Freelance Writer
“Adventure is the discovery of the self, it is both feared and desired.” – Joseph Campbell In these times of restricted movement, it’s good to remember that travel is not just about the places you go. Although unique cultures and natural beauty are worthy of our attention, there is always a common denominator in your experience…
Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” – Some guy I’ve only heard this saying recently, even though it sounds like the most Irish thing anyone could ever say. Except, when you think about it, it isn’t, because nobody in Ireland has suitable clothing, and the…
The country’s going into lockdown again, a glitch in the normal progression of time. I went for a morning walk around the lake and it seemed like everyone is out preparing for it. It might be just in my head – polluted by the news – but everyone’s stride seems to take on an extra…
Your first few attempts at something new are not always enjoyable, even if it’s something you really want to do. It might take a bit of practice before you even get to a point where you can call yourself a ‘Beginner’. But the feeling is worth it when you get there.
Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Photo by Jonas Stolle on Unsplash The drive down to Achill is one I haven’t done in a while. As I make my way west through the awkwardly-placed brown hills of Mayo, memories are triggered by the roadside landmarks, and I scroll through images in my head in an attempt…
There are many reasons to run a long-distance race. Achievement is one of them. I’ve done that before, and it did me the world of good. But this time I decided not to ruin a sunny day.
In which I document my attempts to learn to surf over the coming winter in the west of Ireland. It seems like it will involve a lot of waiting around in the water.
The marking of the Wild Atlantic Way through Mayo and an overdue rise in interest in the great outdoors in Ireland has seen a welcome influx of visitors to a part of the country overlooked compared to Cork, Kerry and Galway. But you still don’t have to go too far to find the Loneliest Place in Ireland – and one of the best spots in the country to get lost.
Unable to yet switch off, I busy myself making notes on my phone on the ferry over from Roonagh, giving myself minor whiplash as I glance up and down from device to sea to mainland to the Island, jabbing away at the screen to make written records of shapes and colours and every adjective I…
Maybe he’s just a phone addict who likes to keep checking his cigarette? Photo by Charles Cheng on Unsplash Self-isolating at home, I should be in my element. All the time in the world to study and write, but work levels hit a bit of a slump over the week as I joined in with all the pandemic…