In this episode of the Wander Your Way Travel Podcast, Lynne sits down with author Kat Koch to dive into the magic, mystery, and everyday beauty of West Cork, Ireland — the place that inspired her memoir, Rainbow Weather: Stories from a Beautiful Nowhere.

Kat shares how a childhood dream, sparked by a piece of film music, eventually pulled her across the Atlantic and into the rugged, soul-stirring landscapes of West Cork. 

She spent four and a half years living there, following her intuition, navigating challenges, and discovering the serendipitous moments that shaped both her book and her personal journey.

Together, Lynne and Kat chat about the warmth of the West Cork community, the power of traveling with an open heart, and how letting curiosity lead the way can create the most unexpected connections. 

Kat reflects on how the Irish countryside — its coastline, its quiet, its raw beauty — changed her, grounded her, and helped her integrate the highs and lows of living abroad.

If you’re dreaming of Ireland or searching for a destination rich with culture, scenery, and soul, this conversation delivers plenty of inspiration.

Kat leaves listeners with thoughtful travel wisdom and her favorite hidden gems across West Cork — the kind of places that make you want to pack a bag and chase a little “rainbow weather” of your own.

Want to chat more about West Cork?

Email Lynne — [email protected]

In this episode:

1:19: Intro + Kat Koch bio

5:20: Placing West Cork Ireland on the map

5:45: Kat's story

12:07: Writing a book

15:19: Challenges & perks

23:43: Ending a chapter

26:49: Favorite places

39:07: Standout stories

45:12: More popular places

54:08: Final thoughts

1:02:33: My final thoughts on Kat's book

1:04:39: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Rainbow Weather: Stories From a Beautiful Nowhere by Kat Koch

Rainbow Weather Instagram

West Cork Ireland

The Best Things to Do in Schull and West Cork Ireland

Tracy's List (Solo Traveler)

West Cork (Ireland tourism)

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way