Travel Insights from Author Emma Donoghue

Emma Donoghue’s Travel Insights

Emma Donoghue is a Canadian-Irish novelist, playwright, and screenwriter best known for her acclaimed film and literature, particularly Room, which received multiple Oscar nominations in 2016. Currently residing in Paris with her French partner and children, Emma frequently travels to conduct research for her novels and promote her work. Her upcoming film adaptation of the 2017 novel The Wonder is set to star Florence Pugh and will be released on Netflix on November 16.

Recent Travels to London

Emma recently traveled from her home in Paris to London. The highlight of this trip was the gala premiere of her film The Wonder at the BFI London Film Festival, featuring the star Florence Pugh in a stunning pink feathered dress.

European Premiere of 'The Wonder'
Florence Pugh at the London premiere of Emma’s movie The Wonder © Wiktor Szym / Getty Images

Upcoming Plans for Dublin

Next, Emma plans to travel to her hometown of Dublin for the Irish premiere of The Wonder. During her stay, she looks forward to reconnecting with her siblings and family, enjoying a scenic walk by the sea, and indulging in a dark chocolate chip scone with raspberry jam at Queen of Tarts, her favorite café.

Passion for Travel Planning

Emma openly shares her enjoyment of travel planning, confessing she often sketches out detailed itineraries—even for trips that don’t ultimately happen. As a result, her loved ones joke about her tendency to over-schedule, as she fills any spare hour with a visit to a local museum, demonstrating her relentless curiosity.

The Thrill of Train Travel

Emma expresses her excitement for train travel, appreciating its speed and minimal environmental impact compared to planes. She finds train journeys allow for greater mobility, paired with stunning views along the way.

Essential Travel Downloads

When it comes to entertainment while traveling, Emma always keeps a selection of electronic reads on her phone, although she much prefers physical books. E-books provide her with the comfort of hours of reading material, while she often downloads TV series to enjoy on the go, balancing comedic shows for solo viewing and deeper dramas for shared moments with her partner.

The Queen of Tarts cafe Dublin
The Queen of Tarts cafe in Dublin, known for delicious treats © Tyler W Stipp / Shutterstock

Cultural Exploration and Family Memories

Emma also highlights her fascination with graveyards, noting interesting tombstones in the Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris. She shares her fondness for Nice in southern France due to her family’s past experiences spent there, ensuring those memories of her children zooming along the Promenade des Anglais remain dear to her heart.

A Memorable Family Vacation

Reflecting on her childhood vacations, Emma recalls a family trip to the Irish countryside where she encountered the surprising sight of giant fresh cowpats—an unforgettable experience for a city kid.

Future Aspirations

Emma confesses her desire to visit Skellig Michael, the setting of her latest novel, Haven. Although a planned trip to this unique island off Ireland’s Kerry Coast was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, it remains a dream destination for her. Skellig Michael is a breathtaking location, rich in history and natural beauty, further enhancing its appeal.

Skellig Michael
Unesco site, Skellig Michael County Kerry, where Emma’s latest novel Haven is set © EyeEm / Getty Images
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