Tipperary author's new book tells stories and history of country's well-known walking trails

Tipperary hiking expert and author John G O'Dwyer's new book, Stories Beneath Our Feet: Best Walks Through Irish History, details the fascinating, rich history and folklore associated with many of Ireland's well-known walking trails.

The Boherlahan-born writer's seventh book will be officially launched in Cabragh Wetlands Centre, Thurles this Thursday, October 22 at 7.30pm.

He has spent nearly 40 years leading hikes all around Ireland during which he gathered a wealth of stories and history about the places he visited from his own reading and from talking to local people he met on his expeditions.

“I found when I was leading a group of walkers, it made it more interesting to tell them the stories of the places and they built up over the past 30 to 40 years,” explains the Thurles-based author.

He shares the significance of the trails he features in Stories Beneath Our Feet, blending geographical insights with cultural and historical tales.

From the rugged Causeway Coast, where legends of ancient battles and shipwrecks abound, to the accidental discovery of an unknown ridge on Carrauntoohil and the story of how Wicklow’s Military Road came about, the book connects readers to the essence of each location.

The stories behind the peaks, lakes and walking routes of the former Tipperary Tourism chairman's native county are well represented in the book.

The discovery of the Derrynaflan hoard near Killenaule in 1980 is recounted along with the walk to the Derrynaflan monastic site where it was found that is now part of Littleton Labyrinth trail. O'Dwyer tells the stories of the witch Petticoat Loose, who reputedly haunts Bay Lough in the Knockmealdowns near Clogheen, and the history of the prosperous Grubb family associated with the Grubb's Grave monument, another well-known stop-off for hikers in those mountains.

The history and folklore of Slievenamon including its role in the Young Irelander rebellion, the story of Crotty the Robber highwayman of the Comeragh Mountains, just over the county border in Waterford, and legend of the Devil's Bit are all featured.

The author also connects the story of GAA founder Maurice Davin from Carrrick, whose family ran a river trading business, with the Suir Blueway cycle and walking trail along the former River Suir towpath between Carrick and Clonmel.

John says the book is aimed at a market that, so far, has not been served.

“There are many books describing excellent walks in Ireland, but none, so far, that focus on the fascinating stories often associated with these trails.

“I have structured the book as a series of individual trail chapters grouped under regional headings with each walk illustrated by high-quality photography from each location.” Combining hiking with storytelling, Stories Beneath Our Feet is a resource that will inspire outdoor exploration while also deepen readers’ connection to the historic Irish landscape.

The book launch at Cabragh Wetlands Centre wil begin with a wine reception, include a recital from the Ireland Peace Choir, and conclude with tea and coffee and light bites.

With every book sold, a donation will be made to support the work of Milford Care Centre.