My guest travel writer Conor Power shares his experiences from our recent trip to the wonderful region of Extremadura in south west Spain on the border of Portugal. We chat about the Ribera del Guadiana Wine and Cava Route, in the region of Extremadura and its wine-growing tradition and exquisite regional gastronomy, historical Roman and Moor heritage, archaeological sites, monasteries and castles.

This area is where the Spanish go on holidays for a cultural and food fix. It is in a way an idealised version of Spain with open planes of fields of vines and olive oil as far as the eye can see to the distant horizon. Think spaghetti westerns landscape where farms are often 1,000’s of acres. Where brilliant sunsets blaze the land orange every night. 

The capital Mérida is a destination you should put at the top of your list when it comes to visiting Extremadura. As the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, Mérida boasts an impressive collection of Roman ruins that have earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman Theatre, still used for performances today, is a remarkable testament to the city’s ancient past. 

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of the 4th anniversary of this podcast, we have a US Election Special with Daniel Gilmore, a Republican and Sean O’Neill, a Democrat who discuss the current state of America in the lead up to one of the most anticipated elections in US history. They give a topical, informative and entertaining insight into the Trump v Harris campaigns, exactly 4 years after their last two episodes before and after the 2020 election.

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest Tomas Mac an t-Saoir has spent the past eight years – on and off – cycling around the world taking in parts of the United States, journeying from the top of Africa from Egypt to South Africa and tackling the breadth of Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. For his most recent adventure, he pedalled from India to the UAE, passing the Himalayan peaks of Pakistan through the Taliban strongholds and deserts of Afghanistan onto Iran and the UAE. He gives a great insight into parts of the world visited by only the most inquisitive adventurers and he does it all by his trusty bike.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irishman Dermot Cosgrove lived the life of an old school adventurer by leaving home as a teenager to join the mythical French Foreign Legion before the Gulf War. Dermot served in some of the most dangerous conflict zones during the 90's in the Middle East and Africa. He has since worked as a security consultant in many conflict zones around the world. He takes us through his life from the arduous training as a legionnaire to being in the middle of firefights in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a true adventurer and anyone who grew up reading about the renowned French Foreign Legion will find this episode fascinating.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am delighted to say that my first guest of Season 6 is the legendary Irish adventurer Damian Browne, who was my very first guest on Season 1. Damian talks about his New York to Galway row and the subsequent documentary Man v Ocean which Damien is currently touring as a one man play around Ireland. Please subscribe or follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode this year and you won't want to miss the great guests and destination specials I have lined up for Season 6.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out my review of 2023 with my travel buddy Eimer. If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am interviewed today my Eimer my travel buddy all about our trip to the Turkish Turquoise or Lycian Coast. The blue-green hues of the sparkling sea of the Turkish Riviera has deservedly earned its moniker “the Turquoise Coast”. In fact, the word turquoise comes from the French word for Turkish. Turkey offers unique attractions where east meets west and the ancient meets modern. Everywhere you go along the Turquoise Coast you practically bump in ancient ruins and for me the highlight is the Turkish people themselves who have perfected the art of good hospitality. We chat about Kalkan, Kas, Fethiye - Olundeniz, Dalyan and Gocek.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we close out the year I chat about my fvourite travel books and as often happens on my travel slot on Clare FM I went off on many tangents. Keep an eye out next week for my espidoe on the Turkish Riviera and the annual end of yerar review.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in over 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is Longford native Senator Micheál Garrigy, Seanad Spokesperson on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, and Media and previously the Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council. He is also chairperson of the County Longford Tourism Committee so the perfect guest to tell us now all about what Longford has to offer for tourists with its rich history, literature & culture.

There are many more attractions and activities in Longford for tourists including the Royal Canal Greenway from Clondra to Dublin, which is the longest linear greenway in Ireland. The National Famine Way from Strokestown is also a great trail in Longford for walkers.

For history buffs there is the Corlea Trackway Visitors Centre in Kenagh, which is home to an ancient Iron Age bog road which dates back to 148BC. Then there is also the Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre in Granard which is a Norman Ireland interactive visitors centre adjacent to Ireland’s tallest motte. Another great place to visit is the Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown which is located in the old schoolhouse in the town. The centre tells the story of one of Ireland’s leading female writers and is home to many original artifacts from the 18th century.

Longford is home to Center Parcs Longford Forest, Ireland’s largest tourist attraction with over 100 activities on offer for up to 2,500 guests in luxurious guest lodges on-site and Ireland’s largest Spa – Aqua Sana Spa in the beautiful surrounds at Newcastle Woods.

 Longford is part of the Hidden Heartland brand and for more information on what makes Longford so special please click on https://www.longford.ie/en/see-do. 

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a Ski Special from Adelboden in Switzerland. Switzerland is the quintessential postcard image of a ski country that most people have of picturesque traditional villages in pine forest filled valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Adelboden is a very traditional town with farming still the main source of income and this gives it the feel of a real lived in town rather than a tourist ski resort. I got the same line from any locals I talked to who said it is even more beautiful in the summer and a great place for hiking and mountain biking.

Adelboden is surrounded on all sides by mountains giving the sense you are in the middle of the alps. This resort was perfect because it has many kms of wide open gentle red runs making it perfect for the average Irish skier and I would say it is a great resort for families or couples.

Adelboden’s low key charm has always made this resort popular with Swiss people with the spectacular mountains view I have ever seen in the alps.

For details check the Swiss tourism website here https://www.myswitzerland.com and I recommend the Cambrian hotel in Adelboden to stay https://www.thecambrianadelboden.com.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about Irish romantic getaways and I picked three very special venues from Ireland’s Blue Book that are all the epitome of romance with two castles with four poster beds and a Georgian town house. They are Barberstown Castle in Kildare, Tubbrid Castle in Kilkenny and 1 Pery Square in Limerick.

My first guest is Ted Robinson from Barberstown Castle in Straffan, Co Kildare. This 13th century castle is famous as being the home of Eric Clapton from 1979 to 1985 when music royalty like Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan stayed. 

For romance there is nothing quite like an Irish country house break. Unless you go to a castle that is, and you have that castle all to yourself. The stunning and faithfully restored 15th century castle in Kilkenny called Tubbrid Castle only takes one booking at a time. You can have the three bedroomed medieval tower house all to yourself to sleep like a king and queen in a huge four poster bed.

Tubbrid Castle has been lovingly restored by the late John Campion and his son Dr John Campion and the castle has been receiving rave reviews since it opened for guests a few years ago. The castle is the newest addition to the Blue Book collection and media like Forbes and the New York Times have been raving about it.

Whenever I am looking for a hotel for a city break, I always pick the location first, ideally central and then look for a family run hotel with some history attached to it. That is exactly what No.1 Pery Square is in the heart of the Georgian Quarter in Limerick. The proprietor Patricia Roberts tells me all about the history of this magnificent Georgian town house in Limerick. 

For great romantic getaway deals check reland's Blue Book website https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie. I love the Blue Book because they are mostly family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses or castles, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in.

Check out No.1 Pery Square in Limerick here https://oneperysquare.com

Check out Tubbrid Castle in Kilkenny here https://www.tubbridcastle.com

check out Barberstown Castle here https://www.barberstowncastle.ie

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am interviewed today by my wife and travel buddy Eimer for my Season 4 finale. We do a review of my travels this year and look forward to next year. I want to thank all my listeners in over 100 countries worldwide and I look forward to sharing more travel adventures, destination specials and interviews with great guests in 2023. Take care and safe travels.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Porto is gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s coolest cities both as a holiday destination and as a gateway to northern Portugal.

I explore this great city and the Minho region above Porto with lush green hills and Vino Vert vineyards and the stunning medieval towns of Braga and Ponte de Lima. I also talk about the areas below Porto including the Douro Valley, the Arouca region and the River Paiva which is great for rafting.

Check out my Instagram for more detailed info on the trip.

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Welcome to part two of my County Clare destination specials. When you ask a Clare person for recommendations and tips it is always a long list. That is why I had to do two County Clare destinations specials to help do justice this this stunning county on the west coast of Ireland.

In part two today you will first hear Clare county councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, the Mayor of Ennis, who tells us all about my hometown and the official “friendliest and tidiest town in Ireland”. Then you will get to hear from the wonderful Mike Glynn from the Bunratty Castle and folk Park. Then we will hear from Dave Merrins of Burren Gold Cheese who tells us all about the Burren Geopark and the award winning Geofoods group. Finally we will hear from Rosie McMahon from the Shannon Estuary Way Retreat.

In partnership with Clare County Council and Visit Clare

 Website: www.visitclare.ie

Facebook: @Visit Clare

Twitter: @ClareTourism

Instagram: @VisitClare

#VisitClare #Makingiteasy #Keepdiscovering.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I grew up in Ennis in Co. Clare and I have always noticed when anyone asks me “where am I from” and I reply “Clare’, that it brings a smile to their face which in turn fills me with pride. I don’t think I have ever met a Clare person that doesn’t love Clare.

When you ask a Clare person for recommendations and tips it is always a long list. That is why I recorded two County Clare destinations specials to help do justice to this stunning county on the west coast of Ireland.

In part one today you will hear from cllr Tony O’Brien, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council who gives a great Clare tourism overview. Clare is synonymous with traditional music and you will hear from Clarles Monod of the Tunes from Doolin fame. Then you will hear from Nuala Mulqueeney of the award winning Aillwee Burren Experience and finally Arlene White of Clare Walks share her highlights of East Clare.

In partnership with Clare County Council and Visit Clare

 Website: www.visitclare.ie

Facebook: @Visit Clare

Twitter: @ClareTourism

Instagram: @VisitClare

#VisitClare #Makingiteasy #Keepdiscovering.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 185 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is a West Cork Destination Special and I love doing destination specials in Ireland as the real passion Irish people have for their home areas always shines through. 

