Back From Ireland, Ch. 1: Twelve Days of Cliffs, Hikes, Pints, & Family | Chuck Rodda

What really happens when you stop checking boxes and start experiencing Ireland? In this episode of The Irish Snug, retired **U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 and longtime aviator Chuck Rodda** joins us for the first installment of “Back from Ireland”—a new series focused less on the itinerary and more on the stories that happen along the way. Chuck and his wife, Michelle, return from a 12-day Ireland road trip filled with Wild Atlantic Way hikes, spontaneous detours, traditional Irish music, family history, Irish pubs, and unforgettable hospitality. Chuck shares practical Ireland travel tips—from booking a direct flight and driving on the left to reading Atlantic weather, traveling without a rigid hotel plan, and knowing when to trade a famous attraction for a quieter local experience. Along the route, we visit Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Killybegs, Slieve League, Galway, Kilkee, Dingle, Slea Head Drive, Conor Pass, Kenmare, Waterford, and Midleton. We also compare two Irish whiskey tours, search for the perfect pint of Guinness, hear the story of a singing Slieve League guide, and return to Chuck’s grandmother’s cottage in rural County Galway. **EPISODE CHAPTERS** - 00:00:00 Welcome to “Back from Ireland” and meet Chuck Rodda - 00:04:11 The trip’s standout memories: Slieve League and Dingle - 00:07:51 A missed connection—and why Chuck recommends flying direct - 00:09:14 Renting a car, driving on the left, and booking as you go - 00:12:09 Using aviation weather skills and Ireland’s long summer days - 00:14:28 Dingle fish chowder, pubs, music, and Slea Head Drive - 00:17:01 Giant’s Causeway and an unplanned Bushmills tour - 00:18:34 Bushmills vs. Midleton: which whiskey tour is best? - 00:21:59 Killybegs, local advice, and a perfect Slieve League hike - 00:25:55 The Rusty Mackerel and planning a future camper trip - 00:29:30 The Dingle Pub and Chuck’s best pint at Kruger’s - 00:32:41 Family roots and Chuck’s grandmother’s County Galway cottage - 00:37:19 A remarkable family story Chuck had never heard - 00:40:43 Skipping the Cliffs of Moher for Kilkee and an unplanned ferry - 00:44:53 The Immortal Irishman and a Waterford connection - 00:45:36 Conor Pass, “the lake with monsters,” and Crowley’s Bar - 00:51:29 Roches—the Sinking Pub - 00:54:10 The Quays, a New York encounter, and Radio Kingston’s Irish Show - 00:57:05 Why Chuck drank Coors Light in Ireland - 00:58:33 What Ireland taught Chuck about traveling slowly - 01:04:50 Five closing questions: place, pint, meal, person, and story **LINKS & PLACES MENTIONED** Bushmills Distillery: \[https://bushmills.com/pages/distillery] Midleton Distillery: \[https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-us/...] Dingle Distillery: \[https://dingledistillery.ie/] The Irish Show, Radio Kingston: \[https://www.radiokingston.org/onair/t...] The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan (Amazon): \[https://www.amazon.com/dp/0544944836] If you enjoy honest Ireland travel stories, Irish history, traditional music, pub culture, genealogy, and practical road-trip advice, subscribe to The Irish Snug and share this episode with someone planning a trip to Ireland. **Connect with The Irish Snug Podcast:** - Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ - YouTube:      / @irishsnug - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuV... - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... - Instagram:   / irish\_snug #IrelandTravel #IrishPodcast #WildAtlanticWay  #TheIrishSnug #Ireland Send us Fan Mail Support the show