Letitia Wade is an Officer for Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way team at Fáilte Ireland, dedicated to promoting the stunning coastal route and enhancing visitor experiences in the region.
What do you like most about living in the west of Ireland?
The stunning natural landscapes, the diversity of the places on our doorstep, from the rugged Connemara coastline and Gaeltacht islands to the mountains and valleys and little picturesque villages like Roundstone and Leenane. All within a short distance from vibrant Galway City and Salthill. We are so lucky here with the wonderful sense of community and the slower pace of life. It makes for a great quality of life.
What is your favourite place for a night out?
The lively pubs in Galway’s West End, the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, I love the local Galway crowd you find there. As a family though we love the casual restaurants in Salthill and date night favourites are Kirwans Lane and Blackrock Cottage. We are so lucky in Galway with the food offering and nighttime economy, there’s such an amazing array of cafes and restaurants, and always something on and somewhere new to try.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I recently bought a bodhrán and have started self-learning online. I love traditional music and I’ve always wanted to be able to join in with music sessions. It’ll take a while and my family aren’t loving hearing me practice but I’m going to hit the Crane some night soon, watch out.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Live for today, not for tomorrow”
Which person do you most admire and why?
My mother, for her resilience and wisdom. She has always been a source of inspiration and strength.
Sum yourself up in 4 words.
Friendly, resilient, hard-working, fun.
What was the best day of your life?
The day I married Paul in Sorrento, Italy in 2006, surrounded by family and friends, many of whom we have sadly lost since. I am so grateful for the memories that we made with them during that time.
Where was your most enjoyable holiday?
Our annual Wade family exodus to Inishbofin always delivers. Inishbofin is as Wild Atlantic Way as it gets. The food and hospitality are unreal, we basically walk, swim, cycle and eat our way around the island for a week, sometime two, every July.
What is your favourite film?
“The Goonies” for its timeless appeal, and because for me it’s a nostalgic trip back to my happy childhood, to that camaraderie and sense of adventure I shared with my friends. A reminder of a very happy time.
What was the last book you read?
I have as diverse an interest in genres as it gets but I’m going through a non-fiction phase at the moment, I just finished Jon Krakeuers Into Thin Air and just started The Let Them theory by Mel Robins.
What makes you laugh?
Fr. Ted.
What annoys you most?
Bad manners, bad language.
What is your worst habit?
Binge-watching TV shows. I sometimes get so caught up in them that I end up watching whole series’ in a couple of days! As if I haven’t a million other things to do!
How do you relax outside work?
Reading a good book, walking with my dog Riley on the prom, or kayaking up the river with Paul.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
“It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.”
Name one thing people do not know about you which would surprise them?
I am an adrenaline junky, I once jumped out of a plane at 13,000 feet on a parachute jump and I can’t get enough of scary rollercoasters, theme park rides and water slides. The higher, faster and scarier it is the better. I’m often found hanging from the Zip n Trek at Wildlands, or the Aerial Park in Killary Adventure Company. And I can’t wait to try the Coasteering with Real Adventures Connemara.
What is your favourite saying or motto?
“All that matters is the people that you love”
