Irish Fireside

Holycross didn't always have that name... until the arrival of a relic of the True Cross arrived it was known as the Church of the Eight Hands -- for rather gruesome reasons. There's a lot more to this church than you might notice on first glance, and I'm happy to tell you some highlights.

Music composed by Hicham Chahidi Library Genval Style & Gregorian Song Style royalty free music http://musicscreen.org/

In the tiny village of Kilcormac, there's a holy statue that has been safeguarded by the locals for hundreds of years. It has survived religious suppression, Cromwell's armies, and a parish priest who thought it belonged with him.

In this episode I introduce you to a bit of the history and charms of Timahoe, County Laois, and sites nearby.

If you go off the beaten path to visit Timahoe, you might consider some stops nearby, like climbing the impressive ruins of the Rock of Dunamase, touring the grand home and gardens at Emo Court, exploring the Slieve Bloom Mountiains, trekking along the Abbeyleix Bog Walk, and wandering the paths at Heywood Gardens.

Whether it's because you don't have an international plan for your smartphone or you simply hit a deadzone, it's a good idea to download local maps to your phone before you get lost in Ireland. In this episode, I walk you through the "hidden" feature in Google Maps that lets you get directions even when you phone is in Airplane Mode.

A video version is available at https://youtu.be/2pQZmdIqWfc

Google Maps is available for free in both the Apple and Google Play Stores.

We've grown accustomed to around-the-clock internet access in our daily lives. That doesn't necessarily have to change when we travel in Ireland. Even if you're looking for occasional online check-ins, here are my tips for getting your devices connected on the Emerald Isle.

Visit http://www.IrishFireside.com/wifi for more info.

Here are my tips for choosing the right car rental company when planning your trip to Ireland.

This special episode come from the Traveling in Ireland Podcast with Jody Halsted. I thought Irish Firesiders might enjoy the tales and tidbits shared by author Felicity Hayes-McCoy.

More at https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/old-irish-traditions-with-felicity-hayes-mccoy-traveling-in-ireland-podcast/podcasts/

We've gotten used to carrying the internet in our pocket, but when it comes to mobile phones and tablets abroad, there are few things every traveler should know to avoid expensive bills or unusable connections. In this episode, I've got tips to keep you connected during your trip to Ireland.

Show Notes: http://irishfireside.com/2018/02/15/154-smartphone-tablet-ireland/

A video version of this episode is available at http://irishfireside.com/2017/06/18/153-daily-dose-ireland-alexa-amazon-echo-audio-video/. Here's an overview of how you can keep up on Irish music, news, weather, books, and travel plans using the Amazon Echo.

Whether it’s prescriptions or over-the-counter, you’ll need to know how to pack them, what you can bring, where you can get more, and what to do if you need an emergency refill.

Whether it’s your phone, tablet, laptop, curling iron, or sleep apnea machine, here’s a look at how you can power up all your devices while visiting the Emerald Isle.

I’m launching a series of quick, rough and ready podcast episodes that cover specific Irish travel questions.

Today Corey visits Jody Halsted and Ireland Family Vacations to discuss the ins and outs of Ireland's airports.

Lullaby for Caoilte is our Christmas tradition here at the Irish Fireside. Enjoy. FYI: Nollaig shona dhuit=Happy Christmas in Irish

In the spirit of Christmas we bring you this song performed by our friends in Tipperary, Ireland – Sheelagh Chadwick, Kathleen Costello and Theresa Larkin. Merry Christmas everyone. It’s become a Christmas tradition for us to post this one every year.

Our efforts to anwer Brian's question about budgeting for a trip to Ireland continue with Stephanie Chastain from Infinite Ireland as we focus on food and other expenses.

Jody Halsted answers Max's question about choosing the best castles for kids in Ireland.

Pól Ó Conghaile answers Terry's question about seeing sites outside of the Capital without renting a car... "We’ll be in Dublin this September, and want to strike out and see some other parts of Ireland, but we won’t be renting a car. Where should we go and how should we get there?"

Michele Erdvig sheds some light on a topic that can save tourists some serious cash on their purchases in Ireland.

Stephanie Chastain returns to talk about the various accommodation options available and how much you should set aside in your budget.

Stephanie Chastain steps in to help us figure out how much it will cost us to get to Ireland and how much we should set aside for getting around once we get there. Whether it’s a self-drive or public transportation, she’s got us covered.

Eoin O Conchuir from Bitesize Irish Gaelic steps in to tell us a few spots that are perfect for catching locals using the Irish language.

Pól Ó Conghaile steps in to answer a question many of Dubin's first-time visitors ask... "how much time should I spend there?" Pól's got tips for setting your pace, things to see, and making the most of your visit to the Fair City.

We're announcing a new segment on the podcast where we answer your questions about travel in Ireland. You're invited to email you questions or record and send them. Plus, there's a new "holiday" in the works... Practice Speaking Irish Day!

Carl O'Grady takes some time to talk about the wonders of Clare Island and Corey offers a few tips that will help you take a second look at your travel plans and assure you don’t over extend your itinerary.

The pages of “Delightful Dublin” feel like you’re spending a day exploring a Dublin neighborhood with a good friend showing you her favorite places to eat, shop, play, and meet people. I've been lucky enough to chat with author Emily Westbrooks about her beloved city.

Hostels have come a long way in recent years, and many hostels offer a boutique, yet budget, experience for travelers. In this episode, we talk about Irish hostels and reveal a list of the best hostels.

Neil Jackman introduces us to some of his favorite sites in Ireland and offers some insight into archaeology in Ireland.

Eoin Ó Conchúir from Bitesize Irish Gaelic offers his insights in to the Irish language and teaches us a few handy phrases in the process... "Pionta Guinness Le do thoil!!!" And Liam sings us a song in Irish.

The original headless horseman, St Kevin’s hideaway, the remains of St Nick, and the Hellfire Club are among the fairytale treasures from The Fairytale Traveler Christa Thompson.

In this episode Corey chats with blogger, podcaster, and photographer Gary Arndt about his recent trip to Ireland, world heritage sites on the Emerald Isle, and Ireland's appeal to Americans.

In this episode Corey sits down with blogger Helen Davies to talk about her recent visit the Emerald Isle where they talk about traveling by ferry, taking in a bit of adventure travel, and Ireland's connection to the city of Liverpool.

Our listeners share the ways they keep their trips to the Emerald Isle alive.

In this episode Corey shares our listeners' picks for alternatives to five more of Ireland’s most popular sites. Then Liam honors Ireland's Titanic heritage by singing the last song reportedly played on the deck of the Titanic.

In this episode Corey shares our listeners' picks for alternatives to five of Ireland’s most popular sites. Then Liam finishes the podcast by singing Yeats’ poem “The Wandering Angus.”

In this video episode Corey considers a several factors that may influence when you will plan your trip.

We talk about mystical places in Ireland with author Mindie Burgoyne

We look at genealogy in Ireland and President Barack Obama Irish heritage. More info at http://irishfireside.com/2010/12/17/irish-genealogy/

We look at genealogy in Ireland and President Barack Obama Irish heritage. More info at http://irishfireside.com/2010/12/17/irish-genealogy/