Flavour Trails, she offers food, whiskey, and storytelling tours that highlight the heart of Dublin: its people, its history, and it's incredible local flavor.

After years working abroad and then for a local tour company, Gráinne Lawlor took the leap and bought the business she loved. Today she runs Flavour Trails, offering unforgettable food, whiskey, and storytelling tours in the heart of Dublin.

What makes her tours stand out? It's the way she and her team weave history, culture, and pure craic into every stop. And she’s not just serving up bites and sips, she’s dishing out insights only a local (and a very well-fed one at that) can offer.

This article is based on Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 282 featuring Gráinne Lawlor, owner of Flavour Trails in Dublin.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Gráinne isn’t originally from Dublin, but she’s fallen hard for the capital – and for good reason.

Dublin is incredibly walkable, filled with warm, helpful people, and home to some of the best free cultural experiences in Ireland. From galleries and museums to impromptu pub storytelling sessions, the city doesn’t charge you to soak in the culture.

And the best part? You can start your sightseeing early, be in bed at a reasonable hour, and still pack in a full day of fun.

Temple Bar might be famous, but it’s also famously overpriced. If you’re after real music and a more authentic vibe, Gráinne recommends:

Both spots offer nightly tunes without the tourist mark-up.

And a bonus: Silverworks, where you can forge your own claddagh ring or Christmas ornament. Gráinne swears even the skeptical men get into it.

Flavour Trails tours are never rushed. Think three courses, three stops, and stories that stick with you. The food tour is their most popular, showcasing Irish dishes the way locals eat them – served with history and humor.

Then there’s the whiskey tour – six samples across three locations, covering all three styles of Irish whiskey (yes, that’s a thing). Add in food pairings and education, and even non-whiskey drinkers walk away fans.

The newest offering? A storytelling tour filled with folklore, pub etiquette, and colorful characters. Drinks and snacks included, of course.

If you want to support local (and skip those hefty third-party booking fees), head straight to flavourtrails.ie.
You can also find these tours on Viator: The Irish Food Trail, The Whiskey Trail, or The Storytelling Trail.

Follow FlavourTrails on social:

Gráinne’s best whiskey-buying advice? Don’t buy what you can find at home – opt for bottles that aren’t exported. The duty-free shop at Dublin Airport is one of the best around, but if you want help deciding, head to The Celtic Whiskey Shop or The Corkscrew. They’ll ship it for you, too.

If you're landing in Dublin and not sure where to start, consider booking a Flavour Trails tour on your first day. You’ll get over your jet lag, get a feel for the city, and gather recommendations from locals who don’t take commissions – just pride in sharing the best of their city.

Gráinne and her team aren’t shy about giving honest advice, whether you're wondering where to eat or what to skip entirely. It's the kind of insight you just can't get from a guidebook.

The post Flavour Trails in Dublin: Food, Whiskey & Stories You’ll Want to Savor appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

If you’ve ever listened to the podcast and thought, “I wish you’d just take me to Ireland!” well, I’ve got good news.

Next spring, from mid-April through early May, I’m hosting two small-group tours to Ireland. The first leads you along the rugged coastlines and through the rich history of the North – think dramatic cliffs, castle stays, and stories older than time. The other is a women-only journey through Ireland’s cultural heart, with hands-on crafts, slower travel, and a whole lot of craic.

April 16–24, 2026

This tour takes you straight into the wild beauty and rich history of Northern Ireland. Expect dramatic coastlines, towering castles, and hands-on experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail. We’ll explore vibrant towns, dine well, and even spend a night in a castle. This is the kind of journey that leaves you with windswept hair and stories to tell.

A few highlights of the Giant Adventure tour:

April 26–May 3, 2026

One week. Just for women. Crafted with a slower pace, deeper connections, and a touch of luxury. You’ll meet local artists, taste your way through Ireland’s food culture, and explore some of the island’s most soul-stirring landscapes – without ever feeling rushed. From storytelling to hands-on workshops, this trip is all about meaningful moments and shared laughter.

A few highlights of Craft, Culture & Craic:

Both tours are intentionally small and often fill quickly, so if either sound like your kind of adventure, hop over to the Guided Tours page to view the full itineraries and hold your spot. There’s no payment or commitment needed right away, just a quick form to let me know you’re interested.

And if you know someone who’d love to come along? Invite them, too! Traveling with friends always makes the memories even sweeter.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 281

The post Your Invitation to Explore Ireland (with Me) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

When a new list of “underrated” Irish attractions makes the rounds, I always take a look. Sometimes I nod in agreement. Sometimes I roll my eyes and wonder who decided the Rock of Cashel was a hidden secret.

That was my reaction to a recent ranking from SumUp, which used everything from TripAdvisor reviews to Instagram posts and Google searches to highlight Ireland’s lesser-known spots. A great idea, if the definition of underrated doesn’t stretch to include Blarney Castle.

That said, there are a few places on the list that truly fly under the radar—and quite a few more that didn’t make the cut but should have. So let’s talk about the ones that are worth your time, how to fit them into your itinerary without going miles out of your way, and why a trip that mixes well-known highlights with lesser-visited places often ends up being the most rewarding.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 280. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Not everything on the list was a stretch. A handful of sites are genuinely overlooked by most travelers, even if they’re hiding in plain sight. Some are just far enough off the usual routes to be missed, while others sit in popular areas but don’t get the attention they deserve.

If you're looking to skip the crowds without skipping the good stuff, these are the spots to consider adding to your itinerary.

Just 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, Malahide Castle and Gardens is an easy way to start your trip -especially if you’re trying to stay awake after an overnight flight. The guided tours are engaging (even for kids), the gardens are gorgeous, and the on-site café and Avoca shop are the perfect spot to refuel. The castles setting in a charming seaside village make it feel like a gentle, scenic welcome to Ireland.

Pair it with: Malahide is a perfect day trip from Dublin – just 30 minutes by DART or bus. This is also a terrific way to refresh yourself before taking on your first day's drive.

Yes, it’s a cemetery. But it’s also one of the best places in Dublin to get a crash course in Irish history. The Glasnevin guided tours are anything but dull, and if you time it right, you might catch a re-enactment or costumed guide that brings the stories to life.

Don’t miss: A pint at John Kavanagh’s pub next door—known locally as The Gravediggers.

Pair it with: A visit to the nearby Botanic Gardens or following a tour of Kilmainham Gaol to continue your history lesson.

Sitting in Cork Harbour, Spike Island was once a monastery, then a fortress, and eventually one of the largest prisons in Europe. It’s a fascinating (and chilling) half-day experience, but be prepared – between the ferry ride, guided tour, and time on island, you’ll need 3.5 -4 hours.

Pair it with: Cobh's other maritime highlights, including the Titanic Experience and a hike up Spy Hill to get the iconic shot of the Deck of Cards houses and St. Coleman's Cathedral. For safety reasons do not climb on the wall – just hold your camera (or phone) over the wall and you'll get the shot.

Most visitors to Galway stick to the colorful Latin Quarter and Eyre Square, but a walk along the Salthill Promenade gives you sea views, fresh air, and a more relaxed pace. If you’re lucky, you might even spot someone kicking the “kicking wall” at the end for good luck.

Salthill is about an hours' walk from the Latin Quarter. If you're wanting to add it to a day's touring, consider the hop-on hop-off bus.

Pair it with: An afternoon exploring Galway City or as a wind-down after a day trip to Connemara.

Some of my favorite experiences in Ireland don’t show up in rankings at all. They’re not tied to big marketing campaigns or social media influencers – but they’re rich in story, scenery, and character.

Here are the spots I’d add to the list, along with ideas for how to include them without straying too far off course.

Tucked into the middle of the country, Birr Castle Demense feels like a fairytale estate with a twist- it played a key role in astronomical discovery. The gardens are lush and expansive, but the real surprise is the Leviathan: a massive telescope that was the largest in the world for 70 years.

Pair it with: A visit to Clonmacnoise or as a scenic detour between Dublin and Galway. It’s also an easy stop if you’re overnighting between the cities.

