Erin's Isle Podcast

Sea swimming is not a trend in Ireland, it's a generational way of life. And more nad more tourists are joining locals in tidal pools and swimming coves.  Hear from those locals about why they do it and what is drawing in the tourists in this epiode of Erin's Isle

Seaweed is having quite a moment in Ireland. Hear all about the business of seaweed, the uses of seaweed and those who deal it in this espisode of Erin's Isle.

Ever heard of the Annual Mathmaker's Festival in Lisdoonvarna? Well this ius your chance to experience it yourself.  Hear from those who go, and hear all about Willie Daly, the resident Matchmaker in the village of Lisdoonvarna.

Clare IslandIreland is about a 45 minute ferry ride from Westport,and it feels like a steop back in time when you get there. With a population of about 160 and just a half dozen cars, it is a place where time slows down, people really care about ech other and walking is a way of life.  Most of those there, were born there.  But a few characters have blown-in over the years and the mix of personalities and artful offerings is amazing. Hear from those who live there and those who choos to move there, in this episode of Erin's Isle. 

Ireland played a leading role in the movie Braveheart, a bout warrior William Wallace and his fight for Scottish freedom. Hear how that movie put Trimn Castle north of Dublin and a lot of Irish to work. And how that movie got Ireland in the spotlight for more work on the silver screen. Hear the story of that movie, throught the eyes of the locals in this episode of Erin's Isle.

The best ice cream in the world, made with the best ingredients they can find. But you can only get it it Dingle, Dublin, Galway, Cork and Killarney.  Find out how harmony is the key to their success inthis episode of Erin's Isle.

Students come from all over the world to study at this sustainalbe farm and award-winning school. See behind the scenes right into the busy kitchens of Ballymaloe in this episide of Erin's Isle.

The Royal Scots Club in Edinborough, is an amazing tribute to the veterans of Worls War I. It serves as a club house, a military museum, a great spot for social events and a b it of liv ing history.  And if you stay there you can help fund the program geared toward veterans, their families and educating the public on their significance in history.   Hear all ab out it in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Meet Buster Luscombe.  He is an Irishman, a welder, a storyteller and and entertainer. And what a story he has to tell. Hear it in his words, along with his music in this episopde of Erin's Isle.

Cork has an English Market that opened in the 18th century and is still going strong in both tradition and in adapting to the future.  Hear all about it in this episode of Erin's Isle.

They have become a huge part of tourism fo9r Scotland and they could not be more adorable. Hear all about the Highland Coos and where you can spend some time with them yourself...in this episode of Erin's Isle.

If you travel out the Dingle peninsula even farther than Dingle, there is small community called Dunquin. It's remote out narrow windy roads...but well worth it to see the views and feel the tranquility. And I was lucky enough to find a poet who captures it all with photographs and his words. Hear his story and his poetry in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Protecting Ireland's culture is an art in itself. And this episode of Erin's Isle explains how falconry, Claddagh rings and the bellringers of Dublin are working to do just that.  Hear from one of Ireland's falconers who is sharing his passion and craft with all those interested; a man credited with keeping the true design of the storied Claddagh ring alive; and how those who ring the bells at Christ Church Cathedral compete with other bellringers and yet have a brotherhood focused on keeping it true. It's all in this episode of Erin's Isle.  

Have you ever noticed how many sheep there are in Ireland? A lot. And that means there quite a need for well-trained sheepdogs. Joe Joyce knows all about both, the sheepdogs and the sheep. He runs Joyce's Country Sheepdogs in Connemara. Hear how he trains them, how to know if you have a good one, and why all the sheep are so colorful, in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Bagppipes are an unmistakable instrument all over Scotland. And Glasgow has a National Piping Centre where you can learn all about the history of the bagpipes, how to play them and how they have evolved since the 1400s.  Hear the pipes...the pipers and the story f the bagpipes in this edition of Erin's Isle.

Ever wanted to learn the history of whiskey....as you sip it? Bruce MacGregor offers just that at his bar in Inverness. He explains the historic events relative to whiskey distilling in Scotland plus he accompanies the sipping and the history with his own award-winning fiddle playing and interesting anecdotes.  You can experience the Malt Whiskey Experience for yourself in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Trad sessions in Ireland always draw a crowd. But it is almost always a crowd there to listen. Dabilla is changing that. Anywhere they play they draw. crowd alright, but it's a high energy, highly involved crowd singing along, clapping, and feeding off he energy produced. That's because Dabilla blends traditional instruments and technique into a new approach to classic Irish tunes and popular music. Think uillean pipes playing the part of an electric guitar, or a tin whistle soloing through The Fields of Athenry.  Hear how it all comes together in this episode of Erin's Isle.

The Kilbaha Gallery on the Loop Head peninsula is a showcase for painting, sketches, sculptures and history.   Not only do they focus on Irish artists, it is the home of famous Irish bronze artists James and Seamus Connolly. Hear the story of their foundry, their aftwork and their love of what they do, in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Kenmare Lace played a big part in sough County Kerry's history. And the Lace design center in that village is working to educate people about the different types of lacemaking in Ireland, and to keep the art alive. Kenmare is also known for a three thousasnd year old stone circle many say has magic powers. Hear about both in this episode of Erin's Isle. 

The Dursey Island Cable Car travels a short distance from the tip of the Beara Peninsula to the island and back. And it is a lifeline for those who live and work on the island. And it is an adventure for those visiting. Take a ride on the Dursey Island Cable Car in this edition of Erin's Isle.