An account of a journey through western Ireland made in 1984, fulfilling a childhood dream of a long-distance ride. The story centres on the growing bond between the author and her Connemara pony, Mollie and the many challenges that they face before the tragic conclusion in the mountains of Kerry. It is also a portrait of rural Ireland before the "Celtic Tiger" era, built up from conversations with the local people. The journey takes them through Counties Galway, Mayo, Clare and Kerry, the obstacles to their progress ranging from bogs, stone walls, and the River Shannon. "I've never tried hitchhiking with a horse before" comments the author. "It's not easy." She travelled with no set route, extending her backpacking knowledge acquired in the Andes to horse packing, "seeing the obvious advantage of climbing mountains on someone else's legs and using another's back for the packing."

"My Connemara Journeys - Joyce Country" by Amelia Joyce is a compelling read. Amelia, a native of Connemara, presents seven carefully selected journeys through the landscape of Connemara that are dear to her heart and shares them with us in this beautiful book. The seven journeys represent one journey for each day of the week. "The idea for my guidebook is that the readers get insights into the fascinating people who lived in Connemara, enjoy visiting my favourite off-the-beaten-track gems that the average tourist never sees, and to suggest places where you can enjoy afternoon tea, a creamy pint or a picnic on one of the many sandy beaches dotted along the coast."What was once an isolated landscape ravaged by poverty has now become the destination for nature-lovers, mountain-climbers and other sports enthusiasts alike. Excellent restaurants are in abundance, and the choice of accommodation ranges from simple bed-and-breakfasts to world-renowned luxury castles.