Samuel Beckett: Walking After My Father

A walking event devised by Alan Gilsenan with actress Caítriona Ní Mhurchú, naturalist Mark O’Callaghan (NPWS) and mountain guide Martha Burton.

In his childhood and later years, some of Samuel Beckett's happiest and most formative times were spent walking in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains with his father William Beckett. Leaving their family home at Cooldrinagh in Foxrock, they would walk together through Leopardstown Racecourse or across Boss Croker's Gallops and on into the foothills and on to the mountains beyond. Their lone figures astray on this beautiful, painterly and occasionally desolate landscape arguably informed many of the potent images that define the imaginative world of his plays, poems and, in particular, his shorter prose.

As Beckett memorably wrote in Westward Ho:
"Hand in hand with equal plod they go. In the free hands - no. Free empty hands. Backs turned both bowed with equal plod they go.
The child hand raised to reach the holding hand. Hold the old holding hand. Hold and be held. Plod on and never recede."

This Sunday morning walk will take us up into the landscape where Samuel Beckett and his father roamed. Curated by director and local resident Alan Gilsenan with accompanying readings by acclaimed actress and writer Caitríona Ní Mhurchú, the walk will try and bring us into the world and mood of this very Beckettian landscape. We will also be guided by NPWS guide Mark O’Callaghan, who will talk about the biodiversity and local mountain guide Martha Burton, whose family have lived in the valley for many generations and who has an intimate knowledge of its landscape and local history. The walk will finish with refreshments at St Patrick’s National School, Curtlestown which is a short walk from the 185 bus stop.

3 hour hike of moderate difficulty. Some steep climbs and uneven ground. Sturdy footwear essential. Dress for all weathers. Drinks and snacks recommended. No bathroom facilities available. Leave no trace. No dogs (except guide dogs) are permitted. Parking is limited so please note that this event is organised to coincide with the arrival of the 185 bus - please check ‘Plan Your Visit’ information on this website.