logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
40m 13s

Enchanted Ireland: Legends and Landscape...

HOLLY RUBENSTEIN
About this episode

Today we’re diving into the heart of the Island of Ireland, its Legends and Landscapes, where every cliff, hill and glen whispers stories from a time long past. To get there is just a short flight or ferry ride from Great Britain, and yet arriving can feel like stepping into another world of history, mystery and breathtaking beauty. 


As Halloween approaches, there's no better time to delve into Ireland's ancient traditions. Did you know that the Island of Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween? It originates from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter and even today the spirit of Samhain lingers, with festivals and celebrations that pay homage to the old ways.


To help us explore some more of Ireland’s incredible locations and the stories behind them, I’m joined by John O'Ceallaigh, one of our best loved travel journalists and editors, and an Ireland native from Galway on the west coast of Ireland. John’s deep connection to his country, and his experience writing about it, makes him the perfect guide for our journey today. We’re going to hear his Irish travel diaries today, from the wild beauty of Connemara and charming village of Roundstone to the Wild Atlantic Way’s luxurious coastal castles, and windswept islands, like Aran and Achill, taking in the sights, tastes and sounds along the way because of course Ireland is a feast for all senses. 


Brought to you in partnership with Tripadvisor and Tourism Ireland, whether you're planning your next adventure or simply dreaming of distant shores, let this episode be your gateway to Ireland’s legendary landscapes.


Destination Recap: 


  • Connemara, Co. Galway
  • Roundstoune, Co. Galway
  • Aran Islands, Co. Galway
  • Puca Festival, Co. Meath - around the time of Samhain each year (October 31) 
  • Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway 
  • Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo 
  • Wild Atlantic Way driving route
  • County Kerry
  • Carrauntoohil, County Kerry
  • Kerry to Cork, Wild Atlantic Way driving route 
  • Beara Peninsula, Cork 
  • English Market, Cork City
  • Ballymaloe House Hotel, Co. Cork 
  • Adare Manor, Co. Limerick 
  • Park Hotel Kinmare, Co. Kerry 
  • Kai, Co. Galway 
  • Ard Bia at Nimmos, Galway
  • Aniar, Galway 
  • Lignum, Galway 
  • Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry 
  • Skellig Beag, Co. Kerry 
  • Achill Island, Co. Mayo
  • Wexford, Co. Wexford
  • Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary 
  • Newgrange, Co. Meath 


If you'd like to find out more about the Island of Ireland and source some more inspiration for a future trip, then head over to Tripadvisor's Ireland page - it has some brilliant guides on landscape, culture and gastronomy.


Thanks so much for listening today! 



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

Up next
Oct 28
Magical Morocco - Destination Special
Welcome to a very special edition of The Travel Diaries, where we’re heading to a country that has enchanted so many of my guests over the years: Morocco.This Destination Special is a love letter to a place that casts a lifelong spell. In the first half, you’ll hear unforgettable ... Show More
54m 36s
Oct 21
The Hairy Bikers - From the archives
Today on The Travel Diaries we’re revisiting a very special conversation from the archives with national treasures Si King and the late, much-loved Dave Myers, better known to millions as The Hairy Bikers.Si and Dave were my very first duo on the podcast, and what a joy they were ... Show More
58m 58s
Oct 14
Eugene Levy
I’m back with a brand new episode, and today I’m thrilled to be joined by Eugene Levy - the Emmy-winning actor, writer, and total comedy icon. For many of us, he’ll forever be known as the bewildered dad from American Pie, or as the impeccably dressed Johnny Rose in Schitt’s Cree ... Show More
25m 30s
Recommended Podcasts
اذكار الصباح والمساء
MESHARI ALENEZI
Kalam mn Lahb
Trend Media Stage
#ABtalks
ANAS BUKHASH
بودكاست أبجورة
Podcast Abajoura
Rain Sounds
Sleepy Sound
anything goes with emma chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain
rSlash
Rslash Reads Reddit
TED Talks Daily
TED
All Ears English Podcast
Lindsay Mcmahon And Michelle Kaplan
Rotten Mango
STEPHANIE SOO