Travel Tales with Fergal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today I am delighted for part 3 of my Belfast special series to have Barney Gribbin - Founder & Tour Guide of the If Buildings Could Talk tour If Buildings Could Talk Tour reveals all the best kept secret stories wrapped up in the history of Belfast, so if you want a city tour that is a little off the beaten track and full of hidden stories, this is the tour for you. That’s because when you join Barney on this leisurely walk you are guaranteed to see and hear things about Belfast that most visitors will never be aware of. In fact, even to people born and bred in the city, many of Barney’s stories will come as a revelation.I loved the city so much that I have made this into a three part special series so after this episode make sure to also check out episode 1 with great insider tips from travel writer Erin McCafferty and Belfast hotelier Melanie Harrison.For more information on Belfast check https://visitbelfast.com and https://discovernorthernireland.comAccomodationThe Harrison, 45 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RX | Tel: +44 745630965 | www.chambersofdistinction.com| Twitter & Instagram: @harrison_belfast The HarrisonActivitiesBlack Taxi Tour with Blue Badge Guide Billy Scott,Contact: +44 77 9860 2401 | www.touringaroundbelfast.com | X: @TouringBelfastTitanic Museum Belfastwww.titanicbelfast.com | Instagram @titanicbelfastFoodDeanes at Queens, 1 College Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6BQ |T: +44 28 9038 2111| https://www.michaeldeane.co.uk/deanes-at-queens/| Instagram @deanesatqueenbt9Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel, Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DT, T: +44 28 9508 2000 | www.titanichotelbelfast.com | X: @titanicbelfast | Instagram: titanichotelbelfastSaga, 43 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RX | Tel: +44 7495467341 | https://sagabelfast.com | Instagram: @sagabelfasCoco, 7-11 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8AA | Tel: +44 2890311150 | www.cocobelfast.com | Instagram @cocobelfast_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   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am delighted to have renowned hotelier Melanie Harrison for part 2 of my Belfast Special series.Melanie's hotel is the Harrison Chambers of Distinction which is located in the heart of the vibrant Queen’s Quarter of Belfast and is a restored, landmark Victorian merchants’ residence dating from 1879 designed to serve the culturally curious traveller.This is a boutique hotel is curated by the charismatic and vivacious owner Michelle Harrison whose personality is reflected in the Victorian style where every room is different and often named and styled after artists reflecting the bohemian character and mischievous tongue in cheek humour of Melanie with eccentric curios and surprises and every corner and in every unique room.Belfast feels like a young, vibrant city full of life with great food, nightlife, festivals and of course history. It feels like a city on the cusp of something special with lots of new hotels and bars opening and the Irish Fleadh coming there in 2026.I loved the city so much that I have made this into a three part special series so after this episode make sure to also check out episode 1 with great insider tips from travel writer Erin McCafferty and the brilliant tour guide Barney Gribbin of the famous If Buildings Could Talk Tour. For more information on Belfast check https://visitbelfast.com and https://discovernorthernireland.comAccomodationThe Harrison, 45 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RX | Tel: +44 745630965 | www.chambersofdistinction.com| Twitter & Instagram: @harrison_belfast The HarrisonActivitiesBlack Taxi Tour with Blue Badge Guide Billy Scott,Contact: +44 77 9860 2401 | www.touringaroundbelfast.com | X: @TouringBelfastTitanic Museum Belfastwww.titanicbelfast.com | Instagram @titanicbelfastFoodDeanes at Queens, 1 College Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6BQ |T: +44 28 9038 2111| https://www.michaeldeane.co.uk/deanes-at-queens/| Instagram @deanesatqueenbt9Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel, Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DT, T: +44 28 9508 2000 | www.titanichotelbelfast.com | X: @titanicbelfast | Instagram: titanichotelbelfastSaga, 43 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RX | Tel: +44 7495467341 | https://sagabelfast.com | Instagram: @sagabelfasCoco, 7-11 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8AA | Tel: +44 2890311150 | www.cocobelfast.com | Instagram @cocobelfast_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 -- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am delighted to have Irish travel writer Erin McCafferty to tell us all about the highlights of her recent trip to Belfast including the Titanic Music and a Black Cab tour with Billy Scott.Belfast feels like a young, vibrant city full of life with great food, nightlife, festivals and of course history. It feels like a city on the cusp of something special with lots of new hotels and bars opening and the Irish Fleadh coming there in 2026.I loved the city so much that I have made this into a three part special series so after this episode make sure to also check out episode 2 with great insider tips from the Harrison hotel owner Melanie Harrison and the brilliant tour guide Barney Gribbin of the famous If Buildings Could Talk Tour. For more information on Belfast check https://visitbelfast.com and https://discovernorthernireland.comAccomodationThe Harrison, 45 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RX | Tel: +44 745630965 | www.chambersofdistinction.com| Twitter & Instagram: @harrison_belfast The HarrisonActivitiesBlack Taxi Tour with Blue Badge Guide Billy Scott,Contact: +44 77 9860 2401 | www.touringaroundbelfast.com | X: @TouringBelfastTitanic Museum Belfastwww.titanicbelfast.com | Instagram @titanicbelfastFoodDeanes at Queens, 1 College Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6BQ |T: +44 28 9038 2111| https://www.michaeldeane.co.uk/deanes-at-queens/| Instagram @deanesatqueenbt9Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel, Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DT, T: +44 28 9508 2000 | www.titanichotelbelfast.com | X: @titanicbelfast | Instagram: titanichotelbelfastSaga, 43 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RX | Tel: +44 7495467341 | https://sagabelfast.com | Instagram: @sagabelfasCoco, 7-11 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8AA | Tel: +44 2890311150 | www.cocobelfast.com | Instagram @cocobelfast_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 -- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have always loved the idea of the great American road trip, romanticised in so many films and books. So, this episode I am delighted to have photographer Ben Geier to tell us about his decade traveling America on the road, his tips for the perfect great American road trip, and the nostalgia of America's forgotten towns.Ben shares his tips for the perfect cross-country road trip, why the architecture and design work of the 50s and 60s still speaks to us today, and why America is still a magical place to get a little bit lost. There's no doubting the beauty of the design and architecture of the '50s and '60s America. From bright teal, sun-splashed and gleaming motel signs to cherry red diner seats, these two decades have held America’s attention for 75 years. American photographer Ben Geier has spent the last decade traveling the United States to capture the images of his country's once vibrant and now abandoned treasures in his new book Viewing Hours. Evoking a sense of nostalgia and solitude, Geier’s work highlights the modernist architecture, minimalist design, and muted colour palette of the mid-century.  Check out Ben’s website here https://www.bengeier.com/ Get View Hours here https://trope.com/products/viewing-hoursIf 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   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have a very special episode today with travel journalist Deirdre Mullins to cover the Dalmatian coast of Croatia from Zadar to Split to Dubrovnik.We chatted about the wonders of island hopping to Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Brac with the Jadrolinija ferry company.We discuss how each island and town has its own personality that makes this a perfect country to tour by land or boat.Deirdre also tells us how Croatia has become a hugely popular destination for festivals including the Love International Festival in Tisno.We cover a lot of ground, so this is the perfect introduction to Croatia if you are trying to decide where to visit next in this wonderful country full of history, culture and the most gorgeous water to swim or just chill by. For more informationhttps://croatia.hr/en-gbhttps://visitkorcula.euhttps://visitdubrovnik.hr/https://visitsplit.com/en/1/welcome-to-splitRecommended Ferry for island hoppinghttps://www.jadrolinija.hr/en @croatiafulloflifeIf 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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first guest for Season 8 is feature and travel writer and author Erin McCafferty who talks to Fergal about her recent trip to Bath, on the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. We hear about the up and coming Jane Austen Festival and follow in the footsteps of the renowned author, who lived there for five years and whose writing was greatly influenced by Bath. Erin flew from Dublin to Bristol with Aer Lingus and she also talks about combining a trip to Bath with Bristol, with both cities just 20 minutes apart by train. Erin also talks about the history of Bristol and recommends a Banksy tour. Bath is an elegant city full of traditional heritage and has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. Bath has UNESCO World Heritage status and hosts the 24th annual Jane Austen Festival this week from the 12th to the 21stSeptember celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen this year. For more information on the festival to go https://janeausten.co.uk/For more information on Bath go to https://visitbath.co.ukErin stayed at the Eight in Bath https://visitbath.co.ukIf 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to part 3 of my Loire podcast special series and I am delighted to have Serge Desazars who is the owner of the first and largest organic truffle farm in France.Truffles have a near mythical place in the lore of European food lovers and we discuss all things truffles from their history dating back to the ancient Egyptians and the Romans all the way to Napoleon. We discuss how to grow them, hunt for them, eat them and the best wines to drink with them.Serge owns the stunning Baron de la Truffe farm beside the gorgeous medieval town of Chinon and he gives great insider tips of where to visit in this lovely part of the Loire valley in France. For more details go to https://barondelatruffe.com/enThe Touraine region in the Loire Valley in France is a magical place of fairy tale chateaux, French renaissance gardens, gastronomic restaurants, historic royal towns and world renowned vineyards.Places to visit & Stayhttps://www.tastingwithnivard.co.ukhttps://www.chateau-nitray.frhttps://chateaudenoizay.comhttps://loirevalleylodges.comhttps://www.chateaudurivau.comhttps://www.azay-le-rideau.fr/enTours - https://www.labe-hotel.com/en/Chinon - https://barondelatruffe.com/enhttps://www.chateaudecandes.com/en/Vineyard lunch https://www.domainedegrosbois.com/Lunch and wine trip on the Loire - https://les-pecheries-ligeriennes.fr/restaurant-la-cabane-a-matelot.htmlThis is the final episode of Season 7 and you can listen back to nearly 100 episodes full of travel stories, location specials, activity specials and insider tips. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Touraine region in the Loire Valley in France is a magical place of fairy tale chateaux, French renaissance gardens, gastronomic restaurants, historic royal towns and world renowned vineyards.Welcome to part 2 of my Loire special series and I’m delighted to say I have the wonderful Geoffrey Vivard of https://www.tastingwithnivard.co.uk/The Loire is all about locally sourced food and it is famous around the world for its wines and cheeses, so we are lucky to have the previous cheesemonger for the last Queen of England and Clarence House, Geoffrey Nivard to guide us through the best cheese and wines of the Loire.I got to experience Geoffrey do a cheese and wine tasing at stunning the stunning https://www.chateau-nitray.fr on my recent trip to the Loire. Places to visit & Stayhttps://www.tastingwithnivard.co.ukhttps://www.chateau-nitray.frhttps://chateaudenoizay.comhttps://loirevalleylodges.comhttps://www.chateaudurivau.comhttps://www.azay-le-rideau.fr/enTours - https://www.labe-hotel.com/en/Chinon - https://barondelatruffe.com/enhttps://www.chateaudecandes.com/en/Vineyard lunch https://www.domainedegrosbois.com/Lunch and wine trip on the Loire - https://les-pecheries-ligeriennes.fr/restaurant-la-cabane-a-matelot.htmlIf 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 onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m just back from an amazing trip to the stunning Touraine region in the Loire Valley in France.A magical place of fairy tale chateaux, French renaissance gardens, gastronomic restaurants, historic royal towns and vineyards of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.Touraine is said to be blessed by the gods, cherished by the Kings and pampered by Mother Nature. It is said to be the birthplace of the French way of life in a setting dominated by the majestic river Loire, which is listed as part of World Heritage by UNESCO.I loved the Loire so much that I am going to do a 3 part Loire series over the next few weeks, so keep an eye out next Tuesday for my interview with Geoffrey Nivard, once cheesemonger to the Queen and King of England. And the following week I will interview Serge Desazars, Baron de la Truffe, owner of the largest organic truffle farms in France.But today I am delighted to have Irish food and travel award winning ournalist Jordan Mooney to share her memories of visiting enchanting chateaux like Rivau, Azay Le Rideau, Noizay, Nitray and Cande. We talk about the great towns to visit like Tours, Chinon, the Royal city of Loches and Chedigny. And the wonderful local food and wine of the famous Touraine, Loire region in France.Places to visit & Stayhttps://www.tastingwithnivard.co.ukhttps://www.chateau-nitray.frhttps://chateaudenoizay.comhttps://loirevalleylodges.comhttps://www.chateaudurivau.comhttps://www.azay-le-rideau.fr/enTours - https://www.labe-hotel.com/en/Chinon - https://barondelatruffe.com/enhttps://www.chateaudecandes.com/en/Vineyard lunch https://www.domainedegrosbois.com/Lunch and wine trip on the Loire - https://les-pecheries-ligeriennes.fr/restaurant-la-cabane-a-matelot.htmlFollow @jordanrmooney on Insta fopr great food and travel stories.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 onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roie McCann is the manager of the stunning and unique Clare Island Lighthouse accommodation so Roie is the perfect guest to give us an insider's guide to the magical Clare Island in Co. Mayo, Ireland. This is a part of the country I know very well and love so this is a great chat all about this beautiful part of Ireland.Clare Island stands guard at the entrance to Clew Bay, off Ireland’s western Atlantic coast along the Wild Atlantic Way. For almost two centuries, the island’s Lighthouse has been a nautical landmark perched high on the craggy cliffs, watching over Achill, Westport and beyond. Once a safe haven for sailors, this heritage property now offers a sanctuary of a different kind. This architecturally majestic, listed building has been lovingly transformed into fully catered, luxury accommodation, complemented by magnificent sea views and an inspiring, natural environment. For more information on the Clare Island Lighthouse check out https://www.clareislandlighthouse.comI 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. A Blue Book voucher would always be my top travel gift recommendation 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 130 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out my two part Canary Islands special focusing on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote with the Sunday World correspondent Eamon Dillon. This episode focus’ on Lanzarote and the previous episode was all about Fuerteventura.  I stayed at the Hotel AEQUORA Lanzarote Suites https://slasuites.com For more information on the Canary Islands - Canary Islands Tourism Board: www.hellocanaryislands.com Fuerteventura Tourism Board: http://www.visitfuerteventura.es/Lanzarote Tourism Board: https://turismolanzarote.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out my two part Canary Islands special focusing on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote with the Sunday World correspondent Eamon Dillon. This episode focus’ on Fuerteventura and the second episode on Lanzarote.  I stayed at the R2 Rio Calma Hotel https://r2hotels.com/en/hotel/r2-rio-calma-hotel-spa-conference-en/ For more information on the Canary Islands - Canary Islands Tourism Board: www.hellocanaryislands.com  Fuerteventura Tourism Board: http://www.visitfuerteventura.es/Lanzarote Tourism Board: https://turismolanzarote.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have 3 really special guests to talk about this wonderful Madeira destination special. When I was in Madeira, I kept hearing that Christmas is a magical time of year to visit, so I have Irish travel writer Deirdre Mullins who paints a really evocative image of Christmas on the island. You will also hear from travel writer Rob Rees sharing great activity and golf tips and finally Emily Blandy, of the world famous 7th generation Blandy wine family, gives us some great local insider tips for the island.Madeira is a lush green tropical mountainous island with towns built dramatically into the hills going up from the sea with breathtaking landscapes, verdant volcanic mountains, lush flower garden and banana trees in very nook and cranny. Recommended stay https://suitehoteledenmarportobay.com-hotel.com/ #visitmadeira#madeiranowordsneeded#madeirabelongstoall#madeiraisland For further information about Madeira: https://visitmadeira.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. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations. Please follow me onInstagram @traveltaleswithfergalFacebook @traveltaleswithfergalTwitter @FergalTravelYouTube @traveltaleswithfergal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish travel writer Conor Power tells us all about his recent slow boat trip along the tranquil canals and rivers of Brittany. He was blown away by the prettiness of the villages and towns he sailed through - many of them never featuring in any guide book. Conor shares his route on a river/canal system that he describes as one of the prettiest that he has seen after years of doing this around France, Ireland, Italy, Holland and Canada.Get ThereConor Power was a guest of Brittany Ferries https://www.brittany-ferries.ie, with regular year-round sailings from Cork to Roscoff. A seven-night self-catered stay on board a Salsa B, which sleeps up to 12 people, in October 2024, starting and ending at Le Boat’s base in Messac, costs from €137 pp / €1,649 per boat. For the same boat departing 11 April 2025, it’s €245 pp/ €2,956 per boat. No boating license or experience necessary. See https://www.emeraldstar.ie for trip details around Europe. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.