PodVoyage

We finally made it to Madeira!  and Sarah finally got to see whales in the wild and tackle that spectacular Stairway to Heaven, while Ed discovered carnivorous exotic plants, fabulous set-jetting locations, incredible food and some seriously good dance clubs! 💃🕺 Often called the Hawaii of the Atlantic, Madeira is an island of dramatic mountains, lush forests, volcanic landscapes and endless Atlantic views — a place that really is a journey of sensory sensations. From whale watching and wine tasting to tropical gardens, jeep adventures, sunsets, nightlife and a few surprises along the way, come with us as we explore one of Europe’s most extraordinary islands. @thetravelexpert @travellingwithed #Madeira
PodVoyage is brought to you in association with Hilton
Discover thousands of the most unique hotels in the world and uncover unexpected stays that leave you wondering: Is this Hilton? 
Hilton.com
From iconic city hotels to beautiful resorts around the world, Hilton has been welcoming travellers for more than a century. And wherever the journey takes us, the right place to stay can make all the difference.
So it's all aboard and PodVoyage!

In this week’s episode of the Travel Lounge Podcast, Sarah and Ed are off to the Spanish capital, discovering why Madrid is one of Europe’s great city break destinations. From elegant boulevards and leafy parks to world-class museums and remarkable history around every corner, this is a city that really delivers.
Sarah shares stories from her fabulous family holiday in Madrid, including a memorable day trip to the beautiful historic city of Toledo, which she absolutely loved — a medieval masterpiece just a short train ride away and one of the highlights of the trip.
Meanwhile, Culture Vulture Ed dives deep into the treasures of the Prado Museum, one of the world’s great art galleries, and explores the astonishing Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the largest royal palaces anywhere in the world, with an incredible 3,400 rooms.
And just when you think Madrid couldn’t surprise you any more — yes, there’s even an Egyptian temple in the city.
Add in great restaurants, stylish places to stay, beautiful parks, and a rail network that gets a big thumbs up from both Sarah and Ed, and you’ve got a city break that ticks every box.
Madrid — Es Muy Bien. 🇪🇸
PodVoyage is brought to you in association with Hilton
Discover thousands of the most unique hotels in the world and uncover unexpected stays that leave you wondering: Is this Hilton? 
Hilton.com
From iconic city hotels to beautiful resorts around the world, Hilton has been welcoming travellers for more than a century. And wherever the journey takes us, the right place to stay can make all the difference.
So it's all aboard and PodVoyage!

This week on The Travel Lounge, travel expert Sarah Slattery and award-winning journalist Ed Finn take you straight to the glittering heart of Las Vegas—now easier than ever with direct flights from Dublin. From world-class shows and dazzling neon nights to mouth-watering cuisine and fabulous places to stay, Ed calls it “Disneyland for Adults”—and he’s ready to prove why! Tune in for insider tips, must-try experiences, and a taste of the electric energy that makes Vegas a bucket-list escape.  Sarah has some brilliant tips on her Vegas Blog - 21 Great things to do in Las Vegas -  https://thetravelexpert.ie/travel-guides/21-great-things-to-do-in-las-vegas-top-attractions-restaurants-tours/
www.visitlasvegas.com 
To book direct flights from Dublin to Las Vegas - www.aerlingus.com 
USA specialist travel agents have some great deals to Vegas now - www.americansky.ie - www.clickandgo.com - www.loveholidays.ie - www.americanholidays.com - www.cassidytravel.ie - www.sunway.ie 
PodVoyage is brought to you in association with Hilton
Discover thousands of the most unique hotels in the world and uncover unexpected stays that leave you wondering: Is this Hilton? 
Hilton.com
From iconic city hotels to beautiful resorts around the world, Hilton has been welcoming travellers for more than a century. And wherever the journey takes us, the right place to stay can make all the difference.
So it's all aboard and PodVoyage!

We are so delighted to welcome Kathy Kiera Clarke, or Aunt Sarah from Derry Girls to the The Travel Lounge.   One of the main stars in the smash hit comedy series, Kathy recently embarked on her own giant adventure to explore some of the places and experiences that you can embrace in Northern Ireland.  Mister Northern Ireland himself,  Ed Finn thoroughly enjoyed this "not so wee" chat with Kathy.   “I’m born and bred in Belfast and it’s always lovely to come home. Every time I come back it seems like there is something new to see, there is a real vibrancy about the place"  To plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland this autumn and winter or to find Kathy’s itinerary, visit discovernorthernireland.com and check out - Kathy's Giant Adventure Home

"Sure where else would YOU get it?" Aye.....
PodVoyage is brought to you in association with Hilton
Discover thousands of the most unique hotels in the world and uncover unexpected stays that leave you wondering: Is this Hilton? 
Hilton.com
From iconic city hotels to beautiful resorts around the world, Hilton has been welcoming travellers for more than a century. And wherever the journey takes us, the right place to stay can make all the difference.
So it's all aboard and PodVoyage!

Paul McVeigh, born in Belfast,  began his career as a playwright before moving to London where he wrote comedy shows, which were performed at the Edinburgh Festival and in London’s West End.  He briefly returned to theatre in 2022,  with ‘Big Man’ at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, which won an Irish Times Theatre Award.   Paul's short stories have been published in literary journals and anthologies, read on BBC Radio 5 and commissioned by BBC Radio 4. The Good Son (2015) is his first novel and was shortlisted for The Guardian’s ‘Not The Booker’ Prize. He received The McCrea Literary Award in 2015. Paul’s blog for writers gets over 40,000 hits a month and has had over 1 million visitors. His short story series "The Circus" aired recently on BBC Radio 4 and is available on BBC Sounds.

Paul has taught creative writing and read his work, in Australia, Austria, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, Switzerland and Turkey. In the UK he’s taught at the Barbican Centre, British Library, Hampsted Theatre, Tricycle Theatre, Waterstones Piccadilly and at universities in Brighton, London, Swansea and Wolverhampton. He judges international literary prizes including the Edge Hill Short Story Prize, the Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Prize, the International Dylan Thomas Prize and the Royal Society of Literature’s V. S. Pritchard Award. He reviews for the TLS and The Irish Times. He has interviewed authors in print and on stage including five Booker Prize-winners.  Paul co-founded the London Short Story Festival, of which, he was Director and Curator for 2014 & ’15. He is associate director at Word Factory, ‘the UK’s national organisation for excellence in the short story’ The Guardian. Paul’s blog for writers which posts on submission opportunities for journals and competitions has had over a 2 1/2 million visitors. He founded the Paul McVeigh Residency at The Harrison in 2023.

Melanie Harrison describes herself as delightfully bonkers which is probably an essential quality to possess when you run a beautiful, bohemian, burlesque property of distinction on Belfast's rather salubrious Malone Rd.    Visitors to the Chambers of Distinction get a very interesting and fun Irish experience — not only are the rooms dedicated to literary and historical figures of all hues who have a connection to Belfast,  but the interiors are also eclectic,  rich, vivid, wild colours abound, as do wild-animal prints and theatrical collages such as Fifi, hanging proudly in the drawing room bar.  A standard hotel it is not.    Melanie and her unique offering now proudly boast numerous awards and accolades and the repeat business is huge.   People from Dublin and the south really discovered Belfast during Covid and the great value for money that it offers as a city - " People weren’t proud of this city for a long time. Now we are much more confident, We’ve a thriving music, theatre, food and art scene. Exciting things are happening and we’re part of it.”  
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
Instagram: @theharrisonbelfast

Thanks to the Lyric Theatre Belfast for all their support in recording this podcast
PodVoyage is brought to you in association with Hilton
Discover thousands of the most unique hotels in the world and uncover unexpected stays that leave you wondering: Is this Hilton? 
Hilton.com
From iconic city hotels to beautiful resorts around the world, Hilton has been welcoming travellers for more than a century. And wherever the journey takes us, the right place to stay can make all the difference.
So it's all aboard and PodVoyage!