In last month’s blog, I took you from Dublin to Santiago to Portomarin, covering Days 1 & 2. This month, I have posted photos of Day 3, Portomarin to Palais de Rei, and Day 4, Palais de Rei to Arzua. 

In my novel A WEEK TO REMEMBER, everywhere I walked, slept, and ate, my characters do too. So, as you walk with them through the book, you also walk with me.

My book was published on 04 March, and my book launch in Easons was on the 7th March. I want to thank Val Troy for launching me and everyone who came along to make it a great night. I am so grateful. Thanks to Ian Davis for taking the photos on the night.

I have been busy signing books in Bookstation, Eason, Dubrey, Chapters, and Independent Bookshops all over the country. I love to meet booksellers, and I am very grateful to them for stocking my book and featuring it in their window displays.

                             The Camino

Day 3: Portomarin to Palas de Rei

Leaving at 7am, the crisp mountain air was a refreshing start to the day, but it wasn't long before I felt the heat on my back as the sun rose over the forest leaving Portomarin.

The walk is longer today, 22.8 km, and the company of strangers keeps me going. Just when you feel like giving up, a smile and a chat will ease you through a few more kilometers.  

Day 4: Palas De Rei to Arzua

Another 7am start leaving Palas De Rei at sunrise. A mixture of forests, farmland, and mountain-top villages today with plenty of places to stop for a cafe con leche and a slice of torte de Santiago, an almond cake of the region with St James cross on the top. 

Reaching Arzua is a joy. It is a big town with a beautiful tree-lined square where pilgrims meet for a beer in the evening sunshine after a long day's walking to swap stories, rest weary feet, and plan for the next day.

Next month: The final stretch; Arzua, O Pedrouza, Santiago de Compostella.

Books I have enjoyed this month:

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

To order your copy of A Week To Remember:

Easons:

https://www.easons.com/a-week-to-remember-ruth-oleary-9781781996782

Bookststion:

https://www.bookstation.ie/product/a-week-to-remember-2025/

Waterstones:

https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-week-to-remember/ruth-oleary/9781781996782

Amazon:

https://bit.ly/3F5bEHf