I got bit by the travelling bug, let's hope it wasn't a mosquito......

Hello all! Niall here, a freakishly tall yet friendly giant from that rock in the Atlantic called Ireland. As an island dweller it's my ambition in life to travel as much as I can beyond these shores and meet people of different cultures as I go along the way.
I've had the pleasure of meeting many different people from different walks of life through college and the adventures which inevitably follow from it, and I like nothing more than having the banter with like-minded individuals!

I'm new to this couchsurfing malarkey, so play nice!!!! I'm a master of procrastination which explains why its taken me 2 years to actually put this account before you.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've always said that when you visit a foreign country or city, it is the local people who make it. Guidebooks can tell you a lot but only so much, and the little pearls of local wisdom that local people pass on to you can often be the making of your trip!!

I've done a fair bit of travelling already, but it has always been with groups, either with friends or with a club from college. Now I want to do travel in a different way, and see the places of the world through the eyes of a local and spend a bit of time getting under the skin of somewhere from the people who know best. And I want to make as many friends as I can along the way!!

Interests

My biggest passion is my racing. I only picked it up at the age of 18 when I joined my college's karting club and the rest is history!! In 5 years I have got to the level where I am competing in top endurance races every year, though the expensive nature of it means I don't get out as much as I'd like!

Through the college I also got involved in the skiing and surfing clubs. At this stage I have lost count of all the trips I've gone on, whether it be racing at some of the best tracks in the country, surfing on the west coast of Ireland or week long adventures in the French Alps!!

I like to think I'm a well travelled individual, but I'm really just a novice aren't I? 16 countries and I really need to keep counting!!

• traveling
• hiking
• surfing
• skiing
• motor sports
• budget travel
• football
• hurling
• meeting new people
• good beer
• gaelic football
• go-karting

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm going through a bit of a sports autobiography phase at the minute which I need to get out of, so any book recommendations are welcomed!

As for music, I love a bit of trad (traditional Irish music) and have been known to belt out a ballad at a session or 2!! Love the Dubliners, Christy Moore and the Wolfetones to name a few!
Partial to a bit house though too, faves are Duke Dumont, Klangkarussell and Paul Kalkbrenner.

More of a watching sports guy than a movie guy, though if I had to pick my favourites they would be The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, Rush, Senna, and any Sean Connery/Roger Moore Bond movies.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In August 2015 and 2016, I competed in an international 24 hour endurance karting race in England as part of a team of drivers from my university. Without doubt the toughest and most fulfilling thing I've ever done, and the greatest adrenaline buzz I've ever got!
I'll be at it again in July 2017 when I'll be racing at Le Mans in France at the home of endurance motor racing!

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a fair repertoire of Irish folk and rebel songs that I am only too glad to share!! You can take the man out of Ireland, but you can't take Ireland out of the man ;) Always love to tell people about a bit of Irish history while I'm at it.

Always willing to delve into the culture and history of where I'm visiting, and the best way is to talk to the locals!! Which is how I've ended up here!!

What I Can Share with Hosts

A good beer!! But seriously though, I love to swap tales of experiences had in life and travelling and just having a good yarn. I'm always good for a bit of banter and craic ;)

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland