Tales from the Gap of Dunloe – a jaunting car and the magical glacial valley

Two travellers, after an eventful trip, ponder over a pivotal issue – what is behind our innate ability to trust strangers?

Benbulben – how do you bring a mountain home?

I was torn apart – how does one travel or partake of any enjoyment when so many that we knew had lost their lives? Then there was also the fact that ever since the pandemic started, peace had ghosted me, much like an unfaithful and flippant boyfriend. In these circumstances, should we be taking this trip to Sligo County at all?

What is authentic travel?

Many of us - as travellers, service providers, storytellers and content creators - have heard the term 'authentic travel' or authentic travel experiences. But you will know that the term is rather fluid and subjective. It could mean different things for different people. However, more and more travellers are seeking authentic travel, which in some ways would mean travel experiences that are more real, immersive and genuine - as opposed to those that are stage-managed or touristy in nature. A lot of service providers are also trying to cater to this demand.

The time we jumped off a bus in Malta

We made it to the portico and paused to take in the six columns and the two bell towers flanking them. But it was when we stepped inside that I felt like Alice in Wonderland. Or perhaps I had consumed magic mushroom? The interior of the dome was spectacular, coming alive in a beautiful gold, white and blue. As I stood wide-eyed and open mouthed, a man who must be in his sixties came to me. He pointed at a board and smiled. “Miraklu. Miracle.”

A lunch-time laughter fest in Sweden — my travel tale on DanVenture Travels

Yesterday, I had a thought-provoking conversation with a friend. It was about what people want from their travel and holidays. I know what I want. Travel fuels my imagination and is also the inspiration for the many stories that I tell. But it is also about creating memories. With family, with friends, and to be … Continue reading A lunch-time laughter fest in Sweden — my travel tale on DanVenture Travels →

A Thumbelina moment – amongst the waters at Wicklow

So much of our imagination and desires are rooted in the past - things that we have read about, seen or heard. I have always wondered, ever since I read Thumbelina as a child, what would it be like to sit atop a lily leaf and to float down the water e in a delightful little way?

On the trail of Donegal’s ‘secret waterfall’

As children and adults, we are often lured by ‘secrets’ – this promise of getting to know something that was hitherto unknown, or hidden. Of course, in the travel and hospitality industry, this word is often abused – ‘secret hideaways’, ‘secret getaways’ and the like. I have an inherent distrust of such deals or phrases, and sometimes they can also speak of privilege and exclusivity – as if some people are privileged enough to be able to gain access to these deals more than the others. Why were we then, on the trail of Donegal’s secret waterfall?

Glencar Lake and Waterfall – where the water ‘speaks’

There are wooded walks leading to the waterfall. And all along the trail, you will hear it. This excited, boisterous, noisy child or a teen if you will is loud! It seems so eager to have a conversation with you; at some point, you want to say - Sush! Let me also get a word in, please!

Belvedere House – places that make your mind wander

Like many Georgian homes of the era, the Belvedere Estate has a walled garden, many walks and landscaped grounds. However, three things stood out for me. One was the story. And by god, what a story. It was as if, it came straight from Edgar Allan Poe's short story collection. There is a wall called the 'Jealous Wall' and this leads us to our story number one. A most haunting, a most unsettling story.

Winning and validation

This past week, I won the joint first prize in a Travel Through Words contest organised by Jeremy Murphy and the JM Editing & Literary Agency team. Murphy had posted a series of photographs as writing prompts. One, in particular, caught my attention. The photograph, by David Mark, was from Cuba. The car in the … Continue reading Winning and validation →