A QUOTE IN James Joyce’s seminal work Ulysses sets something of a challenge.

It proclaims:

Good puzzle would be cross Dublin without passing a pub.

Last year an Irish software developer created a mapping algorithm to see if the puzzle could be beaten, and came up with a workable route. Rory McCann found that it is possible to walk from Blackhorse to Baggot Street without passing a watering hole.

Now a photographer is taking the challenge to a new level, and trying to find out if it’s possible to walk from Mizen Head to Malin Head without passing a pub, and he’s documenting his journey on the way.

Dublin-born David Blackmore started by mapping out his journey:

… before heading to Busaras to catch a bus to Cork on 2 August to begin his journey:

Since last week Blackmore, who now works from London, has set off from Mizen Head, and by 4 August had come across an unexpected pub, meaning he had to change route:

The fifth of August threw another unexpected pub in his path, and then another. He has already started questioning whether the task may prove to be impossible.

You can follow Blackmore’s trek on Facebook or Twitter, and donate to his charity of choice, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

What do you think? Can it be done? Can David walk the length of Ireland without passing a pub?

