Hitching for Hope - a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland
'A modern travel tale—part personal pilgrimage, part political quest—that captures the power of human resilience.
On international release from March 26th, 2020
'Engaging, provocative, and sincere, Hitching for Hope recounts a journey both deeply personal and explicitly political. A testimony to the spirit of Ireland, it is an inspirational manifesto for hope and healing in troubled times.'
'Engaging, provocative, and sincere, Hitching for Hope recounts a journey both deeply personal and explicitly political. A testimony to the spirit of Ireland, it is an inspirational manifesto for hope and healing in troubled times.'
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Irish, UK, US and Canada tour dates and more information coming soon. If you want to be notified about talks, launches, workshops and events, or get involved in promotion and hosting, please email book@loveandcourage.org and be sure to sign-up for e-newsletter updates below. Book is published by Chelsea Green (US/UK) with international partners for publicity, distribution and retail including Gill Hess, Argosy, Easons and Dubray in Ireland.
"Funny, philosophical, and moving, this book illuminates a lesser-seen map of a better and kinder humanity. In an age of cynicism and despair, the stories and insights Ruairí unveils are exactly the medicine we need to wake up and remember who we really are. Whether or not it persuades you to hitchhike to your next business meeting, this book will certainly remind you that people—and the future—may not be as scary as you thought." —Amanda Palmer, singer/songwriter; author of The Art of Asking Watch Ruairís TEDx talk here. |
A journey through Ireland to hear the stories, dreams, and struggles of the people encountered along the way. What does the future have in store if politicians aren't beholden to the people, if the pace of development is compromising mental health, and if so-called progress is triggering ecological collapse? How do we maintain hope in such troubled times? In the wake of one of Ireland's worst economic recessions and a period of personal burnout from years of relentless social campaigning and organising, Ruairi McKiernan set out to answer these questions after he was invited to speak about citizens' views of Ireland. How, he wondered, might he use this platform to capture people's stories in an honest and authentic way-to give voice to the multitudes that so often go unheard?
During his teenage years, McKiernan developed a fondness for hitchhiking. This fading form of travel taught him to connect with strangers, to trust in the unknown and to embrace the unexpected: precisely the kind of experience he was looking for. By turns exciting, provocative and sincere, Hitching for Hope: A Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland is the tale of a pilgrimage both deeply personal and explicitly political.
McKiernan embarks without an itinerary, not knowing with whom he may speak, what he may hear or where he may sleep each night. As he reflects on his past, faces his fears, and listens to the struggles, hopes and dreams of Ireland's people, he excavates a human resilience often obscured by the media. Our modern world is rife with twists and turns as numerous and daunting as the roads that wind across the Irish countryside. However, when we will ourselves to take a leap, to stick out our thumbs when the going gets tough, and to lend a hand (or a ride) to others in need, we harness a collective power that cannot be shaken.
During his teenage years, McKiernan developed a fondness for hitchhiking. This fading form of travel taught him to connect with strangers, to trust in the unknown and to embrace the unexpected: precisely the kind of experience he was looking for. By turns exciting, provocative and sincere, Hitching for Hope: A Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland is the tale of a pilgrimage both deeply personal and explicitly political.
McKiernan embarks without an itinerary, not knowing with whom he may speak, what he may hear or where he may sleep each night. As he reflects on his past, faces his fears, and listens to the struggles, hopes and dreams of Ireland's people, he excavates a human resilience often obscured by the media. Our modern world is rife with twists and turns as numerous and daunting as the roads that wind across the Irish countryside. However, when we will ourselves to take a leap, to stick out our thumbs when the going gets tough, and to lend a hand (or a ride) to others in need, we harness a collective power that cannot be shaken.
About Ruairí
Ruairí McKiernan is an award-winning social innovator, campaigner, writer and speaker and is the European Director of Narrative 4, which is a global non-profit promoting empathy among young people and wider society. In 2012 was appointed to the Council of State by President Michael D Higgins, where he served a 7-year term. A business graduate originally from County Cavan, Ruairí is a Fulbright scholar, the founder of the pioneering SpunOut.ie youth organisation, a founding member of the Uplift campaigning organisation, and part of the founding team behind Gaelic Voices For Change. He is also the host of the chart-topping Love and Courage podcast a regular contributor to the media on social justice, youth and community issues, civic leadership and wellbeing. Ruairí is married to Limerick-born singer, songwriter, musician and meditation teacher Susan Quirke and they live in Lahinch, on the west coast of County Clare.
Praise for Hitching for Hope
“‘Ruairí McKiernan takes time to look behind the stone walls of Ireland. Travelling from pillar to post, he takes note of what many of us sometimes fail to see. Always revealing, always caring and compassionate.”
—Christy Moore, singer and songwriter
‘In Hitching for Hope, Ruairí McKiernan sets out on a pilgrimage to capture truth and to hear stories that deserve to be heard. He sticks his thumb out, and somehow a healthy dose of humanity manages to roll up alongside him. McKiernan is a writer who finds home in the elsewhere. This book is a paean to nuance, decency and possibility.’
—Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World Spin; cofounder of Narrative 4
‘After travelling ecologically around Ireland and listening rather than speaking, McKiernan has produced a personal diary, a guided tour of his native country and an Irish Canterbury Tales for the 21st century. Hitching for Hope is a package of hope itself, full of kindness, political observations and of course the craic. Irish to its core and international in its search for optimism and communal involvement, it’s an easy and uplifting read.’
—Peggy Seeger, singer/songwriter; author of First Time Ever
‘Listening requires focus, attention, and awareness—skills that Ruairí has perfected. He listens to so many different perspectives without reacting or debating, and opens his mind and heart to each of them. I highly recommend this book. I guarantee that you will not be able to put it down.’
—Frances Black, Independent Senator; singer; founder of the RISE Foundation
‘Making a reader stop and think is something we should all want to achieve, and Ruairí McKiernan succeeds. Ordinary people and their lived experiences are at the heart of this book. Hitching for Hope demonstrates that, despite a diversity of backgrounds, we all want the same things: to find peace, to flourish and to help our families and communities thrive.’
—Lynn Ruane, Independent Senator
‘Funny, philosophical, and moving, this book illuminates a lesser-seen map of a better and kinder humanity. In an age of cynicism and despair, the stories and insights Ruairí unveils are exactly the medicine we need to wake up and remember who we really are. Whether or not it persuades you to hitchhike to your next business meeting, this book will certainly remind you that people—and the future—may not be as scary as you thought.’
—Amanda Palmer, singer/songwriter; author of The Art of Asking
‘Ruairí McKiernan hitchhikes through Ireland’s soul—its heartbeat—to bring us an authentic and utterly compelling narrative. Think McCarthy’s Bar for the socially conscious. An important and enjoyable read from a trusted voice.’
—Brian O’Connell, journalist; author of The Personals
‘In this pilgrimage around modern Ireland, Ruairí takes us to the people—to the nation’s beating heart. At times we glimpse the light that, since the old Dark Ages, has been Ireland’s gift to a hungry world.’
—Alastair McIntosh, author of Soil & Soul and Poacher’s Pilgrimage
‘Hitchhiking is the ultimate act of surrender and vulnerability where one must depend upon of the kindness of strangers and one’s own inner patience. At a time of social and ecological transition, McKiernan opens himself to the road, offering up a moving window into the fears, dreams, and possibilities of the Irish land and people. More transporting than a travelogue, Hitching for Hope is a tale full of serendipitous encounters and the spirit of Ireland’s byways.’
—Chuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies; author of Born on Third Base
‘Ireland went through its Celtic Tiger phase, all consumerism and growth. And then it crashed. In the aftermath, Ruairí McKiernan found that, like humans everywhere, what people really yearned for was community and connection, even if they’d almost forgotten how any of that worked. This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.’
—Bill McKibben, author of Wandering Home
‘Ruairí’s tale of his journey comes as a breath of fresh air, awakening us to the adventures in store when we embark beyond well-trod routines into new encounters. It reminds me of my own hitchhiking trip in the UK seventy years ago—full of spunk, resilience, and zest for discovery. Whether ‘hitching for hope’ or working together in a neighbourhood garden, we can link arms for the sake of the Great Turning to a life-sustaining future.’
—Joanna Macy, author of Coming Back to Life: The Updated Guide to the Work That Reconnects
‘Burnt out from his work as a community organizer, Ruairí McKiernan decided to hit the road. He stuck his thumb out—and his neck, too—hoping to learn something about himself and his country. A whole-hearted testament to the power of deep listening and a beautiful glimpse into the Irish spirit, Hitching for Hope tells the story of his journey. There is cause for hope in these dark times, and Ruairí found it in the people.’
—Andrew Forsthoefel, author of Walking to Listen
—Christy Moore, singer and songwriter
‘In Hitching for Hope, Ruairí McKiernan sets out on a pilgrimage to capture truth and to hear stories that deserve to be heard. He sticks his thumb out, and somehow a healthy dose of humanity manages to roll up alongside him. McKiernan is a writer who finds home in the elsewhere. This book is a paean to nuance, decency and possibility.’
—Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World Spin; cofounder of Narrative 4
‘After travelling ecologically around Ireland and listening rather than speaking, McKiernan has produced a personal diary, a guided tour of his native country and an Irish Canterbury Tales for the 21st century. Hitching for Hope is a package of hope itself, full of kindness, political observations and of course the craic. Irish to its core and international in its search for optimism and communal involvement, it’s an easy and uplifting read.’
—Peggy Seeger, singer/songwriter; author of First Time Ever
‘Listening requires focus, attention, and awareness—skills that Ruairí has perfected. He listens to so many different perspectives without reacting or debating, and opens his mind and heart to each of them. I highly recommend this book. I guarantee that you will not be able to put it down.’
—Frances Black, Independent Senator; singer; founder of the RISE Foundation
‘Making a reader stop and think is something we should all want to achieve, and Ruairí McKiernan succeeds. Ordinary people and their lived experiences are at the heart of this book. Hitching for Hope demonstrates that, despite a diversity of backgrounds, we all want the same things: to find peace, to flourish and to help our families and communities thrive.’
—Lynn Ruane, Independent Senator
‘Funny, philosophical, and moving, this book illuminates a lesser-seen map of a better and kinder humanity. In an age of cynicism and despair, the stories and insights Ruairí unveils are exactly the medicine we need to wake up and remember who we really are. Whether or not it persuades you to hitchhike to your next business meeting, this book will certainly remind you that people—and the future—may not be as scary as you thought.’
—Amanda Palmer, singer/songwriter; author of The Art of Asking
‘Ruairí McKiernan hitchhikes through Ireland’s soul—its heartbeat—to bring us an authentic and utterly compelling narrative. Think McCarthy’s Bar for the socially conscious. An important and enjoyable read from a trusted voice.’
—Brian O’Connell, journalist; author of The Personals
‘In this pilgrimage around modern Ireland, Ruairí takes us to the people—to the nation’s beating heart. At times we glimpse the light that, since the old Dark Ages, has been Ireland’s gift to a hungry world.’
—Alastair McIntosh, author of Soil & Soul and Poacher’s Pilgrimage
‘Hitchhiking is the ultimate act of surrender and vulnerability where one must depend upon of the kindness of strangers and one’s own inner patience. At a time of social and ecological transition, McKiernan opens himself to the road, offering up a moving window into the fears, dreams, and possibilities of the Irish land and people. More transporting than a travelogue, Hitching for Hope is a tale full of serendipitous encounters and the spirit of Ireland’s byways.’
—Chuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies; author of Born on Third Base
‘Ireland went through its Celtic Tiger phase, all consumerism and growth. And then it crashed. In the aftermath, Ruairí McKiernan found that, like humans everywhere, what people really yearned for was community and connection, even if they’d almost forgotten how any of that worked. This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.’
—Bill McKibben, author of Wandering Home
‘Ruairí’s tale of his journey comes as a breath of fresh air, awakening us to the adventures in store when we embark beyond well-trod routines into new encounters. It reminds me of my own hitchhiking trip in the UK seventy years ago—full of spunk, resilience, and zest for discovery. Whether ‘hitching for hope’ or working together in a neighbourhood garden, we can link arms for the sake of the Great Turning to a life-sustaining future.’
—Joanna Macy, author of Coming Back to Life: The Updated Guide to the Work That Reconnects
‘Burnt out from his work as a community organizer, Ruairí McKiernan decided to hit the road. He stuck his thumb out—and his neck, too—hoping to learn something about himself and his country. A whole-hearted testament to the power of deep listening and a beautiful glimpse into the Irish spirit, Hitching for Hope tells the story of his journey. There is cause for hope in these dark times, and Ruairí found it in the people.’
—Andrew Forsthoefel, author of Walking to Listen