New edition of William Bulfin’s 'Rambles In Éirinn' out now

A BEAUTIFUL new edition of William Bulfin’s famous travelogue, Rambles In Éirinn, offering a fascinating glimpse into Irish life during a time of significant social change, has just been launched.

At the turn of the twentieth century William Bulfin embarked on his famous tours of Ireland, his method of travel as simple as his style of writing – he cycled the length and breadth of the land. Nothing escaped his eye, and in Rambles in Éirinn the reader is treated to vivid descriptions of the places, personalities and historical significance of the counties he traversed.
Much of what he describes has since been swept away, and his musings offer a fascinating window into the Ireland of the time, a period that saw significant social and political change, reflected in the author’s staunch nationalism, his disdain for colonial rule and his hope for Irish freedom. With its vivid descriptions and evocative storytelling, Rambles in Éirinn serves as both a nostalgic tribute to a changing Ireland and a fascinating exploration of its enduring spirit, making it a timeless read for lovers of travel writing and Irish history alike.

William Bulfin was born in Co. Offaly and emigrated to Argentina in 1884 where he worked on a ranch in the pampas region. An author, journalist, newspaper editor and publisher, his pieces appeared in The Southern Cross, United Irishman and Sinn Féin. Following his death in 1910, his son Eamon was involved in the 1916 Easter Rising and his daughter Catalina married Seán MacBride, a leading Irish republican who was the son of Maud Gonne and Major John MacBride.

In 1902 he wrote Rambles In Éirinn, an account of his travels around Ireland by bicycle on his return to his homeland. His musings along the way offer a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century Ireland during a time of significant social change.

Based on a series of articles originally published in nationalist newspapers, Bulfin’s narrative is rich with encounters that reveal the character of the Irish people and their connection to the land. He reflects on sacred historical sites such as Tara and Vinegar Hill, agricultural practices, and the folklore that defines Ireland’s cultural heritage.

As he traverses the countryside, Bulfin’s poignant commentary on the socio-political climate following the Land War emphasises his disdain for colonial rule and his hope for Irish freedom. A staunch nationalist and friend of Arthur Griffith, sadly he would not live to see the goals of Irish nationalism realised.