Located in the Shannon Estuary, this uninhabited island is home to a round tower, ruined churches, and sweeping views – all without any tour buses. You’ll need to take a short boat trip from Kilrush, but once you're there, it feels like stepping into another world.

Pair it with: A Loop Head drive or time in Kilkee. Great for travelers basing in west Clare and looking for something quieter than the Cliffs of Moher.

Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbor, the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved Norman castles (keep your eyes peels for cannonballs!). Visitors can duck into the dungeon or climb to the tops of towers. Grab a sandwich and crisps at the cafe across the street before crossing the river to the parkland behind the castle for a picnic.

Pair it with: A visit to Cashel or the Swiss Cottage nearby. It’s a perfect half-day stop on your route between Dublin and Killarney.

Ireland’s most southerly point comes with a scenic drive, a dramatic bridge crossing, and views that rival the Cliffs of Moher – without the crowds. You might even spot seals lounging near the rocks below the signal station.

Pair it with: A stay in West Cork or as a very scenic drive from Kenmare or Killarney to Kensale (plan a full day). Make sure to check opening times, especially outside of summer.

Westport House sits on the foundations of one of Gráinne Ní Mháille castles—you may know her as Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen. Inside, you’ll find elegant rooms and family history; outside, acres of parkland, a lake, and seasonal attractions that make it especially fun for families. It’s a site that surprises people—historic, scenic, and far more than just another stately home.

Pair it with: A climb (or photo op) at Croagh Patrick (don't miss the moving famine memorial sculpture across the road!), or a bike ride along one of the coastal greenways.

Ireland’s northernmost point doesn’t get the love it deserves, but a drive around Inishowen delivers stone forts, famine history, a disappearing lake, and Malin Head – the actual tip-top of the island. You’ll even find a “magic road” that defies gravity (or at least seems to).

Tip: Contact Adam Stewart at Flat Cap Adventurers for an off-road adventure you won't soon forget!

Pair it with: A day trip from Derry or a side trip as you enter or leave Northern Ireland. Allow a full day to explore the loop.

Some of the sites on the original list are well worth visiting, but calling them underrated might be a bit generous. These are the places that regularly appear on “must-see” lists, sell out in advance, or are already firmly on the tourist trail.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t great. It just means they’re not quite hidden.

You can’t even get to Skellig Michael without advance planning – and that’s if the weather cooperates. It’s spectacular, but it’s no secret. Just ask the next Star Wars fan in line.

Yes, there’s more to see than the stone, but when your wait to climb to the top of the castle ruin to kiss the rock stretches on and on, it’s safe to say it’s not flying under the radar.

Kilkenny’s crown jewel and one of the most photographed spots in Ireland. Gorgeous? Absolutely. Underrated? Not quite. That said, Kilkenny is far more than just its castle – and most people leave wishing they’d allowed more time for exploration in Ireland’s medieval capital.

Still the most popular scenic drive in Ireland, especially with tour buses – though the Dingle Peninsula seems determined to take that crown. For a more underrated experience, head to the next peninsula over and follow the quieter, wilder Ring of Beara.

Both are standout heritage sites—just not hidden ones. Muckross draws huge crowds within Killarney National Park, and Bunratty’s medieval banquets book up fast.

Underrated can mean a lot of things. Sometimes it’s a place few people have heard of. Other times, it’s a stop that gets overlooked simply because it’s not on the tour bus circuit or trending on Instagram. But often, it’s a site that’s hiding in plain sight: worth your time, but easy to miss if you don’t know to look.

The best trips to Ireland don’t rely on someone else’s definition of what’s worth seeing. They find a balance – between the iconic and the unexpected, between the stops you’ve been dreaming about for years and the ones that take you by surprise.

If you’re looking for a place to start, my free Ireland itineraries include many of the spots I’ve mentioned here- underrated and marquee – woven together in routes that feel manageable, flexible, and full of those moments that make a trip truly memorable.

The post Ireland’s Underrated Attractions(how to add them to your itinerary & escape the crowds) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

☘️ I’ll be at Iowa Irish Fest and Kansas City Irish Fest this August, chatting all things Ireland travel—tips, ideas, and maybe a laugh or two. If you're attending, come say hi! I’d love to meet you.

At Iowa Irish Fest August 1-3, in downtown Waterlooyou’ll find me speaking all three days in the air-conditioned Elks Lodge (you’re welcome 😉). I’ll be sharing tips on Women’s Solo Travel, Multigenerational Trips, and Off-Season Travel—bring your questions!

Then it’s on to Kansas City Irish Fest at Crown Plaza, Labor Day Weekend (August 29-31) where I’ll be in the Travel Area, ready to chat one-on-one about planning your own unforgettable Ireland adventure.

If you have an Irish festival that you love and would like to see me at, or if you are on the board of or volunteer at an Irish festival and would like to learn more about having me attend, please email me – [email protected] . I love sharing my 22+ years of Ireland travel knowledge with people who are dreaming about a trip to Ireland!

Irish and Celtic festivals are great celebrations of culture and heritage – and they are family friendly! You'll hear terrific bands, find some wonderful shops with artisan items, taste some authentic (and some not so authentic) Irish food, and probably learn a fair bit about Irish history and culture.​

Many festivals will have an area for genealogy, tents for storytelling and Irish language, a travel section, and a fun spot just for the kids with crafts, games, and stages.

After deciding which Irish festival to visit begin by looking at their website. Some festivals are huge (like Milwaukee Irish Fest) and will take days to see everything. Others are small (like Weston Irish Fest near Kansas City) and feel like a village festival.​

Decide what bands and activities are most important to you, then plan around those, keeping in mind that there is likely a whole lot you are going to miss. Irish festivals always have plenty to keep you occupied!​

Don't forget comfortable shoes, a bag you won't mind carrying all day, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.

If you are traveling into an area for the festival, arrange your accommodations in advance- these festivals (even the small ones) attract thousands of people! Often the festival will have an arrangement with local hotels, so refer to the official website for that. The great thing about the host hotel is that the bands are often there too- and you may just catch a session in the hotel bar after the festival closes for the evening!​

Tip: Many Irish festivals usually don't begin until late morning and they can run until midnight. Make sure your accommodation is someplace you can relax before & after the fun.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 279

The post Irish Festival Fun: My 2 Stops + How to Make the Most of Yours appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

It's a question I receive often, and one that doesn't have the same answer for everyone as it has to do with risk, as well as figuring out the coverage you may already have.

Since the question is on the table, lets delve into it piece by piece.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 278. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

It's helpful to begin by simply pointing out the purpose of insurance, which is to provide you with a form of protection against a possible risk.

This varies from person to person, family to family. What is your threshold? Some people may say $1000, while others say $5000.

Another way to think of it is, “If my family couldn't go on our vacation, how would it affect us financially to lose the money we spent?”

That last question puts a bit different spin on it, yes? Would you want to reschedule the trip? Or replace it with something else? If so, purchasing travel insurance would be a good idea.

Packaged policies will cost from 4-8% of your trip cost and often include coverage for trip cancellation and delay, interruption (in case you have to return home suddenly), medical costs, and lost or delayed baggage.

Additional options include medical coverage, medical evacuation coverage, and ‘cancel for any reason'. Adding these options will raise the cost of your travel insurance.

It's important to remember that not all policies are created equal, so thoroughly read the policy details and compare before purchasing travel insurance for an Ireland vacation.

You may have quite a bit of travel insurance that you aren't aware of!

Did you use a credit card to book your travel? You may have trip cancellation, trip interruption, or even medical coverage.

For example, World Mastercard offers lost or delayed baggage coverage, trip cancellation or curtailment coverage, trip delay and missed connection coverage, accident, medical, hospital, and emergency evacuation coverage when the trip is paid for using this credit card. Travel Assist services are also offered (but are not insurance).

Do you have homeowners or renters' insurance? Your property might be covered for theft or loss, and you might have liability coverage.

Be sure to talk to your insurance agent before leaving home to confirm any coverage. If you travel with expensive electronic equipment, be sure to mention that as an inexpensive rider on your policy could cover those items for theft during travel.

