Echoes of the Emerald Isle

A Podcast Travel Series by Tourism Ireland

Podcast Concept

"Echoes of the Emerald Isle" is an immersive travel podcast that brings the magic of Ireland to life through vivid storytelling, rich soundscapes, and heartfelt conversations with locals. Each episode takes listeners on a sensory journey through Ireland’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and storied history, offering a blend of ancient myths, modern-day charm, and hidden treasures. From the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way to the literary roots of Dublin and the sacred sites of the Boyne Valley, the podcast paints a vivid picture of Ireland’s timeless allure.

More than just a travel guide, "Echoes of the Emerald Isle" celebrates the spirit of Ireland by highlighting its people, traditions, and lesser-known gems. Designed to inspire meaningful and sustainable travel, the series invites listeners to connect deeply with the places they visit, uncovering the heart and soul of Irish culture. By blending the mythical with the modern, the podcast creates an emotional connection to Ireland, positioning it as a destination not only to see but to experience in every sense.

Put your headphones on and hit play to listen to the "Echoes of the Emerald Isle" teaser

Episode Framework

Format: Narative

1. Scene Setting (2-3 minutes)

  • Soundscape: Open with ambient sounds (e.g., waves at Cliffs of Moher or a fiddle in a pub).

  • Narrative Voiceover: Host introduces the destination, setting the tone with descriptive storytelling.

  • Teaser: Brief preview of what’s to come in the episode, sparking anticipation.

2. Local Spotlight (8-10 minutes)

  • Local Story: Explore a legend or historical event tied to the location (e.g., Finn McCool and the Giant's Causeway).

  • Musical and Audio Layers: Use traditional Irish instruments for atmosphere.

3. Conversations on the Ground (8-10 minutes)

  • Featured Guests: Interviews with locals, experts, or travellers (e.g., a guide at Skellig Michael or an artisan in Dingle).

  • Dynamic Conversations: Blend personal stories with practical travel tips.

  • Soundscapes: Layered background sounds (e.g., pub chatter or waves crashing).

4. Cultural Immersion (8-10 minutes)

  • Activity Highlight: Showcase a hands-on local experience (e.g., foraging in Donegal or learning Irish dancing).

  • Tips & Advice: Share practical travel tips (e.g., best time to visit or local etiquette).

5. Reflections (2-3 minutes)

  • Personal Reflection: Host shares a poignant thought or memory from the journey.

  • Closing Soundscape: Fade out with atmospheric sounds from the destination (e.g., seabirds or a trad session).

Optional Bonus Segments

  • What to Pack: Quick travel tips for Irish weather or terrain.

  • Irish Word of the Day: Teach a Gaelic word tied to the episode’s theme.

  • Listener Questions: Respond to listener travel inquiries.

Episode Inspiration

  • Connemara – From Ancient Traditions to Modern Creatives

    Region: Connemara, County Galway

    Overview:
    Discover Connemara, where the wild, unspoiled landscape meets a rich cultural history and vibrant arts scene. This episode traces the balance between ancient traditions and modern creativity, offering an immersive look at both its natural beauty and contemporary artistic contributions.

    Highlights:

    Local Legends: Exploring the mythical stories surrounding the Clifden Castle ruins and the area's connection to the Irish Famine.

    Conversations: Interviews with a local Gaelic speaker and a contemporary artist who finds inspiration in Connemara’s landscape.

    Modern Connection: A visit to Galway City, known for its vibrant arts and cultural festivals. Hear from an artisan in the city and learn how traditional crafts meet the modern world in Galway’s creative community.

    Activity Recommendations: A drive along the Sky Road, a visit to the Connemara National Park, and a stop in Galway City to enjoy its lively café culture and arts scene.

  • Dublin – A City of Writers, Revolutionaries, & Innovators

    Region: Dublin

    Overview:
    Explore Dublin, Ireland's capital, a city that blends the echoes of its revolutionary past with cutting-edge modernity. In this episode, we trace the footsteps of iconic writers, from James Joyce to modern authors, and highlight Dublin’s rise as a global hub of innovation and culture.

    Highlights:

    Local Legends: The life of Oscar Wilde, the history of the 1916 Rising, and Dublin’s literary revolution.

    Conversations: Interviews with a historian about the Easter Rising and a contemporary Irish author discussing Dublin’s literary legacy.

    Modern Connection: Explore Dublin’s innovation districts, like the Silicon Docks, and hear from a local entrepreneur or tech startup founder about Dublin’s modern rise as a global hub for business and culture.

    Activity Recommendations: A visit to the Guinness Storehouse, a walk through Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and a stop at the vibrant Dublin Castle for a taste of both history and modern city life.

