Columbia Hillen moved from Transylvania to Donegal’s Gaeltacht region in 2010
From Transylvania to Donegal : ‘The Irish have managed to be much better at being joyful. In Romania we are still learning to smile’, where “nature was literally at our door”, Hillen went to study journalism and communications at the University of Bucharest. It was here that she met and fell in love Seán Hillen from
Since moving here, she has embarked on a mission to embrace the Irish language. Although not yet fluent, she attends lessons and is keen to incorporate a few phrases into her day-to-day life. “It’s just so different from all the other languages,” says Hillen, adding that it has been difficult for her to learn so far. “But the locals have been very helpful.”
Hillen likens the Romanian people and culture to the Irish as well. “The genes and the traditions are much more Celtic in many ways.” “We are very interested in culture, just like the Irish in terms of poetry and literature and music,” she says. Her favourite writer is the late author. O’Donohue’s book Anam Cara, which translates as “soul friend” has a special meaning for Hillen, whose home and herbalism business share the same name.
“Lack of infrastructure and investment in the appropriate areas such as eco and cultural tourism has kept northwest Donegal deprived of wonderful opportunities ... It sometimes seems this little corner of Ireland is overlooked by the Government in terms of support, when in fact, it’s one that needs help the most.”
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