From Ireland to Australia: A Food & Travel Journey Begins

A travel blog packed with food discoveries, travel guides, and backpack travel tips—follow along as I explore the world, one plate at a time!

I’ve finally done it—started my own food and travel blog! After years of obsessing over food and travel, I figured it was time to put it all in one place.

Growing up, my parents raised me and my brothers with a love for adventure—especially when it came to food. Family holidays were never about resorts or all-inclusives. Instead, they were about getting lost in new cities, chasing down local eats, and figuring out where the best meals were hiding.

Before Google and TripAdvisor, my dad had his own travel planner method for finding a good restaurant. “Walk to the main square,” he’d say, “then keep going. Ignore the tourist-packed spots, head down the alleyways, and when you find a quiet little place filled with locals—you’re onto a winner.” That approach stuck with me.

Since then, whether I’m exploring a new city or cooking at home, food has always been the best way for me to connect with a place.

A Little About Me

I’m Leash, 27 (28 in March eek), and from Ireland. And if you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably figured out I live for food, travel, and discovering places off the beaten path. I grew up in Kilmacanogue, a little hamlet in the Wicklow countryside, perched on the Sugarloaf and just a stone’s throw from the sea — so naturally, I’m happiest when I’m near the water (yes, a true Pisces 🐟). I love swimming, being outdoors, fashion, and a good book. By trade, I work in public relations, a field that fuels my love for storytelling, communication, and connecting with people.

This blog initially started as leash_in_lille when I lived in France, a way to document my foodie adventures. When I moved back to Ireland, it evolved into off_the_leashh on Instagram and TikTok, a space to share my love for food, travel, and everything in between.

Now, the adventure has gone global. I’ve packed up my life and, along with my boyfriend Hugo, set off for Australia. With the cost of living soaring in Ireland, more and more of our friends have been making the move abroad, and we decided to do the same. But beyond that, we wanted a fresh start—new cultures, new experiences, new stories to tell.

Leaving wasn’t easy. Saying goodbye to family, friends, and my little dog, Donald, was tough. There were moments I doubted whether I could go through with it. But with Hugo’s support, I got on that plane.

Now, we're kicking things off with backpack travel in Southeast Asia before heading to Melbourne. Over the next couple of months, I’ll be sharing our travels, the best places to eat, and the most stunning places to visit.

If you love good food, great adventures, and discovering hidden gems stick around—there’s plenty to come.

Thanks for being here.

Leash x