Traveling in Ireland

The Beat of Ireland: Ian Gould on the Bodhrán, Trad Music, and Tours

At Iowa Irish Fest, the music flows as easily as the pints. This year, I sat down with Belfast-born musician Ian Gould, who’s been sharing Irish music around the world for years. Known for weaving stories and history into his performances, Ian also hosted a bodhrán workshop during the festival, giving curious festival-goers a hands-on introduction to Ireland’s frame drum. This article is based on podcast episode 285 featuring Irish trad musician Ian Gould.Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. A Festival Chat with Ian Gould We covered a lot of ground in our chat – a surprising fact about the bodhrán, thoughts on trad versus contemporary Irish music, and even the tours he leads to Ireland and Scotland. The Bodhrán’s Place in Irish Music Despite its deep, drum-like heartbeat, the bodhrán is a relatively recent addition to traditional Irish ensembles. While a few historic paintings hint at its earlier presence, the instrument only became a standard part of the trad music scene in the 1960s and 70s, popularized by groups like The Chieftains. Drums have existed in every culture for centuries, but in Ireland, the bodhrán’s construction often uses ash or oak for strength, with goat skin stretched across the frame for its pliable tone. Some feature decorative woodwork, though functionality comes first. At Iowa Irish Fest, Ian’s workshop stood out for actually supplying bodhráns for attendees to try – though pizza-box substitutes were on hand if needed. Players learned how different beaters (or even brushes) create varied sounds, from crisp snaps to soft swishes. Trad vs. Contemporary Irish Music Traditional Irish music tends to be defined by its core instruments – fiddles, whistles, and, in more recent decades, the bodhrán. Older singing styles, such as sean-nós, were unaccompanied and uniform, without harmonies. Contemporary Irish bands, like Gaelic Storm or Screaming Orphans, often start with that traditional base and expand into modern arrangements and global influences. While they may still feature the fiddle or pipes, their sound reaches beyond the boundaries of strict trad. From Stage to Tour Bus When Ian isn’t performing, he’s traveling – sometimes hosting tours through his boutique travel company, G&W Irish Tours, which he co-owns with Paul Ward. They run several small-group trips each year to Ireland and Scotland, focusing on exploring smaller regions in depth rather than racing “all over everywhere” in a week. This autumn (2025), they’re running a foodie-focused trip, followed by a music-themed tour next April (2026), a Scotland trip in May, and an Ulster-focused “Nine to the North” tour in June that includes Ian’s hometown of Belfast. For details, visit G&W Irish Tours and see if one of their itineraries fits your calendar. If you can’t join me in Ireland, traveling with Ian might just be your next best option. The post The Beat of Ireland: Ian Gould on the Bodhrán, Trad Music, and Tours appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Guinness Stories: What You Might Not Know About Ireland’s Iconic Brew

Guinness might be one of the most iconic Irish exports, but did you know it's the number one selling draft beer in the United States? It’s growing at an impressive rate – so much so that Guinness Brewery Ambassador Zach Berger proudly shared the news at Iowa Irish Fest. That creamy pint? It’s not just a nod to Ireland—it’s a thriving, evolving brand with deep roots and global appeal. And here’s something most people don’t realize: all Guinness Draft sold in the U.S. is brewed in Dublin at St. James’s Gate. While there are Guinness breweries in Baltimore and Chicago, those are innovation hubs – think limited-run beers and culinary pairings – not production sites for the classic stout. Gate at Guinness Storehouse This article is based on podcast episode 284 featuring Zack Berger, Guinness Brand Ambassador (follow on Instagram @guinnessinthecity).Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. From Barrels to Modern Draft Guinness has come a long way since the days when it was shipped in barrels and bottled in individual pubs. Back then, quality control teams traveled to those pubs to ensure the product remained true. If a pub was caught altering the beer? The punishment was a national ad outing the misrepresentation. A bold move, but effective. original ‘pub bottled' beer bottles The Guinness we know today, with its distinct pour and that classic “wait for the settle” moment, didn’t debut until 1959. Before that, a pub might have served a blend of casks to achieve that creamy result. Innovation has always been baked into Guinness and continues today through its American breweries. Guinness = Ireland There’s a reason the Guinness Storehouse is the number one attraction in Ireland. It’s more than beer, it’s legacy. Guinness has managed to stay true to its Irish identity while becoming a global brand. In fact, in some parts of Africa, Guinness is seen more as a local product than an import. That kind of cultural