John G. O'Dwyer Books

Every Irish mountaintop can be reached by a reasonably fit walker, doing nothing more technical than putting one foot in front of the other. This means the Irish highlands have been accessible to humans since the dawn of history. Small wonder then, that these mountains did not become distant objects of reverence and fear, as they did with the huge and difficult to access summits in other countries. Instead, they became a unifying feature of the landscape and have been purposefully woven into the myths and legends used to bind communities. No matter where you go, the Irish uplands have been loaded with history and legend while being lauded in song and story, for through the ages they have been intertwined with the course of Irish history. John G O'Dwyer is a veteran hiker who has spent much of his life exploring the Irish hill country and interacting with those who inhabit these high places. He has now brought together this experience in a fascinating collection of stories from the Irish uplands. All of human life is there: rapparees, rebels, rogues and revered mystics, every one of whom has, at some time, seen it in their interest to interact with Ireland's highest places.

Expert hillwalker John G. O'Dwyer presents a comprehensive guide showcasing the most captivating walks in Tipperary and Waterford. This resource highlights scenic routes, natural beauty, and local insights, making it an essential companion for both avid hikers and casual walkers. Each walk is detailed with maps, descriptions, and tips, ensuring an enriching outdoor experience in these picturesque Irish regions.

Ireland's ancient network of sacred paths means there is no need to travel abroad to enjoy symbolic trails in the footsteps of generations past. John G. O'Dwyer has walked these pilgrim trails. His well-received guide is now updated with five additional journeys of homage, including Kerry's Cnoc na dTobar and Wicklow's St Declan's Way.

John G. O'Dwyer's comprehensive guide to the best walks in Tipperary and Waterford has now been updated and expanded to include Laois and Offaly. From the rugged Comeragh coums to the stately peaks of the Galtees, and from Slievenamon to the glens of the popular Slieve Bloom Mountains, there are walks to suit all tastes in these uplands.

A nine-year-old boy hooks a twine-held bundle of hay over his shoulder and climbs the harsh steep mountain on a winter morning, with his brother Pat. They trundle upwards against the harsh terrain and elements to fodder the cattle on the hill top. Some 30 years later, Sligo, his adopted town, is in crisis as development tax incentives have expired and three government ministers are refusing to extend those incentives. That young boy emerges in his elder self, strident and resolute, and fights another uphill battle. Another 20 years on, now in Derry, the calling from the mountains of his birth surface within him, urging him to return to regain lost fragments of his soul. His return regenerates and reignites the lost spirit within as voices forgotten in a busy life emerge from the shadowy vibrations of the past to soothe, heal and repair his soul. The journey sees a re-emergence of the people, characters, events and places that formed his character in a rich tapestry of recall.