Travel tips

Along with a more usual list of things to bring (toothbrush, first aid kit, etc.), I realised along my travels that they were certain things that were handy to have, that nobody ever recommended to me.

• Rucksack which opens like a suitcase - nice big padded shoulder straps (preferably that leave room for your back to breathe), and waist and chest straps. If you get a more traditional top-opening rucksack, be prepared for frustrating 'why is X always at the bottom of my bag?' moments.
• Small combo padlock(s). Use them on your rucksack (though dedicated thieves can rip through the fabric). Some hostels just have lockers, with either no locks, or a fee to use their locks. Bring your own, and try get combination locks so you don't have to worry about keys. Always reset to zero, and you'll be able to open them in the dark (with practice), or tell when someone's been trying to get at your stuff.
• Pocket torch for entering dorm rooms at night. Or use your phone light.
• World Traveller ATM card - I didn't have one of these. Apparently a lot of banks do a debit card that has little/no fees for international withdrawals/conversions. Talk to your bank to see if they do something. Consider switching if they don't.
• Decent daybag/small rucksack - the ones that attach to a big rucksack can be useless. I never attached mine in six months of travelling.
• Unlocked mobile phone - make sure it's unlocked before you go. O2 took a month to unlock mine. Then in any country, get a local SIM card and be more independent. If you've a smartphone, you can use it for data too, save you internet café charges.
• Bring a student card. Even an out of date one can be useful for discounts in non-English speaking countries, especially if you're polite. Helps if it's not in English - Irish, for example.
• First Aid Kit - see Gadling for more
• Travel adaptor with USB - saves you having to find a PC to charge your iPod or whatever.
  
  

What really matters

The journey and not the destination. I remember going on Cub trips, and not wanting the travel on the bus to end. Sitting in twos, chatting, listening to music, in our own secure little bubble. Warm, safe, in good company, snacking on sugar. What need was there for a destination?

Irish films

History
Michael Collins (Neil Jordan, 1996) - based on the life of the Irish revolutionary leader (1890-1922), starts with the 1916 rising at the GPO, mostly concerned with the War of Independence and the foundation of the state, including the Civil War.

The Wind that shakes the Barley (Ken Loach, 2006) - set amongst the Irish War of Independence (1919-21), and the following Civil War (1922-23).

The Field (Jim Sheridan, 1990) - adapted from John B Keane's play, written in the 1960s about rural Ireland.

Northern Ireland
Bloody Sunday (Paul Greengrass, 2002) - depicts the events of Bloody Sunday in Derry 1972, when British soldiers fired on a civil rights march.

In the Name of the Father (Jim Sheridan, 1993) - about the false imprisonment of the Guilford Four for an IRA pub bombing

Hunger (Steve McQueen, 2008)

Modern Ireland
Barrytown trilogy:
The Commitments (Alan Parker, 1991)
The Snapper (Stephen Frears, 1993)
The Van (Stephen Frears, 1996)

My Left Foot (Jim Sheridan, 1989)

Into the West (Mike Newell, 1992)
Intermission (John Crowley, 2003)
Adam and Paul (Lenny Abrahamson, 2004)
Once (John Carney, 2006)
The Guard (John Michael McDonagh, 2011)
What Richard Did (Lenny Abrahamson, 2012)
Calvary (John Michael McDonagh, 2014)

One week in Ireland - Galway

Galway is the Republic's third city, sitting on the west coast, full of students and rain. It's the gateway to Connemara, a remote area of scenic beauty - where The Quiet Man was filmed (Cong, Co. Mayo). Historic towns like fortified Athenry and traditional Spiddal. The beautiful Aran Islands, one of the Gaeltacht regions, where they still speak the Irish tongue in daily life.

In Galway city itself, the museum is well worth a visit, and just wander around the surrounds as well - the Spanish Arch, the Long Walk. See the swans in the mouth of the river Corrib. Follow the river back up to the cathedral and the university.

Out to the north-west is Augnanure Castle for the history buffs, or the Great Western Way for the walkers. Or if you fancy a stroll along the promenade, then Salthill is the place for you. If you're feeling brave you could even take a dip at Blackrock!

For me, Galway's pubs are the city's primary attraction. From trad sessions in the Crane, to gigs in the Róisín Dubh. The area around Dominick Street is full of great pubs, any hour of the day. For a slightly more touristy vibe, stick to Shop Street and Quay St - the King's Head, Tigh Neachtain, the Quays, Tig Cóilí, Taafes, Freeney's... there's plenty of possibilities.

One week in Ireland - The Burren

1 day. Ideal to pass through over an extended afternoon, from Kerry to Galway perhaps.

The Burren is one of Ireland's more unique spots. A limestone landscape, it's still home to a wide range of wildlife. It also contains Poulnabrone dolmen, the Ailwee Caves and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. If you're in Ireland in September, the village of Lisdoonvarna is host to the Matchmakers Festival. Nearby Kilfenora has a fine collection of high crosses.



