Episodes

  • Exploring Lough Key: History, Nature & Adventure in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

    Exploring Lough Key: History, Nature & Adventure in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
    Jun 19 2026

    Episode 49:


    In this episode, I’m joined by Dermot Beggan, General Manager of Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, for a conversation about one of the most beautiful and beloved destinations in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. From scenic lakeside walks and ancient history to outdoor adventures, family activities, and peaceful moments surrounded by nature, we explore the many reasons why Lough Key continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

    As someone who visits Lough Key on every trip to Ireland — and even found inspiration there for my novel The Cottage on Lough Key — this conversation is especially close to my heart. Whether you’re planning a future trip to Ireland or simply dreaming of a place where history, nature, and adventure meet, this episode offers a wonderful glimpse into what makes Lough Key so unforgettable.

    🎧 Tune in now and discover why Lough Key Forest & Activity Park deserves a place on your Ireland travel list. ☘️

    Lough Key Forest & Activity Park Website: https://loughkey.ie/

    Lough Key on Instagram

    Are you ready to book your dream trip to Ireland? Here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started.

    Ireland Vacation Packages

    Top Ireland Day Tours

    Pull Over and Let Me Out: First-Timer's Guide to Ireland

    Stay connected and support the podcast:

    ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites

    🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com

    ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here

    📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books

    ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip
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    35 mins
  • Mysteries of Rathcroghan: Samhain in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

    Mysteries of Rathcroghan: Samhain in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
    Jun 12 2026

    Episode 48:

    Step into one of Ireland’s most atmospheric and historically rich landscapes in this episode of the Pull Over and Let Me Out Podcast.

    I’m joined by Daniel Curley, Manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk, County Roscommon, as we explore the incredible story behind Rathcroghan — a lesser-traveled but deeply significant archaeological landscape in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

    Often overlooked in favor of Ireland’s more famous heritage sites, Rathcroghan is a place where myth and archaeology sit side by side. This ancient royal complex is steeped in legend, linked to Queen Medb and the origins of Samhain, and filled with burial mounds, earthworks, and stories that stretch back thousands of years. It’s the kind of place that rewards slowing down, looking closer, and letting the landscape speak for itself.

    We talk about what makes this site so important, why it remains relatively unknown to many visitors, and why it absolutely deserves a place on any Hidden Heartlands itinerary for travelers who want to go beyond the usual stops.

    If you’re drawn to Ireland’s ancient past, hidden gems, and places that still feel powerful and untouched, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

    Hit play and explore one of Ireland’s most mysterious landscapes with us.

    Rathcroghan Visitor Center Website: https://www.rathcroghan.ie/

    Instagram

    Email: info@rathcroghan.ie

    Tel : +353 (0)71 963 9268

    Ready to start planning your trip to Ireland? Here are some helpful affiliate links to get you started.

    Expedia Ireland Travel Top Ireland Day Tours

    PullOverandLetMeOut First-Timer's Guide to Ireland

    Stay connected and support the podcast:

    ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites

    🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com

    ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here

    📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books

    ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip

    🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more
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    33 mins
  • Beyond the Bus Tour: Discovering a More Personal Ireland

    Beyond the Bus Tour: Discovering a More Personal Ireland
    Jun 5 2026

    Episode 47


    If you’re planning a trip to Ireland — or even just starting to dream about one — this episode will give you a fresh way to think about how you experience the country.☘️

    I’m joined by Angela Gavigan of TouraLoora, a company specializing in small-group cultural tours across Ireland. We talk about why these more personalized tours are becoming such a popular choice for travelers who want to go beyond the typical bus tour experience while still seeing Ireland’s most iconic highlights.

    Angela shares insights into what makes small-group travel so different — from the flexibility and local connection to the chance to experience both Ireland’s famous landmarks and lesser-known regions like the Hidden Heartlands. We explore how these tours strike a balance between must-see destinations and deeper cultural experiences, helping travelers connect more meaningfully with Ireland.

    Whether you’re planning your first itinerary in Ireland or returning to explore more deeply, this conversation highlights how small-group tours can completely change the way you see the country.

    Tune in for a look at Ireland travel that goes beyond the surface — and into the heart of the experience.

    TouraLoora Website: https://touraloora.com/

    TouraLoora Hidden Heartlands and West of Ireland 6-Day Tour

    email: info@touraloora.com

    phone: 00-353-86-0206877

    Instagram

    ☘️TouraLoora is a trusted Ireland travel partner of Pull Over and Let Me Out. If you’d like to learn more about their small-group Ireland tours and services, you can reach out directly—and if you choose to book, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. If you do connect with them, I’d really appreciate you mentioning you heard about them through Anna Marie Jehorek and Pull Over and Let Me Out.☘️

    If you're ready to start planning your trip to Ireland, be sure to get the Pull Over and Let Me Out First-Timer's Guide to Ireland for all the helpful information you'll want to get you started on your way.

    Stay connected and support the podcast:

    ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites

    🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com

    ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here

    📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books

    ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip
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    34 mins
  • On the Mountain: Inside North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

    On the Mountain: Inside North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
    May 29 2026

    Episode 46

    Each summer in North Carolina, the slopes of Grandfather Mountain come alive with the sights and sounds of Scotland.

    In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Quillin, President of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, for a closer look at one of the largest and most unique Highland gatherings in the world.

    We talk about what makes this four-day annual event so special—from the deep-rooted celebration of Scottish heritage and culture to the excitement of traditional athletics, music, and dance. We also explore the educational side of the Games, where history is preserved and shared through clan connections, storytelling, and hands-on experiences that bring the past to life.

    Whether you’ve had this event on your list for years or you’re just discovering it for the first time, this conversation offers a meaningful look at why so many people return to the mountain year after year.

    If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to experience it for yourself, this is a great place to start—listen in.

    Today's Guest: Steve Quillin, President, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

    Website: https://gmhg.org/

    Email: admin@gmhg.org

    Ready to plan your trip to Grandfather Mountain? Here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started.

    Expedia

    Grandfather Mountain & Blue Ridge Tours

    Stay connected and support the podcast:

    ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites

    🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com

    ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here

    📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books

    ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip

    🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more
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    36 mins
  • A Trip to Barry Island, Wales: Inside the Official Gavin & Stacey Tour

    A Trip to Barry Island, Wales: Inside the Official Gavin & Stacey Tour
    May 22 2026

    Episode 45:


    In this episode of the Pull Over and Let Me Out podcast, I’m joined by Linda Bailey of the Official Gavin & Stacey Tour to talk about stepping into the world of a beloved BBC series and exploring one of Wales’ most charming seaside towns. We dive into what makes the tour so special, giving fans the chance to visit iconic filming locations and discover the beauty, character, and charm of Barry Island.

    Whether you’re planning a trip or simply dreaming about one, this tour is a fun and meaningful way to experience Wales beyond the usual stops—and it just might earn a spot on your itinerary.

    If you’re a fan of Gavin & Stacey, this episode is a must-listen. Hear behind-the-scenes insights, memorable moments from the tour, and why fans continue to fall in love with both the show and the place that brought it to life.

    Website: https://britmovietours.com/bookings/gavin-and-stacey-tour/

    email: info@britmovietours.com

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Linda Bailey on X

    Ready to visit Wales? Here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started.

    The Lush House & Other Places to Stay

    Top Wales Tours

    Stay connected and support the podcast:

    ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites

    🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com

    ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here

    📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books

    ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip

    🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more
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    31 mins
  • Why Harrisonburg, Virginia Stayed With Me: A Hidden Gem in the Shenandoah Valley

    Why Harrisonburg, Virginia Stayed With Me: A Hidden Gem in the Shenandoah Valley
    May 15 2026

    Episode 44:


    What makes a place stay with you long after you’ve left?

    In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Bell, Tourism Manager for Harrisonburg—a destination that has quietly stayed with me since my first visit on a travel writers’ FAM trip.

    Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Harrisonburg offers a blend of rich history, beautiful architecture, a thriving arts scene, and a vibrant downtown shaped by its universities and local community.

    Jennifer shares a wonderful snapshot of what makes this city so special—from its deep-rooted heritage to the experiences that keep visitors coming back again and again.

    If you’ve never considered Harrisonburg for your travels, this episode might just change that.

    🎧 Be sure to check the show notes for links and resources to help you plan your visit.

