Castles, Follies and Four-Leaf Clovers

The fascinating and funny story of one woman's delightful ramble along Ireland's St Declan's Way - an ancient pilgrims' path - battling the mist and the rain (often longing for a warm fire and stiff drink) with just an old photocopy of a map to guide her.

Rich in history, castles and larger-than-life characters, St Declan's Way is one of Ireland's best kept secrets.

Rosamund's adventures begin when she is lent a map of the ancient highway and pilgrim route St Declan's Way. Intrigued, she returns to Ireland. Setting off from the famous Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, she travels through small towns and villages, across the beautiful Knockmealdown Mountains, to the town of Lismore with its spectacular castle, where her family used to live, and then on to the fishing village of Ardmore in County Waterford.

Battling the rain as she follows narrow country roads, little used tracks and overgrown paths, she traces the footsteps of St Declan. From a day at a horse fair to climbing mountains and tracking down fairy forts, she captures perfectly the local characters and castles, miraculous wells and talking statues, the broken dreams and local legends. Stories of goddesses, ghosts and fairies are intertwined with the eccentricities and daily lives of everyday people - this is a journey full of the surprises that only Ireland can offer.

About The Author

Born in Ireland, Rosamund grew up in England until her father got a job with the Duke of Devonshire. Ros and her family then moved back to Ireland into the East Wing of Lismore Castle, possibly Ireland's most spectacular castle (Lismore is on St Declan's Way). Rosamund was able to immerse herself in this forgotten corner of Ireland with its mix of derelict mansions, and the larger than life locals. In 1994 Rosamund came to Australia to work for and later manage the Mind Body Spirit Sydney festival. For the last few years she has worked as a freelance journalist and writes for a wide range of newspapers and magazines.