Connemara Journey

Hilary Bradt's classic account of a journey through Ireland on horseback in the 1980s, published for the first time in a single volume. The book explores the growing bond between the author and her Connemara ponies, Mollie and Peggy, as they face numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. It also provides a portrait of a vanished rural Ireland before the Celtic Tiger era.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2021
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

In 1984, Hilary Bradt fulfilled a lifelong dream by embarking on a remarkable journey through Ireland on horseback. This captivating account, originally published in two separate volumes, Connemara Mollie and Dingle Peggy, has been brought together in a single volume for the first time. The story revolves around the author's deep bond with her Connemara ponies, Mollie and Peggy, as she embarks on a daring adventure across the country.

Bradt's journey begins in County Mayo and takes her and her ponies a thousand miles south, encompassing the peninsulas of Kerry and Cork, and eventually leading inland towards Waterford. Throughout the journey, Bradt and her ponies face numerous challenges and obstacles, including impassable rivers, treacherous bogs, towering stone walls, and her own self-doubt.

The book also serves as a poignant portrait of a vanishing rural Ireland before the advent of the Celtic Tiger era. Bradt weaves vivid descriptions and conversations with local people into her narrative, providing a glimpse into the lives and customs of the people she encounters along the way.

One of the most memorable moments in the book occurs when Bradt attempts to hitchhike with her horse across the River Shannon. She reflects on the challenges of navigating such a feat, noting that it's not easy to hitchhike with a horse. The journey takes Bradt and her ponies through breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged coastline of County Clare to the rolling hills of County Tipperary.

Throughout the book, Bradt's love for horses and her determination to overcome obstacles shine through. Her journey not only allows her to explore the beauty of Ireland but also provides a deeper understanding of the country's rich history and culture.

This new edition of the book includes additional, previously unpublished photographs, adding to the richness of the storytelling. Whether you're a horse lover, a traveler, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, Connemara Mollie and Dingle Peggy is a must-read that will transport you to a bygone era of Ireland's rural landscape.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784778255