Out of Africa: Waterford woman's travels inspired dream home renovation

Margaret Flanagan was working in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, when she spotted a thatched complex for sale in Dungarvan

Margaret Flanagan making friends with Mathiba in Livingstone, Zambia.

Once she set foot there, Africa’s “endless tracks and horizons” drew Co Waterford woman Margaret Flanagan farther and farther away from her home village, under the shade of the Comeragh Mountains.

This was the early 80s, and the young Margaret was embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. “I solo travelled, carrying a red sleeping bag, toothbrush and a change of clothes,” she says.