Dervla MURPHY

Dervla's books have been with me for many years, enlightening and inspiring, read and re-read many times over. I'm sure they will continue to inspire for many, many years to come, an incredible legacy. My signed copy of Silverland will remain one of my most treasured books.
Thank you Dervla.
My sincerest condolences to Dervla's family.

I always loved reading her books, which were excellent.

Dervla gave so much historical information as well as a commentary on the country as she visited it, and as she found it.
I went on a visit to Lismore hoping I could visit her but she was away at the time.

I wrote her a letter explaining this and, to my great delight she replied on recycled paper and envelope, what else could you expect from such a thoughtful woman.

A wonderful woman, great traveler, a great writer and I can only be sad I never had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with her.

We are at a great loss.
Condolences to her daughter husband and grandchildren.
Ronie De Brun.

Sincerest condolences to Rachael and the girls on the death of Dervla.I have many fond memories of Dervela visiting my grandparents house in Lismore and hearing her stories of far away travel.
I always admired her courage at living life her way in a time when many of her life choices were seen as alternitive at the least. We have lost a unique soul.

Dervla, reading your books is like a magical opportunity to accompany you on your incredible journeys. Your words will continue to inspire and educate people to take the time to really listen, look and learn from others. Your curiousity about differences along with a recognition of shared humanity are the ground from which your adventures grow. Your ability to speak your mind and to live with great compassion and humour deeply touch the lives of so many people. I am so grateful to have all your books to read and re-read, and the documentary that gives us a glimpse into your special home in Lismore. I will continue to share them so that more people have the opportunity to hear your rare and valued voice. A life truly well lived.

Utterly bereft to hear of Dervla’s passing. I was abroad at the time and only heard the news when I returned, my family worried it would ruin my holiday. Dervla is my ultimate hero and inspiration. I’ve read nearly every book she has written, devoured might be a better word! I find it easy to read and reread them, that’s how superb they are.

Rachel, I’m so sorry for your loss. She was colossal. I wish I’d met her but I feel I know her.

May she rest in peace - her life has been extraordinary and no doubt she will remain and even grow as an icon long after she’s gone. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann, gan dabht. Ireland has lost one of its finest.

Thank you for all the travels in body and spirit. May you have all the fun in the world on the greatest travel journey. Thanks Dervla. My sympathy to all her family and friends.

Dear Dervla,
I was so sad to read you had died. Your books were a joy to read.
The book about Gaza was shocking and sad in equal measure, but with your uncompromising honesty you addressed the intolerable situation without shying away from the reality.
I also loved your book about Cuba, and began reading every book I could find about Cuba, Fidel and Che and The Revolution.
R.I.P Dervla you will be sadly missed

Sincerest condolences to all of Dervla's family and friends. Dervla's wonderfully adventurous soul will live on through her writings which act as an inspiration to us all

Dervla has been an inspiration to me since first reading her books in the 80s.. she inspired me to travel alone across several continents. Her writing was magical and practical at the same time. Just loved to read her books most of them several times. Unfortunately never got to meet her in person. RIP Dervla you were my favorite writer and inspired many people. I hope you are enjoying pints up there :)

Condolences to Rachel and family on the loss of Dervla. Always such a lovely person to speak to.
Mealla and all at Lismore Heritage Centre

I am so sad Dervla has passed away. She was one of these people that you would expect to live on forever... but in a way she will live on in the inspiration she gave to others, in particular woman. Dervla had many admirable traits that unfortunately are not so commonly seen in society nowadays - she was wise, humble, honest, genuine and unmaterialistic. She lived a simple and frugal life yet her life was filled with adventure and joy. She sought out enjoyment in travel yet seemed just as happy at home in her humble existence in Lismore, which I had the pleasure of visiting once. It is a memory I will hold dearly. She did her own thing and didn't live her life based on what other people expected. She has a lot to teach the rest of us and I will try to remember to be more like her throughout my own life.

Dervla, what a tremendous pity that you cannot read all the wonderful things people said about you. Thank you for the excitement and joy you brought to so many people. I hope there are new adventures for you to explore now.

