Ireland’s Darker Side: Famine Sites, Ghost Tours, and Haunted Castles Worth Visiting

In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody chats with Caroilín Callery, founder of the National Famine Way, and Edel McWeeney Moran, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, about the Global Irish Famine Way and the Bronze Shoes connecting Ireland's Famine emigration story with communities around the world. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/global-irish-famine-way/attractions/ Episode highlights: • How the National Famine Way grew from the story of 1,490 people who left Strokestown in 1847 • Why the Bronze Shoes have become such a powerful symbol for the Irish diaspora • How the Global Irish Famine Way expanded into Canada and is now growing in the United States • How local communities and historians are uncovering overlooked Famine stories • How travelers can experience the National Famine Way and take part in the 180th anniversary events in May 2027 Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Ireland's history isn't only castles and green landscapes. Famine, conflict, ancient beliefs, emigration, ghost stories, and traditions surrounding death are woven through the places travelers visit today. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dark-tourism-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ Luisa Golz, Director of Sales at Desmond Tours, completed her PhD research on festivals with dark themes. She joins Jody to explain what dark tourism actually means, why travelers are drawn to these places, and how Ireland's darker history can add depth to a trip without turning the entire vacation into doom and gloom. Highlights: • What "dark tourism" actually means — and why you may already be doing it • Why famine ships, workhouses, and memorials can create such powerful travel experiences • How Samhain, Halloween, folklore, and "thin places" fit into Ireland's darker traditions • How to visit places associated with tragedy respectfully Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Credit card rental car coverage can be a useful way to reduce the cost of renting a car in Ireland, but not every card covers Ireland—and even cards that do can have very different limits, exclusions, and requirements. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/credit-card-car-rental-insurance-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ I explain what you need to check before declining the rental company's CDW, including proof-of-coverage requirements, credit card holds, vehicle and rental-length restrictions, and what your coverage does—and doesn't—protect. You'll also learn what can happen financially if the rental car is damaged, why it's worth reading the claims requirements before you leave home, and why detailed photos at pickup and return can be valuable when you're relying on credit card coverage. Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

The Ring of Kerry gets most of the attention on Ireland's southwest coast. The Ring of Beara, right next to it, gets far less — despite having its own mountain pass, its own islands, and the only cable car in Ireland. Show notes & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/beara-peninsula-cork-kerry-coastal-drive-guide/ireland-travel-tips/ Jody talks with Tessa Dennison, publisher of Best of Beara magazine and book, about what makes the Beara Peninsula worth the detour: where to base your trip, the drive over the Healy Pass, the ferry to Bere Island, and a handful of villages most visitors never see. Highlights: - Why the Beara Peninsula gets overlooked despite sitting next to two famous coastal drives - Where to base your trip: Kenmare, Glengarriff, and Bantry - Driving the Healy Pass and riding Ireland's only cable car to Dursey Island - Eyeries, the Ballycrovane Ogham Stone, and the ferry to Bere Island - Tessa's top tips: water-based activities, slowing down, and building in extra time Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Renting a car in Ireland after age 75 is absolutely possible, but not every rental company follows the same policies. Knowing what documentation you may need before you arrive can save time, stress, and unexpected surprises at the rental counter. See the video episode & more information at IrelandFamilyVacations.com/drive75 In this episode, I explain where to find senior driver policies on rental company websites, compare companies with no additional requirements to those that ask for insurance or medical documentation, and share practical tips to help you choose the right rental company for your Ireland vacation. Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

RVing in Ireland is different from other places - and getting the basics wrong can turn a dream trip into a stressful one. Jody talks with Sandra Willis, chief explorer at Motorhome Roots Ireland, about what it actually takes to travel Ireland by motorhome or camper van: choosing the right vehicle size, where you're allowed to park overnight, the apps worth downloading, and the one mistake she sees travelers make again and again. Visit the full article with helpful links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/motorhome-travel-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ Highlights: - Why bigger isn't always better when it comes to motorhome size in Ireland - The real rules around campsites, aires, and pub car park overnight stays - The apps Sandra actually uses to find places to park - The most common mistake travelers make — and how to avoid it - Sandra's own story, from a canal boat in England to Motorhome Roots Ireland - Three of Sandra's favorite motorhome spots: Enniskillen, Donegal, and Carrick-on-Shannon Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

Have you decided to rely on your credit card or third-party rental car insurance for your Ireland trip? Before you do, it's important to understand what happens if you actually need to file a claim. In this episode I share my personal experience after damaging a rental car in Ireland and walk you through the reimbursement process, from the €1,630 damage charge and required paperwork to the two-month insurance claim that followed. The insurance paid the claim, but the process completely changed how I choose rental car coverage today. You'll learn: - What happens after a rental car accident in Ireland - How credit card and third-party rental car insurance claims work - Which documents you'll need to keep - Why reimbursement insurance can take time - Why I now choose inclusive rental car coverage If you're still deciding which type of rental car insurance is right for your trip, be sure to use the resources below for answers to your car rental & driving questions. Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

Abbeyleix, in the heart of County Laois, is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East while enjoying the charm of a welcoming Georgian market town. Full show notes and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/abbeyleix-slow-travel-ireland/attractions/ In this conversation, Preston House owner Ross McDonald shares what makes Abbeyleix so special - from its fascinating history and thriving community to the nearby attractions that make it worth staying for a few days instead of simply passing through. Highlights - Why Abbeyleix is an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Ancient East - The story behind Abbeyleix's Georgian streetscape - Ross's favorite nearby places to visit - What it's like to stay at Preston House - How Abbeyleix has become a destination in its own right Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass

Landing at Dublin Airport doesn't mean you need to get behind the wheel immediately. If your Ireland vacation begins in Galway, Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, or another destination beyond Dublin, driving after an overnight flight may not be the safest choice. Full show notes + video: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-airport-transportation/ireland-travel-tips/ In this episode I'll explain: • Why I recommend limiting arrival-day driving to about 90 minutes • When it makes sense to hire a private driver • Why a direct airport coach is often the easiest option • When taking the train is worth considering I'll also share my recommendations for reaching popular destinations, including Galway, Cork, Killarney, and Kilkenny, so you can choose the transportation that best fits your budget, travel style, and energy level.

The Ring of Kerry is famous for breathtaking scenery—but there's another side of this iconic route that's worth discovering. This conversation with Kerry whiskey expert Neil Saad explores the region's growing craft whiskey scene, local distilleries, fascinating history, and the pubs where visitors can experience authentic Irish hospitality. Full show notes & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ring-of-kerry-whiskey-tours/attractions/ Highlights - Explore Skellig Six18 Distillery near Cahersiveen - Discover the Spirit of the Sea Experience in Portmagee - Learn why Kerry has become a destination for whiskey lovers - Find the best whiskey pubs in Killarney, Tralee, and Killorglin - Get practical tips for adding whiskey experiences to your Ring of Kerry itinerary Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass