Pádraig O’Hora: I am part of the first all-Irish Mount Everest expedition in over 23 years

Padraig O'Hora is a former GAA footballer turned mental health advocate

Former Mayo GAA footballer Pádraig O’Hora has always been driven by challenge, whether on the pitch or far beyond it. Now a leading voice in mental health and neurodiversity, he brings that same honesty and curiosity to his experience of the world. Currently climbing Mount Everest, as part of the first all-Irish ascent in 23 years, he shares the journeys that have shaped him.

Favourite childhood holiday

We weren’t very well off, so we wouldn’t have travelled much at all. I actually grew up in London, not in Ireland, and for me, the fondest memories were coming here, coming back, coming to Mayo. I loved it.

I adored Ireland, obviously through those rose-tinted glasses of summers with sunshine and everything it had to offer outside of concrete. So the difference in the landscape, and the life, and the people; I adored coming to Ireland when I lived in England. I remember those journeys with awful fondness. It was a completely different world. I still adore that about the west of Ireland. I like the slow, steady pace of life. I like that most people know each other, that there’s a deeper sense of community in more rural spaces.

Most memorable trip

I think just recently, in January, was the first time I ever travelled on my own. I went to Mendoza in Argentina to spend a couple of weeks in the Andes climbing. It just shifted my perspective. It was a huge cultural change; there was a lot to it. It was so different that I just fell in love with it. I absolutely adored every minute of the trip, particularly because it was based around expedition.

Padraig O'Hora: I went to Mendoza in Argentina to spend a couple of weeks in the Andes climbing

It wasn’t sitting on a beach, it was about seeing the people, seeing the rawness of Argentina, the different culture, everything that came with it.

I adored Argentina, particularly the Andes. I remember the journey over, 24 hours travelling, and catching myself saying, I don’t think I’ve ever spent 24 hours in my own company. It was really exciting and kind of strange to realise that at 32.

Most surprising destination

Possibly Morocco. I’ve been back there now twice. Again, culturally, I didn’t know what to expect. I was very intrigued by the difference in everything – their attitude and orientation towards life, their culture, the general way they live. I found it fascinating. I was surprised that you could kind of do it all. I probably had a really skewed view of what a Muslim-oriented country was going to be like. But even with all the differences, you could find a huge amount of similarities. We spent time with people in the Atlas Mountains who live their lives very rigidly by Islam and the Quran, but at the same time, we could connect on a very human level. There’s a huge amount of crossover in beliefs and attitudes towards life.

We spent time with people in the Atlas Mountains who live their lives very rigidly by Islam and the Quran

Favourite city

I really do love Galway. It’s a city, but it still feels like a town. There’s music, art, drama, and there’s always something going on. It feels like a real base for creatives.

Galway: Pádraig O’Hora's favourite city

Favourite hotel

I’m more of an outdoorsy person. I’d take a hostel in the right place over a five-star in the wrong place. But in Ireland, I love Finn Lough. That, to me, is all you could ask for. Not just the domes, but the place itself, it’s class. It takes the zip out of life, everything slows down, and you just potter around. There’s a lake, a sauna, lovely food, and a little café for coffee and scones. For me, that’s the kind of place I could do a Friday-to-Monday and completely switch off.

Finn Lough: Pádraig O’Hora favourite hotel

Most memorable food experience

I’ll go with a weird one rather than an enjoyable one. I couldn’t pick one out because I’ve eaten in so many fantastic places, but I do remember one experience in Bruges.

We went to a fine dining restaurant and there was calamari on the menu. I’d had it loads of times at home, so I thought I’d be grand. But honestly, if you hit this thing with a defibrillator, it would come back to life. It was like they took it out of the water and put it straight on the plate. I still remember it looking at me while I looked at it.

Favourite thing to do while travelling

If it’s a city, I don’t really like planning too much. I’d take a wander on day one and just get lost. I’ve done that in New York; actively gone to get lost and then try to figure things out from there. If I’m going somewhere more unique, like Argentina or Morocco, I’ll lean into the culture. I’ll seek it out because it’s intriguing. I always look for what that place offers that you can’t get elsewhere. What are the locals most proud of? Whatever it is, I’ll go after that.

Bucket list trip

Everest is the dream, and that’s happening now. But if I could pick one place outside of that, it’s always been Alaska.

When I was 15, I had signed up to leave the country, move to Alaska and work with sled dogs. I had this obsession with huskies. Only for my mother catching wind of it, I probably would have gone.

Alaska: Pádraig O’Hora's dream trip (West of Juneau, Glacier Bay)

Padraig is part of the first all-Irish Mount Everest expedition in more than 23 years. His expedition is grounded in purpose, raising funds and awareness for mental health support initiatives across Ireland. To see how you can support his endeavour through sponsorship, contact [e-mail]