Six Miles Through Dublin and a Lifetime of Stories

I recently had the pleasure of walking 6.5 Dialogue Miles™ through the heart of Dublin with John Eager.

John gave me a heartfelt and historic tour of his hometown, filled with personal family stories and reflections on his Irish heritage, one that I share as well. What started as a casual stroll quickly turned into something more—an exchange about work, life, and the moments that truly stay with us.


A Few Things That Stayed with Me

  • The enduring value of hard work.
    Some principles don’t change—no matter where you are.

  • Networks can be reignited.
    Time may pass, but connection can pick right back up.

  • The pride we feel in our children.
    That perspective only deepens over time.

  • Culture shapes how we see the world.
    Experiencing it firsthand creates a different level of understanding.

  • Seeing a city through a native is transformative.
    It changes how you view both the place—and your own perspective.

  • Looking out for a friend matters.
    Whether it’s a beer, revisiting a familiar place, or simply being aware of jet lag, those small gestures matter.


Irish Highlights Along the Way

  • A perfectly poured Guinness — Stag’s Head

  • Crispy fish & chips — Leo Burdock’s

  • A walk through Trinity College, founded in 1592

  • Music and theater — Smock Alley Theatre

  • After-work energy — Temple Bar Pub

  • Quiet reflection — St. Stephen’s Green

  • The plaque on O’Connell Bridge — commemorating an event that never happened

  • The city block at the upper end of O’Connell Street and Moore Street to its rear — an area awaiting redevelopment for 30 years, complicated by the historic location of the last stand of the Provisional Government of Ireland in the 1916 Rising at No. 16 Moore Street

  • Personal memories — The Shelbourne Hotel, St. Stephen’s Green, and the Boston College office


These miles were about connection, reflection, and discovery. Take a walk with a friend in their hometown, and you’ll find a few unexpected treasures.

Grateful for the walk, John, and for sharing your city, your stories, and your perspective. Looking forward to the next one.

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