Today I'm delighted to introduce a wonderful memoir recounting one man's trip around Ireland's coastline with a donkey and cart.
In Last of the Donkey Pilgrims, Kevin O’Hara experiences Ireland in all her incredible glory. During his crazy trek around Ireland's perimeter, he meets an unbelievable cast of characters, who could hail from no other country in the world other than Ireland.
And good news! One lucky reader will win a copy of Last of the Donkey Pilgrims.
But before I share the details of how to enter the giveaway, let me first introduce you to Kevin, and his stubborn yet lovable donkey Missy, who together undertook this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Table of Contents
Last Of The Donkey Pilgrims
In 1979, Kevin O’Hara was a restless young man, dealing with the emotional impact of the Vietnam war and wishing to move on with life. This book took 25 years to write but in the end it recounts Kevin's healing and loving journey around old Ireland, the land of his ancestors.
As an Irish American Kevin always felt deeply connected to Ireland and often visited his Irish granny in County Roscommon. Fascinated by Ireland, Kevin longed to experience the country and its people fully before modernization took hold, making rural Ireland's old way of life a thing of the past.
He determined the best way to accomplish his objective was to travel the country slowly, savoring every moment, and counting every step along the way as he trekked the coastline of Ireland.
This journey helped Kevin keep a promise he made to his Irish mother back in Massachussetts. He had committed to exploring the "Old Country" in the hope of truly understanding the land and its people. At the end of his 1800-mile trip around the jagged coast of Ireland he hoped to return to the US ready to share the stories, sights, sounds and vitality of the land of their ancestors.
A Journey of Self Discovery
Kevin O'Hara's journey of self-discovery may seem like a crazy endeavor to many, but through his beautifully crafted memoir, he affords us a glimpse of a land and time that is now past.
The first few chapters recount Kevin's preparations for this arduous trip. Learning how to care for his donkey was no mean feat. But Kevin never learned to crack the whip across Missy's back. Being a softhearted man poor Kevin was on foot most of the time, unable to force the stubborn Missy to carry him, his gear and the cart. Missy only moved when Kevin walked beside her.
Throughout this trek the reader is introduced to the vibrant characters Kevin met throughout the course of his journey, many of whom were bemused by the idea of an American leading a donkey and cart around the whole perimeter of Ireland.
Through the power of Kevin's lyrical prose, vivid descriptions and appreciation for Ireland's majestic scenery, Mother Ireland herself becomes one of the main characters in this adventure.
Kevin O'Hara is a master storyteller, and his memoir is overflowing with his ever-so-Irish, self-deprecating sense of humor, his dry wit and love of Ireland.
Kevin's evolving relationship with Missy becomes a central and moving theme as the story progresses. They started off as strangers, but with each mile passed along the way, their mutual bond of affection and reliance upon each other becomes clearly evident.
Missy and Kevin walked side-by-side over mountains and valleys, through sleepy villages, lively towns and traffic-clogged cities. Along the way they take us right into the heart of Ireland, to the firesides and farmhouses of the Irish people.
Kevin's prose is so descriptive, reading this book is like taking a mini-vacation to Ireland in your mind. As you read, it is simple to imagine yourself traveling along, perched up on the back of Missy's cart.
Praise for Last of the Donkey Pilgrims
Here's some high praise indeed from Library Journal ....
“One of the finest books about contemporary Ireland ever written...In a style evocative of Steinbeck's Travels with Charley, O'Hara writes memorably of his most unusual way of touring his ancestral home of Ireland.”
~Library Journal
and from one of Ireland's famous musicians ...
“Kevin O’Hara’s book should be in every Irish classroom.”
~ Matt Molloy, The Chieftans
For anyone with Irish roots, this is a captivating tale. This is not merely a travelogue but an achingly beautiful account of the Irish people in changing times.
Throughout these pages the reader learns about Ireland, her people, her culture and history. Each encounter along the way is a written testament to Ireland's renowned hospitality.
But Kevin did not only discover Ireland while shuffling around the island in the company of a donkey. His journey helped renew his faith in the human race, and heal his soul after the traumas of the Vietnam war.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The scenes Kevin describes are part and parcel of my Irish childhood memories, making this book a truly nostalgic journey for me. Thank you Kevin for affirming my love of the culture and nation in which I grew up, and for capturing the essence of my homeland. An an Irish woman I found your descriptive narrative to be a pure joy to read.
The Giveaway
One lucky winner will receive a copy of Kevin O'Hara’s book, Last of the Donkey Pilgrims.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Wednesday October 5th, 2016.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration for your entry why not tell us about any donkey stories you may have stored away in the recesses of your mind.
One winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Wednesday October 5th, 2016, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
Thanks to everyone who supports this little giveaway by leaving a comment, and for sharing it with family, and friends who enjoy reading Irish books.
And a big thanks to Kevin O'Hara for his wonderful book.
Update – Winner Chosen
Good news. Our winner has been chosen using the randomized “Pick Giveaway Winner” WordPress plug-in.
Congratulations to …..
Sheila McTeague
I’ll send Sheila a quick e-mail to let her know she is our prize winner.