Thank you Dervla for your unstinting curiosity about the world and your adventurous spirit. Thank you for steering your own course and sharing it with your readers.
I discovered On a Shoestring to Coorg in a second-hand bookshop in Inverness, and was delighted when you signed it for me some years later.

Condolences to Rachel and your granddaughters. RIP Dervla.

Deepest sympathy to Rachel and the girls. We will never think of Dervla as dead or gone, but as out there, somewhere, curled up in her fleabag. And although the ground she sleeps on may be hard the night is not cold and the sky overhead is blazing with stars. Sleep well traveler.

Like so many other people, I was inspired to travel solo by reading Dervla's wonderful books. She enriched my life and the lives of so many others.
RIP

Never had the opportunity to meet this wonderful woman but felt i knew you well through all yr books. Your courage & inspiration will live on. Sorry to see you leave. May you rest in peace Dervla.

I remember Dervla signing one of her books at the checkout in the Supermarket for me one morning. She did her shopping very early in the morning, and I felt priviliged to chat to her as she checked out. Sincere sympathy to Rachel and the girls.

I shook her hand once , in Easons, in Cork. What an honor. Love the books.

Rest in Peace lovely lady and regale them in heaven with your wonderful stories 🙏🏻

The fulsome and richly deserved tributes paid to Dervla are a joy to read. Our gratitude should also extend to her current publishers - Eland Books.

Sincere sympathies to Rachel and family. Thanks for all the wonderful adventures Dervla, rest in peace .

Rest in peace Dervla. We met at the Dublin Book Festival many years ago. It was such an honour to shake your hand, as I treasure all your books. What a wonder legacy you have left to your readers. Thank you...Condolences to the Murphy Family.

My sincerest condolences to Dervla's family and friends. She was an Amazing Woman. RIP Dervla

We had the privilege of spending a day with Dervla when she and Rose came to Kilmore Quay, for the 'Write By The Sea Festival' in 2017. Even though, in her mid eighties, we will never forget her irrepressible good humour, insightful, curious mind, endless patience and inspirational spirit.
When her diminutive figure appeared in the festival room the standing ovation she received was incredible. The respect and affection Dervla was held in was palpable.
Our sincere condolences to her family, friends, admirers and readers worldwide.
Dervla was an exceptional soul.
We will always remember her warmth, her love for people and her passion for justice.
May she rest in peace.

To Dervla's extended family we extend our sincere sympathies. Dervla stayed with us for a week in Uganda in 1992 and we have fond memories of her visit. May she rest in peace

Thanks for your brave journey’s in all aspects of life.

Your writing made my life so much richer. Thank you Dervla.

Rest in peace great lady.

Thank you Dervla for showing us your wonder filled Way.

Sincere sympathy to Rachel and grandchildren, we all loved hearing amazing stories about you and your Mams travels growing up until I became old enough to read her books ,full of intrigue and wonderment, When in lismore she would pass our house up to swim the Blackwater daily with her cute little dogs ,a very humble lady for sure ,thinking of you all Rachel at this sad time xxxxx

Sincere sympoty to Rachel and family on Dervla passing great memories of ur mother worked in lismore in younger days met her often went to cenema to c dockementry twice very intresting

Condolences to the Murphy Family on the Death of Dervla.May she rest in piece

An icon in literature,especially in travel writing has gone from Lismore.Rest assured her legacy will not be forgotten .Her amazing life and travels, well mapped out by herself ,will be her legacy & inspiration to many as is evidenced by the many condolences in that vein.
Our grateful thanks to her from all in Immrama, for being the inspiration for the foundation of our Travel Writing Festival.
Our sympathies to Rachel & her daughters at this sad time but your mother & gran will be long remembered.Sympathy from our family too.
RIP Dervla.

Rest in peace Dervla

Deepest Sympathy to Rachel and Family. What a woman you gave so much pleasure with your books. Always felt on the trips with you . May the good Lord reward you well .R.I.P

Rest in peace Dervla

I had the huge privilege of meet ing Dervla once in 2018 after a Freedom for Palestine meeting in Cork. I was in awe and offered to buy her a pint ( which I knew she loved). Her lift was arriving and she smiled and said 'Next time'. I was relishing that day, if it were to ever come. So sorry that she has passed but hopefully she's getting nice pints out there in the greater universe ! What an inspiring person you were Dervla. You will be greatly missed. RIP

RIP Dervla. I never met you but knew about you from my grandparents and mother from Lismore.

Many thanks for all the wonderful books of your adventures on your bike. You really inspired me to travel. RIP

Our deepest condolences to dearest Rachel and children. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your mum touched so many lives. May her spirit live through you and your children.

Regards and love from all of us.

Derbhla , a very quiet and private lady, for those who had the pleasure of engaging in conversation with her could only say what an interesting lady, To Rachel and the family, may she rest in peace 🙏

To Rachel and her children, my deepest sympathy to you on the death of your Mother Dervla Murphy. Sincere sympathy to all friends in Lismore and beyond. I have read a number of Dervla,'s books and loved her honesty.
I hope she had peace and no pain at the end. May she rest in peace, debating with God all sorts of things. Miriam Culhane

Sincere sympathy to Rachel and your daughters and to all of Dervla’s friends on your sad loss
Enjoyed her company while we were agents for John Murray Publishers
Inspirational Lady R.I.P.

A mahatma has passed- her influence has not........

Thank you Dervla, for inspiring me and many other young Irish women to be fearless. I hope you are up there exploring heaven on your bike!

Dearbhla opened my eyes to the beauty of solo travel & I remember eagerly awaiting the arrival of each of her books after becoming hooked by Full Tilt.Over the years I've passed on many of my books..but could never part with a single one of Dearbhlas.Even looking at them now brings me back to when I first read each one & the thrill of opening that first page & contented sigh of awestruck wonder on reading the last pages.I've gifted her books to many friends & have felt such pleasure in their delight in discovering her unique travel writing but especially her own simple humanity.We will not see her like again. Sincere condolences to Rachel & all the family.

Sincere sympathy to Rachel and family on the sad passing of you mam a lovely lady rest in peace dervla

Dervla. Rest in Peace after all your travels. Deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Rachel and all her family. You lived a very full and adventurous life, and shared your experiences with your many readers. Thank you

Thanks for your travel books and most of all your loving portraits of your beloved River Blackwatet

What am amazing woman thank you for being such an example to the women of Ireland and lismore.
The best adventures in life start with imagination followed by an indomnitable spirit for going.....cycle on..Peace be to your journey home 🏡

Sincere sympathy to the Murphy family on the death of Dervla. Dervla was a great writer. In her unadorned vivid prose she captured the sights, sounds and atmosphere of far flung places. But what really shone through in her writing was her wonderful personality, her keen sense of social justice her humility, and her willingness to explore all viewpoints. Her work will live on but the death of this great irish woman leaves us all bereft.

My Sincere Sympathies to Rachel & Family on your loss.
May Dervlas Gentle soul Rest in Peace.

Many wrote what I feel as well. I was 'introduced' to Dervla's writings by an Irish friend here in Serbia. She lent me Full Tilt and I was hooked. I've read nearly all her books, and am still reeling from her humor, passion, courage, and trust in people. My Irish friend, also now 90, had written to Dervla a little over two years ago, and she answered us, inviting us to her home. We were to go the following March, but then COVID struck....and now we were planning to go this July. I am certain we will meet up 'on the other side,' and I would like her family members and close friends to know how much she has touched my life. RIP Dervla, with a good cheddar and a pint.

When I came to Italy thirty years ago, many Italians asked me about Dervla Murphy and I had to admit I had never heard of her. They were so taken aback at this- they simply couldn't understand it. She had so many followers here back then.

What a national treasure we have lost and indeed her death is a loss to the whole world.

Sincere sympathy to Rachel and all the family. May she rest in peace.

It was a pleasure to have known Dervla. I have great memories of Dervla cycling through Lismore. The final chapter has now been written and it was a privilege to be a tiny part of it. My sincere sympathies to Rachel and her girls. Ger ICS

Sincere sympathy to Rachel & Family on the sad passing of your mam & grandmother..May Dervla rest in peace..

Sincere sympathy to Dervla's family and friends. She lived a remarkable life and was a legend and an inspiration to many of us. May she rest in peace

Rest in peace.
Condolences to all the family.
Jim Flynn, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

My sincere sympathy to Rachel and family on the sad passing of Dervia rest in peace