http://www.ireland.com Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

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.

Countries, Ireland

Wednesday Addams in the Garden of Ireland

6th August 20256th August 2025 funtime65

It’s enough to put a smile on the face of any goth teenager… Wednesday Addams in the Garden of Ireland.

Whoever persuaded the world’s sassiest adolescent to exchange Creepy Towers for verdant Wicklow deserves a pay rise.

The second series of Wednesday, the Addams Family spin-off, drops on Netflix today.

And Wicklow film and TV fans, long used to seeing movie stars in their midst, have been spotting Jenna Ortega out and about.

At my old go-to afternoon out for tourist visitors, Powerscourt Demesne in Enniskerry.

Wednesday’s words

Wicked Wednesday: Jenna in Ireland. Cr. Jonathan Hession/Netflix © 2025

Jenna let her Wednesday mask slip when stopped and asked about her Wicklow getaway.

‘My favourite thing is just how kind the people were.’

While Daddy Gomez was equally effusive, saying: ‘The landscape here is sensational, so beautiful, so nostalgic.’

And to view them in character click here and here.

Now because we are always pleased to drive the whole of the country we should say that the Addams went on an all-Ireland adventure.

And took in Charleville Castle in County Offaly and Dublin’s atmospheric Deansgrange Cemetery.

Powerscourt’s power pals

They’re kooky: The Addams family. Cr. Helen Sloan/Netflix © 2025

Tourism Ireland’s behind the scenes films add to a panoply of great shoots in Ireland’s Hollywood.

For our old friends the Slazengers at Powerscourt they count these stellar visitors as friends.

Tom Cruise, Ryan O’Neal, Rock Hudson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Sally Field and Anne Hathaway.

Ireland’s film industry centres around its movie studios in Ardmore near the county’s biggest town Bray.

And another Thing: Addams family fave. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

And like Jenna, Hollywood’s finest love the informality of the locals and just shooting the breeze in the seaside town.

With Britney Spears, no less, checking in to a tattoo parlour in the town on a flying visit.

While the great Sinead O’Connor made Bray hers and her children’s friends, including Daughterie, her home.

Another Hollywood in Wicklow

With all this pixie dust just an hour south of Dublin the good folk of Wickla have been quick to promote their Hollywood links.

Of course, it helps when you’ve got a ready-made village called Hollywood in the Wicklow foothills.

The story goes that in 1850 Wicklow native Matthew Guirke fled the Famine for America and named his homestead after his village.

While we’d never suggest you miss the opportunity to visit the American Hollywood the Irish version has one big advantage.

Across the water: Bandanaman at the Hollwyood sign

You will be allowed up to the letters without fear of a fine and being shouted down on a loudspeaker by LA cops.

A new pathway enables people to visit the upgraded aluminum sign in Wicklow for the first time.

And permits them to visit a site which they could only photographed previously.

Now we can’t vouch if our favourite Goth teen got her selfie there.

But we’d say Wednesday Addams in the Garden of Ireland was an adventure she’ll never forget.

Countries, Ireland

Ireland a Dinky stay for you and your pet

8th July 20258th July 2025 funtime65

There’s an animal-lover in us all as my Dear Old Dad discovered in Ireland a Dinky stay for you and your pet.

Not that we were allowed one, unless you count the few months when I pestered my parents into bringing Benjie the Budgie into the house.

Or sneaked Jeemy the Mouse into the house despite my Mum’s pathological fright of mice.

So when we visited her homeland of Donegal and Portnoo in north-west Ireland.

We never expected the Man and Best Friend friendship that developed.

With Dinky the Welsh Corgi dog of the owners of the guest where we stayed.

Celtic the Cat’s Whiskers

Of course, as is the way with us all when we set up home for ourselves we get to choose who lives there.

And that meant Celtic, our ‘first-born’, our tabby.

Now pets quickly become part of the family but with that comes problems around holidays.

And Celtic being ushered out to catteries while we flew and flopped or explored new cities.

So, imagine what a Godsend MindMyHome.ie pet sitting service would have been.

Which, of course, gives you savings in pet care, and no kennel stress for furry friends.

Swap shop

Homeowners registered with MindMyHome.ie can also connect with other trusted homeowners for house swaps across Ireland.

And, with dog boarding costing anything up to €65 a night, home owners can avoid paying more for their pet’s holiday than their own.

Registering on the site costs €59 for homeowners, for 12 months access.

The site, which launched in January, already has trusted ‘frequent fliers’ that have cared for half a dozen properties this year.

And housesitters pay the same annual fee for the opportunity to stay in homes, without the typical expenses.

Out of the host’s mouth

Site owner Tom Gilligan said: ‘Sitters build trust with homeowners, show genuine care for pets, and personalise their posts, quickly building a good reputation.

‘It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement where homeowners have peace of mind and cost-savings.

‘While sitters have unique new living experiences in different local communities, in the comfort of a home environment, they have completely to themselves.’

Countries, Ireland, Sport

Hole lot of fun in Portrush and around the world

6th August 20246th August 2024 funtime65

My Dear Old Dad was as straight as they come apart from on the course, but I’d have opened him up to a hole lot of fun in Portrush and around the world.

The truth is we enjoyed playfully sending him up.

So one Christmas we bought him a joke book The World’s Most Difficult Holes.

Which included tees on the peak of one mountain and greens on another.

And, of course, Mum had to get us to stifle our laughter as he scratched his head about how to play the hole.

Ireland back on course

Champion golfer: At Portrush with The Opem

Would that Dad had hung around and I could have taken him to Royal Portrush when the Open returned to Ireland after nearly 60 years in 2019.

An experiment that proved so successful that the R&A are revisiting the Antrim course next year.

In preparation for Portrush 2024 TV’s Golf’s Greatest Holes visits Ulster’s famous links.

This special six-part series will be devoted entirely to the challenging 18 holes of the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush.

Tee for two

The series, supported by Tourism Ireland, will be fronted once again by golfer Paul McGinley and BBC presenter Chris Hollins.

And feature former Open champion and son of the Ulster sod Darren Clarke.

It will be seen by millions across Britain when it premieres on Sky Sports later this year.

And will then be screened around the world, including the US.

The series is set to feature a number of well-known local golf stars and golf-loving personalities.

Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said: ‘It’s a great way to shine a spotlight on Royal Portrush and the island of Ireland.

‘Showcasing our world-class golf and inspiring golfers everywhere to put Ireland on their ‘wish-list’ for their next

Millions of reasons

The first series of Golf’s Greatest Holes reached a global TV audience of millions, thanks to repeated screenings by more than 40 broadcasters.

As well as on the inflight services of many airlines around the world.

The series also reached more than 50 million digital viewers.

Now should Irish great Paul McGinley need a teaching assistant for his show then let me proffer that yours truly is a star student.

From his academy in Quinta da Lago in the Algarve.

Then be sure we’d have a hole lot of fun in Portrush and around the world.

Countries, Ireland

Safety net of Ireland’s new adventure playground

27th May 202427th May 2024 funtime65

There are countless times in our life when we’ve needed one… and this reluctant thrill-seeker certainly welcomes the safety net of Ireland’s adventure playground out West.

Westport House and Estate in Mayo has transformed a 300-year-old quarry into an action-packed destination featuring Ireland’s largest net park.

All of which means that high-fliers everywhere can channel your inner Tarzan.

Among the treetops along the Wild Atlantic Way.

And we’re sure if he were around today he’d ride the dual 100m ziplines.

The giant multi-person swings, a freefall jump, giant slides, 10-metre climbing walls, and an aerial trekking course.

All set against the stunning backdrop of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick.

The latter an Irish right of passage and a much-climbed and beloved peak of my Dear Old Mammy.

Carry on glamping

Of course, if you like what you see then you can expand your visit.

To tours of Westport House and the gardens and tracks and trails.

And a stay over in the Camping & Glamping Village.

Net hero

Different ball game: Fun for all the family

Now treetops are obviously all about height and the new Net Park rises to 30m.

But it’s also about nooks and crannies too.

With a network of tunnels, aerial bridges, tree houses, giant bounce zones, spiral nets, and more.

Suitable for toddlers and upwards, the Net Park challenges agility and skill and will give you an hour of fun.

Coming on to zip lines and we’ve enjoyed them in the snowy Tirolian Alps and Downtown Vegas but missed out on a Swiss roll.

This zip will bring you towards the floor of the quarry.

Stars trekking

Show ’em the ropes: And it’s all child’s play

For the more adventurous then aerial trekking may be the way to go.

You’ll traverse a series of suspended obstacles and challenges on an elevated circuit course.

And an advanced Aerial Trekking zone is available featuring aerial obstacles such as ropes, swinging logs, net bridges, and ziplines that increase in difficulty.

While if you leap before you look then the Quarry’s Edge Leap offers a towering three-storey platform from which to throw yourself.

Sing when you’re swinging

Tree’s company: And we can let ourselves go

So you’re having a swinging old time then why not take on the Giant Swing on an eight-seater upside down ride.

You’ll be hoisted above the ground and released over the edge of the quarry’s cliff.

All of which is right up my street, having inherited the moniker Falcon for my prowess on Falcon’s Fury in Busch Gardens, Tampa.

Upside down you’re turning me

Now, while I may be a Fury on Falcon’s I doff my hat on climbing walls to the Son and Heir.

And the three-storey, 10-metre climbing wall here is him all over, and you too, I bet.

There are a variety of climbing lanes and walls with varying levels of difficulty.

And the heart of the Climbing Zone is a see-through, double-sided rock-climbing wall, perfect for duelling teams who want to push one another to the test.

So, there’s no excuse to you thrillseekers, or not, to Go West in Ireland and visit Westport House with the safety net of Ireland’s new adventure playground

Countries, Ireland, Sport

Vive La Republique of Cork

10th August 202310th August 2023 funtime65

Attention mes amis while we witness the brave men (and women) of Munster cheer and exclaim vive la Republique of Cork.

All ahead of the Rugby World Cup, the starting gun for which has been shot with the Summer Series games across Europe.

Ireland, as the world’s No.1 side, are among the favourites with hosts France.

And proud Corkonians that they are they believe their province Munster are the true custodians of Irish rugby.

Built largely on a famous Munster victory over the world’s most successful country, New Zealand in 1978.

The 15-0 triumph over Graeme Mourie’s All Blacks.

Green machine: Ireland v Scotland at the Aviva

The first by an Irish side and a touch point for a future rugby hero Ronan O’Gara.

O’Gara, whose drop goal kick in Cardiff won Ireland their first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009, is better placed than most.

To promote further links between Cork and World Cup hosts France.

With O’Gara, a perfect No.10 by any gauge, having gone on to forge a stellar coaching career in France.

And masterminding the development of one Jonny Sexton there.

Way to Ro

House of O’Gara: Ronan and friends at Charles Fort in Kinsale. PIc: John Allan

It makes sense then that Tourism Ireland approached Ronan, manager of La Rochelle, to front a new campaign to promote Cork in France this autumn.

With the campaign going live next month to coincide with the Rugby World Cup.

The campaign will include a new video featuring O’Gara.

Visiting various locations in Kinsale and Cork city that ‘fill his heart with Ireland’.

As well as showcasing some of the many great things to see and do on a holiday in Kinsale and Cork.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage French holidaymakers to fly or sail direct to Cork during the off-season months.

It will run on Tourism Ireland’s social channels in France from early September.

A word from the sponsors

Monica MacLaverty, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Southern Europe, said: ‘We are delighted to partner with Ronan O’Gara for our upcoming campaign in France.

‘It’s a great opportunity to capitalise on the excitement in the run-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.

‘Our aim is to highlight the many great experiences and attractions in Cork city and county.

‘As well as the ease of access from France to Cork and the warm welcome that awaits our French visitors.’

Amis across the water

Of course, the French are no strangers to Cork and Munster, and happily helped out the Irish in their fight for freedom over the centuries.

Although any accords will naturally be put to one side should they meet in the World Cup.

Filming for the campaign took place at various locations, including Charles Fort and The Bulman in Kinsale.

As well as in Cork city at The English Market where the Queen mingled among the stallholders.

The Farmgate Café, Crawford Art Gallery, Patrick Street and Market Lane are also featured on the movie.

While the crew also captured footage of musicians from the Cork Jazz Festival and of an oyster experience in Goldie.

And all that jazz: The Cork Jazz Festival

Now the Corkonians, as well as being famous for their rugby acumen, are also known for their singy-songy voices.

And addressing all men as ‘Boy’, pronounced ‘Bahai’.

And while it can’t be absolutely verified if you do want to go truly native and talk like a Corkonian.

Then you’ll want to get dangled by your feet upside down to kiss the Blarney Stone too.

While you’ll never go wrong by greeting a Corkonian with Viva La Republique of Cork.