I interviewed two hoteliers from the Clonakilty area to give us an overview of the area with local tips and recommendations. My first interviewee is Michael O’Neill from Fernhill House and Gardens Hotel, who is a 4th generation hotelier. Then you will hear from Kela Hodgins of Donowen House both close to Clonakilty in West Cork.

Both Kela and Michael are part of Ireland’s Blue Book collection. I love the Blue Book because they are mostly family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gift recommendation and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie.

Check out Fernhill House Hotel here https://www.fernhillhousehotel.com

Check out Dunowen house here https://dunowenhouse.ie

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As you can imagine I have many places on my travel bucket list, and I got to finally visit Granada in Andalucía in southern Spain this month, which was at the very top of that list. The city did not disappoint, and I had very high expectations.

I really wanted to go to Granada to see the final capital of Moorish Spain and learn about history from the Moorish perspective and their influence on European food, architecture, culture and science.

The most obvious example of this Moorish influence is the Alhambra which looms over the town. The Alhambra is a huge medieval middle eastern style complex overlooking the city encompassing forts, royal palaces, serene gardens, fountains and pools. My episode today is all about my top travel tips when visiting this glorious city.

Websites:  www.turgranada.es / www.andalucia.org / www.spain.info

Recommended Activities

Costa Tropical Lunch at Chambao de Joaquín restaurant, in La Herradura.                    

Visit to the San Ramón farm, with subtropical crops https://www.fincasanramon.net/ 

Visit to the Señorío Nevada winery https://www.senoriodenevada.es/bodega-y-cata.html/    

Granada Tours with the guide Manu Estudillo.

            Granada Flamenco show - Venta el Gallo - https://www.cuevaventaelgallo.es/

Trópolis (bread making workshop, Geoparque)- -  www.tropolis.es

Caviar de Riofrío (Loja). - - www.caviarderiofrio.com

Visit of the town Montefrío. - - https://www.turismomontefrio.org/en/home/

Lorca Tour www.universolorca.com

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My very special guest today is Triona O’Mahoney from Munster Vales, which is the tourist brand of the five mountain ranges between the Comeragh, Knockmealdown, Galtee, Ballyhoura and Nagles mountain ranges. These five mountain ranges incorporate nine heritage sites and 1,100km of over 90 marked walking trails and provide a mix of outdoor recreational activities including walking, cycling and angling amongst historic inland, coastal and rural towns and villages.

Triona O’Mahony is the tourism marketing officer of the Munster Vales which was set up through the hard work of local community groups, county councils and Government agencies to promote the stunning areas lying to the south of Cashel, east of Charleville, and north of Fermoy and Lismore, it's a vast area between the counties of Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary.

I live in the middle of this beautiful area so this is a very special personal episode.For details and itineraries check their website check out their website https://munstervales.com. 

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 100 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a Greece special episode focusing on my recent trip to the Halkidiki region in northern Greece. 

The Halkidiki region is made up of three peninsulas or fingers with something for all types of travellers. The first finger is called Kassandra and is the most developed for tourism with glitzy hotels and huge nightclubs that would give Ibiza a run for its money. The middle finger is Sithonia which is less developed with some of the best secluded beaches in Greece and the third finger is Mount Athos which is an independent theocracy called the holy mountain and considered the holiest site in the Orthodox church.

My ideal place is a small fishing village with a crescent shaped soft white sand beach protected by a sheltered cove and surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains. The village is small enough to have very few tourists but big enough to have a few fish restaurants you don’t mind going back to again and again. The last piece of the jigsaw is accommodation with a pool but also a few minutes’ walk from the beach and the village. I found that place at the very end of the stunning Sithonia peninsula at my new favourite place called the Porto Koufo Resort situated around two hours’ drive from Thessaloniki airport.

For more information on the Porto Koufo Resort visit https://portokouforesort.com

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest is the acclaimed bestselling author John Connell, who has written a trilogy of autobiographical books which have been described as love letters to his home county of Longford.

John has just released The Stream of Everything which is about a canoe trip down the Camlin river in Longford with a friend. This stunning book is a meditation on the simple beauty of nature and a celebration of the slow pace of rural living especially in counties like Longford.

John published the bestseller The Cow Book in 2018 which is a memoir of his return to his family's farm in Longford after many years in Australia. Then he wrote The Running Book about his love of running but also the rich colonial history of Longford.

Longford recently made national attention in the tourism industry when Center Parcs set up Ireland’s largest tourist attraction with over 100 activities on offer for up to 2,500 guests in luxurious guest lodges on-site at Newcastle woods.

But there are many more attractions and activities in the county for tourists including the Royal Canal Greenway from Clondra to Dublin, which is the longest linear greenway in Ireland. The National Famine Way from Strokestown is also a great trail in Longford for walkers.