integration doesn’t happen by accident. According to Zach, it’s Guinness’s authenticity, consistency, and connection to Irish craftsmanship that keeps people returning. Whether it’s music, film, or beer – Irish culture is having a moment, and Guinness is at the center of it. And yes, that harp on the pint is the same harp you see on official Irish emblems – but with a twist. Quite literally. Guinness used it first. When Ireland became a republic and adopted the harp as a national symbol, they flipped it to avoid copyright infringement. Guinness in a traditional pub in Cashel, Ireland Inside the Guinness Storehouse: More Than a Pint Even if you’re not a beer drinker (hi, me), the Guinness Storehouse is well worth a visit. It’s part museum, part cultural experience, and packed with layers of storytelling. You can expect: A self-guided museum-style tour through seven floors of Guinness history Immersive advertising archives (ever heard of the Guinness zoo ads?) Dining options with Guinness-infused menus That iconic 360° view of Dublin from the Gravity Bar The story behind the zoo ads is delightful. Artist John Gilroy drew inspiration from a seal balancing a ball, imagined it was a pint, and ran with it – eventually introducing the world to a whole animal cast and the famous zookeeper (a self-portrait, by the way). Driving in Dublin When to Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin There’s no “wrong” time to visit the Storehouse, but your ideal moment depends on your pace. Want a more relaxed, less-crowded visit? Go in the morning right when it opens. Interested in a livelier vibe with music and energy? Aim for the afternoon. Visiting in the off-season? Try to time your Gravity Bar visit with the sunset. In winter months, the low light and city views are especially stunning. And no matter when you go, don’t rush it. The tour is self-guided, and 90 minutes is a minimum if you want to absorb everything. Guinness in the U.S.: Innovation with an Irish Soul Guinness’s two American breweries – in Baltimore and Chicago – aren’t about recreating the classics. Instead, they focus on what’s next. These spots brew limited-edition beers like IPAs, lagers, and even fruited sours or barrel-aged stouts. If you’re visiting, don’t just order a standard draft – ask what’s new and local. Baltimore offers a sprawling beer garden and open brewery feel, while Chicago delivers a more urban, culinary-forward experience, complete with beer cocktails and food pairings. Both serve as an introduction to the Guinness brand beyond the iconic stout and a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation. Guinness may begin with a pint, but its story is so much more than that. It's about innovation, legacy, global identity, and great marketing. It's almost the story of Ireland – rich history with an eye to the future. The post Guinness Stories: What You Might Not Know About Ireland’s Iconic Brew appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Two Free Tools to Help You Find the Best Airfare to Ireland

Want to visit Ireland without blowing your entire vacation budget on airfare?You don’t need insider connections or complicated travel hacks – just two easy-to-use (and totally free) tools: Kayak Explore and Google Flights. These platforms make it simple to find the best airfare, whether you’re ready to book or searching for the best deal. These tools are especially handy if you're using my flight monitoring strategy and haven't seen prices drop. When you're willing to be flexible with travel dates you open yourself to the kind of deals most travelers miss. Ireland Family Vacations is an ad-free resource, supported through partnerships with trusted travel brands. We may earn income from purchases made via affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. ​See why this is important. Try These Two Tools to Find Cheaper Ireland Flights Let’s break down how to use both Kayak and Google Flights to find the best fares to Ireland (and beyond). Sunrise over clouds as my flight approaches Ireland Kayak Explore: Dream Big, Spend Less One of the most powerful tools for finding unexpected travel deals is Kayak Explore. This tool maps out low fares from your chosen departure airport to anywhere in the world—including Ireland. Instead of entering a specific destination, just plug in your home airport and let Kayak show you what’s possible. How to Use It: Head to kayak.com/explore Type in your departure airport (say, Chicago O’Hare or JFK) Leave the destination blank You can search “Anytime” or narrow it by month or trip length (perfect if you’re planning for school holidays or work breaks) Set your maximum budget on the left sidebar – this filters out anything over your limit Pro tip: Slide the map over to Europe to see where the best transatlantic deals are, including Dublin, Shannon, and maybe even Belfast. You might even spot surprising deals to nearby cities like London or Paris where you can hop on a budget flight to Ireland. Why Kayak Explore Works So Well Often shows lower fares than Google Flights Built-in flexibility for travel dates (up to ±3 days) Easily browse entire continents for inspiration But there are a few trade-offs: The prices listed are for economy only – but armed with this information you can visit the airline website to see if there are deals in the other flight classes You’ll need to travel when the deal is available, not necessarily on your ideal dates If you're dreaming of Ireland but your calendar is open, this tool is unbeatable. Aer Lingus flight over Ireland Google Flights “Anywhere”: Best for Specific Needs If you want a bit more control over dates, stops, and flight class – but still want the flexibility to discover deals – Google Flights is your friend. There are two easy ways to use the “Anywhere” search: After entering your home airport, leave the destination blank and click “Search” OR click the “Explore” tab and select your preferences from there Once you’re in, choose Flexible Dates instead of putting in a strict travel window. You can search weekends, 1-week trips, or 2-week trips, across one month—or up to six months out. Want to fly business class? Only looking for nonstop flights? Traveling with kids? You can fine-tune it all. Why Google Flights Might Be the Better Fit Perfect for travelers with fixed schedules (like school breaks or time-off windows) Lets you select flight class, stops, number of passengers, etc. Easy to compare multiple airlines and booking platforms Keep in mind: You won’t always see the rock-bottom fares that Kayak uncovers The more restrictions you place, the less likely you’ll see a jaw-dropping deal But if you’re planning a summer trip to Ireland and need specific dates or flight types, Google Flights gives you the best of both flexibility and precision. Which Tool is Best for You? Use Kayak Explore if: You’re flexible on your travel dates You’re browsing for fun or trip inspiration You want to build your trip around the best fare Use Google Flights “Anywhere” if: You need to travel on specific dates You want a specific cabin class You want to track prices for specific routes Final Tip: Let the Fare Lead the Trip If you can be open about when you go (and even which airport you fly into or out of), you may find fares that are hundreds of dollars cheaper than what you'd expect. Sometimes you’ll find Dublin cheaper than Shannon, or vice versa – so be sure to check both if you’re renting a car or planning a circular route. Even once-a-year flexibility – like planning next summer’s Ireland trip now based on today’s low fares – can make your trip much more affordable. Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 283 The post Two Free Tools to Help You Find the Best Airfare to Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Flavour Trails in Dublin: Food, Whiskey & Stories You’ll Want to Savor

Dublin is often the first stop on an Ireland itinerary, but too often, visitors rush through it. Gráinne Lawlor wants you to slow down, sit down, and taste the city. Through her company, Flavour Trails, she offers food, whiskey, and storytelling tours that highlight the heart of Dublin: its people, its history, and it's incredible local flavor. Dublin's Best Food & Whiskey Tours After years working abroad and then for a local tour company, Gráinne Lawlor took the leap and bought the business she loved. Today she runs Flavour Trails, offering unforgettable food, whiskey, and storytelling tours in the heart of Dublin. What makes her tours stand out? It's the way she and her team weave history, culture, and pure craic into every stop. And she’s not just serving up bites and sips, she’s dishing out insights only a local (and a very well-fed one at that) can offer. This article is based on Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 282 featuring Gráinne Lawlor, owner of Flavour Trails in Dublin.Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. Make Time for Dublin Gráinne isn’t originally from Dublin, but she’s fallen hard for the capital – and for good reason. Dublin is incredibly walkable, filled with warm, helpful people, and home to some of the best free cultural experiences in Ireland. From galleries and museums to impromptu pub storytelling sessions, the city doesn’t charge you to soak in the culture. And the best part? You can start your sightseeing early, be in bed at a reasonable hour, and still pack in a full day of fun. Skip Temple Bar, Head Here Instead Temple Bar might be famous, but it’s also famously overpriced. If you’re after real music and a more authentic vibe, Gráinne recommends: The Cobblestone in Smithfield (near Jameson) for nightly live music and great atmosphere. O’Donoghue’s off St. Stephen’s Green, where musicians actually want to play. Both spots offer nightly tunes without the tourist mark-up. Top 3 Picks for Things to Do in Dublin Glasnevin Cemetery – A place where Irish history lives on. Pair it with a pint at The Gravediggers and a bowl of coddle. Tufting Dublin – Create a souvenir you’ll actually want to bring home. It’s fun, surprisingly affordable, and a bit addictive. Pearse Lyons Distillery – Whiskey inside a church with a pot still on the altar. They also offer a gin-making class and loads of storytelling. And a bonus: Silverworks, where you can forge your own claddagh ring or Christmas ornament. Gráinne swears even the skeptical men get into it. 3 Fabulous Dining Experiences in Dublin Splurge: Chapter One – A white tablecloth experience that’s worth every euro. Multi-course tasting menus and a warm, professional staff. Casual: The Seafood Café in Temple Bar – Great for happy hour oysters and run by a seafood legend. Grab-and-Go: Try a spice bag from an authentic Chinese-Irish takeaway on Camden or Capel Street. Vegetarian options available! Flavour Trails: More Than a Food Tour Flavour Trails tours are never rushed. Think three courses, three stops, and stories that stick with you. The food tour is their most popular, showcasing Irish dishes the way locals eat them – served with history and humor. Then there’s the whiskey tour – six samples across three locations, covering all three styles of Irish whiskey (yes, that’s a thing). Add in food pairings and education, and even non-whiskey drinkers walk away fans. The newest offering? A storytelling tour filled with folklore, pub etiquette, and colorful characters. Drinks and snacks included, of course. How to Book Flavour Trails Tours If you want to support local (and skip those hefty third-party booking fees), head straight to flavourtrails.ie. You can also search for The Irish Food Trail, The Whiskey Trail, or The Storytelling Trail. Follow FlavourTrails on social: Instagram: @thewhiskeytrail.ie and @irishfoodtrail TikTok: @flavourtrails Facebook: Flavour Trails Pro Tip: Buying Whiskey in Ireland Gráinne’s best whiskey-buying advice? Don’t buy what you can find at home – opt for bottles that aren’t exported. The duty-free shop at Dublin Airport is one of the best around, but if you want help deciding, head to The Celtic Whiskey Shop or The Corkscrew. They’ll ship it for you, too. Your First Tour in Dublin If you're landing in Dublin and not sure where to start, consider booking a Flavour Trails tour on your first day. You’ll get over your jet lag, get a feel for the city, and gather recommendations from locals who don’t take commissions – just pride in sharing the best of their city. Gráinne and her team aren’t shy about giving honest advice, whether you're wondering where to eat or what to skip entirely. It's the kind of insight you just can't get from a guidebook. The post Flavour Trails in Dublin: Food, Whiskey & Stories You’ll Want to Savor appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Your Invitation to Explore Ireland (with Me)

If you’ve ever listened to the podcast and thought, “I wish you’d just take me to Ireland!” well, I’ve got good news. Next spring, from mid-April through early May, I’m hosting two small-group tours to Ireland. The first leads you along the rugged coastlines and through the rich history of the North – think dramatic cliffs, castle stays, and stories older than time. The other is a women-only journey through Ireland’s cultural heart, with hands-on crafts, slower travel, and a whole lot of craic. 2026 Small Group Tours A Giant Adventure: Northern Ireland & Beyond April 16–24, 2026 This tour takes you straight into the wild beauty and rich history of Northern Ireland. Expect dramatic coastlines, towering castles, and hands-on experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail. We’ll explore vibrant towns, dine well, and even spend a night in a castle. This is the kind of journey that leaves you with windswept hair and stories to tell. A few highlights of the Giant Adventure tour: 4 & 5 star accommodations (including a castle stay) Belfast food tour and 4 group dinners Exclusive experiences including an optional coastal walk, sheepdog experience with a 4th generation shepherd, and tasty stops (like bread making, chocolates, whiskey or cider tastings). View the Itinerary & Hold Your Spot (at no cost) Craft, Culture & Craic: A Women-Only Journey April 26–May 3, 2026 One week. Just for women. Crafted with a slower pace, deeper connections, and a touch of luxury. You’ll meet local artists, taste your way through Ireland’s food culture, and explore some of the island’s most soul-stirring landscapes – without ever feeling rushed. From storytelling to hands-on workshops, this trip is all about meaningful moments and shared laughter. A few highlights of Craft, Culture & Craic: Claddagh Ring making workshop 2 expertly guided food tours Host-led hike along the Ardmore Cliff Walk Puffins! See the Itinerary & Hold Your Spot (at no cost) Both tours are intentionally small and often fill quickly, so if either sound like your kind of adventure, hop over to the Guided Tours page to view the full itineraries and hold your spot. There’s no payment or commitment needed right away, just a quick form to let me know you’re interested. And if you know someone who’d love to come along? Invite them, too! Traveling with friends always makes the memories even sweeter. Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 281 The post Your Invitation to Explore Ireland (with Me) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.