If I am planning a trip far in advance, if things are uncertain, or if a member of my family is not well, I will book “cancel for any reason” coverage.

With the pandemic firmly in mind as well as recent travel warnings and restrictions, ‘cancel for any reason' coverage, as well as policies that specifically cover terrorism, are never a bad thing to consider.

While this type of coverage may not reimburse 100% of your trip costs, it helped us save our trip a few years ago when a planned 5-week journey fell apart and became a 10-day jaunt.

Note: Cancel for Any Reason coverage is a time-sensitive coverage. In most cases it needs to be purchased 7-21 days after the first vacation payment has been made (time limits vary based on insurance company).

Any time you purchase a vacation package or work with a tour operator you should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance. As we have seen in the past, unexpected closure of any travel company leaves many travelers without any support system.

Pro Tip: How to determine if an Ireland vacation package is right for you

Many times these travelers arrive at their destination unaware of any issues- until they attempt to pick up a rental car, board a train, or check in to their first accommodation.

A good travel insurance policy will not only provide the support necessary to continue the vacation, but will soften the financial blow of the additional costs for transportation, accommodation, and other loses.

But… you may not want to purchase the coverage offered by the tour operator, airline, or cruise company.

Trip operators, airlines, cruise companies, even travel agents, offer travel insurance plans. Often these policies coverage just isn't as good as an independent insurer. Some may only offer vouchers for future travel as opposed to cash. Be sure to do your homework, read all terms & conditions, and compare policies before purchasing any travel insurance.

Tour operators usually don't offer ‘cancel for any reason‘ coverage, which is what I look for and recommend. So, for that, I turn to Squaremouth, an easy-to-use comparison site that allows you to search for policies by terms and price. Their site is so user friendly and begins with very simple questions to help narrow down your selections. With over 100 policies available and 54,000 reviews you can be assured of finding the right policy for your trip.

Squaremouth also offers the ability to speak to an agent to be sure you are getting exactly the coverage you need – and not paying more for what you don't.

Compare Travel Insurance at Squaremouth

If you are searching for family travel insurance another company to check out is Travelex. Not only does this company offer ‘cancel for any reason' policies, Travelex also has policies that include coverage for children under 17 when traveling with an adult at no additional cost. (Be sure to read all terms and conditions.)

Learn more about Travelex Family Travel insurance

You can buy a general travel insurance policy any time before you depart on your trip. “Cancel for any reason' coverage, which I recommend, is time sensitive and must be purchased soon after you travel booking. (Limits vary based on company but can be less than 7 days.)

Personally, I buy my insurance just after I secure my non-refundable bookings.

Why?

Because you never know what will happen. Maybe the travel company, rental company, or airline files for bankruptcy and closes its doors. Your money- and possibly your trip- are gone.

Also, most travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions that are under control if you buy the policy soon after making that trip payment. Up to 20% of travel insurance claims can be traced to pre-existing conditions, so this may be an important consideration for you. (Be sure to read your policies carefully and look for the coverage you know you need!)

Only you can answer that question. What is your threshold for risk?

Do I buy it? Not all the time. Am I thankful when I do buy it and end up needing it? Always.

For more information on travel insurance, visit the US Travel Insurance Association.

The post Do You Need Travel Insurance for an Ireland Vacation appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

If you're wondering where to eat in Dublin, these three picks cover every craving and budget, each one recommended by Gráinne Lawlor of Flavor Trails, who knows this city’s food scene inside and out.

Try a spice bag from a Chinese-Irish takeaway on Capel Street or Camden Street. It’s salty, spicy, and addictively good. Vegetarian versions are available too—perfect if you're not a fan of chicken.

Head to The Seafood Café in Temple Bar, run by local seafood supplier Niall Sabongi. It’s relaxed, fresh, and has an oyster happy hour that’s tough to beat.

If you’re celebrating or just want to be wowed, book a table at Chapter One in Parnell Square. The tasting menu is exceptional, the service is warm (never stuffy), and yes—it’s worth every cent.

Hungry yet? You should be.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 277

The post 3 Dublin Dining Spots Worth Planning Your Day Around appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.