For history buffs there is the Corlea Trackway Visitors Centre in Kenagh, which is home to an ancient Iron Age bog road which dates back to 148BC. Then there is also the Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre in Granard which is a Norman Ireland interactive visitors centre adjacent to Ireland’s tallest motte. Another great place to visit is the Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown which located in the old schoolhouse in the town. The centre tells the story of one of Ireland’s leading female writers and is home to many original artifacts from the 18th century

 Longford is part of the Hidden Heartland brand and for more information on what makes Longford so special please click on https://www.longford.ie/en/see-do. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have a destination special episode today on the city of Derry in Northern Ireland. I had never been to Derry and it is such a novelty to go to a new place that is both very familiar but also very different to my experiences of other holidays in Ireland.

For lovers of history and entertainment, it is the perfect city for a break. By day you can visit the many great museums like the Guildhall.  Then by night there are great restaurants and bars all clustered together to create a vibrant nightlife buzz.

To give you a flavour of what this wonderful city has to offer I have interviews with Charlene McCrossan from Martin McCrossan City Wall Tours, David Gilliland from Brook Hall gardens and Richard Allen from Oakfire Adventures.

For more information on these activities go to https://www.visitderry.com.

For Oakfire Adventures go to https://oakfireadventures.com

For Martin McCrossan Tours go to https://www.visitderry.com/things-to-do/martin-mccrossan-city-tours-p707361

For Brook Hall Gardens go to https://brookhall.co.uk

For Walled City Brewery go to https://www.walledcitybrewery.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have a Center of Portugal Destination Special for final episode of Season 3 of Travel Tales with Fergal.

I visited the centre of Portugal in September and what really shone through for me was the natural friendliness of the inhabitants of this stunning mountainous region between Lisbon and Porto.

The landscape of the centre of Portugal continuously changes from the endless Atlantic surf beaches on the coast all the way up to the Serra da Estrela mountain range. The area contains over 40 mountain villages all with their own unique personalities, 4 natural parks and 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites. For more information check https://www.centerofportugal.com.

You will hear interviews on the podcast from local people from this stunning region and Paul McLaughlan from the Irish Examiner.

Useful Information

Accommodation

Casas da Lapa

https://www.casasdalapa.pt

Restaurants

Casa de S. Lourenço - Burel Panorama Hotel

https://www.casadesaolourenco.pt

Transportation 

https://www.madomistours.pt

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

This is the last episode of Season 3 so please keep an eye on Instagram for updates on Season 4.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

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I have a great guest today for people who are interested in adventurous travel off the beaten track. My guest is Thom Breathnach who is the travel editor of the Irish Examiner. So it was fascinating to see what 5 places would Thom pick from his travels all around the world. Thom shares great tales to American, Iran, South Africa and Switzerland and many more places in between.

Thom is very much into conservation and loves travelling into the wilds of nature. He wanted his first trip post pandemic to be a special one so I loved hearing about his recent trip to Churchill, Manitoba in Canada which is known as the polar bear capital of the world.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have just returned from a family holiday to Provence in France and I am in love with all things French. I discuss this magical part of France with my favourite returning guest and wife Eimer.

We talk about the glitzy beach town of Cassis on the coast,following in the footsteps of author Peter Mayle around the medieval hill towns of the Luberon and the city of Aix en Provence. We also cover the Alpilles region around St Remy and Beaucaire and the wonderful ancient Roman cities of Arles and Avignon. We talk about the great markets, restaurants, food and wines and the friendliness of the people of Provence. This is the episode for Francophiles!

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

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I have a very special guest today - the brilliant Irish American comedian Des Bishop who shares with us the five places that have most influenced him on his travels.

Des Bishop’s latest stand up show is called Mia Mamma and it is a comic and dramatic exploration of his mother Eileen’s passing in 2019. The show explores sadness and grief through humour and is full of love, affection and hope. The show is also an elegy to the Irish mammy – that most celebrated and most important member of every family.

Des is touring all over Ireland over the next few months including Clonmel on the 10th of March and you can get tickets here https://secure.tickets.ie/Listing/EventInformation/43538/des-bishop and details on his Irish tour here https://www.desbishop.net/tour-dates.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spent 20 wonderful days on the Annapurna Circuit through trekking from village to village through mist-covered valleys, remote villages and sacred monasteries in the Nepalese Himalayas in 2000. That experience has given me a deep appreciation of Nepal, the Sherpas and the climbers who attempt the greatest mountain of them all - Everest.

Since then, I have always been fascinated with stories of Everest’s often deadly history. So I was riveted last May when following the literal ups and downs of my podcast guest today as he attempted to climb Everest during the peak of the pandemic. 

Damian Browne hails from Galway and is a former professional rugby player who has played for Leinster, Northampton, Brive and Oyonnax. Damian’s passion for travel and adventure has led him to visit more than 50 countries on 6 continents.

