Dia Daoibh agus Fáilte - Hello and Welcome
I'm Micháel O Mórdha, an Irish writer based in Seattle. Hello, and thank you for joining me.
If you’ve found your way here, chances are you love travel, not just the postcard kind, but the kind that lingers. The kind that stays with you long after the bags are unpacked.
This Substack grew out of a lifetime spent on the road. I’ve guided tours through the fjords of Alaska and along Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast. I’ve been stranded in the South Pacific, shared whiskey with strangers who became friends, and found beauty in the small, unplanned moments.
What You’ll Find Here
These are stories about the road, the sea, and the spaces in between. They’re not travel guides, they’re reflections on what it means to belong, to wander, and to return.
Expect:
Humor and mishaps — the kind that only happen far from home
Reflections on history, place, and people
True stories from a tour director’s life, the chaos, the wonder, and the humanity behind the itinerary
You’ll receive new essays every few weeks, a mix of travel narratives, behind-the-scenes glimpses from tour life, quiet moments of reflection, and the occasional story. And sometimes a cocktail.
Some stories
If you’re new, here are a few favorite journeys to start with:
Why I Write These Stories
I write to remember, to share. I believe that travel, at its best, teaches empathy. Every journey, whether across an ocean or down the street, holds a lesson.
If a story here reminds you of one of your own, I hope you’ll share it in the comments. This isn’t just a collection of stories, it’s a conversation.
📬 Come for a wander
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Let’s see where the next road leads.
Slán go fóill,
Micháel
