After travelling worldwide since late 1991 to promote her previous album "Shepherd Moons" (1991), and working for the soundtrack to the romantic adventure drama film "Far and Away" (1992), the 31-year-old Enya took a break from music that lasted for approximately one year. She spent most of the time with her family, trying "to unwind", and visiting different places around the world to provide further inspiration for her songwriting. She returned to work in 1993 when she felt it was the right time to start writing and recording a new studio album with her longtime recording partners, arranger and producer Nicky Ryan and his wife, lyricist Roma Ryan. Enya received further soundtrack offers during the recording of "The Memory of Trees", but turned them down as she wished to concentrate solely on the album.