Hard Border

Darach MacDonald's travelogue explores the abandoned 50-mile route along the Ulster Canal, providing a close-up narrative history of Ireland. It examines the region's pivotal role in Ireland's story, the impact of partition, and efforts to forge new links and aid recovery from trauma. It also explores how the border and its communities have been portrayed through the decades.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2018
Publisher: New Island Books

Darach MacDonald's travelogue takes readers on a captivating journey along the abandoned 50-mile route along the Ulster Canal, offering a detailed and intimate narrative history of Ireland. Spanning across five of Ulster's nine counties, MacDonald delves into the complex realities and diverse identities that have shaped the country's history, geography, politics, and faith. He explores the region's pivotal role in Ireland's story, examining the arbitrary partition that divided it and its profound impact on local communities, particularly those on the 'wrong side.' MacDonald also highlights the inspiring efforts to forge new connections and aid in the recovery from trauma.

Through a combination of travelogues, journals, tales, and poetry, MacDonald examines how the border and its communities have been portrayed throughout the decades. He sheds light on the struggles and resilience of these tightly knit communities, who reside in the liminal shadows of a historically contested line. These stories showcase their determination to survive and gain recognition in the face of adversity.

MacDonald's travelogue provides a rich and multifaceted perspective on Ireland's past and present, offering a deeper understanding of the country's complex history and the diverse communities that call it home. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Irish culture and history.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 234 x 157 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848406759