Notes from Ireland

Ireland has left quite an impression on me. I spent a wonderful week exploring Dublin and beyond, discovering a country full of history, stories, and wonderfully welcoming people.

11/2/20261 min read

Ireland has left quite an impression on me. I spent a wonderful week exploring Dublin and beyond, discovering a country full of history, stories, and wonderfully welcoming people.

One particularly special moment was visiting Aungier Street in Dublin, where I photographed a book by Sheridan Le Fanu beneath the street sign, in honour of his ghost story An Account of Some Strange Disturbances in Aungier Street. A small literary pilgrimage that meant a great deal to me.

Another unforgettable experience was visiting Newgrange, a passage tomb more than 5,000 years old. Standing where people had stood thousands of years ago, imagining their lives, their hopes and fears, was deeply moving. I was equally fascinated by the extraordinary precision with which the monument was built, allowing the rising sun to illuminate its inner chamber around the winter solstice. So much about the people who built it remains a mystery.

Of course, a trip to Dublin wouldn't have been complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, especially since I love Guinness. Afterwards, I found myself at the lovely Tailors' Hall Tavern, where I had quite possibly the best carrot soup of my life, served with delicious Irish soda bread. The staff were wonderfully friendly, too. I've already decided to try baking the bread myself at home.

And naturally, there were books. I had ordered a copy of Flame Tree Publishing's Christmas Horror Short Stories, which includes my own story, The House Spirit, for collection at Hodges Figgis. Picking up a book containing my own work at Ireland's oldest bookshop felt rather special. I then proceeded to carry it around with me and photograph it in various places throughout the trip. I couldn't resist!

From Dublin's streets and bookshops to Ireland's ancient monuments and beautiful countryside, this journey was a welcome escape from everyday life and a wonderful source of inspiration. I returned home with plenty of memories, a few more books, and perhaps the beginnings of a story or two.