CATHERINE BANNON

The official web page of the Embassy of Ireland in Sofia is the only embassy page  I've seen over the past at least 20 years that, instead of a formal CV of the ambassador noting past experiences and positions held, posts... a poem! And not just any poem, but one by the great Irish poet John O'Donohue:

When you travel, you find yourself
Alone in a different way,
More attentive now
To the self you bring along,
Your more subtle eye watching
You abroad; and how what meets you
Touches that part of the heart
That lies low at home.

How you unexpectedly attune
To the timbre in some voice,
Opening in conversation
You want to take in
To where your longing
Has pressed hard enough
Inward, on some unsaid dark,
To create a crystal of insight
You could not have known
You needed
To illuminate
Your way.

Why did you opt for a poem in your official resume?

Irish people are steeped in poetry – maybe because we have to learn it at school – but I like to think it's in our bones as well.  Like so much of traditional culture, a lot of that which is published was written by men so I like to look for female artists in all realms. Eavan Boland and FeliSpeaks are two of my favourite Irish poets.  I'd love some recommendations for Bulgarian poets if you have any.  At the moment, my Bulgarian only stretches to reading the menu in restaurants but I have over three years to improve!

Did anything surprise you when you first arrived in Bulgaria at the end of 2024?

I think I was most surprised by the tomatoes.  I have never tasted tomatoes as delicious as those grown in Bulgaria.  The quality of produce in general is really high in Bulgaria, especially during the summer, so I’m really looking forward to that this year and might even try to grow my own tomatoes in pots to take advantage of all the lovely sunshine.

Catherine with her husband, Eoghan, and three children Aodhan (12), Fionn (10) and Huw (7)

Can you name three places in or outside Sofia that you find particularly enchanting?

In Sofia, I love the area around Doctors' Garden.  There are so many little shops and restaurants to discover.  Even though we’ve been in Sofia for less than a year, we already have our little rituals – every Saturday we go to Pura Vita Bakery (it might be Belgian but it’s been in Sofia since 1908!) to pick up some pastries and stop for a coffee in the tiny little coffee shop beside it, which I think is called The Coffee.

Outside Sofia, I still have so much to explore – I’m a big fan of Chepelare and we stayed there recently for a week while we skiied in nearby Pamporovo.  The food and hospitality were both amazing.

Plovdiv is another really special place – the ancient theatre is stunning and I hope that some day I can attend a live concert there. That would be incredible.

Can you draw any parallels between the Irish and the Bulgarians?

I think Irish and Bulgarian people are very similar.  The family is very central to both our societies and we value our ancient music, storytelling and dancing traditions.  Bulgarian people talk a lot – as do Irish people – and have very similar senses of humour.  We’re both resilient people as well, who have suffered in the past but have a way of finding joy in all situations.

If Irish friends are coming to visit, what three things would you advise them to do?

Hiking or skiing in the Rhodope Mountains is an absolute must – it’s such a beautiful place.

In Sofia, I think it’s all about wandering around and eating.  Maybe that’s just me!

Catherine with St Patrick himself, in Singapore, during her first posting

And what are three things you would warn them against doing?

I don’t think it’s a warning as such but I would advise visitors not to take taxis in Sofia – the public transport system is excellent and much more fun.

I would definitely warn them against thinking too much – or making any sudden movements – at pedestrian crossings.  It’s one of my favourite things in Bulgaria, the way the crazy traffic moves around you on a pedestrian crossing, the key is to walk purposefully and predictably.

It’s hard to think of a third warning – Bulgaria is one of the safest places I’ve ever lived in – and I’ve lived in Singapore!

Your tips for raising children in Bulgaria?

I haven’t raised any children yet so I’m not sure I should be giving advice.  I have three "works-in-progress" though and they seem to be turning out okay.  My strategy so far has been to cook a different meal every day of the month (and provide no alternatives) and to buy them books to read rather than phones or computer games.  If they end up being book-loving foodies, my job will be done.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

Spare time?  I told you I have three kids, right?! But I do try to make time for three things every day – yoga, reading fiction (sometimes I only manage a page before I fall asleep) and studying Bulgarian. If I can manage these three things, it keeps me happy.