PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to "Ireland's most famous travel writer" Dervla Murphy, who has died aged 90.
Ms Murphy, who was originally from Lismore in Co Waterford, was an acclaimed writer and avid cyclist. She published more than 25 books with many documenting her journeys across the world, usually by bike.
One of her most famous publications was the 1965 book Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle, which told of her journey on a bike through Europe, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
Her daughter Rachel accompanied her on several trips, which Ms Murphy captured in books such as, On A Shoestring to Coorg and Muddling Through in Madagascar.
In a statement, President Higgins said: "While known as Ireland's most famous travel writer, such a description barely captures the fullness and deep understanding captured in her work.
"Her contribution to writing, and to travel writing in particular, had a unique commitment to the value of human experience in all its diversity."
He added that Ms Murphy also "retained a strong interest in those who were suffering throughout the world even up to recent weeks and brought an insightful perspective to matters of politics, environmentalism and the crucial importance of peace".
She is survived by her daughter Rachel and grandchildren.