For any Father Ted fans, there's plenty to see and do. Many of the series' outdoor filming took place in and around the village Kilfenora, and Father Ted's house isn't too far off either. Fanore (Fán Óir) is where the caravan park from 'Hell' is located. The river beside the Falls hotel in Ennistymon is the setting for the video to 'My Lovely Horse'. In Kilfenora itself is Vaughan's pub ('Are you right there, Father Ted?'), the row of houses from which Pat Mustard emerges without his trousers, and where Dougal delivers milk to women in the nip. The roundabout from the same episode is a prop, but was located outside Linnane's pub (which does the best Guinness in all Ireland!).



If you're leaving the Burren to head to Galway, make sure to stop at Dunguaire castle just after Kinvara.

One week in Ireland - Kerry

Kerry is possibly my favourite place in the country. My grandfather on my mother's side is from Kerry, so I might be biased, and nearly every time I go, it rains. Ferociously. But even when it rains, Kerry's still beautiful. It's got it all - mountains, lakes, beautiful beaches, lots of great towns, history, pubs, craic. It's probably why I end up heading there once or twice a year.

It's easily reachable from Cork, less than ninety minutes drive to Killarney. Kerry is split into two peninsulas - Dingle (Daingean in Irish) and Iveragh. The Iveragh is home to the Ring of Kerry, a picturesque drive that follows the coast through country towns and mountain passes.

Kerry: 1-3 days
Killarney's a good base, though Kenmare has also been recommended to me. There's also Killorglin, home to the famous Puck Fair, held every August.
Killarney's a bit of a bigger, touristy town, lots of pubs, but with easy access to the beautiful National Park. This contains the famous lakes, Ladies' View, Ross Castle, and offers fantastic views of the mountains.



On the Ring of Kerry, all the coaches go around anti-clockwise, so I reckon it's nicer to go in the opposite direction. You'll pass through Moll's Gap, Sneem, Castle Cove, Caherdaniel, and Waterville. From here you can make a diversion out to Portmagee and the Skellig ring. Every morning the boats leave for Skellig Michael, a monastery built on a rock of an island in the Atlantic. Sailings are weather-dependent, so if you can, give yourself a couple of mornings in the area to increase your chances of making it out. There's also a bird sanctuary, and seals if you're lucky.



Continuing around the ring, you'll come through Caherciveen, birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, an Irishman who campaigned for civil rights for Catholics in the 19th century. He's often referred to as the Emancipator. Caherciveen is a another town that's a nice overnight stop. It has a nice museum in an old police barracks, and some old ring forts nearby (Cahergal), and a castle (Ballycarbery). Say hello to Philip in the Shebeen pub if you like. If you're there in August, the town holds a festival over the bank holiday weekend.



After Cahirciveen you'll pass some nice beaches, then through Killorglin, to return to Killarney.

Another possibility on the Iveragh peninsula is to climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain at just over 1,000m high. If you're an experienced hill walker, it shouldn't be much trouble for you, just be wary of using the severely eroded Devil's Ladder route. The Brother O'Shea route is a little longer, but less dangerous. If you're not very confident, I can recommend Outdoors Ireland for a guide.



Further north is the Dingle peninsula. Dingle is a wonderful little town, full of artisan shops, pubs with real character, restaurants that serve tonnes of delicious, fresh fish, and where they still speak the native Irish tongue. It's also home to Fungi the dolphin. You can head out in a yacht or a kayak to try catch a glimpse of him if you like.

In the area is Mount Brandon, upon which is an ancient pilgrimage route. It's very accessible, as long as you take it at your own pace and have the proper gear.



You can also try visit the Blaskets for a picnic, or take a surf lesson on Inch Strand.

One week in Ireland - Cork

Cork is Ireland's largest county, and the second largest city in the Republic. It often promotes itself as 'the real capital'. Similarly to Dublin, it's got great nightlife, with a good selection of pubs and clubs.

Cork city: 1-2 days
Your main landmark in Cork will be the St Patrick's Street/Grand Parade, the main shopping street. The bus tour is a good way to get acquainted with the city, or if you fancy a walking tour (and Cork is pretty compact), try Walk Cork. I did one of their tours before, and found it excellent.

• St Fin Barre's Cathedral
• Cork city gaol
• Cork public museum
• Fitzgerald Park
• CIT campus
• The Mardyke

For a proper old school pub, try the Castle Inn. Ask for the snug if you've got a small group of six or seven, and they'll let you in if nobody else is there. Other pubs in Cork that I've sampled and liked (though this is by no means a comprehensive list)

• The Oval
• Fionnbarra - great food, decent beer garden
• Sober Lane
• An Bróg
• Fred Zeppelins - rock bar, though they wouldn't play NIN for us one night. Instead they played Billy Joel

Outside of Cork is Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney stone, and get the gift of the gab. And possibly a disease or two.

One week in Ireland - Tipperary

There's two sites in Tipperary that I think are worth a visit for every visitor, one more so than the other, but if you've got time, squeeze them both in. If you're driving from Dublin to Cork (or vice versa of course), you'll pass right by them, only a small detour.

Tipperary: 1 day

• The Rock of Cashel

An acropolis-type site, the Rock can be seen from miles around. It's been a while since I last visited, but you could easily spend a couple of hours looking around. Buildings include a round tower, a cathedral, a chapel, and plenty of high crosses.

• Cahir Castle

I'm not sure why this castle sticks in my mind so much. It's probably been about ten years, but I remember it as a very well preserved site, with great information. Probably ideal for a lunch stop, and a quick look around.

One week in Ireland - Dublin

So a few people have asked me to suggest an itinerary for a week in Ireland. Everyone has different tastes obviously, but these few posts should give you a starting point at least, and if you're looking for something different, let me know!

Dublin: 1-3 days
There are tonnes of historical buildings and museums to see in Dublin, and it's a completely walkable city. A great way to get your bearings and a quick history lesson is to take a DUKW tour. Only one or two sites are a more than 30mins walk out, and you can get the Luas tram to those.

• Trinity College
• Christchurch Cathedral
• St Patrick's Cathedral
• Dublin Castle and gardens
• National Museum, Kildare St
• Natural History Museum (Dead Zoo)
• National Library
• National Gallery (all of the above four are really close to each other)
• St Michan's Mummies - check the opening hours first
• GPO - at the centre of the 1916 rebellion
• Kilmainham Gaol
• Stephen's Green, Merrion Square - two green areas in the middle of the city
• Collins Barracks - part of the National Museum
• Guinness Storehouse - worth it just for the views at the top
• Jameson Distillery

There are also several great pubs, depending on what you're looking for. A lot of the below are what you might call 'old man pubs', but ones like the Foggy Dew and O'Donoghue's would have music playing.

• Brazen Head, Lower Bridge St - oldest site of a pub in Ireland
• The Cobblestone, King St North - great for a music session
• Mulligan's, Poolbeg St
• Long Stone, Townsend St
• Messrs Maguire, Burgh Quay - micro-brewery
• Doyle's, College Green - student bar, great on a Thursday night
• Foggy Dew, Dame St
• Stag's Head, Dame Court
• Long Hall, George's St
• McDaids - off Grafton St
• Davy Byrne's - off Grafton St
• O'Donoghue's, Suffolk St - the lesser known O'Donoghue's, but my regular spot
• The Church, Mary St - not my favourite spot, but worth it for the architecture
• Bankers, Dame St - again, not a regular pub, but worth a look-see
• Whelan's, Camden St - great late night venue

If you have a car and fancy a trip out of the city, destinations to the south in the Dublin Hills include the Hell Fire Club (below, it's got an amazing view of the city on a good day), or to Johnnie Fox's pub, which is a little touristy, but good craic when it's busy.



Further afield is Glendalough (below), a gorgeous valley of two lakes, a monastery, an old mining site, and hours of marked walks. Many of which you can do without hiking boots.

Day 174 - AKL-LAX flight

It's good to be going home, right? I'm a whirlwind of emotion, my eyes keep welling up for no particular reason. Memories of those I've met. Frisbee and cards, the staples for passing time outdoors and in. NZ has eclipsed almost every other country - the regency effect? Or because of all the people I met there?

I'm looking forward to a photo review, stir up some of the older moments, just as wonderful - the Trans-Siberian, Dom's cheeky cheery grin. The majestic Angkor Wat. Motorbiking through Vietnamese highlands with Seb and Nicci. Tubing in Laos with Jay, Diana, Tori and Team Denmark. Meeting Debbie anew in Bangkok. Pub crawling with the 4bg in Melbourne. Camping at Sandbar with Helen and Cathal and all the friendly families. Sleeping under the stars at Uluru - Dan, Erica, Lisa and Marco.

The first - Adrian. Oksana. Brigitte, Hollie, Kim. Lucas and Regine. Team Scotland. Bobby. Tess and Jess. The Dutch Brummie. Scott and Ali. Louise and Lachrissa. Lee. Kelly and Jake. Andy. Emerald, who left such and impression. Jeany. Tour guide Andy.

Reasons to visit places. These people. They are the reasons to go elsewhere. To visit their hometowns. To visit new places, to meet the people who call there home. Travel, and to be travelled. Broaden your own horizons, and help broaden others'.

To bring the world home. To bring your home to the world. To make all the world your home.

***

I've been on the plane a little less than five hours. We are flying into the night, so my body is already confused. My watch says 7.45pm, so it's 6.45am at home, but what time is it in LA? Have we crossed the international date line? I should've taken note of the arrival time... 6.35am in LAX. Then 10hrs of staying awake, then straight to sleep on the plane, get myself in sync... I hope.

***

(LAX) Jumping three time zones is a fun way to trip out. 28 hours of being awake.

Get page, woo! I'm special! They double check my documents.

Not sure what it is, or what time I'm landing. Think I may have told my parents the wrong time. Why did I think 3.30? 24hr clock must've confused me. No delays so far at least.

***

I'm not even sure how much I've slept. Which zone is my watch one? When did we leave? I've flown into two mornings now.

***

(London) A copy of the Irish Times! Joy! I read it cover to cover, finish the Simplex, and actually squeal with delight at the familiar sight of the television listings for RTE.

I'm beaming uncontrollably as I walk down to board my final flight.