Erin's Isle podcast

The Donkey Sanctuary in Ireland saves donkeys from abusive or abandonned situations. And working with those animals is changing the lives of volunteers as well. Hear all about it in this episode of Erin's Isle.

They have become a huge part of tourism fo9r Scotland and they could not be more adorable. Hear all about the Highland Coos and where you can spend some time with them yourself...in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Protecting Ireland's culture is an art in itself. And this episode of Erin's Isle explains how falconry, Claddagh rings and the bellringers of Dublin are working to do just that. Hear from one of Ireland's falconers who is sharing his passion and craft with all those interested; a man credited with keeping the true design of the storied Claddagh ring alive; and how those who ring the bells at Christ Church Cathedral compete with other bellringers and yet have a brotherhood focused on keeping it true. It's all in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Bagppipes are an unmistakable instrument all over Scotland. And Glasgow has a National Piping Centre where you can learn all about the history of the bagpipes, how to play them and how they have evolved since the 1400s. Hear the pipes...the pipers and the story f the bagpipes in this edition of Erin's Isle.

Trad sessions in Ireland always draw a crowd. But it is almost always a crowd there to listen. Dabilla is changing that. Anywhere they play they draw. crowd alright, but it's a high energy, highly involved crowd singing along, clapping, and feeding off he energy produced. That's because Dabilla blends traditional instruments and technique into a new approach to classic Irish tunes and popular music. Think uillean pipes playing the part of an electric guitar, or a tin whistle soloing through The Fields of Athenry. Hear how it all comes together in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Kenmare Lace played a big part in sough County Kerry's history. And the Lace design center in that village is working to educate people about the different types of lacemaking in Ireland, and to keep the art alive. Kenmare is also known for a three thousasnd year old stone circle many say has magic powers. Hear about both in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Experience a truly Scottish find. MacGregor's Bar in Inverness is the real deal. It celebrates Scotland through food, libations, atmosphere and music. Owner Bruce MacGregor, is also a member of a famed Scottish band, Blazing Fiddles. But his bar is about keeping Scottish music alive with all other bands in the area. Hear the magic for yourself in this episode of Erin's Isle.

Inverness is a city in the north of Scotland, steeped in tradition from music to food to attire. It's one of those places where kilts are not just worn for the tourists...but for everyday wear. And in a little shop called Chisolm's Highland Dress you'll find tradition wrapped in tarten and adorned with a sporran. Heather has been making kilts there for 60 years. "A kilt is 8 yards of fabric and it takes time to get the pleating right," she says. "It's an art and it is founded on tadition. And even though we have become a society of 'wants', meaning you want this plaid or that instead of the one assigned your clan, we believe in the old ways of doing things. That means doing things right every time." And she means it. Hear her take on kilts and traditions in this episode of Erin's Isle.