Touring the medieval city of Kilkenny; exploring the old Kilkenny castle stables which have been transformed into the Kilkenny Design Center; Darren Holden.
The House of Waterford Crystal; touring Bishop's Palace and the Waterford Treasures exhibits, the Museums of Silver and the National Clock Museum; Reginald's Tower.
The Little Cheese Shop; Murphy's Ice Cream; Sea Safari; Inch Beach, home of Arctic explorer Tom Crean; Irish dancer David Geaney; Dingle Whiskey; Irish musician Joanie Madden.
Michelle Lally, lead singer of De Dannan; touring Galway City with historian Brian Nolan, including a cathedral made of Connemara marble; Lough Cutra, a private castle in South Galway.
Following the life of Grace O'Malley -- The Pirate Queen, on Achill Island; Billow Wood performs in Belleek Castle in Ballina; North Mayo Genealogy Center at Enniscoe; the village of Cong.
Touring the Yeats Center in Sligo town; Thoor Ballylee; the gravesite of blind composer Turlough O'Carolan in Mohill; the medieval estate of Lough Rynn; a trip to Belleek Pottery.
Touring Kilruddery Estate; world class horses are bred and trained at The National Stud; the Powerscourt House & Gardens; Glendalough.
Loch Corrib at Ashford Castle; making Guinness bread at the Ferrycarrig Hotel; touring Mount Congreve Gardens; an unusual Tudor house in Carrick on Suir, County Tipperary; Macnas; Faery Forest.
Michael learns about Charlie Chaplin's love for Kerry and his particular fondness for the Butler Arms Hotel in Waterville. Opera tenor, Gavan Ring guides us around Cahiciveen. Michael hears about Daniel O Connell, and his friendship with Frederick Douglas. Despite a fear of heights Michael climbs to the top of Cahergall Fort for a view of Skellig Michael. Aoife Scott sings Wild Atlantic Way.
Michael performs with the Riverdance show at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre; Gardiner Brothers; hurling at Croke Park; National Gallery of Ireland; Museum of Modern Art; concertina player Niamh Ní Charra.
Damien McGeehan and Shauna Mullin perform in Donegal Castle; Hanna Hats; exploring Studio Donegal; Ardara Distillery; the Henry Girls.
The Celtic band Clannad; a walking tour around Derry; sampling scones; Riverdance singer Denise O'Cain.
Michael visits Iniskeen to honor the life of one of Ireland's greatest poets, Patrick Kavanagh with Singer Ben Reel performing On Raglan Road and a listen to a poetry jukebox, The owner of the The Handmade Soap Company also play the Uilleann Pipes. A visit to Carrickmacross Workhouse reminds us of a tougher time in history. Michael then crosses to Glaslough for a stay at the Castle Leslie.
Michael heads to the Republic of Cork to meet Darina Allen who hosts him at Ballymaloe Cooking School. Nearby Ballycotton Lighthouse and port, sunbathing is nothing short of idyllic. From the River Lee Hotel in Cork city, Michael explores the English Market and speaks to a fishmonger with a connection to royalty. Michael visits Middleton Distilleries and visits the last stop for the Titanic.
Michael stops by Strokestown House, home of the National Famine Museum, to hear a performance by CEOL and to sing. Next a stroll in the gardens to witness a performance by Mintesinot Wolde, blending influences from Africa and Ireland. Leather designer to Beyonce and Lady Gaga, Una Burke, invited Michael to her home. He stops by Rathcroghan, home of halloween and visits the Lough Key Center.
Poet Laureate of Wexford, Sasha Terfous hosts Michael at the Irish National Heritage Park. Michael meets legendary potter Louis Mulcahy whose at his scenic kiln site. Chocolate legends, Bean and Goose host the singer to hand make chocolate and satisfy his undying sweet tooth, Hearing impaired Harpist Una Walsh plays some tunes and shares her story. The Henry Girls sing a Fats Waller song.
Explore Westmeath's enchanting mysteries, from Dun Na Sí's Sean Nós dancing to Belvedere House's Palladian grandeur. Discover Athlone's historic charm, cruise the Shannon River, and embrace Mullingar's musical culture at the Fleadh Cheoil. Ireland's heart unfolds with captivating allure.
Michael explores US-Shannon flights, unveiling the gateway's historical significance. His journey includes the village of Killaloe's music with Tommy Hayes, acoustic play in the Aillwee Caves' , and indulging in Ireland's sole Michelin-starred pub. His adventure is elevated by the ethereal harmonies of the Shannon Gospel choir, adding spiritual beauty to his adventure.
Arriving at Dublin airport, Michael unravels the means of exploring the entire island. He ventures North for a Game of Thrones tour and he heads to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Meeting Bushmills' master distiller, Alex Thomas, he discusses the promising future of Irish whiskey. Amid travels, he discovers the folk musical 'In the Midst of Plenty' and enjoys a performance by vocal supergroup Onóir.
Michael revisits Co. Limerick, his Alma Mater's home. He explores King John's Castle, tees off at the future Ryder Cup (2027) course in Adare Manor, and learns the art of making Irish coffee at the historic Foynes Flying Boat Museum. He also touches an actual Oscar and discovering a Hollywood star's affection for a quaint village.
Michael's earliest memories revolve around his grandmother's residence situated in the quaint Leighlinbridge village. Revisiting this cherished locale, he immerses himself in the riverside existence of Carlow. He engages in lace making and gains insights in the world of media in Borris. He also experiences historical looms at Cushendale in Graiguenamanagh before his journey ends at Saint Mullin's.
Neighbouring Michael's home county, Wicklow, abounds in cultural and artisanal wonders. Conquering his fear of heights, he ventures the Avondale Treetop Walk, embracing panoramic views of the county. He reconnects with Fiachra Garvey, a renowned pianist and sheep farmer and explores Wicklow's gastronomic legacy with Santina Kennedy, a food historian, during his stay at eco-luxe Brook Lodge.
Hidden within Northern Ireland lie unexplored cultural treasures awaiting discovery. Michael's journey leads him to Ulster, where he explores the impressive art collection of King Charles and Queen Camilla, gaining a glimpse into their exquisite drawing room. Michael’s itinerary includes a visit to the Ulster Folk Museum, and a performance by The Honey Dew Drops at the Bluegrass Festival.
Join Michael on the MAD DASH across Ireland, a journey of delights spanning the island with a brief yet memorable pause at Fore Distillery to sample rum and poitín (legitimate Irish moonshine). As usual, musical interludes punctuate the route, featuring exceptional talents such as banjo virtuoso and national champion, Aoife Dunleavy, adding to the voyage's richness.