Exploring Ireland by Rail: A Journey from Monasterevin with Heart and Hope


There’s something quietly magical about watching the Irish countryside roll past your window—lush fields, sleepy towns, and the occasional glimpse of the sea. For me, that journey, starting in Monasterevin with my free travel pass in hand, isn’t just about seeing the country. It’s about reclaiming joy, one train ride at a time.

Living with HIV, autism, and kidney failure brings its own set of challenges, but it doesn’t mean that life stops, far from it. The railways have become my lifeline—not just physically, but emotionally. They offer freedom, spontaneity, and a sense of adventure that illness can’t take away.

From the gentle hum of the train to the friendly faces at each station, every trip feels like a small victory. Whether it’s a day in Galway soaking up the music and salt air, or a quiet afternoon in Kilkenny, wandering around the Mediæval Mile, I’m reminded that beauty is still within reach.

The free travel pass isn’t just a ticket—it’s a symbol of possibility. And while my body may have limits, my spirit doesn’t. I travel not to escape my reality, but to embrace it fully: to live richly, even in the face of hardship.

So here’s to the rails, the road ahead, and the quiet courage it takes to keep moving forward. Ireland is waiting—and I’m not done exploring. Where will I go today?

An orange Irish Rail locomotive in a station.
Iarnród Éireann Locomotive № 220 in Heuston Station in its gorgeous orange livery. 2025-04-05.

Useful links

Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail

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