THE NOVEL TRAVELLER NEWS

I’VE a real treat on my podcast this week as I caught up with the legendary musician and last of The Dubliners, John Sheahan. He shared some magical memories of his time on the road with Luke Kelly, Ronnie Drew and the lads. I discovered what a wonderful romantic he is and how he brought his wife to London for a special anniversary but didn’t let on until they landed at Heathrow that they were really going to Bermuda.

John reads from his new poetry book, Fiddle Dreams — the one about Connemara will whisk you right there. We also chat about the inspiration for the songs on his new album Flirting Fiddles, which features my favourite, Autumn in Paris. Strangely it was inspired by a boat trip into Oslo harbour, according to John.

John is an artist whose travels have created amazing connections with people around the world. That magical quality imbued in chance meetings and experiences enjoyed on a journey are very much in keeping with the creative process that John has used throughout his life and his stories are an inspiration to all, especially at this time when we are missing live performances and that connection experienced through the arts.

To finish the podcast this week, I speak to Michele Whelan of Meath County Council who tells me about, discoverboynevalley.ie, the new website. Did you know that the megalithic tomb at Newgrange, which is also a World Unesco Heritage Site, is older than the Pyramids in Egypt? Or that walkers in the Boyne Valley can combine their 25km with the official Camino de Santiago and get full credits for their pilgrimage?

The Boyne Valley has much to offer especially for families with Tayto Park, home to Ireland’s longest rollercoaster, while Causey Farm has announced the return of its Ice Cream Adventure. O For more information see thenoveltraveller.com. The Novel Traveller Podcast is on goloudnow.com and wherever you get your podcasts.