The only time I experienced real loneliness was when I lived in an urban environment that I didn’t belong to, surrounded by strangers and misunderstood.

Rural connections run deep, cross generations and hold true.

When I finished second year of college I moved back home to mayo and didn't speak to anyone the entire summer and I fell into a bad depression

No one keeps in touch anymore

Surrounded by lots of people but never felt so alone, mental health is a bitch

I do not feel lonely myself. I realise I am very lucky in this respect. However, I find it heartbreaking to think of lonliness - especially people who live in institutions but have no visitors. I feel guilty that I don’t reach out to them more often - or ever! I say I don’t feel lonely but I feel I understand lonliness so I wonder am I unconsciously feeling lonely!

Early 20s can be a particularly challenging period in rural Ireland

Not able to drive. No family. Nearest neighbour 5 minutes away. Was linked with a Social Prescribing Service to help loneliness but there's no transport available to bring me places. It gets frustrating.

yes, a lot of my answers would have been “often” but sometimes felt the closest.

I moved to Mullaghmore in February and it’s been quiet. I work in Sligo during the week but don’t necessarily meet many people there either. A lot of alone time and a lot of voice notes and calls to friends elsewhere. This is a big part of why I’m helping to found the Sligo Queer Shed