Always listening, always learning, always up for the craic!

I'm a Northern Irish actor and singer, and I split my time between London and the coastal town of Larne in NI. I'm an independent but social person, who is fascinated by the complexities of us funny human folk. I appreciate kindess, creativity and imagination. I admire free spirits, warm hearts and cracking senses of humour (if you have all 3, let's go for a pint...).

I'm 4 months into a year of worldwide travel, and just finished 3 months volunteering at the Lotus Children's Centre, an orphanage in Gachuurt, just east of Ulaanbaatar. After travelling through South Korea, I’ve now arrived in the Philippines and I’m excited to explore these beautiful islands with the smiliest people on earth.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm new to Couchsurfing, but from my experiences so far I find it the best way to meet like-minded people along the road and get under the skin of a city. It’s a very special way to travel. I hope that by meeting locals I can learn about your way of life, find out what makes you proud of your hometown and take some fresh ideas back to Northern Ireland with me - and share my stories with you, too. Then when I get home, I can do the same in my own city!

Interests

• books
• poetry
• singing
• theater
• dancing
• education
• beer
• walking
• reading
• traveling
• eating out
• live music
• folk music
• guitar
• hiking
• swimming
• dialects
• languages
• eating
• nature
• theatre
• salsa
• people's stories
• pubs
• musical theatre

Music, Movies, and Books

I love live music. I'm always moved by people getting together to make their music, whatever style - especially if I can get up and dance to it.

I love movies, rarely stay awake for a whole one...will watch anything with great actors in.

I like the kind of book it takes you a few weeks to get over. I aspire to write as beautifully as Anne Enright one day.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I don't know about amazing, but leaving on a year long adventure without much of a plan has certainly been exciting for me. I think there is something amazing in everyone muddling through this mad oul game we call life.

Last year I toured Wales with a show that took place in hydrotherapy pools, for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties, autism, or with multiple sensory impairments. The instruments floated on the water, we sang songs about bubbles and I played both a mermaid and a sponge. That was pretty amazing.

Teach, Learn, Share

As an actor, learning about how other people think, speak and move is my bread and butter. I love to listen to you tell your stories and hear how and why you tell them. I also love to learn about the history, culture and politics of a place from the people who live there.

I love to learn bits of languages, especially phrases that don't translate easily to English but that embody the soul of the people - I can try to explain some Belfast gems such as "At's us nai", "wind yer neck in" and "fill your boots"

I'm keen to share music with you - teach me some of your local songs! I'm also a bit of a hopeless cook, so very eager to pick up top tips from any masterchefs.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I may not be an incredible chef, but I am AMAZING at washing up (references available upon request).

I ca share my ideas and experiences with you if you’ll do the same with me. Sharing stories over a pint is the closest I'll ever get to religion.

And of course, when I return home, I can share an open invitation to experience Belfast or London with me, for anyone who wants to learn where to get the perfect Guinness or how to make a cup of tea right (milk last, please).

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom