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Latest Features
Some of my newest work writing about travel, art, architecture and sustainability
 Unlocking demenita'Portrait of an Artist as an Old Man' is Mirja Maria Thiel's poignant observation of the final years of photographer Fritz Dressler’s life as he suffered from Alzheimner's. I speak to her about her process, the physical, technical and ethical challenges invovled, and the ethics of such a delicate project. (Photo Oxford, Apr 2023) |  Recovering a forgotten archiveAn interview with photographer Ania Ready about her seven-year quest to bring the work of forgotten feminist writer Sophie Gaudier-Brzeska (1872-1925) to life in her new literary photobook and solo exhibition 'I Also Fight Windmills'. (Photo Oxford Festival, Apr 2023) |  Best Things to do in OxfordThe top 10 things to do in beautiful, bookish Oxford from landmark attractions to the locals' favourite haunts. (CN Traveller, Jan 2023) |
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 Britain's Coolest NeighbourhoodsA look at the coolest hangouts in East Oxford with tips on where to go, what to buy and where to eat and drink. (The Telegraph, Dec 2022) |  Putting community and climate at the heart of tourism strategyVisit Gloucestershire's regenerative approach to tourism puts community and climate at the heart of its strategy and makes for impressive action on the future of travel. (Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency) |  Human powered adventureAn interview with Paul Easto, Co-founder of Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland on how addressing climate change is a key part of their business plan and the opportunities and challenges this presents. (Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency) |
 Fixing Oxford's Broken Tourism EconomyRebuilding Oxford's tourism industry post pandemic in a sustainable way is essential to finding the right balance between economic recovery and long-term community regeneration. Going back to how things were is missing an opportunity for significant change and improvement. (March 2021) |  Where to go? Oxford or Cambridge?Both offer medieval architecture, cobbled streets, world-class museums and manicured gardens, but if you've only got one day, where should you go? Here, I make the case for Oxford. (The Telegraph) |  Activating our ArchivesGuest blog post at Modern Art Oxford during participation in Activating Our Archives, a project that took place in the first lockdown of 2020 and reflected on my photographic work and place in the world. (Modern Art Oxford) |
 Unlikely Family HolidaysIt's a fine art planning a perfect family trip, balancing all the diverse needs, providing just the right amount of stimulation, working in some decent downtime, and fitting it all into your time frame and budget. Try these unusual destinations for a host of options a world away from that five-star hotel and the lacklustre kids club. (Lonely Planet) |  48 hours in OxfordHow best to spend the weekend in Oxford? These are my top tips for a quick trip to the 'City of Dreaming Spires'. (The Telegraph) |  Best things to do in OxfordFrom hushed college quods to world-class museums, a Victorian covered market and some glorious riverside walks, this is a guide to the best things to do in Oxford. (The Telegraph) |
 Best UK and Irish marathonsMissed out on a place for London? Don't worry, there are plenty of other options that are easier to enter, far more scenic and far less crowded. (Lonely Planet) |  Top cities for architecture loversDo Gothic arches, polished concrete and Cor-ten make you weak at the knees? Here are the best destinations to get your fix of urban architectural glory.(Lonely Planet) |  Architecture 101Know your plinths from your pilasters? This traveller's guide to architecture offers to enrich any trip with tips and tricks on how to spot architectural motifs across the world. (Lonely Planet) |
 Offbeat Coastal Road TripsDiscover the irresistible charm of the road less travelled on these five coastal road trips offering stunning scenery, great food and quirky cultural experiences. (Lonely Planet) |  Travelling Close to HomeWhether it's an empty wallet, a heavy workload, or a young family tied to the school term that's preventing you from travelling, the situation doesn't have to extinguish your wanderlust. From camping trips in the back garden to claiming back the commute, there are myriad ways to experience your home as a traveller would. (Lonely Planet) |  Space Exploration from Planet EarthSpace cadet, astro nut or beleaguered parent of small children, you'll find everything you ever wanted to know about rocket launches, alien life forms, astronaut training and peeing at zero gravity at these family-friendly space places around the globe. (Lonely Planet) |
 Careers for Travelling the WorldDreaming of a job that pays you to travel? Who doesn't? Competition is stiff and salaries aren't always something to write home about, but here's our pick of the best jobs to turn that daydream into reality. (Lonely Planet) |  Exciting Kids About Your BigTripSo you want to tour Italy's Etruscan ruins but your toddler can shatter priceless artefacts with a single shriek and your sneering teen can make life hell. Just how do you get kids excited about the places you really want to go? (Lonely Planet) |  Adventure Racing in IrelandAdventure racing was once the preserve of the ultra fit but Ireland's gloriously wild and staggeringly beautiful west coast offers plenty of one-day events for those wishing to dip their feet into this endurance sport or beat their body into submission on some of the toughest races on Earth. (BBC) |
 Alpine Après SkiFrom Old School Sophistication to Billionaire's Bling A fast run down the perfect piste followed by an exhilarating backcountry adventure cutting tracks through virgin powder, how do you top an epic day of skiing? With the best après-ski money can buy. (Ski Finest) |  Slow Food Along the ShannonTaking to the inland waterways is a wonderfully leisurely way of seeing Ireland's hidden corners. Flanked by lush riverside pastures, crumbling castles, quaint villages and an increasing number of gastropubs, cruising the Shannon is the perfect way to sit back, relax and pile on the pounds. (Lonely Planet) |  India Through a LensA story of luck, hard graft and dreamscome true. The inspiring story of Vicky Roy who went from homeless street child to international photographer. (Audley Travel) |
 Traditional Music in IrelandA nod of the head and a wry smile and they're off, fiddles hopping, feet stomping and the gravelly voices belting out the tunes. Music seems to run in the blood of the Irish and once you set foot in the Old Sod, it seems you're never more than a stone's throw from a session. (Lonely Planet) |  Beauties of the British IslesVenture beyond London and you won't have to travel far to see why the British landscape so inspired the Romantic poets, why A-listers flee the city for tiny medieval villages and why a pint in a pub selling hammers and nails tastes finer than any other on Earth. (CNN) |  The Brasserie that InspiredBehind the traditional Georgian facade of this family-run hotel in the heart of Dublin lies a world of Moroccan and Eastern influence full of sultry colours, subtle lighting and lavish design. (Hotelier International) |
 Christmas Lights ShowsWhether you're looking for traditional splendour, glitzy ostentation or the twinkling lights of a seaside village, here's our round up of the top 10 places in Britain to enjoy some festive lights. (The Telegraph) |
My articles have been published by:
BBC.com | Lonely Planet | CNN | The Irish Times | The Telegraph | The Sunday Tribune | The Sunday Business Post | The Evening Herald | Hotelier International | Saab Magazine | Ireland.com | Cara (Aer Lingus in-flight) | Pacific Wave (Air New Zealand in-flight) | Irish Tatler |
U Magazine | Lifestyle (NZ) | Grace (NZ)
Etain O'Carroll
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