Is this travel trend ethical? Why are people really going abroad? Is it simply to please the social media deities so many of us bow down to? Are we actually striving to understand another culture and its people? And do the ends justify the means in an age of global climate change? That’s what I’d like to find out.

For those who are interested in hiking in Ireland, the recommended gear, the terrain, suggested hikes, and how to prep for the (unpredictable) weather; tips from an American abroad.

For those who love nature, hiking, and listening to music while outdoors + tips on how to play music respectfully on the trails.

For those interested in the great outdoors, breathtaking adventures, and thoughts about our planet and its conservation; this list includes classics as well as more recent books.

For those interested in traveling, living abroad, studying abroad, Ireland, or all of the above, here is an honest account of my experience so far as a grad student on the Emerald Isle.

For those curious how kindness affects themselves and others with articles from the Huffington Post, New York Times, and more.

“... for no man knows if he shall survive the journey, and thus he departs with excessive revelry.”

Cullan McNamara
Dates: September 11-18, 2017
Destination: Republic of Ireland
Travel Buddy: Kevin McNamara (Dad)
Part One: Day 6 - The End (with post-trip updates)

For those interested in gaining a wealth of knowledge when it comes to photography, cinematography, design, and similar creative endeavors + how to pursue the career of your dreams.

Looking over the edge was nauseating, and we started to second guess our decision. As we got closer, the gap between the stone and the castle edge widened.

Cullan McNamara
Dates: September 11-18, 2017
Destination: Republic of Ireland
Travel Buddy: Kevin McNamara (Dad)
Part One: Day 5 (with post-trip updates)

I almost dreaded the question because our plan was always so... nonexistent.

Cullan McNamara
Dates: September 11-18, 2017
Destination: Republic of Ireland
Travel Buddy: Kevin McNamara (Dad)
Part One: Day 4 (with post-trip updates)

Cullan McNamara
Dates: September 11-18, 2017
Destination: Republic of Ireland
Travel Buddy: Kevin McNamara (Dad)
Part One: Day 3 (with post-trip updates)

Another busy day, huh? Well, we better get moving.

Truly, we both learned - we learned about Ireland, its people, and each other. We yelled, we laughed, we teared up, we argued, we drank, but what did we really do? We lived.

Cullan McNamara
Dates: September 11-18, 2017
Destination: Republic of Ireland
Travel Buddy: Kevin McNamara (Dad)
Part One: Day 2 (with updates from Day 6/7)

Cullan McNamara
Dates: September 11-18, 2017
Destination: Republic of Ireland
Travel Buddy: Kevin McNamara (Dad)
Part One: Day 1 (with updates from Day 3/4)

The delusional are not those who dream - they're those who give up.

For myself, those who will graduate soon + those who recently have, and anyone looking to evaluate life.

For those who love nature, hiking, and listening to music while outdoors + tips on how to play music respectfully on the trails.

For those interested in solo travel, curious about what the experience may be like, and tips to get by on your own (suggested songs to supplement your reading: "The Wolves & The Ravens" by Rogue Valley and "Magdalene" by Bear's Den.)

For those in need of inspiration and the strength to push fear aside, with seven awesome quotes to help you take the first step into the unknown.

For those attempting to rationalize college spending & debt, with information from the National Center for Education Statistics, CNN, The Washington Post, and Forbes.

It was a Thursday in early November, and I needed a break from school, so I decided to ask the girl I'd been talking to if she wanted to go on a spontaneous hike the next day and camp overnight. To my surprise, she said yes! (And would later become my girlfriend.) I was exhilarated by the idea that I'd be leading my own little expedition. I would make the packing list, and I would map out the trek and campsites. It was going to be great. And it was... sort of.

Below I've included what I originally thought of as necessary for such a trip, and I added in helpful tips about what I learned from the experience. Hopefully this will assist you in planning your next grand adventure!