Jarlath Regan: I took part in a school tour that was pure mayhem across the continent

Comedian and writer Jarlath Regan shares some of his most memorable travel experiences

Sat, 15 Nov, 2025 - 01:00

Jennifer McShane

With a new book just out — The Gobshite Guidebook: A Survival Manual — and a global comedy tour that’s taking him from New Zealand to the US, Irish comedian and writer Jarlath Regan is living his childhood dream. Whether holidaying in Kerry as a child or gigging in Boston as an adult, he’s found inspiration, humour, and the odd bucket-list moment in practically every corner of the world. Here, he shares some of his most memorable travel experiences — the places he’s loved, the ones that surprised him, and why the perfect trip always includes his family (and a sea swim).

Favourite childhood holiday memory

I didn’t fly in a plane until I was 18 but I took part in a school tour that was pure mayhem across the continent. A gang of marauding Kildare 14-year-olds on tour buses watching Die Hard and laughing until we nearly wet ourselves.

Aside from that, all my travel was back and forth to Kerry each summer for two weeks in the sun/misty rain. All of my standout childhood memories took place on these trips.

Most memorable trip

I’ve always been obsessed with seeing the world and travelling. Even before I was allowed to fly, I would go to the airport every chance I got.

I loved the hustle and bustle of it all. The idea that you could leave that spot and be in Egypt a few hours later spun me out. I also lived on the Curragh, so life was pretty placid and green.

Those trips to the airport stood out from my childhood. It was the possibility of it all. I loved it.

Most surprising destination

New Zealand was a mind-blower for me. Partly because I didn’t know what to expect. The beauty of it is mesmerising. I toured both islands as part of a comedy collective, playing theatres from Auckland to Christchurch.

The food and the people are next level. I saw the hot springs, the Lord of the Rings mountains, the forests, the coastline, and the ice-blue lakes. It was bananas. I’m going back next month for my own tour but this time I’m only going to Auckland.

Favourite city

In the past two years, I’ve developed a real bond with Boston. It’s the first place I played in America. The city is dripping in history, craic, and stunning architecture. I’m a runner, so I adore the parks and runs by the Charles River.

I’m also a massive Celtics fan, so I got to take my son to a game at the TD Garden this year. We’re going back in April, and I’m literally counting the days.

Favourite hotel

Abroad, I would have to say The Museum Hotel in Wellington, New Zealand.

At home, I love Ashford Castle. My wife brought me there for my birthday a while ago and I haven’t been able to forget it. I’m dying to go back. Maybe in 2026.

We started the day by walking down to the lough, riding road bikes into town, spotting the falcons, going for runs in the woods, and the food was out of this world. It’s the kind of place you go to once a decade — it’s so special.

Most memorable food experience

I’m not a massive food guy, to be honest. My wife does this happy dance when she’s about to have nice food. I have never gotten that excited about it. She feels bad for me on this level.

I guess my absolute favourite place to eat is The Ross Point in Rossbeigh, Co Kerry. Looking out to sea, drinking in the air. Once you’re there, you know the holidays have begun. They make “the best fish and chips in The Kingdom”. I’d really love it if they served slices of pizza and pints out a little window hatch at the side of the place. They’d make a fortune off people like me.

Favourite thing to do while travelling

I’m a writer, so if I find a place to write from 6am to 9am, I’m in heaven. If I can get a view out to sea and zero interruptions while I write for those three hours, that is blissful. The rest of the day is so joyful once I get those three hours behind me.

I love a sea safari in the afternoon, followed by a swim in the sea. The bigger the waves, the better. All of this is presuming my wife and son are with me. Where is the craic in doing it all by yourself? All of the above can be found in Kerry or Mayo. I go to both for about six weeks each summer. It recharges everything.

Bucket-list trip

I’m very lucky to be touring the world right now, so I’m living the bucket-list trip one step at a time. As a family, we did the entire west and east coasts of America last April. It was unforgettable.

I’m not great at resting, so I much prefer to be in a place for a ‘thing’ — a reason, a marathon, or a tour show.

Getting to work and finding the funny in all these places is the stuff I dreamed of doing as a kid. I’m so grateful I get to bring my family with me on the ride.