Share
Travel Tales with Fergal
Romantic Irish Getaways
Season 5, Ep. 1
•
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 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
More episodes
View all episodes
3. Senator Micheál Carrigy Longford Special
35:02My 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. To find out who is on every Tuesday please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal
2. Adelboden Switzerland - Ski Special 2023
17:02This 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 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 onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal
10. Review of the Year 2022
22:31I 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 onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal
9. County Clare Destination Special Pt 2
58:11Welcome 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.ieFacebook: @Visit ClareTwitter: @ClareTourismInstagram: @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 onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal
8. County Clare Destination Special Pt 1
49:24I 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.ieFacebook: @Visit ClareTwitter: @ClareTourismInstagram: @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 onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal
7. West Cork Destination Special
41:13Today’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.comCheck out Dunowen house here https://dunowenhouse.ieIf 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 onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal
6. Granada, Andalucía, Spain Destination Special
22:14As 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 ActivitiesCosta 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.esCaviar de Riofrío (Loja). - - www.caviarderiofrio.comVisit of the town Montefrío. - - https://www.turismomontefrio.org/en/home/Lorca Tour www.universolorca.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 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 onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal
5. Munster Vales Destination Special
30:27My 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 onWebsite www.https://www.traveltaleswithfergal.ieInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal