Welcome to this Inspiring Ireland Destination Special where, alongside legendary Irish DJ and broadcaster Annie Mac, we celebrate all things island of Ireland. 

Annie’s been in the news a bit recently, because after 17 years as one of BBC Radio 1’s most loved DJs, she has left the station, and the video of her playing her final song went viral online, I think simply because she is such a legend in the industry, and a big part of the lives of so many music lovers, so this farewell was a huge deal. We talk about how she became a DJ and presenter, and her illustrious career and what that involved - and then her travel diaries chapters are all focussed on destinations across Ireland - the place where she grew up, travels back to as much as she can, and knows so well. 

And then later, I’m joined by travel writer and Ireland expert, Aoife O’Riordain who shares some really brilliant tips, in particular some amazing foodie recommendations and a hotel that I’d never heard, on an Irish island that I’d also never heard of, of that has gone straight to the top of my hotel wish list. Oh and Aoife’s husband was actually the producer of Normal People (you know the show we all watched last summer) so she gives us a little insight into the making of that too!

DESTINATION RECAP

Annie Mac’s Destinations:

• Dublin, Rep. of Ireland
• Rasharkin, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
• Belfast, Northern Ireland 
• Roundstone, Co. Galway, Rep. of Ireland 
• Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland 
• The Burren, Co. Clare, Rep. of Ireland
• The Gaeltacht, Co. Galway, Rep. of Ireland 
• Dog’s Bay, Co. Galway, Rep. of Ireland
• Dingle, Co. Kerry, Rep. of Ireland
• Dingle Benners Hotel, Co. Kerry, Rep. of Ireland
• The Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry, Rep. of Ireland
• Loch Na Fooey, Co. Galway, Rep. of Ireland 
• County Donegal, Rep. of Ireland
• Inishmore, Rep. of Ireland

Aoife O’Riordan’s Destinations

• West Cork, Co. Kerry and Coastal Donegal parts of Wild Atlantic Way drive
• Dublin
• Dublin and Wicklow Mountains
• Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
• Sandycove, Dublin
• Forty foot, Dublin
• Bray, County Wicklow
• The DART commuter train
• Co. Kerry
• Ring of Kerry driving route
• Dede at the Custom’s House, West Cork, Co. Cork
• Misunderstood Heron, Leenaun, Co. Galway 
• Paddy Bawn Brosnans Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry
• Bally Bia, Co. Cork
• Great Western Greenway, Co. Mayo 
• The Royal Canal Greenway
• The Aran Islands: Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, Co. Galway
• Inis Meáin, Restaurant & Suites, Co. Galway

Thanks so much for listening today. If you’ve enjoyed the episode, leaving a review or five star rating is the best way to show your support, on your podcast app of choice. And to find out who is on next week’s episode, the Season 5 finale, come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubensten and as ever, I’d love to hear from you. 

To find out more about visiting the island of Ireland, head to ireland.com and check out the travel pages of your favourite newspapers and travel magazines which are always great resources for the latest travel news, new openings and must see spots. 

Have a great week and I’ll be back on Tuesday.  

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