Jody Halsted

Jody is speaking with Jeff Ksiazek, Director of the Irish Fest Summer School and the Archivist for the Ward Irish Music Archives . They are talking about Milwaukee Irish Fest and the Irish Fest Summer School in Milwaukee.

Traveling to Ireland? Use this handy 'What to pack for Ireland' travel checklist to be sure you don't forget any important items! Handy Ireland travel tips!

On this very special edition of the podcast, Jody is in Chicago to welcome her most distinguished guest yet, Naill Gibbons. Naill is the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Ireland. Listen as they chat about the special initiatives that resulted in the jump to Ireland’s tourism numbers as well as more exciting events will draw people to travel in Ireland.

Places to sleep in Ireland are as varied as the landscape. Hotels, bed & breakfasts, and hostels can be found near every scenic vista and bustling town. But why opt for a traditional stay when, with only a little searching, you can spend the night in a truly unique Irish lodging?

Jody is talking with Eugene Maher, the Manager of Shannon Ferries, a quirky shortcut along Ireland’s Atlantic Way, connecting Tarbert, County Kerry and Killimer, County Clare.

the mistake many visitors make when touring Northern Ireland has nothing to do with the sites they choose to visit- and everything to do with how long they choose to stay in the area. Just like the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland is not a spot to speed through, ticking off a bucket list and snapping photos as you go. At the bare minimum you should spend two days exploring the Causeway Coastal Route- though I recommend 4 days or more to fully absorb the drama, beauty, and history of the area.

If you’re planning to explore the Causeway Coastal Route your itinerary probably includes plans for visiting Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Constructed of planks and wires suspended 100 feet in the air, the ‘rope bridge’ crosses the 60 foot chasm between Ireland and the small fishing island of Carrick-a-Rede.

“Why should I choose Ireland over another European country?” It’s a question I receive often- and one I love to answer! In fact, I receive a lot of Ireland travel questions- and I respond to them all!

In the latest Ireland FAQ chat I tackle the ‘Why Ireland?” question, as well as other general Ireland travel questions.

Few spots in Ireland invoke the imagery of Irish mythology more than the Giant’s Causeway along Antrim’s northern coast. Science may explain the polygonal stones as being caused by volcanic activity, but in your mind’s eye you can’t help but see the giant, Finn McCool, setting his stone pathway across the waters between Ireland and Scotland to fight the Scots giant.

The basalt columns of stone have been photographed and written about thousands of times and are one of the top tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. So much so that an entire driving route is named for it: the Causeway Coastal Route. If visiting the Giant’s Causeway is on your itinerary you’ve likely read quite a bit already! So, instead of re-hashing the basics I’m going to share a few tips for your visit.

The Dark Hedges have always been popular with photographers but have now reached a larger audience due to their appearance in the Game of Thrones. Featured in the first episode of season 2 as ‘The King’s Road’, this tree tunnel has become a destination for bus tours and self-drive vacationers.

I often lament the fact that I can’t be in Ireland all the time. Thankfully there are so many Irish-Americans (and those who wish they were!) that we can usually find some pretty good craic close to home.

This spring the fair city of Dublin, Ohio invited us to discover the Irish attitude of this Columbus suburb.

Choosing an Ireland vacation package seems simple enough. You find a deal you like- be it self drive or guided- and make the purchase. Done. Ireland vacation booked and ready.
But it may not be so simple. Airline transfers, car rental, accommodations… they all play a role in the success of your vacation to Ireland.

Jody’s guest is archaeologist Neil Jackman. Neil is offering his considerable insight into Ireland’s Ancient East- over 5,000 years of Irish history, as well as share stories about his excavations which separate fact from fiction.

Northern Ireland, with over 1500 years of history, is a perfect example of a location well suited for a private tour. During our time in the north we took a guided tour of Derry, and it was one of the highlights of our week.

Gelann Doherty, owner of Derry Guided Tours, led us along the city walls, narrating the history of Derry in a way that both engaged my daughters and intrigued my husband, a keen historian. As we left the city walls and entered the Bogside, the city’s story spread on the muraled buildings before us, Gleann proved quite adept at sharing the turbulent times of The Troubles with young listeners in a way that piqued their interest but didn’t delve too much into the terror of the period.