Donegal photographer James O’Donnell wasn’t sure if he would ever have the opportunity to take another adventure with his two beloved dogs, Iggy and Frida.
Iggy had faced numerous health challenges over the past few months, a familiar experience for many older dog owners.
Early in the year, she suffered a stroke. While recovering, Iggy was then diagnosed with vestibular disease.
In April, James launched an online fundraiser to assist with Iggy’s veterinary expenses, including potential end-of-life care if vets deemed it necessary.
Amid Iggy’s health struggles and ensuring energetic Frida received the attention she deserved, James’s dream of one last road trip to France with his companions seemed increasingly distant.
“I always loved to bring Iggy over to France and particularly Paris. Early last year, I realized that with her changing health, work trips to America, finances, and everything else, I would have to let go of the idea of another trip,” he explained.
However, a surprising, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arose, thanks to a Donegal woman living in northern France.
Donna Harkin along with Iggy and Frida. Image credit James O’Donnell.
“In December, Donna Harkin, living in Domfront, Normandy, posted looking for a dog sitter as she returned to Ardara.”
“I asked for details to share her post, but while walking Frida, the idea lingered in my mind.”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I hadn’t planned it; I’d only learned of the opportunity an hour before, but I decided to seize it.”
James faced the challenge of transporting himself, Iggy, and Frida from Donegal to Normandy. He contacted Brittany Ferries.
Within two hours, their communications department contacted James and offered a sponsored sailing to and from France, recognizing the charisma of Iggy and Frida!
With the sailing secured and additional funding from Shamrock Lodge in Falcarragh, long-time sponsors of James and Iggy’s adventures, he packed his Volkswagen van (“Gallivant”) and embarked on an unforgettable French adventure.
The van ready to set off from Cork to Roscoff. Image credit James O’Donnell.
James described the trip as unplanned.
“I like the freedom of driving around in the van, stopping where I want, unconstrained by schedules.”
For James, this was more than a holiday; it was living in France for a month, immersing himself in its culture. Rather than relaxing, this trip would be a truly lived experience of the country.
This wasn’t a lavish vacation. As James stated, “it was very much on a budget!”
After arriving in Roscoff by ferry, the trio journeyed across Normandy, planning to revisit Iggy’s favorite place: Paris, the city of light.
Their first stop was Montanel, Normandy, twenty minutes from Mont Saint-Michel, to visit Donegal expats Martin and Marie Carr.
“We started by heading to Montanel to meet Martin and Marie Carr, originally from Glencolumbcille.”
They stayed at the Carr’s Bed and Breakfast, Château de Chambres, met the village Mayor, and visited Mont Saint-Michel.
Iggy and Frida meeting the Mayor of Montanel (R) and Donegal expat Marie Carr (L) while on their travels. Image credit James O’Donnell.
Frida visiting the iconic Mont Saint-Michel landmark. Image credit James O’Donnell.
Based in Domfront, they took daily trips across Normandy and Brittany for a week, visiting landmarks, beaches, and celebrating James’s birthday!
Going out for a beer in Domfront, Normandy. Image credit James O’Donnell
James celebrating his birthday with the girls while in Domfront! Image credit Donna Harkin
One of the many historical landmarks in Normandy the trio visited. Image credit James O’Donnell
Week two saw them head to Paris, where locals helped them again.
James met a Parisian family on the Cork to Roscoff ferry, and Maé, offered to show them around Paris!
Navigating the Arc de Triomphe roundabout and Parisian traffic, James, Iggy, Frida, and the van safely reached the Notre Dame Cathedral to begin their tour.
After driving up the Champs-Élysées and stopping at the Eiffel Tower, they went to Montmartre, where they met an Irish fan of Iggy’s at the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.
Parking was challenging until another helping hand appeared.
“I drove around the restricted area looking for a space, and a lady beckoned me towards one.”
“I wondered how she knew I needed a space – she was Iggy’s fan! She had held a spot for me right at the base of the steps (leading to the Basilica).”
After their Parisian adventure, including a visit to the Palace of Versailles, they continued exploring North-West France.
Image credit James O’Donnell.
Image credit James O’Donnell.
Image credit James O’Donnell.
They discovered another Donegal connection in Vannes, Brittany.
A Kilcar resident suggested James contact Monique and Loulou, responsible for twinning Séné with Ballyshannon in County Donegal.
James unexpectedly visited them. After awkward greetings and an explanation in broken French, he was welcomed warmly.
“I knocked on the door, and my French wasn’t great. He must have wondered who I was!”
“But when I explained, his first question was how I knew where he lived. I explained, he warmed up, and I had a five-course meal at their house!”
Despite Iggy’s health challenges, the van provided a “home away from home” while James and Frida explored.
“The van was a mobile home for her. She did well, even on hot days, and met many people despite her mobility issues.”
“It was like caring for an elderly relative, but I was determined for her to have one last trip.”
The trip highlighted how dogs break down language and cultural barriers.
“Having a dog has sparked countless conversations that otherwise wouldn’t have happened.”
“It’s sad, but when Iggy passes, it will be a rebirth of the energy I shared with her, through Frida.”
“Everything is now: ‘Is Iggy okay? Can I take Iggy here? Can’t go too far from Iggy.’”
Due to Iggy’s health, James won’t be making his annual trip to Wisconsin for years.
But the once-in-a-lifetime trip, ending almost two weeks ago, was simply summed up by James:
“Iggy’s last road trip couldn’t have worked out better.”
Iggy, happy to return home to Falcarragh from her French travels! Image credit James O’Donnell
“One last adventure” – James, Iggy and Frida take on final French roadtrip was last modified: June 7th, 2025 by
