Ireland Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Ewe do it best Ronan on the Wild Atlantic Way

5th April 20265th April 2026 funtime65

And see what we’ve done there… to mark Boyzone’s finest’s celebration of Ireland’s most famous trek, we say ewe do it best Ronan on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The one-time boy band warbler has been retracing his boyhood holidays up the west and north-west coasts of Ireland.

And the great ambassador that he is he has been sharing it with his British audience for Tourism Ireland.

Ronan and the fragrant Storm whom he took for his wife in our Archerfield estate, near North Berwick, being adopted Brits now.

Donegal homecoming

Now Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic goes out in Britain on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from tomorrow, April 6.

And it will conjure up Easter memories for this Hiberno-Scot from childhood holidays in my Dear Old Mum’s Donegal homestead.

Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Derry-Londonderry will all feature in the programme.

Ronan, of course, isn’t alone on his trek (the whole route is 1,553 miles from Malin Head in Co. Donegal to the Old Head of Kinsale in Co. Cork).

Getting your hands dirty

Leading the way: Teaching an old dog new tricks

He’ll be joined by a cast of unique fellow travellers.

He’ll try his hand at everything from fishing and hurling to seaweed baths and sheep herding.

Whether Ro’s travels take him to Mum’s townland of Brockagh I’ll just have to watch to find out.

But he did get a big kick out of his walk, saying: ‘I was 16 when I left Ireland, and there was so much of the west coast I hadn’t seen.

‘Now, I’m coming home, and I can’t wait for viewers to share all the laughter and tears along the way.’

A family business

Now if he does we’d advise he visit the Isaac Butt Heritage Centre.

The old schoolhouse which boasts pictures of Mum’s family, the McNultys who filled much of the first class roll.

Before heading down a few yards to the Ramblers, the one-time home and hotel business of Edward and Bridie McNulty.

And say we sent you

HAPPY EASTER

Countries, Food & Wine, Ireland

How to drown the shamrock on St Paddy’s Day

17th March 2026 funtime65

You no doubt have already but here’s how to drown the shamrock on St Paddy’s Day.

Because it is a thing where you drink the last shot of the night through the flower.

Although maybe make sure you take the soil off it first.

You might not immediately shamrock as something you might eat.

Although it would not be the first edible flower.

And long before it became a bougie thing to do.

The Dutch were eating their tulips to stave off the Hongerwinter of 1944-45.

Eat your greens

If you want to get an authentic taste of the Irish sod.

Then you can always meld its most famous vegetable with its national flower.

In Keogh’s Shamrock and Sour crisps, which are described as herbal and garlicky.

But if you want to go even further why not put a twist on this Shamrock Pesto Pizza from Parade.com.

With some real edible shamrocks for garnish.

While for dessert then we lift our hat to their Leprechaun Hat Reveal cake.

Which they promise us reveals green shamrocks hiding inside a white cake.

And drink your greens too

Of course no Paddy’s Day would be complete without a booze theme.

And you should demand that the bartender put a shamrock on the froth on your stout.

Or you can do it yourself.

Alternatively you can get the crème de menthe, Midori or any apple-green liquor.

And mix up a cocktail or give yourself a Shamrock Shots chaser.

However you celebrate a Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit from all of us either Irish or in the Irish diaspora.

Countries, Ireland, UK

The charms of Edinburgh for the Irish

2nd March 20262nd March 2026 funtime65

The charms of Edinburgh for the Irish used to only come every other year when their throngs of rugby fans would descend on Murrayfield in the city’s west end.

And now it seems they can’t get enough of us, the culture and the castle yes, but probably mostly the craic around the Rose Street hostelries.

With our friends at loveholidays reporting too that the Scottish capital is their leading emerging destination.

As part of a growing market for Britain.

Now its proximity and our Celtic kith and kin comradeship as well as Edinburgh being a much easier city to get around than, say London, is probably part and parcel of it.

And will account for why our travel provider pals have seen a 75% spike in bookings.

Who do we love?

Hat-a-boy: On the King Charles Bridge in Prague

Analysing bookings from the last three months, the online travel agent reports that Edinburgh is leading a distinct spike in city break popularity for 2026.

Not that London will ever lose its appeal with a notable 48% surge.

