Travel Tales with Fergal

Unusual Stays in Ireland – Trinity College, Gate Lodges & Forest Cabins

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After staying in a luxury treehouse in France, I began to wonder what Ireland had to offer beyond the traditional hotel experience. The answer? Quite ...

Conor Dillon of the Dylan Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m joined by Conor Dillon, the General Manager of the Dylan Hotel to explore what makes this renowned boutique five-star hotel located in th...

Switzerland – Skiing the Valais Canton with David Kestens

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m taking you to Switzerland and to the Valais Canton. I recently returned from a trip to three very different ski resorts: Les Ma...

The Seville Region, Andalucia, Spain with Ed Finn

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I am delighted to have travel journalist Ed Finn back to talk about magical Seville and the surrounding region and towns in Andalusia.  The Andal...

Skiing in Zell Am Zee - Kaprun in Austria

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my first episode of Season 9 and I have a ski special where I chat to ski expert journalist Rob "Robsski" Rees all about the stunning Austr...

Christmas Trips Special

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Pádraig McGillicuddy, Ballygarry Estate Hotel, Kerry, Ireland

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I am delighted to have Pádraig McGillicuddy, the third-generation proprietor of the Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa set over 100 aces outside Tralee ...

Cian Byrne Author of the Moon Guide to Ireland

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, wh...

Travel Author Conor Power on his new book Hurling 1810

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Tour Guide Paco Gonzalez on the Cordoba Region, Andalucia, Spain

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Christina Ybarra of Palacio Portocarrero in Palma del Rio, Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain.

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

Belfast with tour guide Barney Gribbin

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Belfast with Melanie Harrison of the Harrison Chambers of Destinction

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Distinct...

Belfast with travel writer Erin McCafferty

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mus...

Great American Roadtrips with photographer Ben Geier

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 photogr...

Island Hopping around Croatia

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Discovering Jane Austen's Bath

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Truffle Hunting with Serge Desazars in the Loire, France

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 truff...

The Wine and Cheese of the Loire Valley, France with Geoffrey Nivard

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Touraine region in the Loire Valley in France is a magical place of fairy tale chateaux, French renaissance gardens, gastronomic restaurants,...

Touraine, the Loire Vally, France with Jordan Mooney

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Clare Island, Mayo - Clare Island Lighthouse with Roie McCann

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Canary Islands- Lanzarote with Eamon Dillon

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Check out my two part Canary Islands special focusing on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote with the Sunday World correspondent Eamon Dillon. ...

Canary Islands - Fuerteventura with Eamon Dillon

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Check out my two part Canary Islands special focusing on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote with the Sunday World correspondent Eamon Dillon. ...

Madeira Island with Emily Blandy, Deirdre Mullins and Rob Rees

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 mag...

Slow Boat through Brittany with Conor Power

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

The Story of Saint Patrick & Armagh with Donna Fox

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have a very special episode celebrating Ireland's patron saint St Patrick with the acclaimed Armagh tour guide Donna Fox who share the myths and hi...

Author Barbara Boyle on moving to Piedmont, Italy

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

My guest today is debut American novelist Barbara Boyle who tells us all about her new book Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse.Th...

Winter Activities in Gstaad & Interlaken in Switzerland

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my winter activities in Gstaad and Interlaken special with the Irish travel journalist Ed Finn. I always say the Swiss Alps are not just fo...

Skiing in Gstaad, Switzerland

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to Rob “Robsski” Rees tell us all about skiing in the wonderful Swiss ski resort of Gstaad. Gstaad is long associated with the glitz, glamo...

The Maldives with Conor Power

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’m delighted to say that Irish travel journalist Conor Power returns to tell us all about his recent trip to the Maldives – a place he calls “p...

Sky Amade Hochkonig and Gastein, Austria with Cian Byrne

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the 2025 Austria Alpine ski season begins, I interview travel ski journalist Cian Byrne about our recent December trip to the towns of Maria Alm in...

Meath Special with Tadhg Carolan of Tankardstown House

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Co Meath destination special, in conjunction with Ireland’s Blue Book, where we will be celebrating and discovering the historic and m...

Meath Special with Suzanne Mullen of The Station House Hotel

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Co Meath destination special, in conjunction with Ireland’s Blue Book, where we will be celebrating and discovering the historical and...

Zaragoza, Spain with Ed Finn

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m delighted to say my guest is the esteemed Irish travel journalist from print, radio and television Ed Finn and we discuss our recent trip to Zar...

Extremadura, Spain with Conor Power

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My guest travel writer Conor Power shares his experiences from our recent trip to the wonderful region of Extremadura in south west Spain on the borde...

US Election Special with Daniel Gilmore and Sean O'Neill

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration of the 4th anniversary of this podcast, we have a US Election Special with Daniel Gilmore, a Republican and Sean O’Neill, a Democrat ...

Porto and Northern Portugal Destination Special

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Porto is gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s coolest cities both as a holiday destination and as a gateway to northern Portugal.I explore this g...

Provence, France Destination Special

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have just returned from a family holiday to Provence in France and I am in love with all things French. I discuss this magical part of France with ...

Donegal Destination Special Castle Grove Country House

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Donegal destination special, in conjunction with Ireland’s Blue Book, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, which...

Kerry Destination Special Carrig Country House Part 2

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to part 2 of my Kerry destination specials, in conjunction with Ireland’s Blue Book, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic W...

Kerry Destination Special The Lansdowne Kenmare Part 1

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we continue our series in conjunction with Ireland’s Blue Book celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches over...

Kevin Flanagan Travel Podcaster and Sunday Independent Travel Writer

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My wonderful guest is Kevin Flanagan, from the brilliant travel podcast The Top Travel destinations with Kevin Flanagan, which I highly recommend. Kev...

Connemara Destination Special Part 2 Currarevagh House

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The 2nd Connemara Destination episode is an interview with Henry Hodgson from Currarevagh House, whose family were founding members of Ireland’s Blu...

Connemara Destination Special Part 1 Cashel House Hotel

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches from Donegal to Cork, over 2,500 winding kms of glorious scenery, beaches, villages and hotels, is celebrating ...

Tomas Mac an t-Saoir Adventurer Cycling the World

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest Tomas Mac an t-Saoir has spent the past eight years – on and off – cycling around the world taking in parts of the United States, journe...

Dermot Cosgrove French Legionnaire, Conflict Security Consultant and Adventurer

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Irishman Dermot Cosgrove lived the life of an old school adventurer by leaving home as a teenager to join the mythical French Foreign Legion before th...

Legendary Irish Adventurer Damian Browne

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I am delighted to say that my first guest of Season 6 is the legendary Irish adventurer Damian Browne, who was my very first guest on Season 1. Damian...

Review of 2023

30 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Check out my review of 2023 with my travel buddy Eimer. If you haven’t already I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to y...

The Turkish Riviera

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I am interviewed today my Eimer my travel buddy all about our trip to the Turkish Turquoise or Lycian Coast. The blue-green hues of the sparkling sea ...

Favourite Travel books

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we close out the year I chat about my fvourite travel books and as often happens on my travel slot on Clare FM I went off on many tangents. Keep an...

Longford Special

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My guest today is Longford native Senator Micheál Garrigy, Seanad Spokesperson on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, and Media and previously the Cathaoi...

Adelboden Switzerland - Ski Special 2023

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a Ski Special from Adelboden in Switzerland. Switzerland is the quintessential postcard image of a ski country that most people have o...

Romantic Irish Getaways

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about Irish romantic getaways and I picked three very special venues from Ireland’s Blue Book that are all the epitome of romanc...

Review of the Year 2022

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I am interviewed today by my wife and travel buddy Eimer for my Season 4 finale. We do a review of my travels this year and look forward to next year....

County Clare Destination Special Pt 2

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 Welcome to part two of my County Clare destination specials. When you ask a Clare person for recommendations and tips it is always a long list. ...

County Clare Destination Special Pt 1

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I grew up in Ennis in Co. Clare and I have always noticed when anyone asks me “where am I from” and I reply “Clare’, that it brings a smile to...

West Cork Destination Special

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is a West Cork Destination Special and I love doing destination specials in Ireland as the real passion Irish people have for their ...

Granada, Andalucía, Spain Destination Special

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As you can imagine I have many places on my travel bucket list, and I got to finally visit Granada in Andalucía in southern Spain this month, which w...

Munster Vales Destination Special

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

My very special guest today is Triona O’Mahoney from Munster Vales, which is the tourist brand of the five mountain ranges between the Comeragh, Kno...

Halkidiki, Porto Koufo, Sithonia, Mount Athos Greece Special

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a Greece special episode focusing on my recent trip to the Halkidiki region in northern Greece. The Halkidiki region is made up of three ...

John Connell: the autobiographical Longford trilogy books

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

My guest is the acclaimed bestselling author John Connell, who has written a trilogy of autobiographical books which have been described as love lette...

Derry Destination Special

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have a destination special episode today on the city of Derry in Northern Ireland. I had never been to Derry and it is such a novelty to go to a new...

The Centre of Portugal Destination Special

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have a Center of Portugal Destination Special for final episode of Season 3 of Travel Tales with Fergal.I visited the centre of Portugal in Septembe...

Thom Breathnach

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have a great guest today for people who are interested in adventurous travel off the beaten track. My guest is Thom Breathnach who is the travel edi...

Comedian Des Bishop

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have a very special guest today - the brilliant Irish American comedian Des Bishop who shares with us the five places that have most influenced him ...

Damian Browne's Everest Climb

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I spent 20 wonderful days on the Annapurna Circuit through trekking from village to village through mist-covered valleys, remote villages and sacred m...

Remembering Anthony Bourdain

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have a very special episode today celebrating the life of the world renowned travel and food writer and broadcaster Anthony Bourdain with interviews...

Patrick Monahan

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

My guest today is Patrick Monahan who one of my favourite UK comedians. Patrick was the first person I actually interviewed for this podcast and I hav...

The Magic of the Camino

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I walked on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain this year for this Camino Special Podcast series. Along the way I interviewed many intere...

Guide and History to the Camino

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I walked the Camino for this special 3 part Camino podcast series this year where I interviewed many interesting people including fellow walkers, pilg...

Camino Special

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I was fortunate to walk on the Camino in Spain in September for this special episode.The full Camino is over 800kms from the Spanish border in the Pyr...

Karl Spain

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I have had a number of comedians over the last 3 seasons and I’m delighted to say that my special guest today Is Karl Spain, who is have my favourit...

Sean O'Neill

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As part of my Expat Lives series, I have interviewed Irish expats about their lives abroad but my guest today is a little different, as it is an Irish...

Keith Barry

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Keith Barry is the world’s leading TV hypnotist, mentalist and brain hacker. With skills that have been showcased in over forty international t...

Sharon Jordan

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My guest today is Sharon Jordan, MD of Irish Travel Trade Network (ITTN). ITTN specialises in delivering topical travel news to both consumers an...

Russ Parsons

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When having a holiday meal, it is not the taste that makes it special rather how it feels. New smells, sights and sounds arouse all the senses. The pl...

Reginald D Hunter

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My first guest of Season 3 is the US comedy legend Reginald D Hunter. Reg has been called a voice of his generation as he unafraid to tackle head on, ...

Louise Nealon Live

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I’m delighted to say that the first episode of Season 3 comes out next Tuesday with a great interview with the comedy legend Reginald D Hunter. And ...

David Teevan - Clonmel Junction Arts Festival Founder

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My guest on this Bonus Festival Special is David Teevan, who is the founder of the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniv...

Happy Place Special

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The one question I asked every guest is to "take four deep breaths and think of their happy place" and I have a collection here of my guests favourite...

Lucy White

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I have kept a special guest for the last episode of Season 2. My guest is the travel editor and writer Lucy White. Lucy was the last editor of that Ir...

Randy Lewis - Randaddy's

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My guest this week is one for foodies and all lovers of ethnic street foods, as my guest is Randy Lewis from the famous Randaddys restaurant on the se...

Phil Martin - CEO of Blanco Nino

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is Phil Martin, CEO of Blanco Nino, who has just launched a range of gourmet tortilla chip flavours in Ireland. Phil shares tales ...

Annie Kennedy

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My guest Annie Kennedy this week is part of the Expat Lives series. Ireland has a tradition of university graduates emigrating for work all over the ...

Manchan Magan

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My guest this week must be my most well-travelled guest so far. The renowned Irish adventurer, writer and documentary maker Manchan Magan.If every epi...

Louise Nealon

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My guest Louise Nealon's debut novel Snowflake is coming out on the 13th of May. This much anticipated book has already been optioned by Element Pictu...

Rory O'Neill - Panti Bliss

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is Rory O’Neill, who is known as the drag queen Panti Bliss. Rory became a cultural lighting rod during the successful Irish mar...

Alan McGee - Creation Stories

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I interview the music industry legend Alan McGee this week. Alan is one of the most influential figures in the history of British music. After setting...

The Two Bohemians

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Travel Tales with Fergal Podcast features the travel influencer couple the Two Bohemians, who have nearly 70,000 followers on Instagram, who are w...

Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My guest this week is the world renowned climber Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll who has put the last 13 months in lockdown in Patagonia to record making...

Brendan Dwyer - Spain

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to part 2 of our chat with hotelier Brendan Dwyer who is the GM of the La Finca Resort in Alicante and who lives in Cartagena with his Spa...

Brendan Dwyer - GM, La Finca Resort, Spain

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have our first guest on Travel Insiders this year with Irish Expat Brendan Dwyer who lives in Murcia and works as GM in the 5 star award winning La...

David McWilliams

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

David McWilliams is a world renowned economist, author, journalist, documentary-maker and broadcaster and is ranked the 10th most influential economis...

The Joy of Après Ski

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it is a Gluhwein or hot chocolate to warm the hands and heart after coming down off the mountain, there is nothing like that contented feeling...

Paul Wallace

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is the Irish and Lions rugby legend Paul Wallace. He talks about the Six Nations, the mystique of Lions rugby tours, whether this ...

Ski Special

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Season 2 starts with a Ski Special featuring 10 top ski experts and enthusiasts sharing their favourite resorts for skiing and regaling us with great ...

No Really, What's the Matter with America?"

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I have a special Bonus episode called ‘No Really, What’s the Matter with America?” featuring Daniel Gilmore, a Republican and Sean O’Neil...

Happy Places Special

01 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We start this year with great uncertainty but what we do know for sure is that things will get better in 2021. This bonus episode is full of positivit...

Expat Lives Richard Fitzpatrick Barcelona

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Travel Tales with Fergal Podcast finishes Season 1 with a fascinating interview with Richard Fitzpatrick, a Barcelona-based Irish journalist. We t...

Anthony Daly

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The podcast features double All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship winner and Clare legend Anthony Daly. He shares stories of the glory years with Cl...