    Website: https://visitharrisonburgva.com/

    Visitor Center: (540) 432-8935

    email: tourism@harrisonburgva.gov

    Social Media: Instagram Facebook

    Stay connected and support the podcast:

    ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites

    🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com

    ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here

    📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books

    ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip

    🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more
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    27 mins
  • Step into Riverdance: An Irish Dance Experience in Galway

    Step into Riverdance: An Irish Dance Experience in Galway
    May 8 2026
    Episode 43:What if you could do more than watch Irish dance in Ireland—what if you could step into it?In this episode, I’m joined by Siobhán Manson of Riverdance fame, who now brings her world-class experience to the heart of Galway through the Irish Dance Experience. Together, we talk about her journey from performing as a lead on some of the world’s biggest stages to creating a welcoming, hands-on way for visitors to connect with Irish culture.We also dive into the magic of Galway itself—why it’s such a special place to visit—and what makes this experience so unique, memorable, and completely unintimidating, even if you’ve never danced before.If you’re planning a trip to Ireland (or dreaming about one), this is exactly the kind of experience you’ll want to add to your itinerary.🎧 Listen in to discover how you can step into the rhythm of Ireland for yourself.Irish Dance Experience:WebsiteInstagramIf you're ready to plan your visit to Galway, here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started:Trad on the PromGuided Tour from Galway to Kylemore AbbeyKylemore Abbey Walking TourGalway Day TripsAbout Siobhán Manson:Siobhán Manson began dancing at the age of four in her hometown of Galway with the world-renowned Hession School. For the next ten years, Siobhan competed at local, national, andinternational levels, winning numerous titles. She began her professional career touring withCeltic Legends in France and French Polynesia. In 2004, Siobhán was offered a full-timeposition with the Broadway phenomenon Riverdance and spent the next four years on theroad with the European, American, and Asian companies. After a year with RiverdanceSiobhán was asked to train for the lead role and had her debut as principal dancer in Dublinat the Gaiety Theatre in 2005.In 2007, Siobhán took a break from dancing and returned to college, completing a degree inHistory and English, and a master's degree in history. Siobhan returned to the stage withWomen of Ireland touring the U.S. and Asia. In 2013, Siobhan was honoured to join Sky T.V’sGot to Dance winners, Prodijig, on their debut tour throughout Ireland and the U.K ending onthe West End in Sadler’s Well’s Peacock Theatre.Throughout her career, Siobhán has performed in some of the world’s most prestigiousvenues: The Kremlin State Palace in Moscow, the Fox Theatre in Detroit, and the PantagesTheatre in L.A, to name but a few. She has had the honour of performing for Empress Michikoof Japan in Tokyo, the First Lady of America, Michelle Obama, and performing live for over abillion TV viewers at the Chinese 2009 New Year festival broadcast in Beijing.Siobhan is also a member of Breandán de Gallaí’s dance company Éiru (@eriudance), whichshowcase throughout Ireland and abroad.Siobhán is currently undertaking an Arts Practice PhD through The World Academy of Musicand Dance with The University of Limerick. Her Research council funded project is examiningThe lived experience of Women in Irish Dance.She is currently residing in Galway and running The Irish Dance Experience.Stay connected and support the podcast:☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more
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    26 mins
  • Remembering the Irish Famine: Inside the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park

    Remembering the Irish Famine: Inside the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park
    May 1 2026

    Episode 42:


    The Irish Famine is one of the most powerful chapters in Ireland’s history, and the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park in County Roscommon tells it like no other.

    In this episode of the Pull Over and Let Me Out Podcast, host Anna Marie Jehorek speaks with John O’Driscoll, General Manager of the museum, in a moving conversation about how Strokestown Park preserves the stories of those who lived through the Great Famine. From tenant records and eviction notices to the Mahon estate letters, the museum brings the heartbreaking human experience of this history to life.

    Having visited several times herself, Anna Marie shares why each visit to Strokestown Park and the historic Strokestown House continues to reveal something new—making it a must-see stop for anyone exploring Ireland’s history.

    🎧 Listen in to discover a place where history, memory, and travel meet.

    National Famine Museum Strokestown Park Website

    The National Famine Way

    Irish Heritage Trust

    email: info@strokestownpark.ie

    Ready to begin planning your visit to Ireland? Here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started.

    Expedia Ireland Vacation Packages

    Top Ireland Day Tours

    Kilronan Castle

    Stay connected and support the podcast:

    ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites

    🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com

    ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here

    📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books

    ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip

    🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more
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    29 mins