Indicating that holidays to the UK are taking off, while escapes to other European city destinations Prague (+48%) and Budapest (+44%) have seen significant increases too.

Now having enjoyed the delights of those two great Central European cities, and having been barred from most of the pubs in Edinburgh.

We’ve decided to take the wise counsel of our loveholidays friends to expand our Greek islands knowledge by booking up for Rhodes next month.

It is +54 per cent while perennial favourite is +63%.

New York, New York

This year’s blond: With ‘The Donald’ in New York

For long haul it will come as no surprise that New York continues to grow, and always will, with +30.

While Dubai, understandably, figures highly at the start of the year with +53%.

Now it helps with your city’s promotion to have somebody at the helm of loveholidays’ Irish promotion who loves their rugby and golf.

And my old mucker Clem Walshe, Irish Commercial Director at the firm, is just that.

Clem to fame

‘What unites these emerging destinations, from the cobblestones of the Royal Mile to the thermal baths of Budapest, is the variety that they offer,’ the travel provider expert opines.

‘Beach holidays remain a firm favourite, but there is a clear increased enthusiasm for city escapes this year. Edinburgh is the standout performer.’

Just remember, Clem, to promote the Golf Coast, east of Edinburgh and our championship-standard courses Muirfield, Renaissance and North Berwick.

Although you might have to give me a monster handicap next time you’re over.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Food & Wine, Ireland

If Ireland did boozy St Patrick’s Day breakfasts

1st March 20261st March 2026 funtime65

If Ireland did boozy St Paddy’s Day breakfasts… well, they do, and the Ruby Molly has promised to get the party started early.

So early, in fact, that they’re starting the night before on March 16, with what they’re billing a Pre-Parade celebration.

The action gets going with an hour of free welcome drinks between 4pm and 5pm and a Dublin feast of food.

Featuring those Irish classics Guinness, Jameson whiskey and, er William Grant.

See they do cater for their diaspora from Scotland.

While it wouldn’t be Dublin if there wasn’t a singalong.

And the Ruby Molly has Jerry Miles to entertain you while you scoff your specially curated menu inspired by Irish classics.

Tour de force

You’ll be perfectly situated for the Dublin Grand Parade, just ten minutes from the hub that is Temple Bar.

And the Guinness Storehouse within strolling distance for the best panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar, and best pint of plain.

Although family loyalties will always mean we point in the direction of the Liffeyside institution that is the Workshop bistro bar, next to the Tara Street Dart (or train) station.

While if you’re wanting some culture, or just get away from the crowds for a breather.

Then Trinity College and its Book of Kells and the National Gallery are havens of peace.

Of course, it’s no coincidence that the Ruby group dedicated their hotel to arguably Dublin’s most famous citizen, one Molly Malone.

Molly’s Dublin

As its location in Oxmanstown on the north of the river is solid market trading land.

Where you’d not be surprised to find Mrs Brown or her boys.

Once the site of an abbey, the rediscovery of parts of its vault in the 1880s, 7 feet under the street, adds to the mystical allure surrounding the hotel.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant covered market of 1892, Ruby Molly channels former market trader Anna Lawlor’s story.

A place where farmers sold their fresh produce.

Including the much-coveted strawberries that adorned the tables of Dublin’s finest hotels.

And well-endowed Dublin lasses sold their cockles and mussels, alive-oh.

Rates from €345 (16–18 March). Images and further details available on request.

Countries, Ireland, Music

Channeling your inner Traitors at Slane Castle

13th February 202613th February 2026 funtime65

Who’d lie to Derry Girls’ Sister Michael… well you can by channeling your inner Traitors at Slane Castle.

Sister Michael, or Siobhan McSweeney as she is known in some quarters is back for a second season as host of the international phenomenon that is The Traitors game show.

And participants and viewers alike have been caught up in all the shenanigans that take place in its gilded quarters.

Now the good news for us is that you don’t need to be a Traitor or a Faithful to sample what the competitors do.

Because the Co. Meath estate, 35 miles north of Dublin, is open to visitors to enjoy its charms or channel your inner game player as part of the Slane Castle Collection.

With anything from a three or five-bedroom apartment to taking out the whole castle.

Slayin’ it at Slane

Yes, you read that right, you can now play lord or lady of the manor for the first time in the Georgian demesne in the Boyne Valley.

The Retreat includes exclusive hire of three storeys of the Castle.

With six bedrooms located on both the first and second floors, sleeping up to 15 guests.

As well as reception rooms (dining room, drawing room and main hall) on the ground floor.

The ballroom and morning room event spaces can be booked as part of an additional event hire booking.

And the Conyngham family will cater for breakfasts as well as half to full board once the accommodation is booked.

The castle also has a 60-seater restaurant (Gandon Room).

And 20-seater bar (Browne’s Bar) on the lower ground floor as well as its own nightclub in the basement.

The stage is set

Now if Slane or the Conyngham family rang a bell with you long before its Traitors iteration then we’re not surprised.

As Slane has long been associated with big music festivals.

With it being 45 years this year since Irish rock pioneers Thin Lizzy played in the castle grounds.

With one Hazel O’Connor supporting Phil Lynott and his pals.

In the years since a who’s who of musicians have made Slane Castle a must-play venue.

Including the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, David Bowie, Guns N’ Roses, Robbie Williams and of course U2 who have played Slane three times.

There have also been iconic sets from Madonna, Oasis, Bon Jovi, Eminem, the Foo Fighters and Harry Styles.

While this summer you can see Country superstar Luke Combs on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19.

With local favourites The Script among the support acts.

A Celtic connection

Now if you’ve Scottish and Irish blood running through you you will be in good company.

As so do the Conynghams are of similar Caledonian and Donegal stock as ourselves.

Which is probably why they turned on the taps and let the whiskey flow at their distillery and invited us down to partake.

All of which, in music and Slane Castle folklore remains in Slane Castle.

Countries, Ireland, Pilgrimage

A Brigid house

1st February 20261st February 2026 funtime65

Take a bunch of reeds and look up the internet for instructions to make the kind of cross to grace a Brigid house.

The off-centre cross, invented and popularised by the 5th-century saint, would hang in every Irish and diaspora doorway to stave off fire and evil.

Not that it needed to be Brigid’s house you were visiting but it just happened that our Grannie was a Brigid, and a proud one at that.

Or Bridie as she was always known and Massie to my Mum.

While her and Grandpa Eddie’s cottage also had a bit of Bridge about it, referred to by all and one in the area as the Bridge House.

Fording the Sur Wee burn (or stream) as it did in Brockagh, Co. Donegal.

St Brigid a feminist icon

Women of the cloth: The Tipperary weavers

Now St Brigid, the darling of Old Ireland has had something of a reinvention in Modern Ireland, as of all things a feminist icon.

On account of how she rose from humble beginnings with her mother a Portuguese slave brought to Ireland.

And went on to become the equivalent of an archbishop, in charge of 1500 nuns.

Which, of course, is timely as the English as they love to do have claimed their newly instated Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally as the first female archbishop.

Paddy’s dynasty

When the Irish will gleefully point to Brigid who was ordained by Saint Patrick‘s nephew Bishop Mel.

Though the story also goes that Mel may have read her the wrong prayers,

In ordaining her a nun and given her even greater status.

But we say that she richly deserved it because who else could weave a cloak to cover the acres of the Curragh in Kildare.

And persuade a king to give them their land for their monastery.

Prevailing against the patriarchy

A woman of her times, and all times, St Brigid clearly had to prevail against the patriarchy.

And still does as Ireland’s only patroness saint.

So we, of course, welcomed that her day, February 1, was granted National Day status, three years ago.

While she would doubtless be proud of the Mná na hÉireann today, three Presidents and counting.

And the 100 Tipperary women who weaved a giant cloth.

Which they paraded in Clonmel on the Premier County on the eve of St Brigid’s Day yesterday.

With the cloak carried in procession too and showcased in Dublin Brigit’s Parade today, February 1.

So, with an eye to our own St Brigid’s Cross, and crossing myself for my mum’s mum without whom I wouldn’t be there.

And countless other Brigid connections, we say…

HAPPY ST BRIGID’S DAY

Countries, Ireland

Roman in the gloamin’ with a shamrock in my hand

16th January 202616th January 2026 funtime65

And you’ll have seen that we’ve gone with the rebranded football version here but bide with us as I go Roman in the gloamin’ with a shamrock in my hand.

Because Roman Kemp and his dad Martin are in Ireland this week, filming for a brand-new, three-part TV series.

The Kemps’ Irish odyssey is set to air later this year on Channel 4 and is co-produced by Tourism Ireland.

Produced by Rock Oyster Media, the series follows the The One host, and the Spandau Ballet bassist, actor and I’m a Celeb legend.

As they delve into Ireland’s spooky myths, ghost, banshees and legends.

And explore how ancient traditions have evolved into modern day experiences and festivals.

Get me out to Eire

This trip is all about Martin and Roman diving in together and doesn’t Martin have all the tools from his time in the jungle.

They’ll coasteer on the dramatic Causeway Coast, try their hand at hurling.

Playing the uilleann pipes (yes, it is so true) and experience storytelling in a traditional Irish pub.

The duo will travel the length of the island, through Antrim, Derry and Tyrone in the north.

And see the positive changes in the north since their Through the Barricades anthem to love across the divide.

And then on to Cork, Dublin, Kildare and Meath.

Along the way they will meet the characters, try the challenges.

And share the kind of adventure you only get when you’re exploring.

With someone who knows you inside out!

Green, white and Gold

It will see them discover Ireland like they’ve never seen it before – through sport, music and customs that have shaped the island for centuries.

Judith Cassidy, Tourism Ireland’s Acting Head of Great Britain, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Martin and Roman Kemp to Ireland, to film all about the ancient stories and traditions that make Ireland unique.

‘Their journey will highlight our stunning scenery and rich heritage.

‘Capturing viewers’ imaginations and inspiring them to come and explore Ireland for their next holiday.”

So to cut a long story short, this will be gold.

America, Countries, Europe, Ireland, UK

St Stephen’s Day v Boxing Day which is better?

26th December 2025 funtime65

Straddling Britain and Ireland means switching Christmas hats… so St Stephen’s Day v Boxing Day which is better?

Just one of the many cultural differences between the two islands is in what we call the Day After Christmas.

Being the first Christian martyr, St Stephen, of course, came before the consumerist Boxing Day.

And he has the jump on the alternative by dint of being by appointment to the Almighty.

With the Church decreeing early that the first martyr should bank the day after the day of Jesus’s birthday.

While Boxing Day had to wait until 1833, with Queen Victoria’s seat still warm on the throne.

When the aristocracy handed down some crumbs from their table.

From Melbourne to Massachussetts

The upper classes would box up gifts and give them to their servants, the poor or tradespeople the day after Christmas Day.

Now as you’d expect Boxing Day took root in the countries of Empire, now Commonwealth, and are still celebrated today.

With Boxing Day in Melbourne, Australia, noted for its Test Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG.

Although England, on the end of an Ashes humiliation, aren’t doing much partying.

Randomly, there is a corner of America where Boxing Day is a thing and that is in the least likely, Patriots’ Massachusetts.

Where since 1996 it’s been celebrated, in response to the efforts of a coalition of British citizens to ‘transport the English tradition to the United States’.

Long to wren over us

Czech it out: On the King Charles Bridge in Prague

Stephen’s Day, on the other hand, is where the rest of the Christian world outside of the King’s hails the first Christian martyr.

And where the Good King Wenceslas first looked out in Prague, with his pizza deep pan, crisp and even.

The best tradition though, and we are biased here, is in Ireland.

Where Stephen’s Day is also called Wren Day… well, they would have two names for it.

It goes back to the legend that a wren’s cooing gave away Stephen.

And where Wrenboys, dressed in masks and costumes sang songs and played music for money,.

And used to hunt for wrens although now they’re carried around as stuffed or fake wren.

Then there’s the Mummer’s Festival, held every year in the village of New Inn, County Galway, and Dingle in County Kerry.

From Magyars to Murtys

While there’s also a Magyar Festival, a fertility ritual, which we discovered on our travels this year.

Where Hungarians wear sheepskin furs and use a bagpipe and a chained stick to make music.

Our household of all nations, for our part is called ‘You do the Christmas clean-up Day’.

Countries, Flying, Ireland

A dog is for Christmas with Aer Lingus

20th December 202520th December 2025 funtime65

And a Joyeux Noel to all our pets and why a dog is for Christmas with Aer Lingus.

All animal lovers will know the challenges of transporting their creatures great and small at this time of year.

And our first-born, Celtic the Cat, would travel up in the back of the plane with a wee sleeping jag to help him with the journey.

Not that he would have needed it as he would sleep on Herself’s lap on the motorway into work in Berkshire back in the day… don’t tell!

We’ll all have our tails (sorry) about how we reunite with our pets or bring them home.

And just like us they don’t like waiting in a tailback on the motorway.

Which, and don’t shoot us here, is why short-haul flights are often the answer.

Puppy heroes

Our friends at Aer Lingus certainly know how to look after our furry friends.

As can be seen here with Aer Lingus cabin crew member Pedro de Barros giving a warm welcome to Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland’s superhero puppies.

Or Rocket, Hulk and Phoenix to their friends, as they checked in at Dublin Airport today.

The three golden labradors, who are just 8 weeks old, were flying with Aer Lingus to Brussels.

Where they will begin specialised training to become life-changing assistance dogs for autistic children.

Aer Lingus worked closely with Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, a Cork-based charity dedicated to providing assistance dogs to families of autistic children.

To ensure the pups travel safely and comfortably.

That’s a brood

Donegal doggies tale: With my Dear Old Dad

The puppies are part of a record-breaking litter of 15 golden labradors born in Co Tipperary in October to Labrador parents, Omma and Mango.

Which in Grandpa McNulty’s day wasn’t unusual for country folk, as he was the youngest of 15 in the Donegal townland of Brockagh.

The pups, nine male and six female, are all named after superheroes.

And I’m thinking here that my Grandpa’s poor mum was something of a hero herself.

Over the next two years, the adorable litter will transform from playful pups into expertly trained companions.

And they’ll offer independence and support to children who need them most.

My pet project

Remember too to spoil your pets this Christmas.

Because remember a certain little donkey and shepherds tending their flock at night were all part of the first Christmas.

And, of course, there will always be a home on my lap for the neighbourhood cat, Rufus.

Who we expect will get more Christmas dinners than anybody.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying, Ireland

Eiretale of New York

14th December 202514th December 2025 funtime65

And it’s an Eiretale of New York which is enough to get the boys of the NYPD choir singing Galway Bay.

With the Tourism Ireland team getting an early Christmas gift in the form of a Best Destination in Europe award for the 12^th year in a row.

Beating off heavyweight France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Croatia at the New York bash.

Prize guys: Tourism Ireland’s Alison Metcalfe and Paul McDonagh

Subscribers to Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice who held their 23rd Awards in New York may not be aware or little care.

But the NYPD do not actually boast a choir.

Although they do have a Pipes and Drums band who played on the video.

And who mimed the words to the Mickey Mouse March because they didn’t know the lyrics to Galway Bay.

An Epic revision

You can only imagine Shane MacGowan took some artistic licence because boys of the NYPD Pipes and Drums band didn’t scan as well.

Of course, it’s a birthright of the Irish to lay claim to any number of truisms we now take for granted.

With St Patrick, actually a Welshman, the daddy of them all.

And it is in that rich tradition that Shane and Epic the Irish Emigration Museum have followed.

With the award-winning tourist attraction marking the Great Man’s passing two years ago by assembling their very own NYPD choir.

To sing Galway Bay, just before the bells on Christmas Day.

All on video as part of the They Gave the Walls a Talking exhibition to showcase the diaspora.

Which Shane of course did more to champion than most.

Singing Galway Bay

It was one-such Irish emigrant Dr Arthur Colahan, native of Fermanagh but reared in County Galway who wrote the much-loved song about the City of Tribes while living in Leicester.

While it was another Irish-American, Bing Crosby, whose mother Catherine Harrigan’s family hailed from County Cork who popularised the song.

Making Galway Bay at one point the biggest selling record of all time.

And you can’t get better Christmas cred than Bing and Shane a double act we’d have loved to have seen.

And we’ve even come up with the perfect collab… Eiretale of New York.

While Aer Lingus will fly you to the Big Apple with pre-clearance out of the Oul Country and we found a sample return flight from €566.76 for next month.