The Bucket List Revisted – Eight Years Later

Back in January of 2016 I wrote a bucket list. Not for any particular reason – just a few things I wanted to try. I thought I’d write an update of how things went (or didn’t!)

I’d love a style makeover. Someone to tell me what colour and styles would suit my colouring and my body shape…..and preferably not dress me in something that resembles 1970 curtains. I was on the RTE Today Show (pic above) in 2018 and I got a makeover, which was wonderful. However, my body shape has changed since then (thanks, mainly to cake), and with Lucy’s wedding coming up in 2025, I’d love to find something that suits me.

Go along with Wild Atlantic Way using various forms of transport. This was going to be my #WildAtlanticWayfarer project in 2015. I still think it’s a great idea though and I’d love to film. The madder the transport the better. I’m thinking Honda 50, fire engine, ice cream van….you get the drift. Like the Irish, female version of Jeremy Clarkson without the alleged anger issues. Nope, this didn’t happen either but this is a big task. I don’t think I’m too bothered about doing this one now though.

I’d like to have a singing lesson. Just to find out if I’m really as shite as I think I am. Thanks to Sinead Conway this happened in February 2016, and I joined a choir locally for a while, but I’ve stopped singing now.

Fly over Mayo. I’ve flown a couple of times over Sligo (pic at the top of the blog of Mullaghmore, from a flight) and while I’m not the biggest fan of flying, the photo opportunities are fantastic. The Mayo coastline would be spectacular from the air. Another one that didn’t happen. I’d also quite like to fly into Donegal airport, the views look stunning.

Have piano lessons. Something I’ve wanted to learn since I was a child. I tried the violin and viola when I was at school – I was awful. I was offered a lesson by the lovely Kieran Quinn but I sort of chickened out and decided I’m not worthy. This is still firmly on the list. I’d love to play a keyboard.

Drive a tractor. Just because. I’d say the high insurance costs put the brakes on this one.

Have a walk on part in Fair City. I’d love to do this! Just think of the blog post! I haven’t set foot in The Hungry Pig – yet.

Take part in a musical. Only in recent years I have discovered I’m a big fan of musicals. I did do drama classes and I took part in Sligo Acts, but that’s as far as I got. Didn’t happen but still on the list.

Afternoon Tea in Ashford Castle. I’ve never been to Cong in Co. Mayo where Ashford is based and it looks beautiful. This happened in 2017, when Lucy and Laurence gave me a voucher for my birthday. https://magnumlady.com/2017/01/29/afternoon-tea-at-ashford-castle/

Visit Fota Wildlife Park in Cork. Another one that’s been on my ‘to do’ list for years. I was invited along to Dublin Zoo once for breakfast at the zoo, it’s one of the most memorable things I’ve done. I love animals and to be able to get up close to them would be wonderful. It hasn’t happened.

Kiss the Blarney stone…I don’t think I talk enough yet😉 Didn’t make this one either, and I’m not too bothered about it now.

Visit the Aran Islands. A little bit of the ‘old Ireland’. Thanks to Doolin Ferry this happened in May 2016

Try my hand at co-hosting a radio show. Ocean FM are you listening😉 This happened thanks to Ballina Community Radio, and I had a show for about two years, which I loved, and I’m now doing my own podcast.

See more of Ireland. There is so much of the country I haven’t seen yet. I love exploring new places and seeing things through the camera. It would be a great adventure. We’ve been to a few different places, and I still love exploring.

Travel to a few parts of the world. I would like to visit India, it looks like such a vibrant, diverse country. Auschwitz, it would be incredibly moving. America, I don’t mind what part, I’d just like to go there. Visit Mexico, there is an amazing underwater museum there. Well who would have thought we would have got to America!! We did! Jono’s journey became a reality when he took part in the Pokemon World Championships in San Francisco. I also did a bit of exploring before Covid hit. I visited a few places, including Auschwitz and to Romania. Łódź in Poland was one of my favourite places to visit. I love exploring different places.

Try and learn Riverdance – embrace my inner Michael Flatley😉 I didn’t do Irish dancing but I did have a go at Salsa. It was great fun.

Stay overnight at Harvey’s Point Hotel. The number 1 hotel in Ireland on Tripadvisor. I went there for Sunday lunch last year, which was fantastic, so I’d say a stay there would be just as wonderful. It didn’t happen.

Explore more of Northern Ireland. I want to visit Belfast, the dark hedges, The Giants Causeway and more. I also was to take the train from Derry to Coleraine: Michael Palin described the train journey between Londonderry/Derry and Coleraine as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world” I got to Belfast, The Dark Hedges, and The Giants Causeway.

Go on the previews for Culture Night, Dublin. It looked brilliant last year, full of great photo ops. Nope didn’t happen.

Explore the disused underground tunnels in London. I’d say it would be a great experience. Yes! This did happen! I got to the disused Down Street Underground Station.

Spend New Year’s Eve in London and watch the fireworks from a hotel balcony. I say this every New Year’s Eve, but short of winning the lotto, it isn’t going to happen. I don’t think this one will ever happen but life is strange and you never know.