Ruth O'Leary is a bestselling author based in Dublin, Ireland, who shares her adventures and reflections through her travel blog, Rambling Ruth, available on her website. When she’s not writing, she works as a film extra, taking on a wide range of roles—from Viking women to nuns. Her guiding motto: “You’re never too old, and it’s never too late.”
Is there something that you would like your Sole Sisters to know about aging from where you are right now?
You are never too old and it’s never too late. I wrote my first full length novel in
2021. I secured an agent and a three-book deal with a publisher in 2022.
My debut novel came out in March 2024 when I was 57. My second novel came out
this year in March 2025. I walked the Camino de Santiago solo from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela at age 57 as research for my book.
If you can see it, you can be it.
What was your first job?
My first adult job was in a Travel Agency. I worked in the travel business for
twenty years. I got my passion for travel from my dad and working in the industry
gave me the opportunity to travel to exotic places very cheaply. I now write a
travel blog called Rambling Ruth.
What are your favorite all-time movies, TV shows, or books?
My favourite movie is Shirley Valentine. It’s the story of a woman who leaves behind her routine life for a holiday in Greece—and ends up rediscovering herself. I love it so much that I kept Shirley in mind when helping design the cover of my own novel.
As for books, my favourites have to be the ones I’ve written. Seeing them on my shelf still feels a bit surreal. I didn’t think I could be a writer—until one day, I did. Now there are two books with my name on them in bookshops across Ireland and on Amazon, and another just handed in to my publisher.
Where is your favorite place to Ramble, and why do you love it?
I live beside the sea in Dublin and most mornings the first thing I do is walk along
the seafront. Since walking the Camino last year, sunrise is my favourite time to
walk.
Who is someone you look up to and why?
My parents are both 81 years of age. They met when they were 14 years old and
never dated anyone else. They will celebrate their 60 th wedding anniversary in October
2025.
They are fit and active and have been the most loving, supportive,
adventurous and kind parents a person could have. I am very lucky to be their
daughter and still have them in my life.
What is the bravest thing you've ever done?
The bravest thing I did last year was board a plane to Santiago de Compostela, with flights booked only three weeks in advance, to walk the Camino solo at the age of 57. What began as a research trip for my novel turned into a personal journey—I ended up walking 115 km, swept up in the unexpected magic of the Camino.
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