Traveling in Ireland
Welcome to “Traveling in Ireland,” the podcast where Jody Halsted, your go-to Ireland travel expert, chats with locals about their areas and tourism businesses. Listen for laid-back conversations that spill the beans on the best places and experiences Ireland has to offer. From the buzz of Dublin to the tranquil spots in County Kerry, we’re diving into it all. Get ready for stories, insights, and tips that go beyond the guidebooks. Plus, I’ll be dishing out some Ireland travel tips to make your trip smoother than a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. Whether you’re a newbie or a frequent flyer to Ireland, this podcast is your shortcut to the real deal. Grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s chat all things Ireland on “Traveling in Ireland” with Jody Halsted.
Episodes
Car rental insurance can feel overwhelming, and I know it’s not the most exciting topic. But stick with me — I’m going to make this as simple and painless as possible, so by the end you’ll know exactly what coverage you need, what you can skip, and how to avoid those costly surprises at the...
The post Car Rental Insurance in Ireland Demystified appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
In the podcast episode below I’m sharing highlights from A Giant Adventure, one of my small-group tours through Ireland north of Dublin. This journey included Belfast’s Titanic history, the legendary Giant’s Causeway, Derry’s resilience, and a deep dive into Ireland’s Celtic past. My tours are designed with balance in mind: iconic sights, unique hands-on experiences,...
The post A Giant Adventure Small Group Tour, Spring 2026 appea...
Welcome back to my Car Rental in Ireland series. This is Episode 2, where I’m diving into the fees and hidden costs that can really add up when you rent a car. Some of these are predictable, others may catch you by surprise – but after this installment, you’ll know what to watch for and...
The post Car Rental in Ireland: Fees & Hidden Costs You Need to Know appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
The Medieval City of Kilkenny is an easy trip from Dublin – under 2 hours if you travel direct by car – and is a terrific day trip from Dublin by train. But too many travelers consider Kilkenny as a ‘stop through' in route to another spot (usually Cork), which often leads to regret, as...
The post Dublin to Kilkenny (and why to stay a while in the Medieval City) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
When you rent a car in Ireland, one of the first choices you’ll face is manual vs automatic. For North American travelers, it’s a question you might not even think to ask – but the difference in price is bigger than you imagine. Why Choosing a Transmission Is a Rental Choice in Ireland In North...
The post Renting a Car in Ireland: Manual vs Automatic appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
Ireland is a terrific introduction to Europe for Americans because the Irish speak English. Kind of. But you're likely to hear quite a few words you won't recognize – or maybe words you recognize, but not in the way they are used. The tips below will help you avoid a scaldy sambo, navigate your morning...
The post Irishisms with Author Denise Deegan appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
The 3 best things to do in Dublin - the museum everyone should visit, a tasty tour, and an amazing castle with fascinating history.
The post Top 3 Dublin Experiences (So Many Tourists Miss These) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
How long is the 'perfect' Ireland vacation? Everyone has an answer but the scientific study may surprise you.
The post How Long Should Your Ireland Vacation Last? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
When planning a trip to Ireland you’re probably focused on castles, coastlines, and creamy pints – but don’t overlook something far less exciting (yet super important): keeping your valuables safe. This is part 3 of my Travel Smart series, and we’re talking about packing intentionally, choosing the right bag, and making sure you’re not carrying...
The post Travel Smart: Packing for a Safe Trip to Ireland appeared first on Ireland F...
Step back into Irish history with modern comfort. If your ancestors emigrated from Ireland, you’ve probably wondered about the life they left behind. And if you’re planning your own trip, maybe you’ve dreamed of staying in a traditional thatched cottage. In Mitchelstown, County Cork, one family’s home tells a story that’s been unfolding for more...
The post If Walls Could Talk: The Story of a Thatched Cottage in Cork appeared first...
Travel days are busy, a little chaotic, and exactly when people tend to misplace things. Whether I’m driving myself or taking the train across the country, I have a few go-to habits to make sure everything stays where it’s supposed to. This is part 2 of my Travel Smart series, and we’re focusing on how...
The post Travel Smart: Safety Tips for Getting Around Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
Learn more about Ireland's top heritage sites in 2024 & tips for visiting + my favorite sites that you should add to your Ireland itinerary.
The post Ireland’s Most Visited Heritage Sites appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
When you arrive in Ireland, your focus should be on enjoying the trip – not worrying about your stuff. But once you’re on the ground, the small, everyday decisions you make can go a long way toward keeping your belongings secure. This is part 1 of my Travel Smart series, where I share the simple...
The post Travel Smart: Hotel, Tech & Street Safety in Ireland appeared first on 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...
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...
The post The Beat of Ireland: Ian Gould on the Bodhrán, Trad Music, and Tours appeared first on...
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...
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...
The post Two Free Tools to Help You Find the Best Airfare to Ireland appeared first o...
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...
The post Flavour Trails in Dublin: Food, Whiskey & Stories You’ll Want to Savor appeared first on I...
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...
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...
The post Ireland’s Underrated Attractions(how to add them to your itinerary & escape the crowds) appeared first on Irelan...
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