Damien is an adventurer in the truest sense of the word using the world’s most extreme environments to test his physical and mental capabilities. Damien has covered more ground than many of the great explorers of the early 20th century including spending 63-days rowing solo across the Atlantic. An epic trip he previously spoke to me about on my very first podcast in 2020

Since he first climbed Elbrus (the highest mountain in Europe) in Russia in 2018 he has been obsessed with successfully climbing Everest. His original trip was called off in 2020 when the pandemic took hold and he only found out he could go to Nepal in April last year a few days after his Australian partner gave birth to their first child in Brisbane.

Epic is a word often used when talking about adventures but this attempt on Everest was truly epic. Damian’s tale is all about that famous mountain, what it is like working with Sherpas, being at basecamp, the Khumbu Icefall and much more. 

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Follow Damian and Fergus' attempt to row the Atlantic this summer https://www.facebook.com/projectempower2022/

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

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I have a very special episode today celebrating the life of the world renowned travel and food writer and broadcaster Anthony Bourdain with interviews with Patrick Radden Keefe from the New Yorker who wrote the definitive profile of him, Laurie Woolever who was his assistant for many years and who has just released a brilliant an oral biography on Tony and Paddy Daly who was his producer for many shows in Ireland.

Anthony Bourdain, author of Kitchen Confidential and the host-writer of the seminal food and travel series Parts Unknown, introduced us to entire cultures, places and foods. He opened up new countries and places to us through his celebration of food and travel and inspired us to go out and explore.

I rediscovered the brilliance of Anthony Bourdain during the first lockdown when I re watched his show Parts Unknown on Netflix to get my armchair travel fix when the world was closed. My favourite thing to do when travelling is to sit outside a café, sample some local cuisine and watch the world go by. Bourdain would often do just that on his shows and he could brilliantly convey the emotions attached to that experience. Bourdain brought the streets and markets alive and you could practically smell the food.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Laurie Woolever's new book Stories on Bourdain is here https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/bourdain-9781526645159

Patrick Radden Keeffe book Empire of Pain is here https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612861/empire-of-pain-by-patrick-radden-keefe/

The Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/

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My guest today is Patrick Monahan who one of my favourite UK comedians. Patrick was the first person I actually interviewed for this podcast and I have been saving this episode for the right time and January, when you need a pick me up, is the perfect time.

Patrick is half Irish/half Iranian and that mix has produced a big bundle of energy and positivity so I think you will enjoy this episode as Patrick has performed all over the world and is full of fun travel stories. 

I have some great episodes coming up over the next few weeks including a Portugal destination special and next Tuesday we have very special episode on Anthony Bourdain.

 If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I walked on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain this year for this Camino Special Podcast series. Along the way I interviewed many interesting people including fellow walkers, pilgrims, guides and historians.

The Camino is over 800kms from the Spanish border in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and it typically takes a walker between 30 to 35 to complete.The Camino is a truly magical pilgrimage and I hope these 3 episodes convey in some small way why the Camino is so special to me and to so many people around the world.

Today you are going to hear from some of the fascinating people I met along the way starting with Jarlath O’Madain who I met during the walk and then interviewed him in Santiago on the day he finished his Camino.

I met so many captivating guides who were full of knowledge and this really brought the Camino’s history to life and helped me get an understanding of the different cultures of each of the four very different regions the Camino passes through. We get to hear from three on the podcast - Helder Cerejo, Patricia Longa and Ursula.

 Finally, I interviewed Philip Martin on the podcast previously and he chose the Camino as his Happy Place, so I will finish with Philip summing up the magic of the Camino.

 If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. For more information on the Camino please go to https://www.spain.info. I flew with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Bilbao and then from Santiago to Dublin.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I walked the Camino for this special 3 part Camino podcast series this year where I interviewed many interesting people including fellow walkers, pilgrims, guides and historians.

The Camino is over 800kms from the Spanish border in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and it typically takes a walker between 30 to 35 to complete.

In part 2 today I talk to Catharine Murphy who has walked the Camino many times and she gives us a great guide to the many ways to do the Camino. We then hear from my guides Fran and Ursula and then we finish off with an insightful interview with the American writer Curtis Williams on the history of the Camino.

The Camino is a truly magical pilgrimage and I hope these 3 episodes convey in some small way why the Camino is so special to so many people around the world. We will have the final 3rd part of this special next Tuesday. For more information on the Camino go to the website https://www.spain.info .I flew with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Bilbao and then from Santiago to Dublin.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was fortunate to walk on the Camino in Spain in September for this special episode.The full Camino is over 800kms from the Spanish border in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and it typically takes a walker between 30 to 35 days, walking around 25 km a day, to do the full Camino.

The Camino is a truly magical experience that I would recommend to everyone but especially lovers of walking and history enthusiasts. The Camino brings you through four very different regions of Spain with four very distinct landscapes, culture, architecture, people, cuisine, weather and even language.

The Camino is one of Christianity’s most venerated and ancient pilgrimage walks and goes to the tomb of St James at the magnificent world heritage listed cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, which is the third most holy site in Christianity after Rome and Jerusalem.

Today you will hear an interview from Fergal O’Keeffe on his Camino experiences, then Fergal interviews three writers John Connell, Mark O’Halloran and Curtis Williams about their Camino journeys.

I hope these episodes convey in some small way why the Camino is so special to so many people around the world.

There is an openness and camaraderie amongst fellow walkers, who share a passing “Buen Camino” greeting and they will often chat and exchange stories with you. Next Tuesday I will share those fascinating interviews with you and we will go a little deeper in the history and mystique of the Camino. For more information on the Camino go to the website https://www.spain.info.I flew with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Bilbao and then from Santiago to Dublin.

If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have had a number of comedians over the last 3 seasons and I’m delighted to say that my special guest today Is Karl Spain, who is have my favourite Irish stand up comedian.

I have run a comedy club in Clonmel, Tipperary for over 15 years and Karl Spain was the MC at my very first show and I’m delighted to say he will be headlining my next show, which is a Christmas special on the 9th of December in Bakers Bar in Clonmel.

As you will hear now Karl isn’t just a great stand up but also a great natural story teller. Karl tells us about his love of going to sports events like the football world Cup, and he shares great stories from performing at comedy gigs all over the world to places including India, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Romania, Brussels, Dubai and Edinburgh to name a few. 

If you have haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of my Expat Lives series, I have interviewed Irish expats about their lives abroad but my guest today is a little different, as it is an Irish American living in Ireland. Sean O’Neill originally hails from Boston, Massachusetts via Cairo and Ennis, Co Clare.

Sean is in a unique position to share with us an Irish immigrant’s perspective of moving to America and then an American’s view of living and working in Ireland, as the director of corporate communications with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, who develop our national road and light rail network.

Sean’s voice will be known to many listeners of this podcast as he gave a great insight into the US elections last year. Sean gives prescient insights in both Irish and American life and culture in this informative interview.

If you have haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 90 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keith Barry is the world’s leading TV hypnotist, mentalist and brain hacker. With skills that have been showcased in over forty international television shows, he has mastered the ability to hack into people’s minds and rewire their subconscious. Keith's Ted Talk is one of the most viewed of all time with over 30 million views.

Keith has just released his first book Brain Hacks where he reveals a variety of techniques that help develop mental toughness subconsciously. We have a great chat about the places that most influenced his career including LA and Las Vegas and his favourite holidays, including one of mine, the Derrynane House Hotel in Kerry, Ireland. 

For details on Keith upcoming Reconnected Tour in 2022 check here https://keithbarry.com

If you have haven’t already Id ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 80 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to my Donegal destination special, in conjunction with Ireland’s Blue Book, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches 2,500 kilometres along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork. The Blue Book is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Today we are focusing on Donegal, which is the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, with an interview with Karoline Sweeney from the Castle Grove Country House. Castle Grove is a family-run Georgian house, built in 1695 and set is its own 250-acre estate.

Castle Grove Country House is one of the few remaining private estates in the northwest of Ireland which overlooks Lough Swilly and is ideally placed between Letterkenny and Rathmullan so it’s the perfect base from which to explore beautiful Donegal and Wild Atlantic Way. For further details go to https://www.castlegrove.com

I love the Blue Book because they are generally family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie.

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is Sharon Jordan, MD of Irish Travel Trade Network (ITTN). ITTN specialises in delivering topical travel news to both consumers and the trade in Ireland. Sharon has worked for over 30 years in the international travel industry so we get an insider view on the travel trends for 2022 and an insight into how the travel industry is recovering post pandemic. 

If you have haven’t already Id ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 80 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When having a holiday meal, it is not the taste that makes it special rather how it feels. New smells, sights and sounds arouse all the senses. The pleasures of discovering local cuisine when travelling were brought to life in this episode by Russ Parsons, the renowned former food editor of the Los Angeles Times.

This was one of the most enjoyable interviews I have done in 3 seasons. I have always believed that food and travel are inextricably linked and this episode is for all lovers of food and everything to do with food.

After retiring Russ moved to Waterford and he now writes a brilliant monthly food column for the Irish Times. I love his articles because he writes about how wonderful Irish food is from the perspective of an outsider. I chat with Russ about his favourite trips to places like Umbria, Los Angeles, Gascony and Mendocino.

If you have haven’t already Id ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

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My first guest of Season 3 is the US comedy legend Reginald D Hunter. Reg has been called a voice of his generation as he unafraid to tackle head on, with searing honesty and great humour, the subjects the rest of us skirt around. Reginald is a true gentleman and a deep thinker and very funny.

This podcast has a very simple premise where I chat to a special guest every week where I ask for 5 trips or places that most influenced or impressed them. My guests come from all walks of life with one thing in common. They all have great travel stories.

I started this podcast exactly a year ago at the height of the pandemic to help fuel your imagination by doing some armchair travelling with my guests and this podcast is now listened to in over 80 countries worldwide.

