Longing for Ireland

Tune in to the rhythmic heartbeat of Belfast, a city where melodies echo through the streets and music is woven into the very fabric of its culture. In this special episode, we explore Belfast as the vibrant UNESCO City of Music, delving into the harmonious tapestry that defines its soul. Join us as we navigate the musical corridors with local experts, Dolores Vischer, from Creative Tours Belfast, uncovering the diverse genres, iconic venues, and the rhythmic pulse that makes Belfast a true musical haven. Discover more at creativetoursbelfast.com And at ohyeahbelfast.com or at visitbelfast.com Irish words and saying: Feile (Festival) – Pronounced: "fay-luh" Feis (and Feisanna plural) (Irish word for a festival competition) – Pronounced: "fesh" (and "fesh-uh-nuh" plural) Bodhrán (Traditional drum) – Pronounced: "bow-rawn" Fiddle (Violin) – Pronounced: "fid-uhl" Seisiún (A traditional music gathering) – Pronounced: "seh-shoon" Feile an Phobail (Community festival) – Pronounced: "fay-luh an fo-bal" Fleadh Ceol (Music festival) – Pronounced: "flah k-yohl" Musicians: Van Morrison Snow Patrol Ash Gary Moore James Galway Bicep  David Holmes Ruby Murry  Ulster Orchestra  Film: Belfast Places: Oh yeah Belfast 2 Royal Avenue Kelly’s Cellars Madden’s Bar The Black Box The Second Fiddle The Dirty Onion The American Bar The Sunflower Scott’s Jazz Club Bert's Jazz Bar The Deer’s Head The Banana Block  Sound Advice  God’s Waiting Room Events: Events on the maritime mile Feile an Phobail Out To Lunch Arts Festival

Prepare to uncover the captivating history and spirit of Cork, Ireland, as we delve into the city's rebellious character. Joining us for this exploration is Dara Burke, the founder of Rebel City Tours, a company dedicated to showcasing the unique character of Cork.    Discover the historical events and iconic figures that have shaped Cork's reputation for rebellion and how this legacy continues to influence the city's culture. Dara shares his top recommendations for experiencing the 'Rebel City' first-hand, and we'll get a sneak peek into the unique tours offered by Rebel City Tours.    Discover more at rebelcitytour.com Mentions: The Wallace sisters - change.org/p/remember-the-wallace-sisters Cork City Jail - corkcitygaol.com Spike Island - spikeislandcork.ie Mutton lane inn - corkheritagepubs.com/pub/mutton-lane-inn Nano Nagle Place - nanonagleplace.ie Greenway harbour cycle tour rebelcitytour.com Village of Passage West and Maritime Museum - passagemuseum.ie  Irish words or sayings in this episode: Seanfhocail (Old word/oral wisdoms passed down) – Pronounced: "shan-uh-fo-kull" 'Tá fhiach an t-aon rud is mícheart a íoc' (Revenge is the only debt not worth repaying) – Pronounced: "Taw fee-akh on t-ayn rood iss me-khart a eek

Mischievous, unpredictable, and shape-shifting – this mythical Irish being is said to be especially active at Halloween, or what we call Samhain. But what is it, and why is there a Halloween festival named after it? We're joined by Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies, and Folklore at University College Dublin to explore this mythical creature and its namesake, the Púca festival.   Discover more about the Púca festival by visiting pucafestival.com   Irish Words and Pronunciations: Lúnasa (the beginning of the harvest) – Pronounced: "LOO-nuh-suh" Samhain (the name for November/Halloween) – Pronounced: "SAH-win" Nollaig (December/Christmas) – Pronounced: "NUL-ig" Fear dearg (a red man) – Pronounced: "FAIR JARE-ug" Breac (speckled) – Pronounced: "BRACK" Mummer (costumed performer) – Pronounced: "MUH-mer" Guisers (costumed Halloween goers) – Pronounced: "GIZE-ers" Barnbrack (Irish Halloween fruitcake) – Pronounced: "BARN-brack"

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky, wondering about the mysteries it holds, or can you hardly see the stars at night? Join us as we head off to the starry embrace of OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, nestled in the Sperrin mountains in Northern Ireland, where the stars shine so undisturbed and bright that you can see galaxies with the naked eye.  Guiding us through the constellations and landscape is none other than Dr. Barry Lynn, astronomer at OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory as we turn off the lights and adjust our eyes towards the endless skies.  Discover the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory by visiting omdarksky.com   Irish words in this episode: Kewldon (music and poetry) – Pronounced: "kyool-don" Ogham – (Medieval Irish alphabet) Pronounced: "og-uhm" Davagh (cauldron / bowl) – Pronounced: "da-vahg"   Experiences mentioned: Beaghmore stone circles and Solar Walk: omdarksky.com/landscape-experience The Giants of the Sperrins - Wooden Giants by the recycling artist Thomas Dambo: trollmap.com Sperrinview Glamping: sperrinviewglamping.com

Are you intrigued by the serene world of flyfishing in Ireland's enchanting west or have you never even considered the sport? Join us as we uncover the essentials of this peaceful pastime. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner seeking guidance, this episode covers the how, what, when, and where of flyfishing in western Ireland. We're joined by Heather Richie from Delphi Lodge and Felix Sproll from Screebe House, both experts in their craft, as we gracefully cast our lines and explore the tranquil beauty of this timeless pastime.  Discover the perfect fishing spots by visiting Great Fishing Houses of Ireland at irelandflyfishing.com or Inland Fisheries Ireland at fisheriesireland.ie   This episode’s Irish words or sayings: Ceol (music) – Pronounced: "kyol" (rhymes with "yowl") Craic (fun) – Pronounced: "krak" (rhymes with "crack") C'mere (expression used to grab attention which can mean 'let me tell you something') – Pronounced: "ka-mere" (rhymes with "come here") Céad míle fáilte (A thousand welcomes) – Pronounced: "kayd mee-leh fawl-cheh"

Whiskey with the extra ‘e’, this episode is all about the history of Irish whiskey, the fall and resurgence of Irish whiskey and the whiskey experience on the island. Today, we're joined by John Callely from Whiskey Island, as we go on an exciting dive into the delicious drink that is whiskey. we explore its history, from its rise to prominence to its remarkable resurgence in recent years and leave you with some top tips for whiskey drinks. For more information on Whiskey Island and their tours visit www.whiskeyisland.ie This episode’s Irish words or sayings: Uisce beatha (Water of life / whiskey) – Pronounced: ISH-ka bah-ha An Irish toast: Health and long life to you and land without rent to you A husband or wife of your choice to you A child every year to you And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you are dead Sláinte Drink recipes: Irish Old Fashioned •A young blend Irish whiskey – 60 ml •Benedictine Dom (instead of sugar syrup) 25 ml •Angostura bitters - 2 dashes •Orange bitters - 2 dashes •Rocks glass with orange peel •Good thick well-packed ice -Stir (Irish) Whiskey sours •Teeling small batch •Lemon juice •Honey sirup •Apricot brandy •Egg whites •Coupe-style glass -Shake up Irish coffee •Pouring cream •200 ml size glass •Good coffee -Shake the cream John’s favourite cocktail (batch) •Young Irish whiskey (full 750 ml bottle) •Cranberry juice 1l •Apple juice 1l -Stir -Pour into slim jim glasses with ice and a slice of lime Experiences mentioned: The oldest pub – Sean’s Bar, Athlone: www.seansbar.ie 

Rooted in ancient myth the stunning Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is one of the world's best-kept secrets, boasting a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage that will take your breath away. Today, we're joined by Darren Rice, Geopark Manager for the area, as we go on a fascinating journey and delve into the areas rich history and uncover the secrets of its geology and culture. From the mythical tales of Slieve Gullion and Cú Chulainn to the astonishing Mourne wall. For more information on the UNESCO Global Geopark visit: mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com   This episode’s Irish words: Booleying (taking cattle to the uplands for summer) – Pronounced: Boo-lee-ing Poitín (Irish moonshine) – Pronounced: pot-cheen Cú Chulainn (Cullan’s Hound) – Pronounced: coo-hull-in Sleive (Mountain) – Pronounced: sleeve   Experiences mentioned: Sup and soda - Tracey’s farmhouse kitchen: traceysfarmhousekitchen.com Booley and butter - Mountain Ways Ireland: mountainwaysireland.com Sing For Your Supper: bluebell-lane.com/sing-for-your-supper Paedric’s land (artistic centre) - https://bluebell-lane.com/events-2/

Nestled on the coast of County Dublin, the picturesque town of Dalkey is a hidden gem of Irish history nestled in a cosy seaside town. At its heart stands the iconic Dalkey Castle, a towering monument to the town's rich heritage. Today, we're joined by Margaret Dunne, Manager at Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, as we explore the fascinating history and culture of this beautiful area. From the stories of its famous residents to the secrets hidden within the castle's walls. So, sit back and join us as we discover the wonders of Dalkey and the incredible history of its castle. For more information on Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre visit: dalkeycastle.com   This episode’s Irish words: Céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) – Pronounced: kay-ed me-la fall-cha Deilginis (Thorny Isle) – Pronounced: Delig-inish Go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo arís (May we be alive at this time again)   Experiences mentioned: Bloomsday and Joycean Evening: dalkeycastle.com/home/events/bloomsday Maeve Binchy Festival / Echoes: echoes.ie Dalkey Book Festival: dalkeybookfestival.org Dalkey Lobster Festival: dalkeylobsterfestival.com Killiney Castle Hotel /Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel: fitzpatrickcastle.com The Haddington House hotel: haddingtonhouse.ie Royal Marine Hotel: royalmarine.ie DART (Train): dublinpublictransport.ie/dart-times Literary walks: dalkeycastle.com/home/the-visit/literary-walks Coliemore Harbour ferry to Dalkey Island (Ken the Ferry Man): kentheferryman.com The James Joyce (Martello) Tower & Museum: joycetower.ie    Writers mentioned James Joyce Samuel Beckett George Bernard Shaw Seamus Heaney Maeve Binchy

Tea is something that has bound households together, it is synonymous with gossip, and in general just something to sit and love while enjoying the cosy atmosphere around you. But what is afternoon tea – the Irish way?  Today we are joined by Ciara McCaughey, from Vintage Tea Trips to talk about what tea means for the Irish and why you should try a cup when visiting! For more information on the trips on offer visit: vintageteatrips.ie Or find them on Instagram @ vintageteatours or TikTok @ vintage_tea_trips   Teas mentioned: Barry’s Tea  Lyons   This episode’s Irish words: Ar mhaith leat cupán tae? (Would you like a cup of tea?) – Pronounced: Air wua lat cup-on tay Tá (Yes) – Pronounced: tá

Stallions, mares, and foals – Horses are amazingly beautiful and this time we delve into the Irish National Stud - A government owned commercial breeding farm for top class racehorses, featuring two spectacular gardens, an experience centre and the retired ‘Legends’ of the sport, all within the 600 acres/242 hectares farm. Today we are joined by David Wardell, Tourism Development Manager at the Irish National Stud & Gardens to talk about why the government owns a stud and how it all works and what you get to experience there when you visit.  For more information on the trips on offer visit: irishnationalstud.ie   Horses Mentioned Stallions: Invincible Spirit I Am Invincible  (Resides in Australia, Son of Invincible Spirit) The Living legends (Geldings): Beef or salmon Faugheen (The Machine) Hurricane Fly Kicking King

Single pot, blended, peated, malted - single, double, or triple distilled - what does it all mean and what makes Irish Whiskey different from other whiskies? Today we are joined by James Kilgannon, whiskey expert and Distillery & Brand Coordinator at Teeling Distillery to talk about Teeling Whiskey and how to experience whiskey in Ireland. For more information on the trips on offer visit: Teelingdistillery.com for the distillery and tours and Teelingwhiskey.com for the global brand and information on the whiskeys.     This episode’s Irish words: A couple of words Cheers! (To your health) Sláinte - Pronounced:  S + lawn + Ch(urch) --- Water of life (whiskey) Uisce beatha - ISH-ka bah-ha

Rooted in ancient myths and the fastest sport on grass; Gaelic games give a glimpse into ancient Irish heritage that still thrives to this day – But what are Gaelic games? Today we are joined by Cormac Ó Donnchú, co-founder of Experience Gaelic Games to talk about the sports and their connection to Irish culture. For more information on the trips on offer visit: experiencegaelicgames.com    This episode’s Irish words: Hurling (Sport) – Pronounced: Huer-ling --- Camogie (woman’s hurling) – Pronounced: Ka-maw-gi --- sliotar (ball for hurling) – Pronounced: Schli-tar --- Camán (hurling stick) – Pronounced: Com-oon  --- Caid (ancient mob football) – Pronounced: Ka-id --- Cú Chulainn (mythic character - "Hound (cú) of Culann") – Pronounced: Koo-kul-in --- Fite fuaite (something that is intertwined – something that can’t be unpicked) – Pronounced: fi-tcha Foo-cha    

City breaks – a great way to do a quick trip to another country and culture. Come, explore, enjoy, and return another day. But which city should you choose and what should you do? Today we are joined by Veera Bianca, a travel writer and travel photographer to talk about Dublin and Belfast as weekend getaways and what to do in each city. To read and follow Veera’s Finish blog visit: veerabianca.com or find Veera on Instagram @Veerabianca. Dublin: Stores: Siopaella - siopaella.com Sheridans Cheesemongers - sheridanscheesemongers.com Experiences, drinks and food: Fanshion and food tour - fabfoodtrails.ie Ro & Co Whiskey Distillery - roeandcowhiskey.com Guinness Storehouse - guinness-storehouse.com Jameson Whiskey Distillery - jamesonwhiskey.com Trinity college and Book of Kells- tour - tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells The Seafood Café by Niall Sabongi - klaw.ie Rustic Stone Restaurant -rusticstone.ie Saint Stephen’s Green Park Three Twenty Ice-Cream Lab - threetwenty.ie Murphy's Ice-Cream - murphysicecream.ie Hotels: Wren Urban Nest - wrenhotel.ie Iveagh Garden Hotel - iveaghgardenhotel.ie   BelfastTitanic Belfast - titanicbelfast.com Titanic hotel Belfast - titanichotelbelfast.com Bushmills Whiskey Distillery - bushmills.eu Giant tours - gianttoursireland.com Belfast gin tour - tasteandtour.co.uk      

Cosy cottages, town houses, country homes, farmhouses, and historic houses – They are all very different, but one thing thy have in common is the sense of Irish homeliness. Today we are joined by Helena Healy, CEO at B & B Ireland to talk about Irish homeliness and how to experience Ireland from a B&B. For more information on the trips on offer visit: bandbireland.com   This episode’s Irish words: A couple of words Cúpla focal - Pronounced: Coop-la Fuc-ull --- Cheers! (To your health) Sláinte - Pronounced:  S + lawn + Ch(urch)

Three giant mounds stand on top of 3 hills overlooking a bend in the Boyne River. But these three mounds are no ordinary mounds, they have been named as UNESCO World Heritage and figure throughout Irish history, myth, and folklore. So, what makes them so special and why should you visit?  Today we are joined by Clare Tuffy, from the Office of Public Works at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to talk about Ireland’s ancient heritage. For more information on the trips on offer visit: Heritageireland.ie For more in-depth info visit worldheritageireland.ie   This episode’s Irish words: The Palace of the Boyne Brú na Bóinne - Pronounced: Bry na Boiñe   Other attractions mentioned: Louchcrew Cairns heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/loughcrew-cairns Hill of Tara heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/hill-of-tara Carrowmore and Carrowkeel, Co. Sligo heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/carrowmore-megalithic-cemetery Boyne Valley ireland.com/en-se/destinations/county/meath/boyne-valley Hill of Tara ireland.com/en-se/things-to-do/attractions/hill-of-tara High cross of Monasterboice discoverboynevalley.ie/boyne-valley-drive/heritage-sites/monasterboice-finest-high-cross-ireland  1st Cistercian Abbey discoverboynevalley.ie/boyne-valley-drive/heritage-sites/old-mellifont-abbey  2nd Cistercian Abbey discoverboynevalley.ie/boyne-valley-drive/heritage-sites/bective-abbey  Largest Anglo-Norman castle: Trim Castle  heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/trim-castle 

Guinness – Synonymous with Ireland and a must try when on the island - but what makes it so special? How is it made and what is the story behind it the famous beer? Today we are joined by Colm O’Connor, Beer Specialist at the Guinness Storehouse to talk about what makes Guinness so special as well as what you can expect when visiting the Home of Guinness in the heart of Dublin. For more information on the tours on offer visit: guinness-storehouse.com

U2, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, and many more have recorded songs or albums at Dublin’s first recording studio, since its founding 40 years ago – but, what makes it so special and why should you visit? Today we are joined by Aidan Alcock, Director at Windmill Lane Recording Studio to talk about the studio, its history, process, and famous recording artists as well as what you will experience when you visit the studio. For more information on the tours on offer visit: windmilllanerecording.com   This episode’s Irish words and saying: Music and Fun Ceol agus Criac – Pronounced: qu-eol agus krak

RMS Titanic – the world’s largest ship at its launch has not only left its mark in film culture but also in its birthplace – the city of Belfast – where you now find the world-leading Titanic Experience visitor attraction in the very shipyard where Titanic was built. But what legacy has Titanic left and how can you find its traces and experience this famous ship? Today we are joined by Scott Shaw, from the Visitor Experience Crew at Titanic Belfast to talk about the Titanic Experience, Harland and Wolff, Titanic Hotel Belfast, SS Nomadic and the impact it made on the city of Belfast. For more information on the tours on offer visit: tianicbelfast.com   This episode’s Irish words and saying: Keep going (encouragement) Keep her lit – Pronounced: Keep ‘eer lit

Beautiful seafood, warming chowder, lamb and beef from the greenest pastures and absolutely delicious derry products… so much to try, yet so little time – so where should you start? Today we are joined by Suzanne Burns, owner and guide at Kinsale Food Tours, to talk about Irish food; tips on what to try, Irish raw ingredients, and what to bring back when returning from Ireland. Kinsale Food Tours offer guided food tours of Kinsale and surrounds. Ranging all the way from multi-stop walking town and food tours, wild food tours, foraging and picnic tours and all the way up to a luxury yacht tour & picnic. For more information on the trips on offer visit: kinsalefoodtours.com   This episode’s Irish words and sayings: (reply) Cheers/good health back to you Sláinte mhaith - Pronounced:  S + lawn + Ch(urch) wha --- Take it easy/chill out Tóg go bog é - Pronounced: tóg-go bog-é --- I’m amazing / terrible – context dependent I’m grand --- Are you enjoying yourself? Are you having the craic? – Pronounced: Krak

Poetical, political & provocative – Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats and many more playwrights come from Ireland, but why are there so many playwrights and what makes Irish theatre so special? Today we are joined by James Hickson, from the National Theatre of Ireland, the Abbey Theatre, to talk about theatre culture in Ireland and how theatre has influenced Irish culture. The Abbey Theatre offers plays, classes as well as tours of both the theatre and Dublin city. For more information on the trips on offer visit: www.abbeytheatre.ie   This episode’s Irish words: A traditional Gaelic storyteller: Seanchaí - pronounced: Shan – á- key --- spoon (literally: young spoon): Spúnóg - pronounced: Spuon- ooeg --- the stain left by tears: Súghóg – pronounced: Sue-hoe-g   The plays/performances mentioned: Faith Healer by Brian Friel Translations by Brian Friel Gaeilge Tamagotchi by Manchán Magan