Travel Tales with Fergal

In this episode, I’m taking you to Switzerland and to the Valais Canton. I recently returned from a trip to three very different ski resorts: Les Marécottes, Verbier, and Bettmeralp. Each was beautiful in its own way, but it was the Aletsch Arena that truly stayed with me. It has been described as an insider’s secret resort or a hidden gem. But it is well known to the Swiss and it’s where they go to ski.In this episode, I’m joined by local expert David Kestens, who helps bring the Aletsch Arena to life. We talk about the car-free mountain villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. David gives us an insiders guide to the insiders secret resort. I found myself deeply drawn to the Aletsch Arena, not just for its scenery, but for the feeling it creates. We also explore what the region offers throughout the year, from peaceful alpine walks in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.The Aletsch Arena is home to the Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, and forms part of one of Switzerland’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Surrounded by more than forty peaks rising over four thousand metres including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Eiger. It’s a place that naturally encourages you to slow down and take a breath.We also chat about Les Marécottes, and about what is possibly Switzerland’s most famous ski resort, Verbier. A place that’s very personal to me. I’ve visited Verbier many times over the years and it’s where I first learned to ski.Join me as we explore why the Aletsch Arena, and the wider Valais region, are among the most special places to visit, from the stunning mountain villages to the wonderful train, and discover why they may just earn a place on your Switzerland bucket list.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.Stays Marecottes - https://www.zoo-alpin.ch/fr/zoo-boutique-hotelButtmeralps - https://www.sporting-bettmeralp.ch 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. The podcast aims to sharesoul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

I am delighted to have travel journalist Ed Finn back to talk about magical Seville and the surrounding region and towns in Andalusia.  The Andalusia cities of Seville and Cordoba are magnificent but there are small villages and towns between these cities are real gems full of character including Alcalá de Guadaíra, Cazalla de la Sierra, Almodovar del Rio, Palma Del Rio and Montilla. StaysCazallade la Sierra - Casa Rural Las NavezuelasAlcaláde Guadaíra - Hotel Oromana ActivitiesStargazing activity (Sierra Morena is a certifiedStarlightDestination) - https://naturspirit.es/categoria-producto/astroturismo/El Viso del Alcor - Olive oil tasting at BasilippoCycling along the Sierra Morena Greenway, which is part of the upgraded Camino Vertical and I would highly recommend Restaurante Batán de las Monjas for food. Palma Del Rio - Palacio PortcarreroAlmodovar Del Rio – Old Moorish Castle to visit fromGames of ThronesMontilla – Visit to local winery Alvear 1729Wine tasting at Bodegas Colonias de Galeón Active Tourism in the Province of Sevillehttps://www.turismosevilla.org/en How to get there AerLingus flies to Seville three times per week until 17 May 2026. Fares are available from €50.99 each way, including taxes fees and carrier charges. For more see https://www.aerlingus.com Check out my 2 part Cordoba Special series with Christina Ybarra of Palacio Portocarrero in Palma del Rio, Cordoba, Andalusia who talks about the fascinatinghistory of this area from the Romans to the Moors to modern times and Paco Gonzalez as he tells us about the best places to visit in Cordoba and he guidesus through the beautiful countryside, villages, forts, palaces, olive farms and vineyards around that stunning area between Seville and Cordoba. 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. FergalO’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to sharesoul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram@traveltaleswithfergalFacebook@traveltaleswithfergalTwitter@FergalTravelYouTube@traveltaleswithfergal   

Welcome to my first episode of Season 9 and I have a ski special where I chat to ski expert journalist Rob "Robsski" Rees all about the stunning Austrian ski resorts of Zee Am See - Kaprun.Austria is the number one ski destination for Irish skiers — and once you visit, it’s easy to see why. Great value, reliable snow, great modern infrastructure, the best après-ski in the alps, and resorts for every level of skier.I am just back from a family ski trip to one of the real gems of the Austrian Alps: Zell am See–Kaprun and I was bowled over by the beauty of these beautiful traditional towns sandwiched between the mountains and the lake.With over 140 kilometres of pistes on the Schmittenhöhe mountain overlooking Lake Zell, and year-round snow on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, this area really has it all including access to the huge Skicircus Saalbach via the Alpin Card.So whether you’re here for the scenery, the snow, or that unbeatable Austrian ski culture, Zell am See–Kaprun is a destination that truly delivers — and that’s exactly what I’ll be chatting with my ski expert guest Robsski today. ABOUT ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUNGlacier, mountains and lake – the all-year round destination of Zell am See-Kaprun in Austria brings together the diversity of the Alps. In the unique natural paradise at the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park sports enthusiasts, active holidaymakers, families and those seeking relaxation will discover a wide range of experiences in summer and in winter. These include “TOP OF SALZBURG” on 3,029 metre on the Kitzsteinhorn, the only glacier ski resort in Salzburger Land, the Maiskogel family region, the panorama and family mountain Schmittenhöhe, Lake Zell and the multi-award winning 36-hole leading golf course. In winter is Zell am See-Kaprun one of Austria’s most attractive winter sports regions. Snow enthusiasts can conquer a total of 408 kilometres of ski slopes including the glacier thanks to the ticket alliance Ski ALPIN CARD for the Skicircus area taking in the Kaprun, Zee Am Zee and Saalbach regions. ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUNhttps://www.zellamsee-kaprun.com/en ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL TAUERNHOF**** IN KAPRUNhttps://www.tauernhof-kaprun.at/en SKI HIREhttps://www.bruendl.at SKIING AT KITZSTEINHORNLunch at the new gletschermühle restaurant Visit TOP OF SALZBURG including National park Gallery, panoramic platforms and Cinema 3000 SKIING AT SCHMITTENHÖHEAt Schmittenhöhe visit the new “Kaiserblick” panoramic-platform (for free with your lift passes) and enjoy the views of 30 threethousand-metre-high peaks of Hohe Tauern mountain range LUNCH at Restaurant Sonnkogel 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.Please follow onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal 

Welcome to the final epsiode of 2025 and Season 8 of the podcast where I go through my recommendations for my favourite European Christmas markets. I also go through other other options to do over the Christmas period inclusing River cruises on the Dabnube and Rhine, pre Christmas skiing in Austria and exploring warm countries like French Polyneia and Australia. I have some great episodes coming on in January for Season 9 so 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.Please follow onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal 

I am delighted to have Pádraig McGillicuddy, the third-generation proprietor of the Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa set over 100 aces outside Tralee in Co. Kerry as our guest this week. Ballygarry has recently been voted in the top 10 of the Irish Independent hotel awards, number 6 in the Tripadvisor awards and included recent Irish Examiner and Sunday Times Top 100 awards. I recently stayed in the brand new Cabins on the hotel grounds and I chat to Pádraig about these stunning new cabins and the history of this renowned Kerry family run hotel.Check out the Ballygarry Estate Hotel here https://www.ballygarry.comIf 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.Please follow onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal 

For an Irish travel podcaster, I have never dedicated a full episode to Ireland, so it is great to have as my guest today travel author Cian Byrne, who has just completed a new Moon Travel Guide to Ireland. This is a real insider’s guide to travelling Ireland.As Cian said to me “This book is the culmination of two years of hard work and a lifetime spent in Ireland. I’m lucky enough to travel to many places in the world, but it was a real treat to be able to be a tourist in Ireland. There’s plenty in the new Moon Guide to Ireland; there’s lots about places everyone will know about and lots about places that often get forgotten about”. From dramatic cliffs and soaring mountains to lively cities and charming villages, local Irish author Cían Byrne reveals the magic of Ireland with Moon Ireland. You can get the guide from here https://www.moontravelguides.com/titles/cian-byrne/moon-ireland/9798886471427/ Follow Cian’s travels on his Instagram @CianwritesIf 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.Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal  

Today, I’m joined by Conor Power — travel writer, historian, and the author of Hurling 1810, a remarkable deep dive into the origins and cultural significance of our national game. Conor’s work uncovers stories, characters, and passions that shaped hurling decades before the foundation of the GAA and long before the modern rules we know today.Conor’s book traces how the game evolved and its surprising early similarities to rugby and why its spirit has endured for generations. In this fiction book set in 19th century Ireland, Conor brings to life the communities, traditions, conflicts, and passions that shaped the sport long before it took its modern form. He tells us about a time when the big Anglo Irish landlords ruled with an iron fist and owned professional hurling teams to help flex their power.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.Hurling 1810 published and available from menmabooks.eu. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal  

Welcome to part 2 of my Cordoba Special series with tour guide Paco Gonzalez as he tells us about the best places to visit in Cordoba and he guides us through the beautiful countryside, villages, forts, palaces, olive farms and vineyards around that stunning area between Seville and Cordoba. The Cordoba Region Most tourists go to the cities like Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga but there are small villages and towns between these cities are real gems full of character including Carmona and Ecija, Alcalá de Guadaíra, Cazalla de la Sierra, Almodovar del Rio, Palma Del Rio and Montilla. CordobaThe Mesquita - Once one of main cities in the ancient Arab world with one of the most famous mosques to rival MeccaGuided tour of the Jewish Quarter, Roman bridge, Alcazar and Historic Centre of CórdobaEquestrian show at the Royal Stables Food CordobaDinner at Taberna La ViudaLunch at La Cazuela de la Esparteria StaysCordoba - Hotel Mezquita CenterCazalla de la Sierra - Casa Rural Las NavezuelasAlcalá de Guadaíra - Hotel Oromana ActivitiesPalma Del Rio - Palacio PortcarreroAlmodovar Del Rio – Old Moorish Castle to visit from Games ofThronesMontilla – Visit to local winery Alvear 1729Wine tasting at Bodegas Colonias de GaleónStargazing activity (Sierra Morena is a certified StarlightDestination)El Viso del Alcor - Olive oil tasting at BasilippoCycling along the Sierra Morena Greenway, which is part of the upgraded Camino Vertical Check out my Cordoba Special Pt 1 with Christina Ybarra of Palacio Portocarrero in Palma del Rio, Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain. How to get there Aer Lingus flies to Seville three times per week until 17 May, 2026. Fares are available from €50.99 each way, including taxes fees and carrier charges. For more see  https://www.aerlingus.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 130 countries worldwide.The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal  

This is my 100th episode and I wanted to make it a very special episode, so I am delighted to have Christina Ybarra of Palacio Portocarrero in Palma del Rio, Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain.Christina's story is a story of Andalusia taking in Roman, Moorish and Christian heritage, history, archaeology, architecture, culture and art.Palma del Rio is a town with the most stunning countryside surrounded by orange groves between Seville and Cordoba once called “the garden of Andalucia” by a visiting Spanish King.The Cordoba Region Most tourists go to the cities like Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga but there are small villages and towns between these cities are real gems full of character including Carmona and Ecija, Alcalá de Guadaíra, Cazalla de la Sierra, Almodovar del Rio, Palma Del Rio and Montilla.The region is made for a road trip through fields filled with olive and orange grove and vineyards and many beautiful villages with old Moorish Alcazar forts and palaces in the Sierra Morena mountains.@prodeturprovinciasevilla ActivitiesPalacio PortcarreroAlmodovar Del Rio – Old Moorish Castle to visit from Games of ThronesMontilla – Visit to local winery Alvear 1729Wine tasting at Bodegas Colonias de GaleónStargazing activity (Sierra Morena is a certified Starlight Destination)El Viso del Alcor - Olive oil tasting at BasilippoCycling along the Sierra Morena Greenway, which is part of the upgraded Camino Vertical CordobaOnce one of main cities in the ancient Arab world with one of the most famous mosques to rival Mecca – The MesquitaFood CordobaDinner at Taberna La ViudaLunch at La Cazuela de la Esparteria StaysCordoba - Hotel Mezquita CenterCazalla de la Sierra - Casa Rural Las NavezuelasAlcalá de Guadaíra - Hotel OromanaHow to get there Aer Lingus flies to Seville three times per week until 17 May, 2026. Fares are available from €50.99 each way, including taxes fees and carrier charges. For more see  https://www.aerlingus.comCheck out my Cordoba Special Pt 2 with guide Paco Gonzalez as he guides us through Cordoba and the beautiful countryside, villages, forts, palaces, olive farms and vineyards from Seville to Cordoba. 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 onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal