One-On-One with Amber
Amber is a Security Engineer with Intercom in Dublin, where she works to make the Intercom product offering and ecosystem more trustworthy and secure. Having qualified with a BA, BAI and MAI in Computer Engineering from Trinity College Dublin, she has spent the past number of years working in the domains of DLT/blockchain and Security.
Amber is particularly passionate about societal issues around technology. She believes that security, privacy and education about these are the key to building a truly inclusive and equal global society, empowering all to use technology for their betterment. She was awarded TCD’s prestigious Maurice F. Fitzgerald Prize for her ambitions to bring about sustainable trust in technology as well as her academic achievements.
Could you tell us a bit more about yourself, your job and how long you’ve lived in County Meath?
Hi there! My name is Amber, and I am a proud Meath woman!
I come from an engineering background, having completed a Computer Engineering Masters in Trinity College Dublin. I am passionate about security and privacy, and have worked primarily in DLT/Blockchain and cybersecurity over the past few years. I have been commuting to Dublin from County Meath every day for about 9 years now.
What attracted you to living and working in Meath ?
I’ve found that Meath is a great county in which to base yourself. It has a lot to offer from a lifestyle perspective. As well as being very naturally beautiful, there are many great amenities throughout the county. It is steeped in history – think Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, the Battle of the Boyne, and many more besides. It has a number of major towns which are well serviced and easily accessible by car or bus, and I find its proximity to Dublin makes it very convenient to work in the city whilst enjoying the many benefits of rural living. All in all, living in Meath offers a great quality of life for all ages.
Can you walk us through a day in the life of living in Co. Meath ?
Every morning I wake up and sit outside with a cup of tea in the garden listening to the birds singing. I then make the 40 minute commute to Dublin (or the 30 second commute to my desk, depending on the day), and back again in the evening. I usually go for a walk after work – the Hill of Tara, Slane, Navan’s Boyne Ramparts Walk, Oldcastle and Trim are some of my favourite spots! I am also a big foodie so I regularly pop down to the local shops in Ashbourne for coffee, food and treats (Chez Emily chocolatier is one of my guilty pleasures).
How would you describe transport within Meath ? Is it easy to get around ?
Transport in Meath is pretty good, with bus links between most towns offered by Bus Eireann and some private operators. Cycle lanes and routes are being added throughout the county, and most of the major towns have good cycling facilities. The roads are fairly decent in the main – I use a car to get around – though as a rural county you might meet the odd tractor on your travels!
How fast/reliable is your home internet connection ?
Overall it’s not bad – speed test gave 37.4Mbps download speed, 7.6Mbps upload speed. Our carrier is Imagine as we don’t have fibre coverage in my area. We do have connectivity issues from time to time but overall the connection is pretty consistent.
Can you tell us about some of your favourite locations or attractions within Meath ?
My all-time favourite has to be Newgrange Farm, a working farm beside the Newgrange megalithic monument just outside Slane. They run great events for all ages from Easter through to wintertime.
For the thrill seekers there is also Tayto Park, which features the Cú Chulainn, Europe’s largest wooden roller coaster amongst many other rides, a zoo and plenty more besides!
Meath is also a rich heritage county, being the historical seat of the High King of Ireland and hence known as the Royal County. For a start, I would recommend visiting the Newgrange Monument, the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle (backdrop to the much-loved film Braveheart!), and the Loughcrew Megalithic Tombs – Loughcrew Estate and Gardens nearby are also well worth a visit. If you enjoy a day out at the races, Fairyhouse Racecourse in Ratoath is where you’ll see all the action! There are also lots of great restaurants dotted all over the county, serving international cuisines and using beautiful local produce. Boyne Valley Flavours have a pretty comprehensive list which I’d definitely recommend checking out!
What advice do you have for individuals or families interested in relocating to Meath ?
Meath has so much to offer for those of all interests and ages – from beautiful nature, points of interest and activities to great restaurants and shopping. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough as a place to live and work!
Thank you very much Amber for taking the time to talk with us and thank you for representing Co. Meath as a Rural Ireland Tech Advocate.
Rural Ireland Tech Advocates 