Rambling ‘round Ireland - because I can.

As a solo traveller, I notice people, place and the space between.

Ireland, what a magical wee island you are! On the ragged western edge of Europe, the edge of the world in many ways.

Question: Why would a middle-aged woman travel solo around Ireland in a micro camper?

Answer:  Because she can.  And she knows that being physically, mentally, financially and legally able to travel, is a privilege.    

She doesn't know what next week will bring, or if she’ll be able to do this again - ever.  The only thing certain is that nothing is certain.

Tomorrow isn’t promised, to any of us.  

Wagon ready

So, with a €25 camp bed, water, food and net curtains in a Berlingo van, I leave my Donegal home. Skies are grey, rain is heavy.  I have a hankering for islands.

Maybe because the Inishowen peninsula, my home and the home of my ancestors, used to be an island, and is still a place apart. 

I feel like an island person; resourceful, reverence to water, comfort in separation from anything ’main’, land or otherwise. 

I know where my first stop will be. Achil Island for 3 nights.