Carrigerry House
Running an Irish Country House sounds romantic . And it can be. But check out the view from those who run one...in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Erin's Isle podcast
Ireland is full of cottages and castles and cathedrals and pubs. But it so much more than that. Erin's Isle takes you beyond the shillelaghs and the shamrocks in stories that will make you feel like you are there. Plus, you'll get to know the real people who live here and both the authentic and the offbeat you won't want to miss when you travel here yourself.
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Latest episodes
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
Saving donkeys & changing lives in Ireland
The Donkey Sanctuary in Ireland saves donkeys from abusive or abandonned situations. And working with those animals is changing the lives of volunteers as well. Hear all about it in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Lattes and Liturgy
I recently discovered a very different coffee experience in the small town of Drogheda, Ireland. Up the hill from a friend's house, nestled in beside a beautifully decommissioned church...a coffee cart housed in a repurposed horse trailer is getting a lot of attention. Not only is the coffee great, it's offered mornings AND evenings. Hear all about the Priest with the heavenly idea of his coffee…
Taking the plunge! Erin's Isle #514
Sea swimming is not a trend in Ireland, it's a generational way of life. And more nad more tourists are joining locals in tidal pools and swimming coves. Hear from those locals about why they do it and what is drawing in the tourists in this epiode of Erin's Isle
seaweed
Seaweed is having quite a moment in Ireland. Hear all about the business of seaweed, the uses of seaweed and those who deal it in this espisode of Erin's Isle.
Matchmakers
Ever heard of the Annual Mathmaker's Festival in Lisdoonvarna? Well this ius your chance to experience it yourself. Hear from those who go, and hear all about Willie Daly, the resident Matchmaker in the village of Lisdoonvarna.
The Tapestry of Clare Island
Clare IslandIreland is about a 45 minute ferry ride from Westport,and it feels like a steop back in time when you get there. With a population of about 160 and just a half dozen cars, it is a place where time slows down, people really care about ech other and walking is a way of life. Most of those there, were born there. But a few characters have blown-in over the years and the mix of…
Braveheart: Erin's Isle Ep: 510
Ireland played a leading role in the movie Braveheart, a bout warrior William Wallace and his fight for Scottish freedom. Hear how that movie put Trimn Castle north of Dublin and a lot of Irish to work. And how that movie got Ireland in the spotlight for more work on the silver screen. Hear the story of that movie, throught the eyes of the locals in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Murphy's Ice Cream
The best ice cream in the world, made with the best ingredients they can find. But you can only get it it Dingle, Dublin, Galway, Cork and Killarney. Find out how harmony is the key to their success inthis episode of Erin's Isle.
Ballymaloe
Students come from all over the world to study at this sustainalbe farm and award-winning school. See behind the scenes right into the busy kitchens of Ballymaloe in this episide of Erin's Isle.
Ballymaloe
Take a peek inside the busy, busy kitchens of Ballymaloe Cookery School. Students come from around the world to take classes at this sustainable farm and award-winning school. Hear from students and teachers oin this episide of Erin's isle.
The Royal Scots Club
The Royal Scots Club in Edinborough, is an amazing tribute to the veterans of Worls War I. It serves as a club house, a military museum, a great spot for social events and a b it of liv ing history. And if you stay there you can help fund the program geared toward veterans, their families and educating the public on their significance in history. Hear all ab out it in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Buster's Backstory
Meet Buster Luscombe. He is an Irishman, a welder, a storyteller and and entertainer. And what a story he has to tell. Hear it in his words, along with his music in this episopde of Erin's Isle.
Cork's English Market
Cork has an English Market that opened in the 18th century and is still going strong in both tradition and in adapting to the future. Hear all about it in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Highland Coos
They have become a huge part of tourism fo9r Scotland and they could not be more adorable. Hear all about the Highland Coos and where you can spend some time with them yourself...in this episode of Erin's Isle.
The Poetry of Dunquin
If you travel out the Dingle peninsula even farther than Dingle, there is small community called Dunquin. It's remote out narrow windy roads...but well worth it to see the views and feel the tranquility. And I was lucky enough to find a poet who captures it all with photographs and his words. Hear his story and his poetry in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Ep 501: Ireland's Ageless Arts
Protecting Ireland's culture is an art in itself. And this episode of Erin's Isle explains how falconry, Claddagh rings and the bellringers of Dublin are working to do just that. Hear from one of Ireland's falconers who is sharing his passion and craft with all those interested; a man credited with keeping the true design of the storied Claddagh ring alive; and how those who ring the bells at…
Sheepdogs on Erins Isle
Have you ever noticed how many sheep there are in Ireland? A lot. And that means there quite a need for well-trained sheepdogs. Joe Joyce knows all about both, the sheepdogs and the sheep. He runs Joyce's Country Sheepdogs in Connemara. Hear how he trains them, how to know if you have a good one, and why all the sheep are so colorful, in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Bagpipe Museum
Bagppipes are an unmistakable instrument all over Scotland. And Glasgow has a National Piping Centre where you can learn all about the history of the bagpipes, how to play them and how they have evolved since the 1400s. Hear the pipes...the pipers and the story f the bagpipes in this edition of Erin's Isle.
Malt Whiskey Tour
Ever wanted to learn the history of whiskey....as you sip it? Bruce MacGregor offers just that at his bar in Inverness. He explains the historic events relative to whiskey distilling in Scotland plus he accompanies the sipping and the history with his own award-winning fiddle playing and interesting anecdotes. You can experience the Malt Whiskey Experience for yourself in this episode of Erin's…
Dabilla
Trad sessions in Ireland always draw a crowd. But it is almost always a crowd there to listen. Dabilla is changing that. Anywhere they play they draw. crowd alright, but it's a high energy, highly involved crowd singing along, clapping, and feeding off he energy produced. That's because Dabilla blends traditional instruments and technique into a new approach to classic Irish tunes and popular…
Sculpting Irish History
The Kilbaha Gallery on the Loop Head peninsula is a showcase for painting, sketches, sculptures and history. Not only do they focus on Irish artists, it is the home of famous Irish bronze artists James and Seamus Connolly. Hear the story of their foundry, their aftwork and their love of what they do, in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Lacemaking and Standing Stones
Kenmare Lace played a big part in sough County Kerry's history. And the Lace design center in that village is working to educate people about the different types of lacemaking in Ireland, and to keep the art alive. Kenmare is also known for a three thousasnd year old stone circle many say has magic powers. Hear about both in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Dursey Island Cable Car
The Dursey Island Cable Car travels a short distance from the tip of the Beara Peninsula to the island and back. And it is a lifeline for those who live and work on the island. And it is an adventure for those visiting. Take a ride on the Dursey Island Cable Car in this edition of Erin's Isle.
MacGregor's Bar
Experience a truly Scottish find. MacGregor's Bar in Inverness is the real deal. It celebrates Scotland through food, libations, atmosphere and music. Owner Bruce MacGregor, is also a member of a famed Scottish band, Blazing Fiddles. But his bar is about keeping Scottish music alive with all other bands in the area. Hear the magic for yourself in this episode of Erin's Isle.
The Books and Bells of Inverness
Inverness is home to the largest second hand book store in Scotland. You'll hear all about what you can find there and the man who is behind that bookseller's business in this episode of Erin's Isle. Plus you'll meet one of the change ringers at St. Andrews Cathedral. She stumbled into it and says it's changed her life. All that and more in this episode of Erin's Isle.
A Scottish Kiltmaker
Inverness is a city in the north of Scotland, steeped in tradition from music to food to attire. It's one of those places where kilts are not just worn for the tourists...but for everyday wear. And in a little shop called Chisolm's Highland Dress you'll find tradition wrapped in tarten and adorned with a sporran. Heather has been making kilts there for 60 years. "A kilt is 8 yards of fabric and it…
Water Buffalo in Ireland?
Ireland is known for its dairy products, but Johnn Lynch in Macroom, west of Cork City, is putting dairy in the spotlight himself with water buffalo. That's right, he has established a substantial water buffalo industry. And his Water Buffalo Mozerella and other products are becomeing a national hit.
Mythical Ireland
Newgrange is a passage tomb located in Ireland's Ancient East. It is one of many monuments there. But what was it actually used for? Anthony Murphy has studied and written extensively about Ireland's Ancient East. From the henges to the tombs and from the dolmens to the standing stones, he has written 7 books about them. Hear his views in this episode of Erin's Isle.
Knitting with a Pro
Ireland is a land of wool. And in this episode of Erin's Isle, visit O'Maille's on High Street in Galway to see the variety of stitches, patterns, and wools the Irish are known for. Anne O'Maille has been knitting for 7 decades and is always happy share secrets with her customers.
The Magical Blend of UCD's Scholars Choir
UCD's Scholars Choir has been an award-winning internet-famous, crowd-pleasing act for years. It began 23 years ago with Artistic Director Desmond Earley and continues with him in charge. But even with a guest director the group is unbelievable. These singers are mostly scholars in other disciplines across the UCD campus. Only a handful are music majors. But their sound is intoxicating whether…
The Magical Blend of UCD's Scholars Choir
UCD's Scholars Choir has been an award-winning internet-famous, crowd-pleasing act for years. It began 23 years ago with Artistic Director Desmond Earley and continues with him in charge. But even with a guest director the group is unbelievable. These singers are mostly scholars in other disciplines across the UCD campus. Only a handful are music majors. But their sound is intoxicating whether…
The Magical Blend of UCD's Scholars Choir
UCD's Scholars Choir has been an award-winning internet-famous, crowd-pleasing act for years. It began 23 years ago with Artistic Director Desmond Earley and continues with him in charge. But even with a guest director the group is unbelievable. These singers are mostly scholars in other disciplines across the UCD campus. Only a handful are music majors. But their sound is intoxicating whether…
The Magical Blend of UCD's Scholars Choir
UCD's Scholars Choir has been an award-winning internet-famous, crowd-pleasing act for years. It began 23 years ago with Artistic Director Desmond Earley and continues with him in charge. But even with a guest director the group is unbelievable. These singers are mostly scholars in other disciplines across the UCD campus. Only a handful are music majors. But their sound is intoxicating whether…
The Magical Blend of UCD's Scholars Choir
UCD's Scholars Choir has been an award-winning internet-famous, crowd-pleasing act for years. It began 23 years ago with Artistic Director Desmond Earley and continues with him in charge. But even with a guest director the group is unbelievable. These singers are mostly scholars in other disciplines across the UCD campus. Only a handful are music majors. But their sound is intoxicating whether…
Ireland's first gin school
While Ireland brings visions of whiskey and Guinness to mind, Listoke, north of Dublin has opened Ireland's first all gin distillery and giin school. You can learn all about the business and all about distilling your own, in a 3 hour session at the school. They provide the botanicals and the stills, the rules and the recipes. You go home with an education and a bottle of gin distilled to your own…
Michael Kelly in Reno
Michael Kelly is a fiddler who can play anything from rock and roll to bluegrass to jazz. But these days he focuses in on the musice that is in his heart; Irish Music. And while in Reno recently he enchanted the crowd with drinking songs, ballads and instrumental that make you dream of the Emerald Isle. Hear his story and his music on this episode of Erin's Isle.
Butter, Bells & Burros
When you visit the city of Cork, don't miss the hidden gems: the butter, the bells and burros. That's right there is a museum there dedicted to butter, you can ring the Shandon bells if you are willing to climb the tower, and not far from Cork the Donkey Sanctuary houses and cares for hundreds of donkeys turned out on their own when agriculture in Ireland was motorized with tractors. Hear all…
Jameson Casks
Meet the coooper master for Jameson Whiskey and hear how he views his all-important job, how important the casks are to Jameson and how he drinks his whiskey...on Erin's Isle.
Bog Bodies
The bodies of men who lived in the Iron Age have been pulled from the bogs in Ireland and are on display at the National Museum in Ireland. Hear the stories of how they came to be there, what happened to them and what we can all learn from such old bodies in this edition of Erin's Isle.
The Sweeter side of Connemara Burren
HollyTree Harps
Sean Smyth is one of about a dozen Irish harpmakers and his instruments are in demand. He makes each one to order from his workshop in the back of HollyTree Cottage not far from the Village of Naul. Hear what he puts into his harps and what harpis Fiona Gryson gets out of them, on Erin's Isle.
Voices of the Boyne
How did 100 women from all walks of life become a community voice in Drogheda? They got together to sing and found friendship, escapism, friendship and harmony with life. Hear how a passtime the all love became the basis for a community service group, as they raise money for charities with their concerts.
Say it in Gaelic: Gaeltachts
Gaeltachts are Irish communities where Irish is designated as the primary language. Anyone can drop in, and, yest they will explain things in English if you can't understand them. But it's a way of encouraging the native language and keeping it alive. Donegal is a great Gaeltacht. Not only do you hear Irish all around you, you can see the Irish in action and you can see the pink skies of Donegal…
Ep #201
Just because you aren't in Ireland doesn't mean you can't celebrate with traditional music. Chances are there's a session in your own town. You just have to look for it. This is one I found in Reno, Nevada
Galway Cathedral's Worldwide Connection
How the Galway Cathedral shows the resilience of the Irish Spirit.
Ballyfin
Ballyfin is a luxury country house in County Laios, not far from Dublin, Ireland. It is was build in the 1800's and has been a popular getaway for the rich and famous from around the world. In 2018 they held a special dinner and invited Chef Patrick O'Connell from Little Washington Virginia to help. It was grand dinner indeed. Tour the home and the gardens and hear the chefs talk about locally…
The Dunbrody and the Hole in the Wall
Tour the Dunbrody Famine Ship and hear the stories of those who sailed her. And hear the history of the Hole in the Wall Bar in Kilkenny. All that plus A Broad Abroad in Episode 40 of Erin's Isle.
Ep 39: Kilkenny
Hear all about Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile and Kytler's Inn, also known as a Witches' Kitchen. History that shaped the town and that will make you want to visit. All that plus A Broad Abroad in Episode 39 of Erin's Isle.
Windmills and Roses
A working windmill and a competition for roses. You can find them both within miles of each other in the west of Ireland. Tralee is where women from around the world compete for the title of the Rose of Tralee every August. Hear where they come from and just how the competition began so many years ago. And Blennerville, between Tralee and the Dingle Peninsula is where you'll find Ireland's only…