Documentary on Dervla Murphy, Lismore Travel Writer

                 About the Documentary

She is Ireland’s most prolific travel writer. Twenty four books, countless journeys, a worldwide fan base and massive critical success.
But ‘Who is Dervla Murphy?’

This documentary which premièred as the inaugural event of the IMMRAMA Festival of Travel Writing in Lismore, Co. Waterford in 2010 profiles the woman behind the words. A woman whose personal life has proved as fascinating as her extensive journeys. This complex and intriguing woman turned her back on normality at a time when nobody dared to ignore lifes conventions.

For five decades she has travelled the world and turned each experience into a successful book. Her first book, ‘Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle’ is regarded by many as the inspiration for travel in their own lives. For a young Irish woman to set off cycling to India from Ireland in 1965, defines the unique strength that lies within this author. Her travels have brought her to Tibet, Cameroon, Rwanda, Peru, Ethiopia and Siberia. Dervla’s thoughts also are never far from politics, as featured in ‘Race to Finish, The Nuclear Stakes’ and  her writings on Northern Ireland in ‘A Place Apart’.

She is the most successful Irish author in this genre. To many she has appeared as an enigma in the publishing world. She doesn’t accept advances on her books, leaving her to write what she wants, when she wants.

Now in her 80th year, this programme explores what makes this successful author the strong individual Irish woman who broke through the parameters of her era to set off around the world in search of something different.

No stone is left unturned in a rare heartfelt interview with Dervla. Featuring exclusive footage at her home in Lismore and journeys with her grandaughters, viewers have a rare, new insight of Dervla’s home life. The programme also features interviews with her daughter Rachel Murphy, broadcaster and travel writer Manchán Magan and publisher John Murray. ‘Who is Dervla Murphy?’ reveals an intimate portrait of an inspiring writer.

The programme is produced and commissioned by Mixed Bag Media Ltd. in association with Waterford County Council’s Arts Office. It is directed by Garret Daly and Produced by Martina McGlynn.

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Garret Daly, Martina McGlynn, Mixed Bag Media and Margaret Organ, Arts Officer with Nathaniel Daly on Dervla Murphy's bike Roz at the launch of 'Who is Dervla Murphy ? ' in Lismore.