Gillick's World: Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Re-published August 2015 | Page 4

One, out of many highlights of my trip was meeting Gerard Kennedy, the owner of the Moorings Guesthouse in the village of Portmagee. As a wellknown trad music singer I asked if he knew the song “Come to the Brower” which seemed to capture the power of the Wild Atlantic Way. He not only sang it but allowed me to record it. Will you come to the bower o’er the free boundless ocean Where the stupendous waves roll in thundering motion Where the mermaids are seen and the fierce tempest gathers To loved Erin the green, the dear land of our fathers Will you come, will you, will you, will you come to the bower? Wecome to Gillick’s World! This is the premiere issue of a new online magazine that features my favourite destinations. My stories and photos reflect the passion and enthusiasm that travel inspires and, after all, I’ve visited over 620 destinations in 72 countries-to date. Gillick’s World covers main attractions, off-the-beaten-track wonders, niche market interests, food and drink. The magazines bring “Terroir Tourism” to life, that is, the history, culture, geography and people who make each destination to unique. Susbscribe for free to Gillick’s World at [email protected] In this issue… The Wildest that Ireland has to Offer My first trip to Ireland in 2009 left lasting impressions of the scenery, music, people, food, shopping, walking and well, just about everything! In January 2014, I was asked to return to explore and write about Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal route that stretches from Belfast, around to Connemara, south to Mizen Head and on to Kinsale, just south of Cork. While the entire route is 2500 km, my portion would explore 1100 km. It didn’t take me long to understand that the “wild” part of the route not only referred to the wind and waters of the Atlantic, but also to the untamed energy of local entrepreneurs and visionaries along the way who, working with Tourism Ireland and other government agencies, made it all happen. As for the Wild Atlantic Way’s ‘Secrets’, these are really the dreams and aspirations of the individuals I met along the way. They include:          Cnoc Suain, a labour of love of Charlie Troy and Dearbhaill Standun in Spiddal. Walking around the estate at Ballynahinch Castle in Recess with Noel Riding an Irish Cobh over to Omey Island with Siobhan of the Cleggan Riding Stables. Meeting and walking with Pat Sweeney, the visionary behind the Burren Walk Conversing with Pat Buckley as he showed me the history and drama of Slea Head. Exploring Valentia Island with Gerard. Wandering around Sneem and Kenmare. Witnessing the awesome cliffs and waves at Mizen Head with Stephen O’Sullivan. Having a ‘Falconry Lesson’ at Dromoland Castle. Ireland has so much to offer and it’s my pleasure to show off some of the memories of my travel. For ideas to match your own dreams, contact www.tourismireland.com.