TikTokIf you're looking for inspiration on where to travel and what to see in Ireland, then look no further than @joshnueva's TikTok. Josh is known for sharing the very best of Ireland's unique landscape, stunning coastlines, and breathtaking views. From whale watching to hiking, Josh is a must-follow creator to find hidden gems across Ireland. We recently caught up with Josh to hear where his passion for travel developed, his must-see places in Ireland, and other travel creators he's loving on TikTok.
Q: How did you develop a passion for travel, and what motivated you to share it on TikTok specifically?
A: I fell in love with traveling when I went solo backpacking in South East Asia back in 2018. It made me realize that there’s so much more to life but also gave me the perspective that no matter where you travel to, it’s about the people you meet, the memories you share, and the experiences you have. I wanted to bring that realisation with me back to Ireland and apply it to my life every day. I began sharing on TikTok just after lockdown in Ireland, I was late signing up but I saw the huge potential it had at the time and I haven’t looked back since.
Q: What made you want to start exploring Ireland and documenting on TikTok?
A: I’ve always appreciated Ireland. I see so much beauty in our country, with so many incredible things to do that a lot of people would pay to go abroad, so one of my motivations for documenting and exploring here is to highlight the beauty we have in our country, and that it’s only a short drive away. We have incredible landscapes, unique accommodations, beautiful coastlines and fun activities on our beautiful island. The main reason I fell in love with exploring and documenting Ireland on TikTok is that it enabled me to show my perspective, nurtured my love for creating as well as breaking down people’s negative opinions that there’s nothing to do or see in Ireland!
Q: What are the places you think are a must-see in Ireland that are sometimes overlooked?
A: There are quite a few places and things to do around Ireland that are overlooked and underrated, I’m constantly adding to this never-ending list! Here are a few free things to do that I’d recommend: Hiking to the Sturrall Ridge in Donegal, driving through Doolough Valley in Mayo, swimming in natural rock pools at the Pollock Holes in Clare, hiking Coumshingaun Lake in Waterford, driving through the Copper Coast in Waterford, exploring the Gleniff Horseshoe in Sligo, and hiking Glendalough via ‘The Spinc’ in Wicklow.
Q: What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?
A: This is such a tough question, but two come to mind for different reasons.
The first one is the video recap I made from my 10-day trip to the Scottish Highlands, it encapsulates what I’m all about, and my kind of content style, which is highlighting an experience through my perspective in a cinematic, and aesthetically pleasing way that involves both sights and sounds. If I had to pick any video that sums up my style and the type of video I create, it would be this one! The second one is the short documentary-style video I created around my experience with whale watching in Ireland, specifically on the West coast which I call home as it’s quite rare that humpback whales are found in this area of the country (they’re usually found in Cork/Kerry waters). I love this one because it’s different from the type of content you see these days. It’s a longer video at 160 seconds, whereas most videos these days are all under 60 seconds. I wanted to create a long-form piece to break the barrier that only short-form videos are entertaining, as well as to highlight my unique experience with whale watching on the west coast of Ireland through immersive storytelling and cinematography. I feel it brings the viewer through the reality of the week, showing that I left empty-handed with no luck for the first few days, but with some persistence and patience, we managed to document the majestic giants in the water. I believe it’s my highest quality production for a video so far which I am extremely proud of because filmed and edited it all myself, so if BBC or NatGeo are reading and want to work together, I’m all ears!
Q: Which other TikTok creators inspire you?
A: The quality of content these days is constantly improving and there are some extremely talented creators that I look up to, but the main thing that inspires me about these people is their personality, their values, and how they cater to their community. I’m definitely leaving out a few great people so I apologies in advance, but if I’m following you, it’s because you inspire me in some way! Right now, here are a few creators that come to mind: Angela Liguori, Roz Purcell, Karl Shakur, Fleetwoodjack, Kevin Penrose, Tony Smith, Tadhg O’Brien, Gareth Laheen, Sarah-Kim Watchorn, Eadaoin Fitzmaurice, Dev Skehan, Robyn Courtney, Fiona Bergin & Sam Warren,
Q: What is the best thing about being a TikTok travel creator?
A: The community. I have met some of my closest friends through TikTok and sharing a love for traveling around our country. It is such a close, ever-growing community that is always up for sharing, meeting new people, kind, and especially up for spontaneous last-minute road trips or adventures. You need some people like that in your life that you can just text late at night to go on a sunrise hike a few hours later, or those that will just hop in the car and meet you wherever you are in the country.
Spending the entire Irish summer outdoors. Who’s in? ☘️ Sharing special moments with people who have the same mindset and vibe as you is extremely important for me, and makes those moments that bit more special. Whether it’s laughing by the campfire sharing @mrtaytoireland treble crunch new share bag, getting wiped out together while surfing, or turning up the music on a road trip. Life is more fun when it is shared with others. Surround yourself with people who match your energy. Incredible weekends should be spent with incredible people.
Q: Can you share any memorable moments or experiences that have happened during your Travel in Ireland or beyond?
A: There are 3 moments that I’ve experienced in Ireland that I’ll never forget, mainly because I never thought we’d be able to see/experience them here at home. The first is being above the clouds on Croagh Patrick for sunset. Westport is home to me, so to experience such a magical moment on top of a mountain I have looked at my entire life is something I’ll never forget! The second is getting to go whale watching in Broadhaven Bay in Belmullet. When you think of Ireland, you’d never consider it a place where you can find and watch humpback whales, but I’m grateful to have been able to document that experience to change that opinion and highlight the thriving marine life in our waters. Lastly, I was paddle boarding at Keem Bay for a few hours when two 14-16 foot basking sharks swam under my board! They’re harmless as they are filter feeders and only feed on plankton, but my heart was still racing when those gentle giants got up close and personal!
Q: Do you have any advice or tips for aspiring travel content creators who want to start sharing their experiences on TikTok?
A: Just start. I know it’s cliche to say but the truth is you’re going to be bad at anything new at first, but you have to start somewhere. You’re only “bad” in comparison to people you look up to. Start posting videos of things you enjoy and get your content out into the world. No matter what anyone else says, keep working on your craft. You will thank yourself in a month or a year for finally starting. Perfectionism is paralysing, I’ve been there many times and if I let the excuse of being a perfectionist stop me from posting those first few videos, I’d never be where I am today. Once you start, then aim to improve on the previous video you create. You’ll genuinely surprise yourself at how much you can achieve when you’re constantly focused on just making a better video than the last and not comparing yourself to other people!
