Fionnuala Kennedy

I have a degree in Geology and, being a fan of lifelong learning, hold assorted qualifications in Outdoor Pursuits and Leadership, Sustainable Woodland Management, Tourism and Heritage Studies and Organic Horticulture.

My dad had worked for years as a guide and expedition leader based in Nepal. So as soon as I finished school in the 90’s he brought me out to the Himalayas for my “real” education.

We trekked through the Zanskar and Ladakh regions of Northern India –culturally the people there are Tibetan. Apart from the sheer scale and beauty of the mountains and glaciers, it was the people, their grace, and their ancient way of living that had the most profound effect on a young and searching mind.

While at university I hitchhiked from England to Morocco with a pal, we had decided we wanted to trek in the Atlas Mountains. That done, we thought we might as well go to the Sahara for a look round. It’s very big.

More recent extended trips have been music research trips, including Senegal and Gambia in West Africa, and the Appalachian mountains in North America – I play Appalachian music on banjo.

One of my most cherished places is the Isle of Rum, a tiny island off the west coast of Scotland. I fell in love with the compact diversity of the place while on a geology research trip – steep volcanic peaks, swathes of heather and peaty pools, gloriously white sandy beaches, all on an island 6 x 6 miles! I returned to live and work there for two more full summers, falling in love with the locals, the fun, hitchhiking on the harbour to get to Ceilis on neighbouring islands…

I’ve travelled around much of Europe with my band – we’re quite a hit in Spain!