Reginald is touring Ireland in January and he is brings his “Bombe Shuffler” stand up show to O’Keeffes Comedy Club in Clonmel on the 29th January. Get tickets here https://secure.tickets.ie/Listing/EventInformation/43647/reginald-d-hunter

If you have haven’t already Id ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every Tuesday for the rest of the year.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

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Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

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I’m delighted to say that the first episode of Season 3 comes out next Tuesday with a great interview with the comedy legend Reginald D Hunter. And then every Tuesday for the rest of the year. I have some amazing guests recorded for Season 3.

But before that we have a special Bonus episode today with bestselling debut author Louise Nealon which was recorded live in the amazing new Junction Dome during the Clonmel Junction Festival in July.

Louise Nealon chats about her experiences in the last year from getting an agent, to writing her book Snowflake, to getting it published and then going straight to No.1 in the Irish bestseller charts. This interview will be of interest to anyone who loves writing as we delve into the writing process and Louise tells us what inspirations fuel her creativity.

I’d ask you to subscribe or follow the podcast on whichever platform you get your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode every week.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

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My guest on this Bonus Festival Special is David Teevan, who is the founder of the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. David shares great tales of his favourite travels to festivals in Malawi, Zambia Iran, Canada, the Edinburgh Festival, Womad in Reading and Womex in Seville and Copenhagen.   

I will be doing my first Travel Tales with Fergal Live Podcast on the 6th July with novelist Louise Nealon in the festival DOME and you can get free tickets to see online from https://www.junctionfestival.com/product/travel-tales-with-fergal. In this unique conversation, Louise Nealon will discuss her experiences in the last year of the writing process, getting published and going to No.1 in the bestseller charts for her debut novel Snowflake.

Keep an eye out on https://traveltaleswithfergal.ie/for details of Season 3 towards the end of the summer. I already have some brilliant interviews done and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations. I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The one question I asked every guest is to "take four deep breaths and think of their happy place" and I have a collection here of my guests favourite places. My guests pick places all over the world with Verbier and the Maldives getting two mentions each. We hear about secluded beaches in Bali and Brazil, the trekking trials of the Camino in Spain, the mountains of Patagonia, the Zambezi in African and lots of love for Ireland including Inis Oirr, Lough Gur and Dalkey to name just a few of the wonderful happy places in this special episode. That is why this "best of" is my favourite episode every season.

The podcast is now listened to in 75 countries and I have loved sharing travel tales with you and I look forward to sharing more soon in Season 3.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

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I have kept a special guest for the last episode of Season 2. My guest is the travel editor and writer Lucy White. Lucy was the last editor of that Irish institution of travel publications Cara Magazine. As a renowned travel editor Lucy has some fascinating places and stories to share with us. We also chat about how different it is for women when travelling compared to men, and the responsibilities of the travel editor.

Ill have my favourite episode of each season out next week – the Happy Place Special bonus episode. I have some great guests already lined up for season 3. Follow @traveltalkwithfergal on Instagram for updates.

The podcast is now listened to in 80 countries and I have loved sharing travel tales with you and I look forward to sharing more soon.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is one for foodies and all lovers of ethnic street foods, as my guest is Randy Lewis from the famous Randaddys restaurant on the seafront in Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Randy has travelled and worked all over the world. He shares great insights into the food business and shares great tales from many travels in Asia, Africa, the Americas and especially about his time working in India. It’s a real India special this week.

We also talk about Randy’s upcoming video series coming and Id recommend you to subscribe to Randaddy’s YouTube channel to see every episode.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal, which is a weekly interview series listened to in 75 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is Phil Martin, CEO of Blanco Nino, who has just launched a range of gourmet tortilla chip flavours in Ireland. Phil shares tales of his travels all over Mexico and his love for Mexican food.  We also have a great chat about walking the Camino in Spain.This is a fascinating and insightful episode for all lovers of Mexican street food.

Tipperary is justifiably renowned worldwide for its food producers. Phil tells why he chose Clonmel as the location for Ireland’s only authentic Mexican tortilleria using source ingredients from heritage producers in Mexico.

Before opening Blanco Nino, Phil travelled throughout Mexico to learn the art of making authentic corn tortillas. He visited the milpas, molinos and tortillerias to learn the secrets of the ancient Aztec process of nixtamalisation, which helps to give authentic tortillas their unique flavour.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal, which is a weekly interview series listened to in over 70 countries. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about day-dream worthy destinations.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest Annie Kennedy this week is part of the Expat Lives series. Ireland has a tradition of university graduates emigrating for work all over the world and seeking out new adventures. Annie left Ireland straight after studying in DCU and worked abroad ever since

Annie has had an eventful and high octane career working in sports marketing for UEFA, FIFA, Eurosport, F1 and Shell on the Ferrari F1 team and more recently on the commercial side for shell in Africa.

Annie shares great tales of working of on some of the most memorable sporting events over the last 20 years including the Euro's in Portugal in 2004 and the World Cup in Germany in 2006.