Thanks to everyone who joined in and entered this little Irish American Mom giveaway. Wishing everyone happy reading. And wishing Kevin Dyer inspiration for many more books to come.
If you would like to become an armchair traveler why not take a tour of Ireland's counties or you can check out the best time to visit Ireland.
Other Books Set in Ireland
If you're interested in other books set in Ireland or featuring the Irish in America, here are a few more recommendations to check out...
The Secrets of Roscarbury Hall
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
If you enjoyed this guest post, here are some other installments you might enjoy ....
Why Are Irish Americans So Captivated By Ireland
Top Ten Reasons Why Toursists Love Ireland
Christopher Young
I'll have to check this book out. I trust your judgment ever since you introduced me to the Captain Cillian series. My daughter Caitlin is a big fan. Have a good evening.
Irish American Mom
Hi Christopher - I loved this book, not because it was a thrilling page turner, but because Kevin's lyrical writing brought the rural Ireland of my childhood to life. He captured the essence of Ireland in the late 1970's - an Ireland that probably is no more. Thanks so much for stopping by to check out this book.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Doc Darlin
https://www.facebook.com/donkeyrescueworld/posts/543992309129592
Michelle
I was just saying to my kids yesterday as we passed a farm, that I'd like to own a donkey someday. The book sounds wonderful.
Irish American Mom
Hi Michelle - It sounds like we both have donkeys on our minds. 🙂 🙂 🙂
All the best,
Mairéad
Deidre Moore
We were in Ireland last year and saw many donkeys in farm yards as well as front yards. We asked one of our host guides about them and he replied " oh they've done many a days work and aren't they glad to be retired"! It looked like a happy life:)
Maury
This sounds like such a wonderful book! Thanks for writing about it Mairead!
Donna
I only know what I've read about Ireland but it SO has my heart. If I could visit ANY country it WOULD be Ireland. Donkey's I KNOW are THE most stubborn critter. I'll bet Kevin's book is wonderful!
Alice Morrison
Hi Mairead,
This sounds like a wonderful book to read. I just read a review on Amazon by a young man he grew up with who highly recommends the book. Thanks for letting us know about it. I hope one day to return to Ireland and would love to stay for a month in order to experience more of the life there.
Blessings to you and your family,
Alice
Sheila McTeague
What a clever way of having a journey around a country. It would be great to see how it goes.
Heidi Nightengale
Kevin O'Hara's journey sounds so unique that I feel absolutely compelled to read every detail of his memoir.
Patricia ☘
What a fascinating story idea! "The before" Kevin left and what he encountered to turn his outlook around. I am looking forward to reading his book.
But now, since you asked, my donkey story...
Back in the late seventies, I took some photos along the ring of Kerry. When I came home, I did some paintings. A college friend later saw one of them, and exclaimed, "I know where that is!" It's right near the donkey on the side of the road with the dog standing on his back!"
And you know, she was right! I bet some of your readers, or even Kevin, will remember that from their travels too, Mairead! You had to pay to take their picture if I recall.
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - Just brilliant. Only in Ireland would you have a donkey on the side of the road with a dog standing on his back. Always love your stories.
Take care,
Mairéad
Sandra Edwards
Just retuned from Ireland. Wish I could have spent more time in the rural areas
Sandra Edwards
Love ireland
John Ongena
The trip sounds like a fantasy/bucket list of mine, my God how wonderful that would be to take the time and actually smell the roses!!! Would love to win the book.
John Ongena
Kay
The book sounds like it has lots of great stories. What a great adventure for Kevin & his donkey.
I would love to read the book.
Thank you,
Kay
Chris Caughey
I would love that Book!! That Matt Malloy says it's good means a lot!
Lauren Paytes
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to win this book.
I am involved in the rescue of donkeys so, I have many stories. Most importantly, my passion and love for donkeys started just over 3 years ago when a local Humane Society I volunteered for received a call 2 standard jacks that had been abandoned in a field. Law enforcement was involved because the field was adjacent to a busy road. Unfortunately, many people in vehicles, on quads and on foot were trying to wrangle these 2 extremely frightened donkeys up. One person even attempted to dart them. I offered my assistance in corralling them and a lady nearby offered her fenced in back yard as a temporary paddock. An hour later they were safely behind a fence. Getting them into a trailer wouldn't happen that night, but the next morning, me and a friend got them on a trailer within 30 minutes. We brought them to our farm and I immediately began searching for any information I could find on donkeys. Calvin and Hobbes, as I named them, we're with us for 4 months before being adopted. While I still didn't know much about donkeys, I knew I was hooked. The equine rescue that claimed responsibility for them sent me all of the donkeys that came into the rescue. That's when we became Long-Ears Farm. Since then about 3 dozen donkeys have been through our gates.....many have stayed. We foster for a different rescue now and have rescued a few of our own. In my spare time and when needed, I also do community outreach to help people with their donkeys whether it be education, some training or getting them started on hoof care and trimming. We have 21 donkeys here right now. With rescue comes some very sad and horrible stories but many wonderful ones as well. It's when someone takes the time to write about a positive experience with donkeys, I'm all ears (pun intended!).
jay Monarch
Having had some experience with mule's I have empathy for anyone with a donkey story. Here in the southwest we have our wild burro's .
Irish American Mom
Dear Lauren - Thank you for sharing your stories about rescuing donkeys and giving them a home away from suffering and cruelty. There is a donkey sanctuary in County Cork close to where my family are from. Whenever I am back in Cork I take my kids to see the donkeys. They love it there. So many stories are shared about donkeys who were rescued from terrible situations. It's s sad to see pictures of donkeys whose hooves were not cared for. Thank you for doing the wonderful work you do.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary Ann
Oh this sounds like a great read. Thank you!
Jayne Chandler
Wow! It's my dream to travel all of Ireland SLOWLY. I was thinking auto, train, bicycle, on foot; I never thought of donkey & cart. I must read his memoirs.
Catherine Farrell
Sounds like a wonderful journey turned into delightful book! I'm looking forward to reading it.
Mary Therese Ladell
Ahh, I have no donkey story to share, but would love to read about this journey. Thanks for telling us about it!
B. McFetridge
The book description appeals to me and I plan to obtain and read it!
Veronica McGrath
Fabulous book, fabulous country, and nothing holds a candle to the people of Ireland. My visit to Ireland will never be forgotten.
Linda Goodnight
I visited southwest Ireland three springs ago and have wanted to see the rest ever since, especially Donegal, land of my ancestors. i don't have a single donkey story but Kevin's book sounds great!
C. Mary Murphy
I loved this book! Full of wonderful characters and humor.
Bill Cokas
That sounds like quite a journey, one that I'd enjoy re-living through Kevin's eyes!
Carol
Great story! I live in a U.S. southern state and when I was a child there were stories of a man wandering the state with a donkey or mule pulled wagon. He was a vagabond and his story has become legend in the state. There is sooooooo much Irish/Scot descendants in the southern mountains, that I wonder if this was a tradition that crossed the pond. 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Carol - You could be correct about traveling with a donkey being a tradition that crossed the pond. In Ireland we have a group of native Irish people who are called travellers because for centuries and generations travelling around Ireland from place to place has been part of their culture and heritage. Perhaps some of their ancestors crossed the pond to the southern states of America.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ginger
We were in Ireland earlier this year and stopped at the Donkey Sanctuary outside Mallow. What a treat! Would love to read this book regardless of whether I win a copy or not.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ginger - The donkey sanctuary in Liscarroll is very close to where my family is from so we visit it whenever we are in County Cork. It's a wonderful spot and it's lovely to see so many happy donkeys with all their needs met.
Take care,
Mairéad
Karen
Love anything with donks!
Kathleen
I think I would love this book and would love to share it with my Irish born brother in law. He is truly an amazing man! He's lost his 18 year old son and 8 year old grandson, yet has a strong faith and does so much for others! A fine, loving Irish man, I am blessed to know him!
Irish American Mom
Dear Kathleen - Your Irish brother-in-law would probably thoroughly enjoy this book. I'm so sorry to hear of his great loss, and thank you for sharing his strength and faith despite facing such trials in life.
Blessings to you and yours,
Mairéad
irishnannie
Having read Kevin's wonderful account of his travels with Missie, it is surely a book that should be read by everyone who loves the Irish within themselves!!! It is truly a story the world needs to know! I actually have extra copies, to lend...but...could always use one more...;)
Thank you, Mairead* and Kevin!
God bless you both!
Deborah Egizii
I would LOVE to read this book!
Suzanne Kaperzinski
This sounds like a very interesting tale. I love animals and am 1/4 Irish. I visited Ireland about 4 years ago and loved it. I hope to go back some day. And I too saw the donkey with the dog on his back! There was a couple with the animals if I remember correctly, and you did have to pay to take their picture.
Lorna Carroll
Love the idea of travelling around on a donkey and cart seeing things at a much slower pace than zooming past in a car 🙂
Peggy Duncan
Would love to read Kevin's book. Thank you.
anne
sounds like a great read!
Jenna O
I would really love to read this book! 🙂
Anne
I am commenting to enter the contest, but I will buy the book whether I win or not. It sounds like a wonderful birthday present for my mother. If I win, I will not have to purchase a copy for myself! 🙂
Lorna Sixsmith
Sounds like a really captivating book and that Missy is as big a personality in it as Kevin.
Sally Vince
I'm glad Kevin found peace from his travels. I have three donkeys and I can't imagine them pulling a cart for me, whether I was walking beside them or not! They certainly know their own minds. There is nothing greater than a donkey cuddle when life is getting you down. I have lived in Ireland for ten years, but I would love to have been here in 1979.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sally - Glad to hear you enjoy living in Ireland so much you would like to have been around in 1979. Ireland has changed much since that time, but I like to think that Irish people are still welcoming and friendly to the core.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Bernadette
Sounds like a good book. Would love it!
Glenna Rider
Would love to read this book.
Sheila McTeague
Oh wow! Never won anything before. This is truly a treat. Thank you so much looking forward to reading it. And I know the perfect person to pass it on too.
Irish American Mom
Congratulations Sheila. I hope you enjoy this wonderful book. Thanks so much for supporting this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad