"This is a perfect match for these unprecedented times."
The Irish Times
"...a timely comfort read....proves that sometimes hope and history really can rhyme."
The Sunday Times
The Irish Times
"...a timely comfort read....proves that sometimes hope and history really can rhyme."
The Sunday 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.
Following the collapse of Ireland’s Celtic Tiger economy, Ruairí McKiernan questions whether he should join the mounting number of emigrants searching for greater opportunity elsewhere. McKiernan embarks on a hitchhiking odyssey with no money, no itinerary, and no idea where he might end up each night. His mission: to give voice to those emerging from one of the most painful periods of economic and social turmoil in Ireland’s history. Engaging, provocative, and sincere, Hitching for Hope is a testimony to the spirit of Ireland.
- - An Irish Times No.1 Bestseller
- - American Book Fest Best Travel Book Award
- - UNESCO City of Literature selection
- - IrishCentral.com Book of the Month
- - International tour supported by Culture Ireland
Following the collapse of Ireland’s Celtic Tiger economy, Ruairí McKiernan questions whether he should join the mounting number of emigrants searching for greater opportunity elsewhere. McKiernan embarks on a hitchhiking odyssey with no money, no itinerary, and no idea where he might end up each night. His mission: to give voice to those emerging from one of the most painful periods of economic and social turmoil in Ireland’s history. Engaging, provocative, and sincere, Hitching for Hope is a testimony to the spirit of Ireland.
Available internationally in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Links below to different international online retailers or order a signed copy direct from the author.
Easy ordering instructions: Book available from all main booksellers and online book retailers, including paperback, ebook and audiobook. For special author signed edition you can order online at this link or email [email protected] with any queries, including bulk order discounts. The price is €15 + postage and packaging. If you to request a particular name or special mention please note this in the 'notes and instructions' part at the end of the order form.
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Ruairí McKiernan is an award-winning social innovator, campaigner, counsellor, writer and speaker. 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. |
‘Ruairí takes note of what many of us sometimes fail to see.’
—Christy Moore
‘This book is a paean to nuance, decency and possibility.’
—Colum McCann
‘..an easy and uplifting read.’
—Peggy Seeger
“An epic journey…powerful and insightful."
- Damien Dempsey
—Christy Moore
‘This book is a paean to nuance, decency and possibility.’
—Colum McCann
‘..an easy and uplifting read.’
—Peggy Seeger
“An epic journey…powerful and insightful."
- Damien Dempsey
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Thanks to Culture Ireland for promotion and publicity support
Available internationally on paperback, ebook, and audiobook.
Hitching for Hope is available in all main bookshops in Ireland, in selected bookshops internationally, and via usual online retailers. See list below for international shops and websites stocking the book and please get in touch if you are having any trouble sourcing it. Where possible please consider supporting local independent bookstores. Special bulk discount and signed copies are also available. ISBN: 9781603589574
Hitching for Hope is available in all main bookshops in Ireland, in selected bookshops internationally, and via usual online retailers. See list below for international shops and websites stocking the book and please get in touch if you are having any trouble sourcing it. Where possible please consider supporting local independent bookstores. Special bulk discount and signed copies are also available. ISBN: 9781603589574
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Sample list of global outlets below. For personalized signed copies please see above link or get in touch. Ebook and audiobook versions also available. North America Amazon US Amazon Canada Bookshop.org Barnes and Noble Book Depository Chapters Chelsea Green Publishing (Use coupon CGP35) Ireland Amazon UK Kennys Easons O'Mahonys Charlie Byrnes Gutter Bookshop Book Depository |
'Tale of hitchhiking in post-recession Ireland is a timely comfort read....proves that sometimes hope and history really can rhyme.'
- The Sunday Times
More info
- Listen back to interview on Today FM with Matt Cooper
- Watch Ruairí's TEDx talk here
- Rewatch livestream launch event with special guests Lynn Ruane, Frances Black and Colm Mac Con Iomaire. Watch on Facebook, and YouTube.
Sunday Times review
"Ruairí McKiernan was depressed about austerity Ireland, particularly that those who caused the economic collapse had not only escaped unpunished but had actually been supported and enabled, while those who had suffered were abandoned. So he decided to make “a journey into the heart and soul of Ireland” by hitching around part of the country in order to listen and give voice to ordinary people, particularly to discover if they felt hopeful for the future. He heard stories of anger and disappointment at the economic disaster but also stories of hope and resilience, and he encountered numerous examples of community initiative, co-operation and self-help. Combining his own and others’ personal stories, travelogue and advocacy for change, this is a perfect match for these unprecedented times."
"Ruairí McKiernan was depressed about austerity Ireland, particularly that those who caused the economic collapse had not only escaped unpunished but had actually been supported and enabled, while those who had suffered were abandoned. So he decided to make “a journey into the heart and soul of Ireland” by hitching around part of the country in order to listen and give voice to ordinary people, particularly to discover if they felt hopeful for the future. He heard stories of anger and disappointment at the economic disaster but also stories of hope and resilience, and he encountered numerous examples of community initiative, co-operation and self-help. Combining his own and others’ personal stories, travelogue and advocacy for change, this is a perfect match for these unprecedented times."
Virtual events - oppportunity to collaborate
Ruairí and his publisher Chelsea Green Publishing are currently collaborating with book clubs, festivals, libraries, schools, colleges, community groups and others to offer virtual conversational style virtual book events. To date these have reached thousands of viewers and participants in countries all over the world. These are generally 60-minute events. Partners have included Culture Ireland (Ireland Performs series), the New York Irish Center, and the Irish American Heritage Museum. The events are hosted via Zoom and Facebook live and involve a conversational style talk on the book's themes (e.g. kindness, courage, resilience, community spirit) followed by a questions and answers session with the audience. Sometimes musicians and other guests feature. The events are streamed direct from Ruairí's home in the west of Ireland and can be offered at no charge to hosts who can commit to promoting them among their network. Support is provided around marketing and media. The events are easy to organise and manage and no technical know-how is required. We can be flexible around international time zones as long as it's sometime between 8am and midnight Irish time. For more information email [email protected]
Previous event partners include:
Northampton Irish Support Group (UK), Knoxville Irish Society (USA), First Fortnight festival, Ireland, Monaghan County Library (First Fortnight Festival) (Ireland), Irish Community Services Chicago (USA), Irish Cultural Centre of Western New England (USA), London Irish Cultural Centre (UK), Ireland Funds leadership webinar (International), Irish Support Agency (Australia), Irish Network Washington DC (US), United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco (USA), Swedish Irish Society (Sweden), Liverpool Irish Centre (UK), Irish American Business Chamber and Network (USA), London Irish Centre (UK), University of Colorado, Denver Gaels and Irish Network Colorado (USA), Irish Embassy South Africa (South Africa), Irish Netherlands Business Assoc (Netherlands), Irish Center Mohawk Valley (USA), Rian Immigration Centre Boston (USA), Irish-Hungarian Business Circle (Hungary), Commodore Barry Arts and Cultural Center (USA).
Ruairí and his publisher Chelsea Green Publishing are currently collaborating with book clubs, festivals, libraries, schools, colleges, community groups and others to offer virtual conversational style virtual book events. To date these have reached thousands of viewers and participants in countries all over the world. These are generally 60-minute events. Partners have included Culture Ireland (Ireland Performs series), the New York Irish Center, and the Irish American Heritage Museum. The events are hosted via Zoom and Facebook live and involve a conversational style talk on the book's themes (e.g. kindness, courage, resilience, community spirit) followed by a questions and answers session with the audience. Sometimes musicians and other guests feature. The events are streamed direct from Ruairí's home in the west of Ireland and can be offered at no charge to hosts who can commit to promoting them among their network. Support is provided around marketing and media. The events are easy to organise and manage and no technical know-how is required. We can be flexible around international time zones as long as it's sometime between 8am and midnight Irish time. For more information email [email protected]
Previous event partners include:
Northampton Irish Support Group (UK), Knoxville Irish Society (USA), First Fortnight festival, Ireland, Monaghan County Library (First Fortnight Festival) (Ireland), Irish Community Services Chicago (USA), Irish Cultural Centre of Western New England (USA), London Irish Cultural Centre (UK), Ireland Funds leadership webinar (International), Irish Support Agency (Australia), Irish Network Washington DC (US), United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco (USA), Swedish Irish Society (Sweden), Liverpool Irish Centre (UK), Irish American Business Chamber and Network (USA), London Irish Centre (UK), University of Colorado, Denver Gaels and Irish Network Colorado (USA), Irish Embassy South Africa (South Africa), Irish Netherlands Business Assoc (Netherlands), Irish Center Mohawk Valley (USA), Rian Immigration Centre Boston (USA), Irish-Hungarian Business Circle (Hungary), Commodore Barry Arts and Cultural Center (USA).
“You will not be able to put it down.’
—Frances Black
‘Funny, philosophical, and moving”
—Amanda Palmer
‘..an authentic and utterly compelling narrative.”
—Brian O’Connell
‘Making a reader stop and think is something we should all
want to achieve, and Ruairí succeeds.'
—Lynn Ruane
‘This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.’
—Bill McKibben
‘..a breath of fresh air’
—Joanna Macy
—Frances Black
‘Funny, philosophical, and moving”
—Amanda Palmer
‘..an authentic and utterly compelling narrative.”
—Brian O’Connell
‘Making a reader stop and think is something we should all
want to achieve, and Ruairí succeeds.'
—Lynn Ruane
‘This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.’
—Bill McKibben
‘..a breath of fresh air’
—Joanna Macy
Reader reviews
An honest voice and an easy read, this book is full of heart and soul and stories of hope that got me thinking about life and the world with different eyes. - Amazon reader review
'Hitching for Hope' is a real tonic to read in a time of pandemic - it will restore your faith in humanity and get you thinking about ways to step out (virtually or otherwise) and get to know people and places you think you already know. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ruairí's adventures and appreciated his candour, openness and quest to listen to others as well as his deep passion to make this particular corner of the world all that it can be. - Debs via Goodreads
"This book has also helped me in my own journey of understanding what's important in life and what I want to do later in life." - Eliza via email
I thoroughly enjoyed this brilliant book and found it both very uplifting and thought provoking. It’s written in such a warm and engaging style that you actually feel you’re there with him on the trip and meeting so many inspiring people along the way who share their own stories and where they find hope for the future. - Kevin via Goodreads
Easy to read, but very thought-provoking. - Kathy via Goodreads
The author decides to hitchhike through Ireland in hopes of giving voice to those who are often overlooked. I enjoyed reading of travels, the stories, and the people he meets along the road. The writing is good and there is a lot of humor among the tears. Enjoy the armchair travels.
- Amazon reader review
A thoroughly lovely book and one filled with genuine voices from around the island. - Anthony via Goodreads
The timing of this book coming out during an unprecedented time in the world has been very serendipitous in many ways. It offers a real insight into the Irish population during another difficult time in the country's history. It explores resilience, humanity and, of course, hope. What was very striking was the way in which people opened up to Ruairi McKiernan, often in a very raw, real way. This came across beautifully in the writing and reading it felt like a lesson in compassion during adversity. What reading this book does is help to find perspective in how we live our lives. Find out what is important and what isn't. It is in many ways a guide to getting through as best we can, knowing that others struggle. There is something reassuring about the shared experience and what this book helps with is finding strength and humanity during tough times. Highly recommend. - Áine via Goodreads
I very much enjoyed reading this inspiring sometimes humorous account of Ruairi’s hitch hiking travels across Ireland. There is social justice and optimism in their stories, people fighting for hope. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for optimism in the post-apocalyptic world and to our leaders who may need philosophical guidance in shaping a new world. - Tim via Goodreads
This is one of those books that you literally can’t put it down! This book also made me realize that we have the ability to change our world. Granted, there are some things we can’t change, but there are many more matters we can change. Several of the people in the book changed their lives for the better and I hope that it continues for them. Everyone needs to read this book. - Kimberly via Goodreads
"Fantastic book, I'm on my 2nd reading of it because it inspired hope within myself" - John via email
When I read the title of this book chosen by a Book Club to which I belong, I was not at all excited. I expected a tedious narrative describing someone's journey as they hitchhiked across Ireland. I could not have been more wrong, and the old adage: "Don't judge a book by its cover," kept creeping into my mind the further I got into this book and the journey into the heart and soul of Ireland. In a time when the news in my own country is laced with negativity and clouded by division, this book was exactly what I needed to restore my own hope and faith that it is through our small communities and groups that we will find peace and create our own happy lives. - Betsy via Goodreads
A nice gentle read, if you're feeling lost, this will restore your faith in people. - Sarah via Goodreads
Action breeds hope. A lovely book which takes the reader on a journey. A journey as relevant now as it was at the time the book was written.
- Mícheál via Goodreads
I found Ruairi's - Hitching for Hope and great listen as I got the audio book version. It you want to get a true understanding of how Irish people felt on the "ground" over the last decade, it is a must. It shows our truly great use of humour, fun and beautiful turn of phase. I think you will find this book a lovely revealing look at all that is to be gained out on the open road the adventures you can have and the people you can meet. It truly does paint a hopeful picture. - Ciaran via Goodreads
An honest voice and an easy read, this book is full of heart and soul and stories of hope that got me thinking about life and the world with different eyes. - Amazon reader review
I just finished listening Hitching for Hope as an audiobook and it was truly touching. Anyone who is interested in listening to poignant stories from rural Ireland (as well as Dublin) needs to listen to this! It details hardships, frustrations, and sheds light on the injustices that have been faced in contemporary Ireland. It also highlights silver linings, quirky moments of laughter and wholesome interactions. Ruairí reminds us how powerful the act of listening can be. From camping on Inishbofin to observing the Orange Marches in Derry, his book is entertaining and the content does deeply reflect the title – hopeful. - Mary via Goodreads
Ruairí’s book was a joy to read, a thought provoking and inspiring account of ordinary people’s opinions, sadness, hopes. Many of the opinions mirrored my own and it was inspiring to realise this. My copy of the book now resembles one of my old school books as are so many gems which I have underlined and intend referring back to for a long time to come. - Dan via Goodreads
I don't think I've ever wanted to read a book for a second time so quickly. Ruairi gives the reader a sense of hope for the present time while we face a new kind of uncertainty, disconnection and fear. - Emer via Goodreads
A perfect choice for any reader searching for hope in what seems to be an uncertain future. Amazing how many interesting people he met along the way. Highly recommended. - Vicki via Goodreads
Brilliant from the very first page to the very last! Really enjoyed. - Niamh via Goodreads
A wonderful read. Made me cry and laugh. Makes you fall in love with Ireland all over again a-hug-in-a-book. - Rebecca via Goodreads