Dia Duit. Fáilte. Hello and Welcome to this Blog.
My name is John Mooney and I live in County Armagh. In May 2017, I became entitled to free travel on public transport (train, bus, coach, tram) anywhere on the island of Ireland.
This blog “Ireland: The Final Frontier” is the journal of my travels and includes trips in the family car.
Fans of “Star Trek” might recognise that the title of this blog is a play on the words of introduction in the TV Show. Rather than Space, I regard Ireland and understanding it…history, geography, culture …as a great adventure.
The “Star Trek” image is underscored by the fact that my free travel in 2017 was guaranteed for five years so my great adventure was initially a “five year mission” to “boldly go” (the worlds best known split infinitive). The free travel was of course extended for a further five years in 2022.
And just to underscore “Star Trek” imagery, the train from Belfast to Dublin thru Portadown (my usual start to a journey) is known to train travellers as The Enterprise.
A word about the Free Travel scheme.
In the North of Ireland, where I am located, free travel is an entitlement to senior citizens, Aged 60 in 2012, I became entitled to travel anywhere in the six northern counties. In 2017, I became entitled to travel anywhere on the island of Ireland.
The “over 65” scheme is a reciprocal arrangement between the Department of Infrastructure in Norn Iron and the Department of Social Protection in the Republic of Ireland.
Not only is it an opportunity for senior citizens to see as many parts of this beautiful and historic island as we wish…especially for those of us who have a lifelong interest in History…but it keeps older people involved in Society and also importantly economically active. For example if I travel to Gorey, County Wexford, Athlone, County Westmeath or Bangor, County Down, it means that local businesses will benefit…a sandwich shop, a fast food outlet or a bookstore.
I am starting this Blog today…Saturday 5th October 2024. I have over 500 posts drafted. Travels from 2017 to date. They need editing and it is a big task.
Actually this blog is a re-boot of a blog I deleted about two years ago. I was simply frustrated that WordPress had changed some of its editing procedures and I deleted the blog and regretted it immediately. There is no way to recover it.
I have not travelled much in the last two years. I am older and not so mobile. But I need to get out again.
Finally, blogging is really about two things…writing (that is my job) and reading (hopefully your job).
Please enjoy it,
Ireland: The Final Frontier 