I want you to know the food we had was incredible, so much more than just fish and chips or shepard's pie. Although I had traditional fish & chips in Galway worth touting about; Mc Donagh's 22 Quay Street, Galway Ireland; Video Segment.

There was one destination in particular that was pleasing to my palate and pulled at my heart strings, Ballymaloe in Shanagarry, Co. Cork. Sustainability isn't a marketing initiative there, it truly is a way of life. I had the pleasure of staying in their well appointed country estate accommodations and interviewing the Allen Family matriarch Myrtle, for the show. She told me how the farm, restaurant, hotel and school all began. It's a wonderful story, see on an upcoming episode.

View of Park Hotel Kenmare

Did you know Ireland is also known for its spa destinations? Next weeks TV episode features Kenmare and Park Hotel. The Brennan brothers have established a state of the art, critically acclaimed five star luxury hotel, housing the incredible Samas Spa. You can quote me on this "destination best massage ever", right in the heart of quaint Kenmare, County Kerry.

One thing I learned real fast is - there is something in Ireland for people of all ages. Music, golf, spa, food, history, art, poetry, fishing, horseback, hiking, falconry, Guinness and castles. Who doesn't like a good pint in a castle? Especially Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo.

Did you know that - much of the music we listen to today is based upon Irish folk music and that Ireland is the only country in the world to have an instrument as their symbol?

Many of the hotels and restaurants have live music as everyday entertainment; one of many things to look forward to when in Ireland. In Ireland, the door is always open and so our Ireland story is always to be continued... 

Again thanks for tuning in to George Hirsch Living it UP! each week.

falconry at Ashford Castle

I even learned a few really good tips, like - keep one eye on the ball and the other on the rattlesnakes. Very good tip when in the desert.

Grammy Award Winning Yefim Bronfman

Are you thinking about trying something new this year? How about taking up a sport, painting or learning to play an instrument. There's one thing that most creative artists have in common, passion for their craft. Join me with grammy award winning Yefim Bronfman as he sheds some light for us on what it takes to play like him.

Ready. Set. Go! Just in case you didn’t know it by now- the holidays are upon us. Could it be the subtle hints dropped upon us; the silver Christmas trees at Costco on display in early September, or the mountain of candy cane end caps my local market? Maybe, it's the non-stop Christmas music playing this past weekend on my local radio station? 

Each year the commercial "holiday spirit" begins earlier and earlier, so-much-so that we are nearly holiday numb by December 25th. So I encourage you to search your own hearts and ask yourselves a few questions and make this holiday unique for you and your family. What does it mean to you? Do you want it to be different this year? What would you want it to be like? 

I was interviewed last year by Nina Metz, from the Chicago Tribune, to tell her about my meaningful holiday traditions, and it seems even more fitting for this year!

Doing a more intense work out; sort of sweating-it-out so to speak is my number one method. 

Listening to music that makes me feel good, especially when driving, is a good jump starter for the soul. 

Being outdoors; breathing fresh air is my key to recharge and reboot the mind. I especially benefit from the suns rays and positive ions from time at the beach.

Cooking is the ultimate inspiration for me and I love doing it. It's a good feeling when I see it all come together, and even better when I see the pleasure it brings others.

image: George Hirsch, East Hampton Main Beach, NY

I did get to know a few flight attendants during my years traveling millions of miles above 30 thousand feet. Ahem. Just kidding- I have a tremendous amount of respect for everyone of them and always had generally good experiences. But, things have changed and the so called art in the air is so, so different. It seems that form of transportation has become a victim of extremes; passengers looking for bus fare rates and trying to carry everything they own onboard including farm animals. And yes, I did witness a passenger boarding with a live chicken. And now every ounce of refreshment and entertainment translates into added operating costs, so we do without the drink and magazine or movie. 

Oh here's a conversation I overheard and will never forget. The Flight Attendant, “Hi sir, would you like the beef or the chicken?” The Passenger, “Do you have fish?” I guess somehow, food at 30K feet seems better?

What it now comes down to is this- the passenger has to do more to get more. It's just the way it is, so to make it more comfortable for yourself here are a couple of sites that are good for pre-boarding research. You can check out reviews of the exact seat you will be in prior to your next flight at SeatGuru. Do your travel research and you’ll make everyone’s travel easier, budget-in for flight delays at FlightAware. My philosophy is be prepared, but expect the unexpected.

Oh, and when the flight attendant makes the announcement to remain in your seat until we come to the gate, they are talking to you person next-to-me already on your cellphone. Smile. And folks, thank you for flying with us! 

source: vintage images of the ladies in the friendly skies

Believe it or not, the First American Tailgate was not a very happy occasion; picnic-goers watched the opening battle of the 1861 Civil War from the sidelines (kind of like that gladiator thing). But thankfully, today’s college tailgates are more celebratory but still serious business as 30 percent of all tailgaters never even enter the stadium. True gators hang out celebrating in the lot listening to or watching the game from their remote TVs. 

- Sport Tailgating dates back to the very first college football game between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869, when fans traveled to the game by carriage; grilling at the "tail end" of the horse.

- Then there’s Yale in 1904. Seems there was a train made up of private railcars that brought fans to a Yale game. The train stopped at the station and the fans had to walk to the stadium. When they arrived at the stadium, they were hungry and thirsty. Bummer. So the idea was born to bring along a picnic hamper of food for the next game. Good idea.

- Another assumption is that tailgating started in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1919, when the Packers team first formed. Farmers would pack their pickup trucks around the field, drop their tailgates to sit on and eat a basket of food while they watched their team play. 

Today tailgating has evolved into a more evolved party fan experience. Now huge elaborate rigs are equipped with built-in cookers, tents, roll out carpeting and wifi hook-ups creating the backyard away from home.

So what’s the best? Well, the biggest tailgate party is the Florida-Georgia Game in Jacksonville, FL; AKA the world's largest cocktail party.  Fans begin arriving midweek for Saturday’s game.  The party does not stop with kick-off.  It keeps going through half-time and well past games end. Some keep it going past Sunday afternoon. I witnessed the amazing turnout when we filmed my TV show at this event and was required to be present for the entire duration. My Faux Pressure-Cooked Chili was a crowd pleaser. And yes- of course we grilled.

image, archives.gov.ca.on

Hi friends, I want to make sure you are getting outside and enjoying one of my favorite times of year, Autumn. The leaves are already starting to turn and in some areas are at their peak. How could that be? Well, it's officially fall, so enjoy it. The air is crisp and it's perfect weather for golf and hiking. Did you know you can experience the beautiful Fall foliage in Maine when living in Florida? Yes, via webcam, virtual fall, gotta love technology. But don't forget, make it a point to get outside today in the fresh outdoors. Enjoy- George.