Travel Tales with Fergal

On this week’s episode of Travel Tales with Fergal, I’m joined by Chef Karl Wilder, co-founder of The Chef Tours, for a fascinating conversation about food tourism and the stories behind some of the world’s most iconic dishes.The Chef Tours offers small-group food and wine experiences in Seville, Paris, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Berlin and Mexico City, with local chefs guiding guests to the hidden restaurants, secret bars and authentic flavours you won’t find on typical tourist routes.From the origins of the kebab, nachos, burritos and margaritas to the way food opens up the history and culture of a place, Karl brings insight, passion and plenty of great stories to this flavour-filled episode.For More Information on The Chef Tours go to https://thecheftours.comFergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 award winning travel podcast Travel Tales with Fergal listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. For more information, phtoos and stories you can follow me on Instagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal 

My guest this week on the Travel Tales with Fergal Podcast is Les Walsh, Head Concierge at the stunning Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, County Waterford.Ardmore is a beautiful seaside village that is close to my heart, and a place I return to every summer for swims off the pier. Taking its name from the Irish Aird Mhór, meaning “great height”, Ardmore is steeped in history and local tradition, with strong links to Saint Declan, who is said to have founded a Christian community here in the early 5th century.The Cliff House Hotel sits dramatically above the sea and is one of Ireland’s most special five-star hotels. Home to the Michelin-starred House Restaurant, and the newest member of Ireland’s Blue Book, it has helped place Ardmore firmly on the map as a luxury destination.Les is a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or, the international association of professional hotel concierges, and in this episode he shares his insights into great hospitality, the magic of Ardmore, and the experiences that make this corner of Waterford so memorable including nearby Lismore, Youghal, the Mahons Falls in the Comeragh mountains and foody favourite town Dungarvan on the Greenway.We also touch on Ardmore’s rich heritage from St Declan’s Monastery to its 12th-century Round Tower, in a conversation full of sea, stories, history and five-star hospitalityI love the Blue Book because they are often family-owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gift recommendation and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie. Check out the Cliff House Hotel here https://cliffhousehotel.ie Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 award winning travel podcast Travel Tales with Fergal listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow meon Instagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal 

In this episode of Travel Tales with Fergal, I talk all about the city of Pittsburgh in the USA, ahead of Aer Lingus’ new direct Dublin–Pittsburgh service, launching on 25 May 2026.My guest today is Aadam Soorma, Head of Marketing at Trace Brewing, for a local’s guide to a city that has transformed from steel and industry into one of America’s most creative, welcoming and community-driven destinations.From Pittsburgh’s craft beer scene and neighbourhood culture to Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, sport, food, art and the city’s famous black-and-gold pride, Adaam shares why Pittsburgh should be firmly on Irish travellers’ radar.For more information check out https://www.visitpittsburgh.comFor more information on the new Aer Lingus Pittsburgh route check https://www.aerlingus.comFergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 European award winning travel podcast Travel Tales with Fergal listened to in 140 countries worldwide.The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow meon Instagram@traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal#VisitPittsburgh  

In this episode of Travel Tales with Fergal, Fergal chats with Aaron Brennan of JustCover about what travel insurance really covers, why it matters, and how it can help when plans go wrong. From claims tips and medical emergencies abroad to repatriation, the EHIC, and cover for older travellers or those with pre-existing medical conditions, this episode is packed with practical advice. They also discuss changing travel trends, disruption in the Middle East, and JustCover’s new office opening in Carlow, creating 22 jobs. Whether you are planning a summer holiday, a city break, or a longer adventure, this episode is full of useful advice to help you travel with confidence. Visit their website here https://www.justcover.ieFergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 award winning travel podcast Travel Tales with Fergal listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow meon Instagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal 

In this episode of Travel Tales with Fergal, we journey to the spectacular Causeway Coast in Antrim to explore one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting new luxury destinations: Dunluce Lodge. Overlooking the 4th fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club and the wild North Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Lodge has swiftly earned its place among the region’s finest hotels. Opening its doors in April 2025, just in time for The Open Championship, the lodge welcomed hometown hero Rory McIlroy and his family during one of golf’s most celebrated weeks. I sat down with General Manager Stephen Meldrum to explore the story behind this elegant 35-suite retreat with sweeping views of one of the world’s most iconic golf courses.  Stephen shares insights into the whirlwind first year—from achieving five-star status with Tourism Northern Ireland, to being named among the Irish Independent’s Top 50 Places to Stay and joining the prestigious Ireland's Blue Book. Stephen offers genuine insider insights, sharing the kind of local knowledge that only someone deeply connected to the area can provide. This episode is about the power of Irish hospitality along a coastline that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. This is a story of vision, of place, and of the unmistakable warmth of Irish hospitality, set against a coastline that continues to captivate visitors from across the globe.  Whether you're a golf enthusiast, a lover of this stunning part of Ireland, or simply curious about Northern Ireland’s newest five-star retreat, this is a conversation not to be missed. I love the Blue Book because they are often family-owned and run Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, castles and restaurants. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gift recommendation and their website is https://www.irelands-blue-book.ie. Check out the Dunluce Lodge here https://www.dunlucelodge.comFergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 award winning travel podcast Travel Tales with Fergal listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow meon Instagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal 

In this episode of Travel Tales with Fergal, I’m joined by legendary Irish DJ, musician, author, photographer and rock’n’roll insider BP Fallon, known to many simply as “The Beep.”With a career spanning decades at the very heart of music history - working with The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, U2 and more - BP Fallon has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in rock’n’roll firsthand.In this conversation, he shares his five favourite gigs from a lifetime of extraordinary experiences, offering vivid stories from stages, studios and concerts around the world.From unforgettable performances to behind-the-scenes encounters, this episode is a front-row seat to music history as seen by the guru BP Fallon.Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 140 countries worldwide. This award winning podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal