IRELAND WITH MICHAEL

#301 Puccini in the Pub / The Iveragh Peninsula
Michael learns about Charlie Chaplin's love for Kerry and his particular fondness for the Butler Arms Hotel in Waterville. Ireland’s leading opera tenor, Gavan Ring guides us around Cahiciveen to hear some local song and something far more exotic. Michael hears about Daniel O Connell, the great liberator and his friendship with Frederick Douglas. Despite a fear of heights Michael bravely climbs to the top of Cahergall Fort for a view of Skellig Michael, site of 2 Star Wars movies and the Atlantic beyond. Folk singer Aoife Scott sings Wild Atlantic Way,

#302 Dublin Can Be Heaven
Michael returns to his roots in Riverdance and despite him being the lead singer of Riverdance on Broadway, this time he performs as a dancer with the show at Dublin's Gaiety theatre. He chats with Tiktok sensations, the Gardiner Brothers on the future of Irish dance. If that wasn’t enough action, he stops at Croke Park for a game of hurling. He samples the cultural wares of Dublin at the National Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, and Marshes Library to meet Niamh Ni Charra, concertina player and archivist. He gets a glimpse of the first copy of Ulysses at the Museum of Literature before listening to Aoife Scott singing Dublin Can be Heaven.

#303 The Hills of Donegal
Donegal town is home to Donegal Castle, the O Donnell fortress. Damien McGeehan and his singing wife Shauna Mullin perform an haunting slow air in the keep of the castle. Across the road is Hanna Hats where Michael gets fitted for a handmade cap having worn their stylish hats for many years, on and off the stage. Donegal is also home to its famous tweed so Michael explores the looms of Studio Donegal before a well deserved tipple of sherry infused gin at Ardara Distillery. The Henry Girls combine jazz and traditional Irish music at well known eaterie, The Red Door at Fahan.

#304 Legend-Derry
One of Michael’s musical heroes is legendary Celtic band Clannad. He meets them at Emerald Guitars outside Derry for a song and a chat before walking through the guitar workshop to learn how they are made. He takes a walking tour around the city of Derry to explore its history of conflict and it celebration of coming together to form a more peaceful time for everyone, He gets to sample the best scones in Ireland before foraging and cooking with Wild and Slo. Derry is home to a great friend, fellow Riverdance singer and confirmed Derry Girl Denise O Kane who shares her thoughts on the city. He also gets to tell the story of The Derry Air and sings the song he is famous for, Danny Boy.

#305 Raglan Road / The North East Trail
Michael visits Iniskeen to honor the poetry and 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 global success The Handmade Soap Company also play the Uilleann Pipes. A visit to Carrickmacross Workhouse reminds us of a tougher time in our history. Michael then crosses to Glaslough for a stay at the ultra luxe Castle Leslie and to cook with a master chef.

#306 A Taste of Cork
Michael heads to the Republic of Cork to meet Ireland’s answer to Julia Child, Darina Allen who hosts him at Ballymaloe Cooking School. Nearby Ballycotton Lighthouse and port, bathing in sunshine is nothing short of idyllic. With the River Lee Hotel in Cork city as his base Michael explores the English Market and speaks to a fishmonger with a connection to Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. Shelly O Grady(Harp) and Cork Musician Cormac O Hanlon(concertina) play some tunes. Michael samples rare whiskey from Middleton Distilleries and finds out about Cobh, last land stop for the Titanic on its fateful voyage.

#307 The Rarities of Roscommon
Michael stops by Strokestown House, home of the National Famine Museum, to hear a performance by CEOL and to sing a song of his own. Next a stroll in the gardens to witness a global dance 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, the ancient seat that is home to Halloween and hits the tree canopy trail at Lough Key Center.

#308 Another Mad Dash
Poet Laureate of Wexford, Sasha Terfous hosts Michael at the Irish National Heritage Park. He dips down to the Dingle peninsula to meet legendary potter Louis Mulcahy whose kiln site must be one of the most scenic in the world. 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 of overcoming disability. The Henry Girls sing a Fats Waller song in Donegal.