When I saw Ireland with Michael was being hosted at a venue near me, I was excited — until I realized I would be out of town that day. Undaunted, I got the next best thing: an interview with Michael Londra.
Originally from Wexford, Ireland, Londra is an internationally known Irish singer, theater producer and television host of Ireland with Michael on PBS. Coming from a family of musicians, it seemed a path in entertainment was natural. In 1998 he was cast as lead tenor in Riverdance on Broadway. Next came many projects as a producer and performer.
In 2021 Londra debuted Ireland with Michael, a PBS travel and music show. Both host and producer, Londra travels around the Emerald Isle sharing his love of his native land through music.
Prior to recording the interview, Londra revealed he lived for several years just a couple miles away from me on the Near North Side of Chicago. It was just one more reason for me to like him.
Early in the interview, I was a bit surprised to learn why he ended his run in Riverdance, but by the end, I totally understood his reasons. While he enjoyed his time in the role, his heart was elsewhere.
His passion eventually led him to the television show and tours of his beloved native land. The thing I enjoy most about his show is it isn’t aimed at typical tourist spots in Ireland. Londra finds off-the-radar spots. From our brief talk about Chicago, I knew he had a knack for finding such spots, and he proves it on every episode of Ireland with Michael. In our interview he also gave tips on how to find such places.
Londra discussed all of this, but my biggest takeaway from the interview was his love of Ireland and sharing his love. This is what makes his show a success. He is neither a generic host nor a salesman. He simply shows viewers pieces of Ireland knowing we will love it, too. The beautiful music of the show is a big added bonus.
Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedAirlines
Jan 28, 2025What Were the Most Turbulent Routes, Airports of 2024?
Last year saw a slew of incidents regarding turbulence, from the Singapore Airlines flight from London (LHR) to Singapore (SIN) to the LATAM Airlines flight between Sydney (SYD) and Auckland (AKL).
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
Daily
Jan 27, 2025Forsthofgut Nature Hotel in Austria Debuts Forest-Themed Dining
Chef Michael Helfrich and his team at 5-star Forsthofgut Nature Hotel in Leogang, Austria, invite you to explore the new fine-dining menu at silva. Fresh, seasonal and authentic are the operating principles at the new restaurant, named after the Latin word for “forest.”
Daily
Jan 27, 2025Secure These Wave Season Deals from Aurora Expeditions
Adventure small-ship cruise brand Aurora Expeditions invites travelers to explore Antarctica and the Arctic with incredible Wave Season offers.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Slideshow
Jan 27, 20256 Reasons to Put Phuket, Thailand, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Phuket, Thailand, with us.
Modern Art Museum in Warsaw Opens in New Building
Daily
Jan 24, 2025Daily
Jan 23, 2025Element Lifestyle Unveils Its Top 25 Hotels and Resorts for 2025
Element Lifestyle, a luxury travel and lifestyle concierge firm, recently presented the results of its annual list of top hotels and resorts for the year. Element’s team highlighted the most anticipated destinations and personally endorsed openings to compile Element’s Top 25 Hotels and Resorts for 2025.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Jan 22, 2025What’s New in Tenerife for 2025
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, invites travelers to visit in 2025 and experience newly renovated accommodations and Michelin-starred dining additions.
ShareThis