Annie has worked both directly for F1 and also representing Shell on the Ferrari F1 team. She has worked with four World Champion drivers Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. This was a dream job for any lovers of F1 and Ferrari.

Annie is currently working for shell throughout Africa and she shares why that continent has such a special place in her heart.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is a weekly interview series listened to in over 70 countries. He interviews a special guest about their travels, adventures and experiences living abroad. The guests all have inspirational stories that enable people to armchair travel in their imagination.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Website www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to part 2 of my Kerry destination specials, in conjunction with Ireland’s Blue Book, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches 2,500 kilometres along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork. The Blue Book is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Today we are focusing on Kerry, probably Ireland’s most famous tourist region, with an interview with Frank Slattery from Carrig Country House.  If you haven’t already, I’d recommend you listen to part 1 with Patrick Hanley from the Lansdowne Kenmare.

I love the Blue Book because they are generally family owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. You really get to see Irish hospitality at its best and the properties are generally old country houses, so you get a real sense of the history of the area you are staying in and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie.

The Carrig Country House is hidden away on Caragh Lake and lies at the foot of the northern lower slopes of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks at the head of the Caragh Valley. It is a magnificent tranquil location midway between the bustling town of Killorglin to the east and the charming village of Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh Beach to the west. Check here https://carrighouse.com.

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode. Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 120 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

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My guest this week must be my most well-travelled guest so far. The renowned Irish adventurer, writer and documentary maker Manchan Magan.

If every episode has a personality, then Manchan’s is pure joy and love for the remotest places and peoples on a planet. A planet that needs sustainable help.

After over 30 years of unrivalled adventures to parts of the world unseen by most people, Manchan shared great travel tales about Africa, South American, Asia and the Middle East to name a few.

Manchan also tells me about his decision in January last year to give up flying for holidays for ecological reasons and to help raise awareness about the harmful effects of carbon emissions from flying and how he intends to renew his love of slow travel especially by train. 

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is a weekly interview series listened to in over 70 countries. He interviews a special guest about their travels, adventures and experiences living abroad. The guests all have inspirational stories that enable people to armchair travel in their imagination.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Email fergal@lume.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest Louise Nealon's debut novel Snowflake is coming out on the 13th of May. This much anticipated book has already been optioned by Element Pictures who are behind Sally Rooney's Normal People and Conversations with Friends. Louise is already being acclaimed as a voice for her generation.

Louise's writing is truthful, moving and very, very funny. I think she has the magic ingredient and is going to be a star. We had a lovely chat about the places and trips that most influenced her including J1ing in New York and San Diego, interrailing throughout Europe, Belfast and the west of Ireland to name a few. This episode is for all lovers of great writing as Louise gives us a unique insight into the writing process. 

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is a weekly interview series listened to in over 70 countries. He interviews a special guest about their travels, adventures and experiences living abroad. The guests all have inspirational stories that enable people to armchair travel in their imagination.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Email fergal@lume.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is Rory O’Neill, who is known as the drag queen Panti Bliss. Rory became a cultural lighting rod during the successful Irish marriage equality referendum in 2015 and is now famous all over the world as an Irish gay icon.

He talks on the podcast about the five trips and places that influenced him the most. He shares great stories of spending teenage summers in the south of France. Coming out in London in the 80’s and living through the Aids epidemic. He talks about travelling overland on the Trans Siberian Express and then living for 4 years in Tokyo where he learned his trade as a drag queen and his many trips to Sydney for the Mardi Gras. This episode really shines a light on why travel is so important in shaping a person’s outlook on life.

It is exactly one year since all hospitality businesses in Ireland had to close due to the pandemic. Rory owns the Pantibar in Dublin, so he knows first-hand the devastating effects of the lockdown restrictions. He speaks eloquently of the effects of that lockdown on people working in tourism.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is a weekly interview series listened to in over 70 countries. He interviews a special guest about their travels, adventures and experiences living abroad. The guests all have inspirational stories that enable people to armchair travel in their imagination.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Email fergal@lume.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I interview the music industry legend Alan McGee this week. Alan is one of the most influential figures in the history of British music. After setting up Creation Records in the 1980’s, his label was behind era-defining albums from Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain and Oasis.

Alan is most famous for discovering and signing Oasis. His life has been turned into a movie called Creation Stories by the Trainspotting team of Danny Boyle and Irvine Welsh and the premier is Saturday, 20th March on Sky Movies. Alan speaks on the podcast about how he irrevocably changed the face of British culture.Hear all about Alan’s amazing life during the Cool Britannia era of the 90’s.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is a weekly interview series listened to in over 60 countries. He interviews a special guest about their travels, adventures and experiences living abroad. The guests all have inspirational stories that enable people to armchair travel in their imagination.

I would ask you to please subscribe so a new episode will appear in your library every week. I would also really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review as it helps others to discover this podcast.

To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me on

Email fergal@lume.ie

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.