  • Donegal – Ireland’s Untamed Frontier

    Region: County Donegal

    Overview:
    Donegal’s rugged terrain offers a mix of remote beauty and vibrant local life. In this episode, we explore the natural wonder of the county, from its dramatic coastlines to its bustling town centers, and uncover Donegal’s blend of ancient Gaelic traditions with a thriving cultural scene.

    Highlights:

    Local Legends: The story of the legendary Niamh Chinn Óir and her connection to Donegal’s culture and heritage.

    Conversations: A chat with a local artist in Letterkenny, exploring how Donegal's isolation has fostered a strong sense of identity in art and music.

    Modern Connection: A visit to Letterkenny and other towns to see how the county is balancing tourism with local economic growth. Donegal has become a rising center for contemporary art galleries and traditional Irish music festivals.

    Activity Recommendations: Explore the Slieve League cliffs, enjoy a traditional music session in a Letterkenny pub, and take a scenic drive around the Wild Atlantic Way.

  • Kerry – From Ancient Isles to the Present Day

    Region: County Kerry (Killarney, Dingle Peninsula)

    Overview:
    Kerry is Ireland’s classic tourism destination, famous for its history, natural beauty, and vibrant towns. This episode reveals how the ancient landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula and the legacy of the ancient kings of the south have evolved into a bustling modern tourism hub, full of life, creativity, and progress.

    Highlights:

    Local Legends: Discover the mystical elements of St. Brendan’s voyage and the mythology of the ancient Dingle Peninsula.

    Conversations: A conversation with a Killarney-based historian about the role of the region in Irish history, from its role as a monastic center to its position in the Celtic revival.

    Modern Connection: Kerry’s embrace of sustainable tourism and how the Dingle Peninsula’s economy thrives through organic food production, craft industries, and eco-tourism. Hear from a local entrepreneur focused on sustainable practices in tourism.

    Activity Recommendations: Visit the Killarney National Park, take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands, and explore the bustling town of Dingle with its art galleries, boutique shops, and traditional music.

Why Podcasting is a Perfect Fit for Tourism Ireland

Podcasting offers a unique opportunity for Tourism Ireland to connect with travelers in an intimate and personal way, creating a deeper connection to the brand. Here’s why podcasting is a perfect fit for promoting Irish tourism:

  1. Storytelling at its Best: Ireland is renowned for its rich culture, history, and storytelling tradition. Podcasting allows Tourism Ireland to harness this heritage, sharing captivating stories about the country’s landscapes, people, and hidden gems in a format that engages listeners on a personal level.

  2. Authentic & Engaging Content: Podcasts offer a more intimate and authentic medium to engage with potential visitors, allowing them to hear real stories, interviews with locals, and expert insights in a relaxed, conversational style. This helps build trust and excitement, motivating listeners to explore Ireland firsthand.

  3. Targeted Audience Reach: With podcasting, Tourism Ireland can easily target niche audiences who are specifically interested in travel, adventure, culture, food, and history—topics that align with Ireland’s tourism offerings. Plus, podcasts are accessible globally, allowing you to reach a wide audience across different regions and demographics.

  4. Convenience for Listeners: Podcasts fit seamlessly into the busy lives of travelers, offering on-demand content that can be consumed during commutes, workouts, or travel planning. This convenience makes it easier to keep potential visitors engaged with Ireland’s unique offerings as they plan their next getaway.

  5. Sustained Engagement: With an ongoing podcast series, Tourism Ireland can continuously engage listeners over time, providing them with fresh, interesting content on a regular basis. This sustained connection keeps Ireland top of mind, fostering a sense of anticipation for a future visit.

  6. Multichannel Integration: As mentioned in more detail below, podcast series can be easily repurposed across social media, blogs, email newsletters, and more. This integration ensures that the content reaches potential visitors through various touchpoints, maximizing visibility and engagement across platforms.

Repurposing Podcasts for Multi-Channel Marketing

Podcasts are not only an engaging way to connect with audiences, but they also offer endless opportunities to extend your content’s reach across multiple marketing channels. Here’s how Tourism Ireland can leverage your podcast series to maximize visibility and engagement:

  1. Social Media Snippets

    • Video & Audio Clips: Share bite-sized audio or video snippets from each episode on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These short, engaging clips can drive interest and encourage listeners to check out the full episode.

    • Quotes & Highlights: Share powerful or insightful quotes from your podcast guests in the form of attractive image posts or stories, inviting people to learn more on your podcast.

  2. Blog Posts & Articles

    • Transcribed Episodes: Convert podcast episodes into detailed blog posts or articles, making your content searchable and accessible for those who prefer reading. This also boosts SEO and helps capture a wider audience.

    • Topic Expansion: Use podcast episodes as a foundation for in-depth articles, providing extra context or exploring topics discussed further, allowing for deeper dives into the nuances of Irish destinations, culture, or experiences.

  3. Email Marketing

    • Newsletter Integrations: Feature podcast episodes in your regular email newsletters to engage subscribers and drive traffic to your podcast. Include highlights, a brief summary, and a link to listen.

    • Exclusive Content: Offer email subscribers exclusive behind-the-scenes content, bonus episodes, or early access to new episodes as part of a loyalty or VIP program.

  4. YouTube

    • Video Versions: Convert podcast episodes into YouTube-friendly videos, either as simple audio with visual slides or enhanced with footage from destinations featured in the podcast. This broadens your audience to the large base of YouTube users.

    • Playlists: Create thematic playlists around specific destinations or topics. You can share these playlists on YouTube and cross-promote on other platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

  5. Paid Advertising & Sponsored Content

    • Repurpose for Ads: Use audio from your podcast in paid ads, such as pre-roll or mid-roll ads within other popular podcasts or sponsored content on digital platforms. This helps build your podcast’s brand awareness.

    • Targeted Campaigns: Integrate podcast highlights into targeted paid campaigns on social media or Google Ads, drawing in listeners who are interested in Irish tourism and experiences.

  6. Interactive Content

    • Listener Calls-to-Action: Encourage listener interaction by prompting them to share their travel stories or insights about Ireland, which can then be incorporated into future episodes.

By repurposing your podcast content in these ways, Tourism Ireland can amplify the reach of your messages, engage new and existing audiences, and create a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing ecosystem that boosts brand recognition and visitor engagement.

How We’ll Bring Your

Vision to Life

  • Pre-Production

    Concept & Creative Team Assembly

    Casting (Host)

    Writing & Storyboard Creation

    Coordination & Team Meetings

    Destination Booking, Planning & Logistics

    Talent Booking, Interview Scheduling & Location Scouting

  • Production

    Audio Recording - Dialogue & Interviews

    Audio Recording - Soundscapes

    Directing - Hosts & Interviewees 

    Interviewing Hosts - Daily Audio Diary

    Logging Audio & Creating Transcripts - Daily

    File Backup and Transfer - Daily

  • Post-Production 

    Audio Editing

    Audio Mixing

    Audio Mastering 

    Voice Over Recording 

    Sound Design & Music Mix

    Delivery & Publishing

Podcasting Industry Insights

  1. Rapid Growth in Audience Size:
    Podcasting is experiencing explosive growth, with an estimated 504.9 million podcast listeners globally by the end of 2024, up from 274.8 million in 2019. In the U.S. alone, 78% of the population is familiar with podcasts, and 38% listen monthly, demonstrating a thriving, engaged audience base. For Tourism Ireland, this provides an opportunity to connect with a global audience actively seeking inspiration and travel content.

  2. High Engagement Rates:
    Podcasts boast some of the highest engagement rates in digital media, with 80% of listeners consuming most or all of an episode. This format is perfect for storytelling, allowing Tourism Ireland to craft rich narratives about Ireland’s history, culture, and must-visit destinations. Through immersive storytelling, the podcast can inspire listeners to envision their next trip to Ireland.

  3. Brand Recall and Trust:
    Podcast advertising is uniquely effective, with 71% of listeners taking action based on ads, such as visiting a website or making a purchase. Additionally, 63% of listeners trust podcast hosts more than traditional advertisements. By partnering with authentic, knowledgeable hosts, Tourism Ireland can build trust and credibility while driving interest in visiting Ireland.

  4. Niche Content Thrives:
    Podcasting thrives in niche markets, making it ideal for travel enthusiasts and culture seekers. Tourism Ireland could explore specialized themes such as:

    • Ireland’s rich folklore and mythology.

    • Eco-tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way.

    • Culinary tours through Ireland’s emerging food and drink scene.

  5. Global Accessibility:
    Podcasts transcend borders, reaching audiences worldwide. Tourism Ireland can inspire potential travelers from key markets, such as North America, Europe, and Asia, while building awareness in regions they aim to grow. Podcasts offer a cost-effective way to promote Ireland’s diverse regions and experiences to a global audience.

  6. Engaged and Affluent Audience:
    Podcast listeners tend to be well-educated, tech-savvy, and affluent, aligning perfectly with Tourism Ireland’s target demographic. By producing high-quality episodes, Tourism Ireland can attract discerning travelers interested in premium experiences like luxury accommodations, bespoke tours, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

FAQs

  • The concept outlined above is a flexible framework designed to showcase what’s possible for a Tourism Ireland podcast series. The exact cost will depend on various factors, such as the number of episodes, production complexity, desired elements and travel costs.

    We’ll work closely with you to understand your goals, target audience, and creative vision, then develop a tailored budget that aligns with your needs. Whether it’s a compact series or a full-scale production, we’re here to create a solution that fits your objectives.

  • A: Absolutely! Podcasts are an excellent platform to promote current Tourism Ireland campaigns or collaborate with like-minded brands to generate additional revenue. They offer an authentic way to connect with a highly engaged audience while seamlessly integrating advertising into the storytelling experience.

    We use dynamic ad insertion, which allows ads to be updated, replaced, or removed at any time. This ensures that the podcast remains relevant throughout its entire lifespan, adapting to new campaigns or opportunities as they arise. Whether you're spotlighting specific destinations, promoting seasonal travel offers, or partnering with brands that align with Ireland’s image, this approach keeps your message fresh and impactful.

  • Yes, having a strong marketing strategy is essential to ensure the podcast reaches its full potential. A well-thought-out plan will help generate buzz, attract listeners, and maximize the impact of the series.

    From the start, a marketing strategy can include:

    • Teasers and Trailers: Build anticipation with short previews of the podcast before its launch.

    • Social Media Campaigns: Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to engage audiences with behind-the-scenes content, destination highlights, and episode snippets.

    • Collaborations: Partner with influencers, travel bloggers, or Irish tourism ambassadors to expand reach.

    • Email Newsletters: Notify Tourism Ireland subscribers and stakeholders about the series.

    • Paid Promotions: Use targeted ads to connect with potential listeners in key markets.

    A strong plan ensures the podcast doesn’t just exist but thrives, reaching the right audience and inspiring them to engage with Ireland as a travel destination.

  • Yes, and incorporating visual content is a great way to elevate the reach and impact of the podcast through your social media channels.

    We work with an incredible team of freelance filmmakers, videographers, photographers, producers, and writers who share a passion for storytelling and travel media. They can create high-quality photos or videos to complement the podcast.

    However, it’s important to note that adding crew members or additional production elements will increase the budget. We’re happy to provide a detailed quote for any additional services you're interested in. If budget is a concern, we can also explore cost-effective solutions that don’t require a larger crew while still delivering engaging visual content.

  • The timeline depends on the scope of the project, but typically, it takes 8–12 weeks to produce a high-quality podcast series, from concept development to final edits. We’ll work with you to create a detailed production schedule that meets your goals.

  • We’ll ensure the podcast is available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more. We can also integrate it into your website or other digital channels for seamless access.

  • We’ll provide analytics on listener demographics, download numbers, and engagement rates to help you track the podcast’s performance. This data will offer insights into your audience and guide future content strategies.

  • Once the series is live, ongoing costs can include hosting fees, promotion, or updating dynamic ads. We’ll provide a breakdown of these costs during the planning stage.

  • Yes! Whether you prefer an informative, conversational, or cinematic tone, we’ll tailor the podcast’s style to suit your brand and audience.

  • We’ll collaborate with you to align the podcast themes with your goals, target audience, and brand identity. Together, we’ll identify compelling stories, destinations, and angles to create episodes that resonate with listeners and inspire action.

Let’s work together

The sky is the limit with podcasting, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what we could create together. We’re eager to hear your thoughts and ideas, so let’s keep the conversation going!

-Mike Pedersen

Owner, Producer and Writer at Eighty Five Audio

email: mike@eightyfiveaudio.com

phone: +1 (250)801-8445 🇨🇦

About

Mike is a Canadian freelance audio engineer, sound recordist, producer, and entrepreneur based in Kelowna, BC, with over 20 years of experience. He began his career in music production and went on to establish Music City Studio, a commercial recording facility where he worked with and produced music for hundreds of independent artists over more than a decade.

Fuelled by a passion for travel and storytelling, Mike transitioned into recording, producing, and writing narrative-driven podcasts, as well as working as a sound recordist and post-production audio mixer for television and film. His credits include multiple award-winning documentaries and television series, plus thousands of podcasts, showcasing expertise across all aspects of audio production with a focus on creating compelling narratives.

Mike and Eighty Five Audio go beyond audio production, drawing on a vast network of filmmakers, directors, producers, writers, and photographers who share a deep passion for storytelling, travel, and adventure. This collaborative approach enables Eighty Five Audio to deliver a diverse range of creative services, bringing stories to life across multiple mediums.

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